Los Angeles herald., 1907-03-24

Consul J. G. McNslly Of Liege fur
nishes an interesting report on the re-
suits OF technical and industrial edu-
cation in Belgium. He writes;
The kingdom Of Belgium, with an area
OF about 1000 square miles and a popu-
lation Of 7,OO0,OOO presents an example
of what a technical education coupled
with a native thrift will accomplish
The country's expansion has been rapid,
and its industrial and commercial pro-
gress places Belgium in the fifth place
.of the worlds producing nations. While
Belgium has always maintained its
high standards in general industry and
commerce. the modern demands have
been met and the capacity of its lnven-
tive minds have kept pace with these
demands and have in many instances
forged ahead.
For the first six months of 1906 Bel.
gium exported articles to the value Of
1921, 535.5I5, an excess Of S32 ,0000 900 over
the same period of 1905. This was due
to the capacity of the producers to
manufacture in a way successfully to
compete with foreign competitors I'm the
open markets of the world. This gen.
eral capability extends from the direc-
tor Of the factory to the smallest em-
ploye. The elements that enter into
this capacity are prime quality, a
continued output and the power of the
artisan to produce at the lowest possi-
bic cost Nor is this standard Of useful
ness the result of accident. The govern
ment, in full appreciation of the fact
that upon the nations expectations de-
pends its prosperity, joins hands with
the various industries, and by every
material assistance, judicious legisla-
tion and the creation of technical in
stltutions, op,ls new markets, helps
the production and establishes a high
standard of skilled labor.
Domestic Training Schools
The prosperity of Belgium, which is
advancing rapidly from year to year,
is undoubtedly due to the technical
teaching, which is prominent in the di-
versity and numbers of it's institutions.
These schools, created and maintained
by the government, are under the gen.
eral supervisors whose duty it is to see
that the teaching is of a high standard
as well as to oversee the sanitary and
hygienic arrangements of the various
schools. Belgium enjoys the distinction
of being the first country to organize
domestic training schools, the first be-
ing established in 1889.
This system comprises in its practi-
cal curriculum, maintenance and clean
liness of dwellings, furnishings, laun-
dry work, cutting, fitting, making and
repairing of ordinary garments, cook
ing and in the rural districts garden
ing, dairy work and the care of poul-
try. The theoretical teaching consists
of lectures on hygiene, domestic econ
omy, care of children and sick nursing.
This particular training is intended for
the children of the working classes, the
object being to prepare the pupil for
the economical management of a house
as a housewife or servant. In the
more advanced schools, termed profess
sional domestic schools the theoretical
and practical teaching are equal, and
includes designing, cutting, dressmak-
ing, millinery, artificial flower making, |
lace making. embroidery, china paint
ing, commercial bookkeeping, stenog-
Raphy, typeWTiting. domestic economy, |
etc. The practical effect of this sys-
tenn not only enables a girl to gain a
livelihood by the application of her
knowledge in the various branches
taught, but is particularly emphasized
in housekeeping and the higher SER
vice. While the government has legis-
lated against the employment of
women under ground. they assume inn
rortant places in the large manufac-
tories and work side by side with the
male employe, demonstrating equal
ability. Many of the large workshops
give technical lectures and demonstra-
tions expressly for the female employe |
who is unable to take advantage Of the |
technical course offered to boys.
Training of Eoys
In training boys for professional and
industrial work attention is given to
the demands Of the various localities.
The various schools are as follows:
and electrical engineering,
iron and steel. wood cutting, carpen-
tering. Joining. plumbing, watch max
ing, jewejry making, firearm manufac-
turing, bookbinding and gliding, paint
ing, designing, engraving, spinning and
weaving, dyeing, tanning, basket MAX
ing. lace making, upholstery, tailoring,
wood sculpture, telegraphy, music, etc.
While the practical work of these in
stltutions is the same as in the actual