This arbitration—­although it had caused a decision against us—­seemed such a satisfactory way of ending disputes that we continued the practice in an informal way.  Out of it grew the present arbitration board, which is the corner-stone of the relation between our store and the employees, because it affords the machinery for getting what employees are above all else interested in—­a square deal.

DESCRIPTIVE BEGINNINGS.  Just as description of characters or of scene and setting is one method of beginning short stories and novels, so also it constitutes a form of introduction for an article.  In both cases the aim is to create immediate interest by vivid portrayal of definite persons and places.  The concrete word picture, like the concrete instance in a narrative beginning, makes a quick and strong appeal.  An element of suspense or mystery may be introduced into the description, if a person, a place, or an object is described without being identified by name until the end of the portrayal.

The possibilities of description are not limited to sights alone; sounds, odors and other sense impressions, as well as emotions, may be described.  Frequently several different impressions are combined.  To stir the reader’s feelings by a strong emotional description is obviously a good method of beginning.

A descriptive beginning, to be clear to the rapid reader, should be suggestive rather than detailed.  The average person can easily visualize a picture that is sketched in a few suggestive words, whereas he is likely to be confused by a mass of details.  Picture-making words and those imitative of sounds, as well as figures of speech, may be used to advantage in descriptive beginnings.  For the description of feelings, words with a rich emotional connotation are important.

    DESCRIPTIVE BEGINNINGS

    (1)

    (Munsey’s Magazine)

    OUR HIGHEST COURT

    BY HORACE TOWNER

    “The Honorable the Supreme Court of the United States!”

Nearly every week-day during the winter months, exactly at noon, these warning words, intoned in a resonant and solemn voice, may be heard by the visitor who chances to pass the doors of the Supreme Court Chamber in the Capitol of the United States.  The visitor sees that others are entering those august portals, and so he, too, makes bold to step softly inside.

If he has not waited too long, he finds himself within the chamber in time to see nine justices of our highest court, clad in long, black robes, file slowly into the room from an antechamber at the left.

    Every one within the room has arisen, and all stand respectfully at
    attention while the justices take their places.  Then the voice of
    the court crier is heard again: 

    “Oyez, oyez, oyez!  All persons having business with the Supreme
    Court of the United States are admonished to draw near and give
    their attention, for the court is now sitting.”