Excerpt from Shorthand, 1883, 1884, 1885, Vol. 2: A Scientific and Literary Magazine

But I have another and a concluding argument to found upon this theory of individuality - for the moment assuming that I have fully made it out - and it is this. Let it always be turned in the direction of excellence. That is, let the particular work in hand always be done in the best form in which it is capable of being rendered. This, too, for the sake of the editorial stad'. A vast deal of the drudgery of all occupations may be overcome by the process of taking an interest in what is being done. It is dreary work to follow a humdrum speaker; it is still more dreary to transcribe his commonplace utterances. But if you have managed to render his speech as he ought to have uttered it, you have accomplished something to the advantage of the speaker and the benefit of the readers of the journal - perchance also for the future historian. The point of all this is that to the young reporter there is something to be thought of besides mere proficiency in the art of rapid writing.

Surely there is no calling wherein the advantage of a wide acquaintance with knowledge of all kinds is of more supreme utility To-day the reporter may be at a political meeting, to-morrow at a scientific discussion, the next day at a sanitary conference. Endless are the subjects in which he has to employ his art. When only a simple note has to be rendered of what is said on an given occasion, some previous familiarity with the subject is found to e of immense advantage. But when he is expected to give a summary of what is seen, as well as what is said, his resources will be put to a severe test. Every subject has its own peculiar phraseology and terminology. Some previous acquaintance with these is of the greatest advantage. I have sometimes reflected upon the question of the best course of reading for the training of a young reporter in view of his future duties. I trust some of our experienced members will in due course offer a paper upon this subject.

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