The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-08-25

A Brooklynlte Throws Down the Gamt-
let for An InterbDrOugh Contest.

let TOT AN HmHeTDDfOuSn NWWtpSt.
To THE EpIron or TIE srN--Sr' have
been much Interested lately in the various
letters which have appeared in THE Sun
concerning the inability OF our writer's to spell
correctly and the various reasons advanced
for their failure in that regard. 1t is sub
ject by no means new. having been discussed
in your columns many times in past years.
and Judge with beneficial results to many
of your contributors who have taken part
therein.
In my view, the fundamental cause Of the
ina biity 10 master the elements OF orthog-
raphy is due to two things First lack OF
proper system on the part Of teachers OF the
lower grades Of our schools In imparting in
struction in this branch OF education; and,
secondly. TO a non-receptive fnculty on the
part Of the scholar to imbibe and put to prac-
teal use the information acquired in the
classroom.
Another fault lies in the division Of words
into syllables. and the lack OF proper emphasis
on this point on the part of the teacher, and
thorough comprehension on the part OF the
scholar Thus, in the pronunciation OF
word with more than a single meaning, but
spelled exactly the same. many of our leading
scholars are at fault. As an instance, In the
preparation of legal documents the phrase
set forth in these premises will in the ma
JVTlIy OIL UnstdnCeS DC TcIueTeu ny JHe ics"i
luminary as set forth in these premises;
and. in like manner. the INSTRUMENTATION or
n word before spelling class. on the part OF
the teacher fastens on the mind OF The scholar
an error which all his experience later in nfe
can never eradicate. As an instance OF this.
knew IN newspaper life prominent htttratenr.
now one Of our Leading statesmen, who al
ways wrote the word aQueduct "acQueduct.
without stopping to think for moment Of
its derivation, and yet his record as Ynlen-
sian was beyond impeachment, and his parch-
ment without a flaw.
Perhaps another thing which has hindered
your correspondents has been the lack OF
thorough and continuous course Of reading.
In these days of multiplicity of newsp0 pers
and cheap literature there seems to me no
valid excuse for udult ignorance. and an even
casual study OF the daily press ought to in
sure fair photography, barring. OF course
the lack of proper soil for the nourishment
Of an idea II such exists. And here, again
we have the fact that the science Of mnemon-
les must have something to do with the mat
ter: and power of memory IL deemed a gift
rather than a subject Of requirement. have
men who could deliver olfhand an address Of
an hours length on any popular theme, ana
yet who acknowledged that they could not
the Mingo Chief" or recall at will half a
dozen paragraphs Of Washington's Farewell
Address or the Declaration of Independence. y.
your contributors have not been written Tor
mere .pastime. but that they really seek
remedy for what seems to be a great mis-
fortune on their part. therefore have q
suggestion to offer which l think may be or
benefit not only to them. but to many others
who are suffering In like manner from the
same cause.
few years ago-.some time, think. In the
'70s--a number OF prominent citizens OF
Brooklyn and New York city got together
and inaugurated series OF spelling contests,
which were, by permission OF the Boards OF
various grammar schools 10 both cities. The
contests were under the direction OF school
principals chosen for that purpose, and took
place two or three evenings OF each week FOR
several weeks. The entries were voluntary.
and the occasion brought together the very
and an audience Of citizens ladies and gentle
men. who gave close and respectful atten;
tion to the exercises, and generously and
enthusiastically applauded the vlctors at the
close Prizes were given for each contest by
public-spirted citizens and members OF the
Board of Education OF each city. and the effect
was plainly perceptible-lons after they had
series Of spelling contests could scarcely fail
to prove OF benefit to the public at large. and
Of rare interest to those who volunteer to
participate therein.
would be pleased to have THE Sun lend its
volunteer to take pnrt when arranged. whether
In this city or In an intercity. contest. The
Board Of Education will probably assist in
the matter. and would be glad to hear from
It's members, personally or through The SUN.
What more pleasant or profitable scheme can
be devised to aid In their passage?
AARON VANDERwERKEn.
BROOKLYN, Aug. "a