Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1882-03-17

THE BLUE BOOK.
Chapter IA of the laws of 1882
gives one copy of the Legislative
Manual to every free high school,
normal school and college of the
State. This is liberal to the .educa-
tional institutions, and viii no doubt
furnish all the information Of the
kind the largest of these institutions
needs. But the average citizen"
one not inside politics. is in some
perplexity to account for the fact that
the same law gives to every assem-
blymen and senator fifty copies.
Is it because one legislator needs
fifty times as many copies as seven
ty-five students do to provide him
with the same information; or is it
for reason, the statement of which
would be even less complimentary
to the legislator?
Judging from the language we hear
in conversation and receive in let
tiers, also from examinations held to
admit pupils to high schools, it is
quite evident that the study of
grammar is still neglected, especially
IN district schools. This neglect is
without doubt due to the fact that its
value is by many very badly under
ated. Again, some parents seem to
admit that if a child dislikes this
-tudy that is sufficient reason for al
owing its neglect
But why is this great error made!
Do not all know that bungling
speech, full of mistakes, is a discred-
It to any one?
To what a disadvantage a person
must appear, who, when in ordi-
lary conversation, or speaking in
public, is continually doing violence
to the Queens English" who
should or would willingly Slight
our noble English speech? Scarcely
a greater legacy was ever inherited,
by any people, than the pure vigor-
Gus speech we obtain from English
authors. No matter how grand and
sublime the thoughts to be convey
ed, our language will furnish the
best of words for that purpose.
There is an abundant opportunity
for choice of terms afforded to him
who is willing to make himself ac-
quainted with the rich stores with
which he is provided.
Why is it that some people will try
to exalt every other study above the
study of language, when, upon re
Election, they know that language is
in almost constant use, while the
knowledge of other subjects is, by
no means, in SO frequent use.
Why not give some attention to
the correct, accurate, forcible, ele-
CANT expression Of thought as well
as to mathematical computations,
lessons in geography, &c. Ignor-
ance, of the principles and structure
of our mother tongue " at least,
should be regarded a disgrace upon
every one who has neglected an OPP
portunity to gain a knowledge of
them.
A person whose speech is rude, is
apt to be rude in manner also.
But knowledge Of grammar is
not all-sufiicient. Many person
who has fair acquaintance with
the rules of syntax makes inexcus-
able blunders in ordinary converse
ton. No one should allow himself
to fall into such state Of careless
ness. 1t is quite noticeable that if
parents speak good English it is
much easier for the children to do
SO. Indeed, parents can with very
little trouble aid their children a
great deal in the correct use Of
words; and some evidently do this,
as well rs to encourage them i'll the
requirement of general information.
This is as it should be only that
parental aid and encouragement
should be more generally and thor
oughly exercised. S.
1t is not only desirable but it is
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