New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-07-05

much attention has been given to the subject of pub
lie instruction, and the establishment of system of
common schools, which, though incomplete and de-
fectiye, forms era in the history of education
in that city. About ten years ago there were only
four public schools in Florence with scarcely
than 200 scholars There are now nearly GO, in
Gliding p primary schools for young children q
for older class Of pupils and five six schools or
lyceums for instruction in the higher branches.
The total number of pupils in these institutions
amounts to about II. 900 Considerable difficulty has
been experienced in providing competent teachers,
many of the most successful Of whom, even in the
primary schools for boys, have been women. This
fact, which would be regarded matter of coursein
our country, has been the subject of not little
congratuaton in Italy, for the fresh illustra-
ton which it affords of the capacities of the female
sex The place given TO religious instruction in the
public schools of this Catholic city is worthy of no.
tice, and may throw some light the solution of
difficult problem. No provision is made for the sys-
tematic teaching Of religion in these schools, al
though the clergy take part in their management
The children of such parents desire It, and OF such
only receive regular instruction IN the catechlsm by
the pastor of the parish in which the school is stu
ated. or by person appointed, If necessary, IN
his stead by the Archbishop This course on the
catechism is given in the schOOlhouses and that IS
all which is contributed TO the object by the public
the city neither pays the cergymen, finds cate
chisms for the poorer children. The clergy enter
into the arrangement without grumbling, as they
know it is the only condition on which religious
instruction can be given in the schools.
1t also affords general satisfaction to the
parents as it gives equal chance to all parties,
Catholic and Protestant, orthodox and liberal, to
have their own way. Not that it can be approved by
The more rigid Catholics Such a system could
never find favor at Rome 1t would be condemned
as the offspring Of the religious indifference, which,
according TO the announcements of the Sacred Col
lege has poisoned public opinion, and threatens to
sap the foundations of modern society The Jesuits,
whose influence has given its character to the Gcu-
menical Council must look upon this innovation as
deadly blow TO religion; but the secular, practical
and enlightened element which is found in all
quarters of Catholic Europe-and none the less
since the decisions of the Council-will ac-
cord to it the same approval which it has received
in Florence. Liberal thinkers everywhere will
regard il as a significant hint of approach toward
the establishment of Free Church in a Free State.
The friendly reception which it has met with in
Florence is a proof that religious bigotry has lost
something at least of its hold on the thinking classes
of that city Even the clergy compelled to yield
portion of the assumptions which, with their edu-
cation and habits have almost necessarily become
with them a second nature. The proceedings of the
Counchave also produceda greatreacton, although
the Italian clergy will probably be the last to &C
knowledge its influence 1t will, doubtless be long
time before they will advance to the same level with
the Catholic clergy of Germany, although the exam
pie of such admirable spirits StrOssmayer, Doln-
ger, and Hefele cannot be wholly lost even on the
present generation. Z.