Letters, Dec. 19, 1932

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'Now Listen, Youse Guys"

Sirs:

As a commentary on the proceedings of the National Council of Teachers of English (TIME, Tov. 14), allow me to submit the enclosed account of the meeting, written by one who was lot there. Any slight deviations from accuracy in the report will, of course, be interpreted as icing strictly in keeping with the spirit of the S. C. T. E., which, one infers from TIME'S account, positively wallows in error.

HUGH KING WRIGHT

Lawrenceville, N. J.

THE "REPORT" :

HOW ENGLISH HAD OUGHT TO BE TAUGHT

The teachers assembled, they're 6,000 strong, Were there to determine the right from the wrong; The wrong from the wronger, perhaps we should say; I'll tell you, dear friends, all that happened that day. The cause for debate was what words should be used In their themes every week by the youth—much abused— Of the nation, who labor beneath a great load, For they're forced to write English too much a la mode. And what shall we do?" those great-hearted souls cried To help these poor students; it's so hard they've tried! "If we don't fix on something, they surely won't pass, "And then if they don't, why the teacher's an ass! "We don't want to teach grammar, and what-shall we do If we don't take good care that these dunces get through? " Look here," says the chairman, and beams through his beard, I've got the idea;" through his glasses he seared All dissenters. "Hey! Silence! Now listen, youse guys, "Pay attention a minute; don't try to be wise! "It's simple, so simple; when they make a break, "All that you do is say, 'Why, that's not a mistake!' "Let them say 'It is me' to replace 'It is I'; "At 'Who are you looking for?' don't bat an eye; " 'Try and get well' let them write, and 'Walk slow'; "Surely let them get by with 'If that wasn't so—' "Let us write a nice list of mistakes they can use, "And publish a broadside 'gainst those who enthuse "About writing correctly; we simply can't bother. "But for all unmistakable errors—well, rather! "We'll cross and recross with red ink all of those, "And for those kind the students will pay through the nose! "Better middle-class English we'll teach in our schools, "And correct composition we'll leave to the fools "Who are picayune, narrow, and nasty enough "To insist that their pupils must master such stuff. " ...

Progress Magazines

Sirs:

We noticed on p. 26 of Dec. 5 issue that you report on Progress Magazine as published by Street & Smith.

On the appearance of their magazine a few days ago we wrote them with reference to using the same name as our magazine which has been published since last January.

The matter is now under discussion with them, at this time.

A sample copy of our Progress Magazine is being mailed to you today.