New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-10-24


to reform the spelling of the English language The
recent efforts OF the kind in England do not seem 60
be making much Roadway, not because some sli ;ht
changes are not possible and desirable but because
each individual theory strikes a. the reversal OF all
tradition all present habit, and all traces OF Saxon
or Latn derivation. Moreover, these individual
theories ncutraZe each other. and are likely 20 be
still further confused BY " the Angio-American
alphabet" the adoption Of which is advocated by
the spelling rcformers this side of the ocean
The latter exhibit the same sanguine conviction Of
success rs was expressed some thirty years ago.
when Mr. Pitnan promulgated his alphabet
and Messrs Andrews and Boyle published their
weekly Angic- rdcsm in this city. But the violent
transition l,om an old form of spelling to a one,
involving the use of new alphabetical signs, is SIM
ply an ImposSbity. 1t is not question OF reason.
OF even economy, but of the overthrow of habit rs
settled ,hat of costume or diet 10 the great mass
of English-speakirg people. the " atemts tn acwer
our langwej" would be almost equal to the
atcmts to "acwior" new one. The refOrmers
seem to feel this difficulty; for they declare it
to be their duty 20 "mak it serten that the next
jenerashon" shall not be bound BY the " super
stitious reverence" of the present. There can be
objection to their making the atemt;" buf
until they persuade the writers of England to drop
"a
farOr, honor etc. shall have small hopes OF their
subyertng our present unteechabl mOed of spell
ing"
The nomination of Mr.. William W. AstOr for the
assembly is y good sign. In England young men
of a character and position corresponding 10 his 20
into politics almost a matter OF course; they
look upon public career as an honor and duty.
Here they are apt TO apply themselves 20 lolo fast
horses and gambling, and leave the affairs OF state
to political adventures who have something 20
make out Of seat in Congress or the Legislature.
We shall not succeed in raisirg tho tone Of
American politics until teach our educated
young men of means, leisure and assured standing,
that the city, the State, the nation has claim
upon their time aud labor. Mr.. Aston is gentleman
Of culture and capacity as well rs cstimabie personal
character and MS thorough training both ia law
and business well fits him ior public service. We
are graiied Mt his entering upon political liie not
only because lac will strengthen the good cause but
because he sets good example.
Mrs General Sherman has published an appeal for
contributions TO the Catholic Indian Mission fund.
which is in charge of vOluntee bureau 81 ccclosi-
astics and laymcn Mt Washington The Catholics
complain that under the plan OF dividing tho agen-
,ics among different religious denominations. their
Church has been unjustiy deprived of more than
thirty agencies TO which il had established pre-
scriptvc right aud that tho priests have been driven
b. force from missions which they had maintained
for many years. 10 defend the Catholic missions the
bureau OF which We speak was organized in 1873.
and its head. commissioner. is recognized by the
Government rs the representative OF the Catholic
Church in all mdtters affecting the Indians. Mrs.
Sherman requests all those Vi her faith who are