A sharp discussion is going on amongst schoolmasters as to
the pronunciation of Latin which should be used in schools. The old method, still dear to all men over fifty, is universally allowed to be wrong ; but it has the merit, with some marked exceptions, of indicating quantities pretty accurately, which the new, or Eton, pronunciation does not do. There is a disposition to revert to it which irritates many scholars ; and all kinds of plans are suggested, one, and an attractive one, being that etymologists should make a new and scientific attempt to ascertain accurately how well-educated persons spoke in the time of Augustus. Is that possible ? If it is, that is the right plan; but if it is not, could we not try another, and get all Europe to agree to pronounce Latin as modern Romans do, and Greek as modern Athenians do ? We should probably be nearer right than in using foreign local pronunciations, and we should secure uniformity. By-the-way, can no help be obtained in Roumania, where Latin lingered so long as a spoken tongue ?
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