The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1888-06-22
Practical Education in France,

Editor Of PloSEhR ENrEEsS.
The State Department in Washington
has published a very extended study OH
technical education III Europe, by NJ. J..
Schocnhof, U. S. Consul ut Tunstall.
The first part, All octave pamphlet of l36
pages, is devoted to technical education
in France.
Not manifestation of greatness or of
power, in W l,ich nations slorify, would
inspire us with Il more patriotic pride
than does this SIMPLE and sincere tcsti-
mony Of an American official, and we
would like to see every Frenchman
living i'll foreign countries read it, for
they would therein find new reason for
disregarding the Getractors of their
country.
The pamphlet gives many valuable
thoughts and suggestions as to the best
methods Of teaching the practical
branches Of human knowledge. We
can here but touch the subject which is
extremely complex. France" says the
author, ''llas not ceased TO be n country
of surprises under its various epoclls.
Those who will study the calm and
modest work, which is the daily occupa-
ton Of the French people, will acknowl-
edge that the superficial critics who
make France their object, have their
grounds OH the cackling OF the boule-
wards and cafes of Paris; but in those
places even, where conversation is louder
than elsewhere, it is easy to recognize
that it is due for the most part To stran,-
ers coming from all parts of the world"
The author also refers to the quiet of
certain quarters Of Paris, contrary to the
representations of certain novels or the
variations of p'lantasnagoric travellers.
In reference to education the author
continues: Every few pel-nns have any
idea of the vast and profound work ac-
complished by the Republic in the short
space OF ten years, II period so brief in
the life of Il nation. 1t is no rashncss to
say that the work has been us entcrpris-
ing and complete as that to which Prus-
sla applied itself after the battle of Lena.
As Lena was Il new Stating point for
Prussia, SO Sedan has been the beginning
of new era for France. Those who
suppose that France has ceased to be Il
strong adversary in the great pacific con-
test for progress, set their judgment with
the past and take 10 account of the great
evolution in intellectual development,
which is the great factor which will
do more to settle the future position of
France than did the bloody wars and
revolutions in her past history.
The national system of education in
France is free, rs it is in The United
States. Children are trained the me.
chanical arts. and books, stationery,
tools, etc, are furnished by the govern
mcnt. Very poor children lave food
and clothing furnished, and the school
room is made Il place more comfortable
and pleasant than the poorer class can
give their children ut home. The sys.
tenn of education is emincntly practical
and definite in its aims, and supplies
French industry an educated and trained
class Of workers in every branch of ma
tional industry. The imposed charges
Tor this great object of public education
rs is practiced in France will produce us
natural consequence results which
vii! largely compensate for the en-
renscs. A. GrEAKDIN.