The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-10-31

Gus all along the hot country coasts and
the Mexican jaguar. known locally by
foreigners as the tiger. preys upon cattle
ard ranch animals to such degree as to
be very much OF a nuisance
So much for Mexico as hunting
grounds A few words regarding other
efforts along the lines Of progress in that
country Henry p Coffin, American con-
sui at Mazatlan reports that engineers
have prepared plans for harbor improve
ments at Mszatlan. to cost SlJ.o00.0O0 gold.
Two breakwaters will be built. and the
harbor depend so that the largest ocean
vessels viii be able 10 enter and dock
at masonry wharyes. When the proposed
improvements are completed there viii
undoubtedly be a large increase in the
shipping at that port. offering opportuni-
ties for the investment of American capi-
tai and the employment of American
skilled labor Good shipping facilities at
that place would cut down the time 10
New York by about three days, thus
making Mazatlan one OF the most i'm
portant ports on the west coast.
But II is not only in shipping facilities
that Mexico is progressing; close atten-
ton Is also paid 10 agriculture. There is
now being constructed Offices. labora-
tories, museum. observatory dining halls.
and domtories. as well as residences for
the faculty and employees Of tie Mexi-
can federal agricultural station at OAK
AGA Several hundred acres viii be used
for agricultural experiments, which Will
be watched by the students. The cleo
trical sugar mill has been put IN shape
French plows have been put I'm service,
and an English dairy outfit OF the latest
type has been ordered, and incubators
and breeders are now being installed.
Great attention is paid to the cultivation
of sugar cane and alfalfa as well as TO
the cultivation Of silk worms
Education 10 one feature which receives
! the most serious attention OF the Mexican
government Consul Lewis A. Martin. of
Chihuahua. tells about the stress laid
by the Mexican people upon the impor-
lance OF the education OF the masses and
OF the good work being done by the
pupils OF the public and private schools
1t is interesting to note. writes Mr.. Mar
/ tin. the enthusiasm manifested by the
/ Mexican people in educational work.
The governor of Chihuahua. Hon. En-
rique c. Creel, is active in the work for
the education OF the masses, and his
efforts have had abundant success. New
| schoolhouses are being erected and pro-
vided with all modern appliances for
educational work The schools Of the
state are under the supervision OF the
governor. director general with dlrec-
tors ard inspectors The Mexican chill
| dren seem 10 he anxious for advance
ment. and work with enthusiasm. Every
school, whether public or private, must
be conducted as provided by law. Even
children taught by a governess In a
/ private family are subject to the statutes
and TO examination by the board OF eX-
amlners, the same as pupils IN regular
| educational institutions.
! The teachers in the public schools are
graded and rated according 10 merit
and the amount Of compensation runs al
/ the way from SIS 70 $50 per month. They
do faithful and efficient work The regu-
lar school hours for the first year are
four and one half hours daily; for the
/ second year. I'VE hours; for the third
year five and one-half hours. and fol
| the fourth year. six hours. The schoo
year extends over ten months. and they
\ teach five days in each week Every
! child six years old or over Is obliged
under the law 10 attend school and %
/ take the regular course There seems
TO he a purpose on the part OF the au-
/ thorlties 10 insist upon the higher and
/ better education Of the masses OF the
! people. Corporal punishment Is not per
mitted In the schools Of Mexico.
There is at least one thing i'm which
4 Mexico is abreast. n not ahead. Of other
nations. and that Is her railway school