The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-02-26
1.ttor.writing and Shorthand.

Charles Dudley Warner, the eminent
author, once remarked that the habit oil
writing letters, acquired when young,
was the real secret OF the success he at
tanned in after years as writer OF books.
In youth, he learned by letter writing to
express his thoughts with his pen, and
continuing to do so he gradually acquired
that brilliant style that has made his
name famous. He was fortunate in hav-
ing educated friends as correspondents.
There is certainly no better way OF
learning the English language we'll and
forcibly than by carrying on regularly q
correspondence with number OF educa-
ted, intelligent people. And it Is no
doubt true that great many ambitious
young persons would practice letter-writ-
ing to much greater extent than they do
If they had some way Of obtaining suita-
BILE correspondents.
But the world movesl In connection
with the class in Shorthand now being
formed, regular system OF letter writing
will be put in motion. Every person
who becomes a member OF the class will
be placed in Communication with several
other persons with whom it will be en-
tirely proper for him to correspond.
Care and discretion is exercised in the
matter OF introductions.
Each member OF the class will be given
three or four correspondents. One or
two OF these will be located not far dis
tant while the others will be persons liv-
ing perhaps thousand miles away.
A double advantage is gained by this
plan. The student gets practice in letter.
writing, and at the same time most ex-
cellent drill in Shorthand. In the let
tiers which at stated times pass between
the correspondents, various interesting
topics will be discussed.
Usually duplicate copy OF each letter
Is enclosed. The extra copy is examined
and to some extent criticised by the re-
cipient, and returned to the writer with
the next letter mailed. Colored ink is
used in making corrections. This com
pairing OF notes, and the discussion and
investigation which grow out OF it, prove
mutually instructive and encouraging.
1t may seem odd, but it is true never
theless that a learner often feels more res
pect for unseen class mates than for fell
low students with whom he comes into
daily familiar contact With men and
women, the same as with mountains and
clouds, it holds true that Distance lends
enchantment." The faults OF people we
meet upon the streets are readily detect
ed. Their true merits, which lie dceper,
are better revealed in the letters which
they write.
A PERSONS faults, which ofton-times
are merely surface blemishes, are not de-
tected by the correspondent who, not
withstanding, is able in time to perceive
his friends real virtues which lie hidden
from casual observation.
Considered from the standpoint OF dol
lar and cents, letter-writing is an accom-
plishment which is fast becoming indis-
pensable in every office and counting
room. 50 much OF the worlds business
is to-day transacted on paper by means
of correspondence, that the ability to get
up good, clearly stated letter, is quail
fication the value of which to y~png men
and women can scarcely be bfer-esti-
mated.
Ticket OF membership in this class is
g. Remit to the Secretary University
Extension, Box 800, st. Louis, Mo.
A mammoth class is being formed, Pnd
of course you want to DO ain it,"