The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-07-14

respects has astounded the world, and
has proved not only the immense natural
resources, but also the superior adapta-
blllty of the people. Comparative little
was done in professional work; and one
could frequently hear and read in Ger
many that some renegade had turned out
a rich physician or professor in America.
This, however, is a bygone period. a
strong arm and a daring spirit were suf-
ticient in olden times, but in the growing
struggle for existence, to these qualities
must be added well equipped and well
trained mind, to ensure success; in other
words, the Americans have realized the
Importance of mental ability and educa-
ton. since this they have expended more
for educational purposes than any other
nation, and should, in due time. receive
excellent returns.
This is preponderately a cosmopolitan
country. Nearly, if not quite every ma
ton Of the globe is represented in the
United States: This necessitates d
knowledge of the different languages, in
order to facilitate commercial inter
change. In the higher arts and sciences
this country is still dependent on the old
one. The student does not consider his
education finished until he has received i
course of study abroad. Furthermore,
those who have read the ancient classics
IN the original, realize, how often even
The best tranSlationS fail to reproduce
the literary work in its true character.
Therefore, the ability to read and under
stand the literary works of the leading
nations of today brings us in closer con-
thought. The class financially able to
allow themselves the higher enjoyments
of life, go abroad, and venture to assert
that they often return with diSappoint-
ment which was caused by the lack of
knowledge of the language. l can re-
ceive more information about the customs
and character of the people from a chat
with them than from the most elaborate
guide-book. The one who is ignorant of
the language must spend his money free
ly to obtain what little he can of informa-
a Lodi pa
of the language in question, many peo-
pie OF less means would be able to visit
these countries, TO observe the people in
their homes and surroundings, and to
study art and history through object les
sons. l know this from my own expert
ence. These points think cover the
first part of my discourse, Why should
We study foreign languages?
l come now to the more difficult answer
OF the question. How to study them?
Many a time / have been asked. and
this certainly has ben experienced in
other teachers. How long will it take me
to learn French, German, etc. could not
help smiling at such remarks, which GER
tainly imply a very crude conception of
study. But it is excusabie when one
looks into the book market and
realizes, how many methods of teaching
are advertised and sold. One promises to
teach French or German in six weeks,
another with no teacher, third praises
the so-called natural method" and a
fourth will cling TO the old grammar.
To make a good shoe we need a thor
ough shoemaker good implements and
good material. If this analogy Is not
very elegant, it answers the purpose
nevertheless. In order to secure satisfac-
tory results iii the study, we want
good teacher. practical method and an
able mind. Who is the good teacher?
In language as we'll as in other branches,
the teacher ought to have a perfect con-
troll OF his subject In modern languages,
this means a thorough knowledge of the
etymology, pronunciation, grammar, COM
position and literary products of the Ian
guage, he undertakes TO teach, besides
the correct understanding of the pupils
language But this alone is not sufficient.
l may know my subject, yet not be able
Grafton is spoiled and our pupils only