The National tribune., 1894-03-01
EDITORS CHAT.
How One May Read With Real Improve
lnent and Profit.

ment and Profit.
HOW TO READ WITH PROFIT.
"Please tell us how one can read with real I'M
provemeut and profit" writes member of the c.
C. who believes in learning something every day.
Very well; upon the supposition that he who
reads this seeks profit in books and not simple d.
version, the answer is given.
When you take up book, read the title page
carefully, note the date when published and the
name of the publisher. Then ask yourselves
whether you know anything about the author
where and when he lived and wrote, who his
readers are and have been, and what impress, if
any he has made upon his times.
This is getting acquainted with an author. If you
know nothing about him you have vastly less i'm
terest in what he writes, and you are less able lie
estimate the value of any of it, If the author ofthe
book you read has passed into history, modern or
remote you will have no difficulty in learning all
shout him. If a writer of the period you can keep
him in mind, and by being alert in scanning the
news of the day the information will speedily come
Suppose you are to read Sir Walter Scott. First
secure good biographical sketch of the man, and
take a geographic survey of his country. How did
he get his material. and how came he by the por-
traiture of the characters he depicts.
Then you take up your book, Rob Roy for in
stance, the story of Clan Campbell Read the pre-
face read the notes get yourself back to the period
In which the book written. Forget that
you are In the 18th century; become for the nonce
border river" II there is anything in the text
you do not understand study it out. If there are
references which are but half understood, look
them up. 1t is IN this way that the reader may live
in all times and ages. He can sit down with Homer
and listen to the tales Of Troy; he may follow
Cesar he swings his victorious legions into Gaul;
he may sail with the vikings of the north to the
esrth's antipodes; he may lead the Barons as they
wrest the Magma Chars from King John; he may
discover the world with the caravels of Column
bus; he may ring the bell that proclaims liberty
snd independence to all the earth; he may guide
the pen of Lincoln lie signs the proclamation
that declares that America shall no longer exist
half slave half free; he may receive the sword of
Lee and pass it 10 Grant; he may build the
Eiffel tower and spin the Ferris wheel, and in the
white light of Edson's alchemy he may see across
the stars into the eternal Kingdoms of the I'M
sounded seas of human thought.
Do not be & superficial reader. Do not NOPE, or
skim, trfe. Books intelligences. If you
use them well, they bless; if you abuse them, they
blight.
Is DANCING SINFUL?
The Editor has been asked opinion upon this
subject. The answer must be that in itself dancing
lie sinful; il is sometimes conducted it is not
only sinful but shameful.
Dancing in itself is no more sinful than walking
marching promenading, playing parlor
games any ore of the many recrea!ions in
which youth and joyousness find forms OF ex-
preston.
Under proper regulations dancing lie the most
desirable Of all social diversions Its code of eti
quet requires the refinement of manners and the
decoTuEa Of correct taste. The stately minuet. the
graceful waltz. the merry lsncers. danced by
ladies and gentlemen. is beautiful sight to look
upon, and proper recreation for the young and
enthusiastic