A Word To Writers.

When you set out to write for newspapers, don't begin "Tradition tells us," or "History records." Don"t do it. Or if you must 6tart in that way, teil us what Sardanapalus and Tiglath Pileser did for about three pages; then, after you've got it all written, tear off those three pages, and you will find what is left will make an excellent beginning for your article Some people'3 brains seeni luuibering and stiff in the joints, and they have to begin with "Tradition tells us," and go on that way till they get limbered out and in training for the real fight with their subject. But they ought in no case to put this brain gymnastics off on the public for the genuine stuff. No! Plunge directly into your subject. Tackle it, say plainly and in short words what you had in your mind to say, then stop. Probably half the essayists in our magazines and quarterlies have the execrable habit of consuming a third of their space before they get a good ready to say what they wanted to say. The editor who understands his business will cut all this preliminary flourish out, mercilessly. It weakens a really good article always. For the rest, be sure you have a clear, sharp idea in your mind of what you want to say. Then say it in the fewest, simplest words that will fully express your thought. Then go over it and strike out every sentence and every word that can be spared. Then it is ready for the printer. As to style, that will take care of itself.