The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-09-15
ON SECOND THOUGHT
81 JAY e. HOUSE.
(From Philadelphia Public Ledgsr.l

the column mas
conducted was the one concerning
Bobby Jones. For more than a year
we have been endeavoring to learn
whether young Mr.. Jones still is seven
teen, as he was in 1916, 1917 and 1918,
or whether the hand of time finally
had caressed him with an additional
year. We are in position to clear the
matter up. Young Mr.. Jones now is
twenty years of age. or three years
older than he was in the spring 1919.
The jape to the effect that golf is
IAN old man's game" no longer gets
a respectful hearing in circles that are
sophisticated. But some of those who
play it age rapidly.
Speaking of golf, as we do now and
then, it always seemed to US q par
ticularly appropriate and compensat-
ing thing that the game was invented
by the Scotch. A game carrying the
mental hazards of golf should be
played by those thrifty enough to re-
sist the temptation to throw their
clubs away.
The news columns indicate that
Thomas E. Watson has arrived by way
sons distinction does not, however, lie
in the fact that he finally negotiated
the journey. His distinction is that he
was nearly thirty years on the way.
In order to refresh your memory we
note that Mr.. Watson started with the
HPopulists. And they put up the head
stone for the Populists in 1900.
At ANY Rate, They Read the Column.
Sir-To my mind "A Grandmoth
er's" definition and illustration of a
split infinitive is very clear. But since
you-continue 'feigning ignorance" so
consistently, allow me to attempt to
satisfy you with a very simple state
ment. The proposition to in con-
junction with any verb constitutes the
infinitive form of that verb. Exam
ple to run, to love, to work. If any
qualifying word or phrase is put be-
tween these two words as: to quickly
run, to devotedly love, to heartily
work, the infinitive is said to be split.
Z hope this may be considered an ex-
position of the matter in clear and
simple language. H. P. A.
Sir-"A GRANDMOTHER is absolutely
correct in her analysis. The word
temporarily" in the sentence which
she cites is an adverb modifying the
verb ito rivet," which is in the infini-
tive mood. Its proper position, there
fore, is after the word ''rivet' and not
before it. This is not merely rule
of grammar but principle of good
English, to be observed by all men
or informing the public mind. To ig-
more this rule or principle is to lead
your reader into the maze of nisun-
derstanding. hope this thrust of the
A PREVIOUS PEDAGOGUE.
Since "a Previous Pedagogue" feels
he has thrust US with his pen, we ex-
ercise our prerogative to thrust back.
His definition of the split infinitive
leaves that poor functionary of speech
exactly as obscure as it was before.
We haven't the slightest doubt that "A
Grandmother" employing the, stilted
language OF textbooks, analysed the
split infinitive correctly. The English
grammar performs the same->service
for u.s. But we cannot understand it.
The definition conveys nothing to our
poor mind.
On the other hand. the definition
clear and explicit. Any one having
superficial knowledge as to the various
parts of speech should be able to grasp
it. 1t is the one definition of the in
finitive we have seen that defined.
We award all three of the prizes to
H. P. A. and suggest that she write
an English grammar. One within the
grasp of the average intellect is sadly
needed.
The split-infinitive convention
stands adjourned without date. We
hope everybody had a grand time.
We greatly enjoyed its deliberations.
sGrantland Rice is conducting an. in
terestlng debate with himself on the
hardest shot in golf Will Mr.. Rice
yield to an interruption? We take it
very kindly that he consents to do so.
The HARDEST shot in golf is the alibi.
Not only that, it is the one most
frequently attempted.
Yesterday we adjourned somewhat
hastily in order to permit the ladies to
powder their noses. We do so today
with 'the idea OF giving the men a
chance to clean up their desks for the
Saturday half-holiday.
A number Of our contemporaries
have woven an editorial moral around
the case of Senator Moses. Which
makes it all right to put a little of j
our own crocheting on display in the
connection. A public official who
a cloud in the sky always has the re-
spect of his constituency and often
wins its approval.
We don't remember whether Sena-
tor Moses was in accord with all of the
But we do recall that when an issue
impinged ne was either for or against
it.
We know nothing about the manner
in which Mr.. Toomey lost the money.
Our theory Of it is less theory than
conjecture. But such as it is it is that
Mr.. Toomey lost it banking a friend
ly game.
That, we go on TO say. is the<way
the average man loses money gam
bling.
| Is YEARS AGO IN Topeka +