New-York tribune., 1902-06-15
CUBAN GIRLS AT SCHOOL.
TRAINING THEM FOR TEACHERS AT
NEw-PALTZ NORMAL SCHOOL

The American Normal School at New-Paltz' n Y
for training Cuban women TO teach in the puonc
schools of the Republic Of Cuba closed yesterday
its first scholastic year. As the Cuban students
will have no part ia the commencement exercises
Of the New-Patz State Normal School until next
year the authorities permitted them To leave school
week earlier than the regular closing date
On June ls and p the most Of the Cuban students
will sa with their chaperons for Santiago and Ha-
They return under conditions little dreamed
of when they sailed 70 America in September. Tor
the sanguine did not then hope for such
speedy independence for their beloved island Since
tire inauguration Of the republic of Cuba they have
been counting the days until homeward bound.
Many regretted not having witnessed the formal
inauguration of General Palma.
He our first President sighed and
there can never he only first President; and 70
think we were SO far away from home and could
not see him inaugurstedr'
number of the Cuban students viii remain in
this country during the vacation. their families
having come over and settled since the school
opened Several will continue study during the
summer Harvard. All who sail for Cuba this
week expect to return 10 their studies in Septem-
Der. together with thirty additional students, as
stipulated in the government contract OF the sixty
original students ali but three have completed the
first years course One sent hack on account
Of I'll health. second for INSTRUMENTATION. third
because the authorities considered her undesirable
They thought have shown that they are
intent on making the most of an exceptional oppor-
tunity. and quick and assmilate not only
the best TO be encountered in the schooroom. but
in the social life of the quaint old town of New
Paitz.
Professor Myron L. Scudder. principal Of the
State Normal School established than fifteen
years In picturesque valley OF the Waikiki at
New-Paltz has carried the work Of training
these teachers The Idea of sending Cuban women
to this country TO be trained here teach in the
public schools of the island originated with Lieu
tenant Matthew Hanna, West Point graduate.
relative Of Senator Hanna. and member Of the
United States Commission of Education for Cuba.
appointed shortly after General Wood made
Governor. Alexander Fly. who successfully con-
Quoted the Cuban excursions last summer TO Har-
vard, and substantiated his interest in the cause
by marrying of the Cuban women. con-
t1fbuted signally the maturing Of Lieutenant
Hanna's plan None suspected that he antici-
pating In small way the dream of Cecil Rhodes.
When Governor Wood had Endorsed the proposi-
tion. correspondence opened with a number Of
State normal schools throughout the United States.
The Cuban Government agreed to assume the re-
eponsblty of the professional training Of the girls
qualified to come and TO provide rooms, board and
ordinary washing for the Of Sc q week for each
student. the of the school equipment to be
given by the State. Aside from travelling expenses
and from the island. each student is paid by the
Cuban Government SIC for personal expenses. Upon
the completion Of the course, which covers two
years, to each student is guaranteed position in
the Cuban public schools a salary OF so month
What guarantee has the Cubsn Government that
the students will keep their contract?' asked
None was exacted 1t presumed they would
pay back the money the government expended"
the reply
But II they have no money!
There eloquent shrug of the shoulders
Suppose Cupid should step in?" was suggested.
In Latin countries explained a knowing sehora,
when woman marries she breaks all contracts"
In considering the governments proposition Prin-
cipal Scudder submitted the Cuban Commission
outline Of the curriculum Of the New-Paltz Nor
NAL School. The academic training to be sup
piernented by a certain amount of domestic science
and physical training, for good housewives
and home makers less than for skilled peda-
sogues- The met the views OF the commits
sion. and satisfied Lieutenant Hanna with
his first visit New-Paltz that the contract be-
and the Cuban Government was sealed without Wis
ting State normal schools elsewhere The contract
covers period of years. provided the first
years experiment iustifes its maintenance to the
State authorities and the Cuban Government. In
the interval the republic has instituted and il
remains for the government to accept or
reject the report that will be submitted shortly
The students arrived IN groups the first coming
On September. the second in October. All had had
less educational advantages in Cuba Some.
the daughters OF patriots and once wealthy fami-
lies. convent bred. consequently well grounded
In languages and good manners. The difference OF
the Latin races TO superiors is shown entering
che Cuban schoolroom at New-Paltz. Every student
rises to her feet and remains standing until the
stranger is seated has taken leave. Seven
striving spoke English well, while number trans
lated It readily and could understand fairly. Those
who understood not word six months ago able
to-day 10 follow classes in English Their progress,
the teachers assert, is exceptional To pro-