The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1893-07-11
FRENCH PATRIOTISM.
How It Is Taught in the Public
Schools in France.
Preparing the Young for the Duties of
Manhood in the Future-The
Textbooks Used.

4SAl-bOOkS u sea-
Ernest Lavisse the Paris Professor of
History and Philosophy, has been elected
to a seat among the Forty Immortals.
The French journals have pointed out
his wonderful eloquence, and the energy
with which he worked for the national
regeneration of his people. Now, the
greatest part of the French Nation I'M
derstand by this regeneration not only
renewed physical vigor, moral strength
and warlike ability, but also the war Of
revenge against Germany and the re-
gaining OF Alsace-Lorraine. The Ger
mans do not understand this fully. Y ct
1t IS matter which ought to be more
generally known. 1t is, perhaps, excus-
able that during the first two years after
the terrible war the children were taught
to look with dislike upon the victorious
neighboring nation; but that this practice
of sowing the dragons teeth of hate in
the hearts of youth should be continued
even now, is all the more incomprehensi-
BILE because the public schools bear
still more official character than in Ger
many. 1t is certainly a dangerous prac-
tlce to teach the youth of the country
that treaties are only made to be broken.
proper light is thrown upon the
instruction morale ct cirque by the fact
that French patriotism excuses the mill
tary officer who discards the parole
phOnnetr given to the enemy-an o1fense
Tor which he would forever lose cast in
Germany. | cannot do better than give
some extracts from the French school
books. 1t will cure the more indolent
among my readers of the fond idea that
the thought of revenge is a thing of the
past in France.
In volume oflyrical poems, to be read
in public schools, and recommended very
warmly by the authorities, William l.,
who was so supplemented and kind
hearted that his lowliest subjects had ac-
cess to him, is described as fitting de-
scendant of the proud Attila as a man
who reveled in bloodshed and cruelties.
and whose greatest pleasure was to point
his guns at sick persons and children. In
the foot-nOtes OF the book the readers
are told to look forward to the day of re-
venge.
In the Little Reader" booklet in
tended for children of and years, we
ma such sentences: ''# II ~ The Ger
mans came in great numbers to Paris.
but dared not attack it. When they saw
that the city would not capiUulate they
sheIled it for whole month. Is it brave
to shell a city? Nav evarv
Frenchman, rich or poor, become a good
soldier, to defend his country-and to
avenge it!' in handbook of the French
language, published by the General In
spector of Public Schools, we read the
following Il can read, write and cipher.
There Is something else that [ have
learncd-I love my country, will never
forget that black spot on the map in the
northeast of France tSedan)."
In Morlet and Richardot's Grammar
the war Of revenge is taught in tasteful
manner by parsing the following sent
ences: You know, my children, grandpa
says that piece is wanting from the man
OF France. When grandpa thinks of this
he becomes downhearted and a tear runs
into his white beard. But when he looks
at you then his hope revives. Remem-
Der the duty which devolves on YOU
when you grow up"
a little book of historical sketches.
which does not go further than 1889, new
ertheless contains an appendix. with a
map, upon which Germany is pictured as
beginning east Of Alsace- Lorraiue-these
provinces being marked in dark colors-
and the following explanation: France
mas lost her two most beautiful provinces
-AISace and Lorraine. France will need
you some time. When it calls you be
worthy OF your nations famen Another
book contains the following answers
which must be learned by heart: "If
every one of us does his duty then the
Republic will be strong enough to regain
its lost brothers, the lost brothers in AL
sace-Lorraine." And also: "A stronr
Republic will retake Alsace and LorD
raine." This last sentence ends the book.
and thus appears to be the ne plus ultra
OF "moral' instruction.
All this cannot be without the desired
influence upon the youthful mind. In
the end only few men Will bring about
the war, but the whole nation will enter
upon it heart and soul. 1t would be well
for us to remember the iron firmness of
Bismarck, which even Jules Favre adj
mired when he met the Chancellor on
September 20, 1870, at the Chateau Rotbs-
child. Favre painted in glowing colors
the peaceful intentions of the young Re-
public-the coming brotherhood of ma
tons. But Bismarck had known the
French people all his life, and he quietly
replied:
GU are mistaken, monsieur. Even
if we did not take single square foot of
ground from you you would never for
give us for having beaten you. You
would think of revenge night and dav.
therefore, we must secure ourselves as
best we CAMP. w. Grunow. Trans
lated and condensed for the Literary
Digest from paper in Die Grenzboten.
Leipzig.