National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-04-03
ries and one spelling. book the "NeW YORK Ex-
positor'') for that form Of the word. HIT.
Mr.. TITUS CRITICISM.

ries and one spelling book the "New YORK Ex.
positor'O Tor that form OF the word. II. II. T.
Mr.. TITUS CRITICISM.
wAsHINGToN, d. c., April 2 1876.
TO the Editor Of the National Republican:
SIR: As another spelling match is to come of
tonight, 1 would suggest for the benent of all
concerned, especially Of the thousands who read
the published accounts Of the proceedings, that
the reporters themselves endeavor to be q little
more accurate than heretofore, even If less
amusing, although their sprightly wit Is fully
appreciated. I have been present at these con-
tests, twice at DR.. Sunderland's church, aad at
Lincoln Hall last Wednesday evening; have
made careful, and think accurate nstes Of every
error In spelling on each occasion, and 30 have
been somewhat surprised on reading the news
paper reports purporting TO give not only the
rect but what was the Incorrect spelling Of many
of the selected words. For instance, your ac-
statement: "Mr. French threw the word HophI-
kleid"-s musical instrument-at Mr.. A6be,
which he spelled "eleide, and his nrst lieutenant
SC. Now, "ophikleid" is not correct, nor did
Professor Able spell It "cleIde which Is correct
Again; "Misl Bloekhurst couldn't get num-
skulr through her SKULL" How It got through
the reporters skull 70 the question, since It was
not 30 spelled ct all, either correctly or incor-
rectly; and how 'snumbskull" got into the head
Of the CArOnfels reporter is equally mystery.
The skull Of the Star reporter was not so thick,
or, perhaps, more susceptible Of the truth at that
young miss, although no 'numskull,' failed to
spell it. going far out Of the way as to give IL
ignomskull,'" sc. Then. the manner in which
word was misspelled has frequently been inaccu-
rately. A word may be spelled Incorrectly by
natural and even excusable mistake, or by an IN
natural or ridiculous one. A single instance
in illustration The word "oxiodic" was spelled
"oxyodic," q very natural mistake, simply by
putting too much oxygen and too little iodine in
the compound. mot correct" said the peda-
gogue; II never knew iodine spelled with q ~"
mo; but oxygen is" replied the discounted
speller as he retired, and the next word imme-
dlately given.
This error is thus reported "Mr. Titus thought
'oxiodic' was spelled with an e. at the end, and
for saying so was informed that he had spelled 1t
too much" The gentleman in question doubt
less has some regard for his photographic reputa-
tion, which would have been ruined in reality, as
1t must have been in the estimation Of your read
ers, had be committed the error here laid to his
object is not to correct errors but to prevent them
venture to say that except the few present who
gave particular attention, not one person in a
thousand who has read these accounts but has
been misled by them as to the spelling of certain
words. i certainly should have been as to the
words 'numskuIl" and "ophlcleide," had l not
been present
You may think this trifing matter, but aside
from the responsibility Of having misrepresented
ers, Just consider for q moment the consequences
to a careless reporter, or perhaps to your own
lucky self, should some sensitive choleric indi-
Vidual, so misled as to a word, chance to miss 1t
at the next spelling match, especially II as re-
porte d. it is to be between the Judges OF the Su-
preme Court and the members of the Cabinet,
with the President as PEDAGoGUE.