The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1884-02-27
ICoNNuNIcNTEp.l


c. w. Larson, M. D., of our village.
is the author of several books, one of
which, entitled "Silvia Dubois NOW 1l6
yers old)-A Biografy of the Slav who
Wnipt her Mistres and Gand her Ere
dom, is of novel yet interesting char
acter. One of the most striking features
of the book is the method of spelling
therein employed. Upon examining tho
preface, we learn that this new method
is known as the Reform System of Spell
ing, along with au explanation of which
the author gives the rules twenty four
Ill number) as submitted in the "ieport
of the American Committee on the Re
form of English Spelling. To these
the author himself adds ten more rules
of his own construction which he thinks
necessary to further complete the new
system. Many logical arguments are
presented by the advocates of this re-
form system to prove its advantages and
vet, fit is evident that the system is faulty
in several particulars. On the other
hand, it is probably equally true that
our present system of apelling is very
defective but as perfection is seldom
acquired in system of 50 complex
nature, it is natural for one to inquire
whether the new system is not more de-
fective and erroneous than the present
one. The chief objection to our present
method of spelling, seems to be the use
of more letters in word than are actu-
ally necessary to give that word its re-
cognized sound. If these extra letters
could be dropped without introducing
tainly be simplifed. The Reform Sys.
tenn proposes to drop such superfiuous
letters, but at the same time introduces
a thing of more complex nature, viz
diacritical marks The author very wisely
treats of This subject in the preface of his
book, and recommends cure for this
unfortunate feature OF the new system,
to the effect, that our alphabet be en-
larged. Each vowel, and several conson-
different sounds, and in order to distiu--
guish these different sounds, various
marks are necessary. To get clear of
these marks, it would be necessary to
have separate character or letter for
each different sonnd, and by this means
our alphabet would be considerably en-
larged. But an objection to the enlarge
ment of the alphabet wonld be, that it
would make it more complex, and prob
ably be great disadvantage TO our
language.
As a whole. this Reform System may
rightly claim some advantages over our
present system. Undoubtedly the pro.
nunciation of words would be benefited
and made easier by it. The use of dia-
critical marks seems to be the most I'M
pleasant and disadvantageous feature of
the system. We find that it is generally
advocated by the ablest elocutionists of
our land. Like other matters of reform
which strike at the roots Of q system so
important and of so long established use
as our present system of spelling, it is
to be expected that much unfavorabe
criticism will be made of IT,
The biographical part of the book il
full of interest, poriraying phase Of
human nature and life, as found III one
of the most degraded and uncivilized
sections of our State. The wonderful
age of the negress who forms the subject
of the biography, is alone sufficient to
attract attention to the work but the
graphic manner in which the heroinere-
lates the experiences of her past life,
adds unusual interest and attractiveness
to the book. Her description, foicible
and witty as it is, Of the customs, man.
ners and ways Of the inhabitants Of the
section wherein she resides, cannot fail
to interest the reading public OF espec.
ial interest is the thrilling account Of her
experiences during the days OF slavery
~ ~ luiGtu NOnuNfiitl W SucH
aged person whose memory and other
mental faculties are 50 clear and in such
a healthy condition. The author has
chosen an interesting creature for the
subject of his biography, and 10 lovers
of biographical history and students of
human nature, the work certainly recon.
mends itself. Those acquainted with
the section Of country wherein tho aged
negress resides, will find this book Of
especial interest
We are informed that alredy a it is
meeting with an extensive sale. II has
evidently been arranged with a great
deal Of care and labor, and we find the
same exercise Of originality and through.
ness in it MS is common TO the author in