The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-04
CURE FOR 4 STAMNERER.
An Episcopal Clergyman Explains the
Afiiction and Describes the Remedy.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUS-Sir: A CORE
spondcnt says that he stammcrs dreadfully
and begs for advice that he may be cured.
became a stammerer at about 10 years OF age.
and endured the burden till was about 40.
when gradually got over the affection, and
am now so perfectly we'll that read the Epis-
copal service in chapel every Sunday without
q break and | believe to the edifcaton OF a
critical audience think | can cure your cor
respondent.
But first let me explain the nature and cause
OF this disease / thought about 1t for twenty
five years. and my reflections may be new.
In a mysterious way the will Of a human be-
ing. consciously or unconsciousy. controls the
muscles producing the operations OF members
OF the body. as the feet. the hands. the fingers.
the tongue. and the lips.
The will power is at first conscious as when a
pianist learns TO play. or the artist to draw. or
the little child to talk.
But at length the will-powcr becomes un:
conscious the pianist translates the printed
Emnentlv so is it with speech, The orator
speaks $50 words minute words that txcit"
all kinds OF emotions In his hearers minds
without one thought about his speech. except.
perhaps. as t" its p:Hper Key whether louder or
lower. the size df his audience or the require
| mCuts OF passion demand.
Tn" stammGrer has lost or never had the un-
| conscious will power which Is necessary tor
speech He must acquire it AGAR, even as he
! first got it when he was Swear old tot.
When hrst began to stammer my colonial
| from Rhode Island 1t was this
One time a vessel was cruising. when STAN
cited manner and said "Joh-Joh-Joh -
sing i. man; sing it." said tn" sktpp@T ,.u
overheard" sang the sailor. and the uniortu-
nate fellow, let us, hope, was rescued
This perfectly illustrates the advice which
| several amateurs have communicated to your
| columns. But allow me 10 say that singing IL
n,t taki9g and l1rth"rmorr, ~"
| devlr" Of singing than theycan hy the common
| method OF speech
| speak at al without horrible cOntCrton Of III"
fac" and .wrIth!ng Of the hands MS Efforts to
| control the little organs 81 speech were so
great as to spread out over other muscular ac-
ton. But all that is wrong.
by this burden. MY life was changed | could
scarcely speak in public, and Ind the north
cation OF dndinG myself an object OF pity in
ri" sammerer must first avoid habits which
upset tn" nerves. Too much whi-kCy or to-
barco or coffee or tea mus lie avoided SO
with too much exciting labor, or late hours
lent tim" every day The time Of day makes
10 difference, only YOU must NOT be tired out;
r" m"s' oe 1yHnR ba e %nS
evening; change your clothes II they are sWeaty
Ana then before an audience which you will
select. hut to consist O' more than one II pos
| siIl", your Wife or n teacher would do alone,
Eng sh
IGngfclOw's heXHmctcrs are admirable, the
Psalms Of David. IT. luke's history Of Jesus
Christ but hV no means ~ Iuul'S grabbed
| discussions his ode to Charity, of course, is
an exception. nor any dida tie or cpntrov"rsia
! matter
= / forgot to say that you might get the opinion
Of "A dentist about YOUR teeth II may he that
YOU have teeth that are interfering with the
proper motion II your tongue,
Well read such things as | have prescribed
slowly and carefully till YOU ar" tired. Don Z
read any dialogue don I read novels or EewS,
Iapars aloud Tor the Information Of anybody
Head only in al olu'utioHary way what ! hay,
{ rrcOmmrud"t and do II chrCriully, not us 4
task hut ~ an enjoyment.
or course, the next dny you must he careful
. how ypl, talk krrp vuurlungs full Of air nj
the time Talk slow. Don't get excited After
/ n while your con S"lOUs Will power viii become
unconscious Will power and you are cured.
OSPREY. Fla. May. 1850. JoHS Vi. WEBB.