Daily National Intelligencer

NAMES OF PLACES.

From the Cincinnati Inquisitor

In calling to mind many of the names bestowed upon lakes, rivers, mountains, and local districts, by those tribes of savages who have either retreated before the redundant stream of white population, or suffered extermination in bravely defending their native soil, one is forcibly struck with the agreeable, and often sonorous and dignified sounds which are conveyed to the ear. I have repeatedly been told, that, in the original dialects, these sounds convey meanings, that are eminently significant and beautiful. I understand this is a peculiar feature in the character of all original languages.

But, in proportion to the refinements and improvements of language, are its energy and boldness in a measure impaired. If any one wishes to be more particularly satisfied on this point, let him repeat to himself some of the original names with which he is familiar, and then contrast them with others which have been conferred by the present incumbents of the soil, and he will be as much delighted with the commanding, and not unfrequently musical sounds of the former, as he will be disgusted with the unmeaning and unharmonious gratings of the latter.

I am aware, that in some instances names that have attained geographical distinctions, as well as others of minor consequence, have had their origin in minds at once pitiful for their stupidity and contemptible for their ignorance. Numerous names that have been hastily conferred by charitable gentlemen, who are eager to enrich themselves by town making, in this, our western land of promise, are not only calculated to awaken disgust, but to excite derision. But of the many names thus given, I recollect none more supremely contemptible, when applied as it is, than one which has been imposingly bestowed on a town plat, on the margin of the marshes near the mouth of the Ohio, and which has the distinguishing appellation of America! Really one is at a loss what to say or think of such folly. The most charitable conclusion is, that there must have been a very fierce embrace between presumption and stupidity, to have brought forth and applied to a remotely interior spot in the wilderness a name by which geographers define one of the grand divisions of the earth. F.

The ideas of our correspondent, though expressed in rather severe language, are not less deserving attention. We recollect to have seen some remarks upon this subject, not long since in one of the eastern prints. Those remarks, however, were directed more pointedly to the multiplying of towns of the same name, and singled out an instance where the name of a particular place occurred half a dozen times in one state, and likewise once or more in various states in the Union. The evil of this multiplicity cannot be better set forth, than by supposing a person to have accidentally omitted the name of a state in superscribing a letter. In this case the post master must either retain the same, or forward it to some one of the number; where, ten chances to one, the right owner never receives it.

As new towns are daily laid off in this western country, now is the time to remedy this inconvenience, by bestowing upon them such appellations as are rare, appropriate and elegant. The observations of F. are not intended to bear personally upon any individual, but to awaken the attention of those who may hereafter make towns, to the importance of being more particular in naming them.