But while the schoolmaster has been busy starching our language and smoothing it flat with the mangle of a supposed classical authority, the newspaper reporter has been doing even more harm by stretching and swelling it to suit his occasions.  A dozen years ago I began a list, which I have added to from time to time, of some of the changes which may be fairly laid at his door.  I give a few of them as showing their tendency, all the more dangerous that their effect, like that of some poisons, is insensibly cumulative, and that they are sure at last of effect among a people whose chief reading is the daily paper.  I give in two columns the old style and its modern equivalent.

Old Style. New Style.

Was hanged.  Was launched into
                       eternity.

When the halter When the fatal
was put round noose was adjusted
his neck. about the
                       neck of the unfortunate
                       victim
                       of his own unbridled
                       passions.

A great crowd A vast concourse
came to see. was assembled to
                       witness.

Great fire.  Disastrous conflagration.

The fire spread.  The conflagration
                       extended its devastating
                       career.

House burned.  Edifice consumed.

The fire was got The progress of
under. the devouring
                       element was arrested.

Man fell.  Individual was
                       precipitated.

A horse and wagon A valuable horse
ran against. attached to a vehicle driven by
                       J.S., in the employment of J.B.,
                       collided with.

The frightened The infuriated animal. horse.

Sent for the doctor.  Called into requisition
                       the services of the family
                       physician.

The mayor of the The chief magistrate
city in a short of the metropolis, in well-
speech welcomed. chosen and eloquent
                       language, frequently
                       interrupted by the
                       plaudits of the
                       surging multitude,
                       officially tendered the
                       hospitalities.

I shall say a few I shall, with your
words. permission, beg
                       leave to offer
                       some brief observations.

Began his answer.  Commenced his rejoinder.

Asked him to dine.  Tendered him a banquet.