failed, mainly through the absorption of funds for the war of intervention.[1] Maximilian, with his German ideas, introduced some measures which left seeds that show signs of being developed into flourishing plants.[2] Amid all the vicissitudes of the republic, however, with its disorders, neglect, and inefficient legislation, illiteracy has been greatly reduced. The proof lies in the growth of primary schools, and of the number of pupils in attendance.[3] Besides these schools there were 134 public establishments of higher grade and colleges. In 1883–4 the federal government expended $353,080 in public instruction and kindred branches, and appropriated to the same purpose $701,420 for the fiscal year 1885-6.[4] The propensity for separating the sexes is strong in Spanish American countries, hence only a small portion of the schools are of a mixed order.[5]
The clergy for a long time tried to retain control over the higher schools, there to perpetuate scholastic and other old-fashioned ideas. Gradually, however, the states assumed control, and managed to introduce
- ↑ Mex., Mem. Sec. Hac., 1868, 12; Mex., Cód. Reforma, 369-82; Arch. Mex., Col. Ley., vi. 97-119.
- ↑ For imperial regulations, see Mex., Col. Ley. Imp., viii. 21-84; Diario del Imp., Apr. 14, May 4, Sept. 16, 1866. Professional diplomas issued under the empire were annulled by Juarez' government. Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., x. 59.
- ↑ 1,310 schools in 1813, 2,400 in 1860, 5,000 in 1870, 8, 100 in 1875, and still rapidly increasing, there being in 1884 at least 8,556 primary schools, of which 2,116 were for girls. The attendance has been from 59,744 pupils in 1843 to 349,000 in 1875, and 441,453 in 1884, of whom 115,147 were girls. Covarrubias in 1875 showed that only one fifth of the school population received primary instruction. Mem. Instruc. Pub., lxxxiii.-iv. The minister of public instruction in 1831 had classed three fourths of the population as illiterate; later figures patriotically reduced this to more than one half. Both stateinents should be taken with allowance. Stanch little Tlascala stands foremost in education, as the ancient republic stood in battle. Chiapas, Chihuahua, and L. Cal. stand lowest according to Covarrubias' admirable work.
- ↑ The instruction in the primary schools is as a rule limited to reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, conduct, and the duties of citizens. Girls are taught, besides, certain feminine work. In a large number of schools, however, geography, history, drawing, geometry, and French are added, and many teach branches that approach those of our high branches.
- ↑ The attendance at girls' schools is comparatively less than at the boys' for obvious reasons. Moreover, a large number of girls are retained by cautious parents at home, where they receive a certain amount of instruction.
