Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-06
THE STUDY OF SPANISH.


In some OF the larger cities-notably
Chicago and Atlanta--the question as to
whether Spanish shall be taught In the
public schools is being discussed and care
fully considered. There are many who
think that the results OF the recent war
| have created an immediate demand for a
knowledge Of this melifiuous language
and that In years to come familiarity
with II will be still more useful.
Dr. Andrews, the new school superin-
tendent OF the Windy City" and an edu-
Gator OF national distinction, heartily IA
vors the innovation. II would not have
the new language crowd out any others"
says he, but simply would put It where
1t can be obtained by those pupils who
need IT," In other words, he would make
Il an elective" branch OF the curriculum,
so that those who anticipate need for
1t may avail themselves of the opportu-
nifty, without adding 20 their educational
labors. Possibly DR.. Andrews thinks that
in many cases Spanish would be good
substitute for French or German, though
the choice between the languages be
matter left to the judgment Of the pupil
or his parents.
Certainly school children have enough
burdens TO bear. and any additions to the
courses already mapped out for them
would rather prove a stumbling block TO
their intellectual advancement IL Span
ish is 10 be studied, something else must
be sacrificed Some suggest that Latin
and Greek be showed aside, but expert
enced teachers are aghast at this PROPOSE
ton, and we ourselves think that the
change would be unwise. Indeed, 1t Is
our opinion that every youngster should,
at one time or another. experience the
agonies incident TO an introduction to
Latin grammar.
That the coming years will witness an
Increased and ever-growing demand for
a knowledge of Spanish we do not doubt.
There will be fine openings, both for mer-
chants and professional men, not only In
Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines,
but also in Mexico and the South Ameri- |
ca republics. Indeed not only do the re- !
cent political changes guarantee the truth |
OF this assertion, but also the steady !
southern march OF Anglo-Saxon clviliza-
ton. We should be prepared for our OPP |
portunities, and should see to it that our |
European friends-htherto our acknowl-
edged superiors as linguists-do not get |
the better of us merely by their familiar
ity with a language which can be ac-
quired easily.
Spanish, being one Of those tongues
which had its origin in the disintegration
IF the Roman empire, will not be an en-
Lirely untold story to those who have
studied Latin. Indeed, 1t is said to be
very simple and beautiful, though, we are
not of those who have found simplicity in
any language.
1t is now, and has been for some years.
oeen taught at West Point. but no chair
or it has been established at the Anna
POLLS Naval Academy. We take it for
granted, however, that this institution will
soon appreciate the need for 1t. Indeed,
we hope that all OF our colleges and Uni
,ersties will give attention to the mat
er.
Spanish has hitherto been q language
much neglected by us. The trouble has
,een due partly to the lack of efficient
eachers. but with the need for instruc-
ion in It will certainly come those who
an meet the popular demand along this
Inc.