Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1858-08-04
BAD SPELLIHG AND ITS CoNsE.
.----.. GUENCES.

BAD SPELLING AND ITS CoNsE-
.----. GUENCES.
Some years ago teacher presented
himself as candidate for the masiership
of school, of which the salary was fif
teen hundred dollars. His qualifications
were deemed satisfactory in all respects
except in spelling. On account of this
deficiency he was rejected. See, now,
what ignorance in this elementary branch
cost him. In ten years his salary would
have amounted to fifteen thousand dol
lars, thro wing out of the calculation the
increase which by good investment might
have accrued from interest. Besides,
the salary of the same school has been
advanced 10 Two thousand dollars. But
he might have remained in this position
twice or three times ten years as other
teachers in the same place have done,
and that large amount, consequently,
would have been increased in proper
tion.
A gentleman of reputation as aschol-
ar, was proposed to fill professorship
in one of four New England Colleges, not
many years since, but in his correspon-
dence so much bad spelling was found,
that his name was dropped, and an hon
orable position was lost by him. The
corporation Of the college concluded that
however high his qualifications as pro-
fessor might be in general literature, the
photography ofhis correspondence would
not add much to the reputation of the
institution.
A prominent manufacturer in neigh
boring town received a business letter
from an individual who had contracted
to supply him with large quantity oil
stock; but so badly was 1t spelled, and
so illegible was the penmanship, that
the receiver found it nearly impossible
to decipher the meaning. An immedi-
ate decision must be given in reply; and
yet, so obscure was the expression, that
it was impossible to determine what
should be the answer. Delay would be
sure to bring loss; a wrong decision
would lead to a still more serious result.
Perplexed with uncertainty, throwing
down the letter, he declared that this
should be the last business transaction
between him and the writer of such an
illiterate communication; 'for, said he,
| L am liable to lose more in this trade
alone, than l can make in a lifetime OF
business with him."
A gentleman who had been book
keeper some years, offered himself as a
candidate for the Office of secretary in
an insurance company. Although a
man of estimable character, possessed ol
many qualifications, he failed of being
elected because be was in the habit OF
leaving words mis- spelled on his book.
The position would require him TO at
tend to all of tie correspondence of the
Office, and it vas thought incorrect spell
ing would not ;nsure the company very
excellent reputation for their method of
doing business, whatever amount might
be transacted.
Inability to spell correctly, exposes
one to pecuniary loss. I! is, moreover,
an obstacle TO an advancement to honor
able station Common School Teacher.
ELoaUENcE.-No man can be eloquent
if he speaks laborously, because, instead
of being carried away with the subject,
the hearers are in painful sympathy with
the speaker. In the estimation of some,
e.oquence is more test of physica
strength than anything else; it is voice
and nothing more. 1t is the earnest,