"Good" Spelling — Simplifying Spelling

1906

Scientific Phonetic Principles Groundwork of the Simplified Spelling Board's Crusade

By Benjamin E. Smith

It is true that the only really good spelling is phonetic spelling; it is unfortunately true that our orthography, though not wholly unphonetic, is from the true phonetic point of view little less than a nightmare; but it is also true that to reform it phonetically would necessitate a radical transformation of the great majority of the familiar forms of English words, because it would involve extensive alterations of the alphabet. To say, as some do, that this alphabetic reconstruction should be the end rather than the beginning — a goal to which a gradual approach may be made — is only to recommend the substitution of prolonged confusion and anarchy for a quick and sweeping revolution.

But that the great mass of English-speakers, who, as Prof. Lounsbury has said, have lost the phonetic sense, will consent to give up at once or gradually, through a transition period of vexatious confusion, their orthographic habits, their prejudices and their convenience, in order that their spelling, or that of their grandchildren, may assume a form which, from its strangeness seems to them utterly repulsive, is a supposition which cannot be entertained unless one relies upon the scientific accuracy of one's principles more than upon one's knowledge of human nature.

The full recognition of this fact by the Simplified Spelling Board is what chiefly distinguishes its program and makes it a practicable and hopeful one. All of its members, probably, heartily believe in the phonetic principle; they may expect or hope that some time it may be embodied in English orthography; but they are agreed that it must be subordinated to other practical principles in any reform for which it is reasonable to work. They have not abandoned the standard of the earlier revolt; but they have changed the point of attack and the plan of campaign. This should be distinctly grasped by all who are interested in their work and plans. — The Century.

Flowers in the Home

1883

Flowers! How our thoughts brighten at that word! They fly back over, ten, twenty, thirty, aye, forty years, to the times when we wove garlands from the wild sweet blossoms. What dainty, golden necklet we have since worn has given us the pleasure we felt when we decked ourselves in a simple daisy chain?

But I did not take up my pen to write of our sweet childhood; I wish to speak to my sisters of the home; I wish to remind them that nothing will make a home truly refined but flowers. Ah, they are infinitely more than rich furniture, and even more than books or pictures, or music itself, for they speak to all. None are too old, too young, too ignorant nor too refined to be taught by those sweet, fragile teachers. Then, busy, planning housewives, find a place for something that will tell you "God is love" — a little flowering plant.

It need not be a rare exotic in a costly vase. Primroses, violets, hyacinths, or any sweet, simple flower in an ordinary pot is quite enough. But you can make your pot quite a work of art with a little patience, ingenuity and corks. Take a flower-pot, a small wooden box, or anything convenient, and glue on fragments of corn until the outside is covered with a rustic coat. Then fill with mold and plant your flower.

Another way is — paint your pot or box a dark brown; then, when, it is dry, gum on some of those pretty, cheap scraps in wreaths or groups, and finish with a coat of clear varnish. Yet another way is to adapt common sea shells and pebbles. Ah, they are little things, but they will brighten a room, and perhaps a sad, dark, weary soul. What memories they awaken!

But a week ago a pot of spring flowers was placed in my hand, and with their sweet breath floated the memories of ten years ago, when I gathered the wild flowers and wove them into garlands; when I was not alone, but had the companionship of one who now sleeps in God's Acre beneath the flowers, when my faith in God and man was unshaken; and for that glimpse of my fair, pure childhood I was stronger and better. Then find a place for flowers. For all your care and trouble their sweetness and beauty will reward you fourfold. — The Toronto Globe.

Simplicity is Best Style for Fashions, Home Decor

1910

Smartness of Simplicity

Secret of the Woman Whose House, Appearance and Conversation Create Best Impression

Think of the woman whose house, whose appearance, whose conversation creates the best impression and you will realize that absolute simplicity is the secret. Remember this in selecting your summer clothes, or furnishing your summer home, also when you meet strangers on your summer vacation.

Unfortunately, simplicity is not cheap. You will pay more for the hat of simple lines, the frock that is of exquisitely dainty embroidery and sheerness of material, than you will for something more ornate and dashing.

If you wish to pass a woman who knows, you will no more overload your back than you will your digestion. Better a few things of irreproachable cut and quality than an elaborate wardrobe of flaunting finery. It will doubtless mean having your clothes made to order or weary rounds of the shops in search of the simple, but it pays.

It is not always possible to have the house simple. If you rent, your landlord's taste is sure to be fancy and the fixtures and decorations will wring your heart. The furniture is up to you. There are nowadays so many good copies of artistic old pieces that there is no excuse for the hideous display of houses furnished in the middle of the last century and later.

Adopt a simple scheme of decoration for your entire house and make everything bought conform to it. This does not need the training of a professional decorator; any woman who makes a study of simplicity and keeps her eyes open for bargains in that line can achieve it.

These three rules go far in the right direction: Stick to good lines of the period chosen; do not overcrowd and buy only the best, though it must be a piece at a time with long waits between.

Simplicity of manner is the crowning touch — the real you. The rest is but the outer shell, a matter of training or perhaps of a skilled decorator, or clever modiste. Do not post, do not be affected, above all, do not boast. You may not realize it, but in meeting strangers the simple, easy, sincere manner makes a much better impression with the right people, than airs, much manner, or great assumption of place and power.

Refinement Removed from Excess, Waste, Allied to Simplicity

1876

Refinement is not fastidiousness. It is not luxury. It is nothing of this kind. It is far removed from excess or waste. A person truly refined will not squander or needlessly consume anything. Refinement, on the contrary, is always allied to simplicity and a judicious and tasteful employment of the means of good and happiness which it has at command. It seeks to divest itself of superfluities and aspires continually to the utmost possible purity.

Refinement leads to personal cleanliness and elegant neatness, good taste and simplicity in dress. All "loudness" or "flashiness" is repugnant to its spirit. In its home and surroundings — whether palatial, affluent, or humble — the same chasteness and natural grace is maintained. The abode of genuine refinement and a mere pretender to it are very different. In the former you will find no excess, gaudiness, or false glittering; but the latter abounds in it.

In personal manner, refinement is most conspicuous. A man of refinement is always polite without flourish, gentle without effeminacy, and considerate without stiffness. Display and ceremony are not identical with refinement, and are poor substitutes for it. There is of course no refinement like that of the heart, which impels its possessor to show on all occasions a thoughtful and kindly regard for the feelings of others. No adherence to etiquette can compare with it for the spontaneous observation of true and gratifying politeness.



The Best Nourishment

Be as the little child who eats and sleeps and grows. God gives you the best nourishment, although not always the sweetest to the taste. — Madame Guyon.