Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-05
RULES FOR SPELLING
AUTHORITIES IGNORED IN DE-
PARTMENT DOCUMENTS.

Speaking about simplified spelling, and
the confusion which may result from the
spelling OF certain words one way in de-
partment correspondence and another in
congressional matters, 1 am reminded of an
instance Of departmental spelling which re-
Gently came under my observation said
a correspondent to Star reporter.
Il received a letter from a bureau chief
containing two additional documents and
at the foot Of the dictated page appeared
these two words spelled as given: - Two
enclosures
I'VE must take something as fixed
basis of authority in matters of orthogra-
ply. 1t is all well enough to theorize about
happy go-lucky- old style of spelling
but even the simplified spelling advocates fix
upon certain well-deined rules Hence, in
| the spelling of the word Enclosure with an
e authoritative rules of photography are
departed from, in that all Of the latest edi-
| lions Of the recognized dictionaries spell
the word with an f. and not with e.
except as an insertion of the word in the
books as a cross-reference to the accepted
and defined word inclosure.'
THE spelling of the word Enclosure with
an e is. to my mind. just as indefensible
and without proper pathological authority
an e.. or any of the other numerous in
stances of words properly beginning with
the initial t. Probably the most promi-
nent of these words is inquiry Just be-
cause several newspapers, for the purpose
of Individuality and without orthogra phi
cal authority, spell the word inquirer
enquirer, some of the more thoughtless in
the spelling of this word have assumed that
such photography of the word was sane
toned by the authorities upon language, so
they proceed to spell inquiry as enquiry
or course, If, as some persons seem to
think. accepted rules of photography and
the standard dictionaries don't count then
this criticism fails, but, l am glad to say
there are still a few of in school and
out who adhere to the rules prescribed by
what have from time immcmorial been the
recognized sources of information upon this
subject. Indeed, it may be said with truth
that it is lucky for the stability of our lam
guage that such is the case, for. as faulty
as it may be in some respects as regards
the photography of certain of it's words,
it is fortunate thing that it is not open to
the sledge-hammer assaults of some master
minds who would seek to mold it to meet
individual views.
Therefore / have often thought that
some of the departments might employ to
advantage the services of one well
qualified for the work who would pass upon
some of the effusions published to the end
that Improvement be made along the lines
suggested, and also along those of pune
tuation.
Il don't know where some of the depart
ment officials obtahed their knowledge as
to punctuation, but many Of the examples
which have reached my hands would make
an erudite proofreader sit up and call for
his pencil On the other hand, many Off
cial letters and documents are models of
their kind, and show a perfect knowledge
not only of the subject matter, but of the
recent and accepted rules of diction syntaX
and punctuation.
I'm view of the many hands through
which these letters and documents must
pass perhaps they may be said to answer
the purpose, but 1t is certain that in those
departments where the e and not the Il
is sanctioned. and in other instances a
trif1ing item to pay for dictionaries and
other authorities language might be
tackled on the departmental appropriation
bills, especially in view of the fact that
Congress stands committed to abide by the
rules of the orthography therein.