The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-05
EDUCATION IN FRANCE.
Practical Instruction Proposed by
the Duplex Association.

PARIS. Feb. 2o--It is well known how
Duplex. in the eighteenth century. created
an immense empire IN India by his persist.
ence and genius. Certain persons in
France. striving to profit by the lessons OF
that great explorers life. have organized
an association, bearing the name OF Du.
pleix, with the purpose OF leading the new
generations In the direction OF practical ac-
tivity. Gabriel Bonvalot, an eminent exc
plorer himself was the originator of tho
movement. He 1t was who was the first to
discover the plains of Pamir. which have
been called the roof OF the world" sep
arating in Central Asia. the Russian pos
sessions from the English Indies: and who.
on a second voyage of exploration. accom-
panied by Prince Henri d'Orleans. pene-
trated into Thibet, and after great hard
ships and the most vital dangers. sue
ceeded in joining the French possessions OF
Tonkin
Bonvalot is every inch a man. with an
energetic soul in vigorous frame. As for
Prince Henri d'Orleans. he has made con-
spicuous place for himself in French So
ciety. He has known no such word as fail
in struggling for the grandeur OF his coul-
try. quite apart from party spirit or dyn-
astic interests.
This Duplex association. organization by
Bonvalot, has for its object to invite young
Frenchmen 10 interest themselves in works
of general interest involving arduous labor.
1t strives TO direct their attention toward
the colonies by making them better ac-
quainted through various publications and
by lectures, with those distant lands. thus
encouraging number of them to go thither
every year. Ii helps to perfect these young
men for colonial purposes in practical
studies. in the requirement of foreign
tongues. In directing their energies in par
ticular channels. and In accustoming them
to special initiative efforts among races
which are peaceful competitors OF France
in the vast field of industrial and social
expansion.
The Duplex associations idea is to Gre
ate men. As Bonvalot himself expressed
it. IAN individual possessing health, en-
ergy. and perseverance is a man. regard
less of his education" That is precisely
why the new association insists upon a
more practical instruction for the youth Of
France-iess study of the classics and
more information on the common sense
questions that deal with the necessities
resulting from the struggle for life of in
dividuals and nations. To this end they
inculcate the theory that not only brains
are needed. but muscles. too. The diplo-
ma is not everything. Physical force and
endurance are qualities that cannot be de-
spised. Open air is necessary to youth.
and plenty OF room and violent exercises
are invaluable preparations for the strug-
gle of life.
1t may not, perhaps. be useless thus to
indicate the purposes and scope OF the new
association to Americans, for the people
of the United States themselves must real
ize how in a few score years they have
triumphed over all obstacles by superior
intelligence and an appreciation of the
value to the individual of physical train
ing, welded to intellectual training. a
happy blending of corporeal and scientific
activity. 1t may be worth while TO add
that current of popular opinion n France
is setting in the same direction.