The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-03-22
FDTTOR'S CHAT.

How One Can Acquire Correct Forms of
Expression in Writing or Speaking.
Many mistaken ideas are entertained concerning
the require meats of composition. Some suppose
that to lie a good writer asst be able to euthe
his Thoughts in language above and beyond the
mere CONGREGATIONAL forms; a very common mis-
take ia r,isal5ng the clothing of thought for the
thought Itself
Now. enc should discriminate between thought
and expression. Though, is common TO all, ex-
preston is acquired 10y but few. 1t Is much easier
TO think tsan 10 express thoughts; this is Why
we call for books since in these we find what we
really d. think without going 10 the pairs of put
fine nur nsYal thoughts $50 words The nearer
writer comes el6hiHg fIye-e thoughts ~ words,
the more IL he appreciated and enjoyed.
But sUnoose we would express own Thoughts;
how shall II I've done? Naturally. in the simplest
forms of ex preston. A child does not frame sen
fences until it has acquired words; the flower does
not come perfection the plant until the leaves
have grown.
First think and then tell your thoughts in direct
language. Avoid involved sentences and elaborate
embellishments. After you have built your house
is time enough to add the frescoes and the gliding
Carve ont your statue before you begin to polish
its rough snrftces.
High thoughts are never so noble as when simply
expressed. The parallels Of our Lord models
form 10 the thought. Could we read them liz The
original we would find no: a word too few or too
many.
The b. st writers those who make language
conform 30 he thoughts they would express; Ian
gusge that has lis origin Ia virile sentielt, pro-
pelling thought
Avoid heaping up adjectves and adverbs.
thing that is pretty is made any more pretty it
characterized as very pretty" and lovely girl
II. tod
lovely BESIDES. too much verbiage and Oraa-
meBtaiion is always a sign OF weakness.
When first begins TO spetk or write, simple
assertion is enough. The rude. harbarie man knows
solid eoIors only and those Of the most pronounced
red and blue ard yellow. II j. only when thought
becomes complex that il find~ expression in shades
of eolors and infintude Of forms.
Simplicity, cIearness. Conference, these are the
essentials in good writing aud speaking. Whatever
else after i merely the c.iacing and polish
of Thought; beautiful in Itself, but not essential to
the understanding sense.
IS IT A QUESTION:
AC. c. friend tells story Of neighborIood hap
peuings ts illustrate her opinion that people
are never in their element unless they are in a
quarrel.
The family lived in n little house around the cor
ner and tie noise of their domestic brofs kept
the neigh borhood in a state of excitement The
man was sent again and again to the stone-yard,
returning at Intervals to beat bis wife.
Finally there were symptoms of fitting. and
of the neighbors asked the woman where she
going. she said she was going to move into
rooms, and would then take steps force her hus-
band 10 support her
Oh. he is your husband. then" said the neigh
ber. On was in the city, where relationships are
not easily kBowa.)
Yes" said the woman, " he is my lawful hHs-
band. Sometimes think it wasn't wise for me 10
marry second time; but thea, you know. u bad
husband i better than no husband at all.n
IL is difficult for peaeeab people to understand
how much downright satisfaction turbulent and
unhappy spirits get out OF a quarrel.