5. To resume then as the languages, so also the styles of nations and individuals that have existed, and do exist, are almost innumerable. However, they may be arranged into two principal classes. First, with regard to the time of their existence, into style of the Ancient, Middle and Modern Age; second, with regard to the place of their existence, into Oriental and Occidental style.

6. Under this primary division, style may again be classified according to each nation that has existed, or now exists upon earth. Thus, in the occidental hemisphere, as designed by the ancient geography, the principal nations that now exist, and therefore the principal modern languages and styles are, the English, French, German, Russian, Italian and Spanish.

7. Since every nation has a peculiar and different style, it follows that the rules of acquiring it must vary for each nation, and require a particular study.

8. As the present work is designed especially for the English language, we shall speak of the English style and language only, excepting a few remarks on the Laconic style, which is used by all nations even in modern times.

(5.) How may the different styles of nations be chiefly classified? Give a general division. (6.) Give a secondary division. (7.) Are the rules of style the same for every nation?

ARTICLE II.

OF THE LACONIC STYLE.

1. The Laconic style is an ancient style, peculiar to the Lacedemonians or Spartans, and consists in "a peculiar mode of expression, containing several ideas in a few comprehensive words."

2. The Laconic style may be well termed the concise style. Thus, Cleomenes, a Spartan leader, replied to the Samii, in the Laconic style, as follows: Of your speech, I do not remember the first part, do not understand the middle, do not approve the last." And Archidamus to the Eleos, who were preparing for war, wrote as follows: "Archidamus to the Eleos: It is well for us to rest.” So also Cæsar wrote to the Roman Senate, after conquering Pharnax, the King of Pontus: "I came, I saw, I conquered."

3. The Laconic or concise style is chiefly used: first, when the subject is of high importance, and admits of no delay, or demands secresy; second, when it is proposed that every

(1.) What is the Laconic style?

(2.) What may the Laconic style be termed ?

Illustrate it by examples.

(3.) When is the Laconic style chiefly used?

word of a communication should be well remembered; third, when it is designed to make a strong impression on the mind of a hearer or reader. Hence the Spartans wrote to Philip in the following words: "The Spartans to Philip: Remember Dionysius at Corinth." Dionysius had been deposed and exiled, and was living at Corinth. Fourth, when a person in high authority addresses an inferior.

4. The Laconic style, by its nature, admits the frequent use of ellipsis, or omission of words, which complete the sense. Care, however, must be had that the words or part of the sentence omitted may be easily supplied by the person addressed.

5. The Laconic style may be properly used in public speeches, before a cultivated audience; on a subject of high importance, and which admits of no delay.

6. The remarks made by Mr. Calhoun in the United States Senate in 1850, on the subject of the admission of California, is an illustration of this:

(4.) What figure of syntax does the Laconic style chiefly admit?

What care must be had?

(5.) May the Laconic style be used in public speeches?

(6.) Give an example from an American speaker.

THE ADMISSION OF CALIFORNIA INTO THE UNION.

If

"It is time, Senators, that there should be an open and manly avowal on all sides, as to what is intended to be done. If the question is not now settled, it is uncertain whether it ever can hereafter be; and we, as the representatives of the States of this Union, regarded as governments, should come to a distinct understanding as to our respective views, in order to ascertain whether the great question at issue can be settled or not. If you who represent the stronger portion, cannot agree to settle them on the broad principle of justice and duty, say so; and let the States we both represent agree to separate, and part in peace. you are unwilling we should depart in peace, tell us so; and we shall know what to do when you reduce the question to submission or resistance. If you remain silent, you will compel us to infer by your acts what you intend. In that case California will become the test question. If you admit her, under all difficulties that oppose her admission, you compel us to infer that you intend to exclude us from the whole of the acquired territories, with the intention of destroying irretrievably the equilibrium between the two sections. We would be blind not to perceive, in that case, that your real objects are power and aggrandizement, and infatuated not to act accordingly. I have now, Senators, done my duty in expressing my opinions fully, freely and candidly, on this solemn occasion."

I.—EXERCISE.

In the above extract show, first, how the use

of the Laconic style was proper; second, where, and how the style is made concise.

II.-EXERCISE.

Find examples of the Laconic style in your Rhetorical Reader, and assign reasons.

III.-EXERCISE.

Find examples where the Laconic style should have been used, and has been omitted.

IV.-EXERCISE.

Imitate Lincoln's dispatch from Hampton Roads, "All is well with us," by expressing several sentences in the Laconic style.

V.-EXERCISE.

Read your composition and show how the style

used is concise.

ARTICLE III.

OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND STYLE, OF ITS PECULIARITIES AND RELATIVE MERIT COMPARED WITH OTHER LANGUAGES; GENERAL RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN AN ENGLISH COMPOSITION.

We shall divide this article into three sections. In the first, we shall observe the nature of the English language and style; its peculiarities and relative merit compared with other languages. In the second, we shall give some rules which are to be observed in an English composition. In the