Albuquerque morning journal., 1915-11-25

tend to widen the pathway leading to
/ the stage of greater commercial and
I industrial development. not only Of
our own resources, but those of our
2cNt door neighbors.
When we come to consider that not
+ only Spain. ana the countries south
/ of us with seventy million population,
+ but also at least onc-tenth of the peo-
/ pie claiming the protection of our
/ flag speak the Spanish language, no
stretch of the imagination is ncces-
sary to arrive at the conclusion that
4 a thorough and practical knowledge
4 OF the Spanish language is desira bic
ana that we can no longer continue
to tolerate the antipathY to the study
Of spanish, but must insist that the
/ apparent apathy long manifested in
our schools shall be oblterated by
/ extending the willing hand Of coop
/ GRAFTON TO our school authorities, and.
hand in hand enhance the intellect
ual forces and the sphere of useful
/ ness of the youth Of our great com.
monwealth.
Spanish In the High school.
Latin and Greek or any Of the
modern languages are important
studies Of great disciplinary value and
as an introduction to their literature
Latin is especially important for
those who would prepare for college
work and complete a thorough classi-
cal training but, Spanish is admitted
to be study of national need. In
emphasizing the Importance of Span
ish in the high schools and colleges
! do not desire that my purpose be
misconstrued for have no intention
of antagonizing the study Of Latin
aud modern languages; but there are
few pertinent comparisons which may
be advanced as affording material
/ food for serious study and consider
alton as 10 their relative value when
compared with the cultured and
practical utility ana intrinsic worth Of
Spanish
1t is conceded that Latin is most
difficult in It's initial stages its elc-
mcntary reading is fun of duh and
dry stuff, and up to the very last ef-
forts the language is more or less
painful TO master with any degree Of
thoroughness II is q lamcntable
fact deserving Of notice. that when
this study is undertaken. not with
view TO its utility or of its being con-
tinued ON leaving school, the average
students manifest but very little in
ifA tSt anu OIlN lbltlANb IL because IL
is one of the prescribed studies for
graduation or as entrance credit for
college The interest. II there was
such, manifested al the beginning on
account of the novelty evanesCes as
soon as difficulties which must be
overcome are encountered Their
constant cramming is pitiful 10 be-
hold. and upon graduation they have
acquired only ha2y and rather SUI
periiclal insight of the faulty reading
and translatiOns Of Caesar. Cicero,
ovid and Virgil. Tho mute satisfac-
tion al their accomplishment. II is
true, can never be ascertained: but
some day whom they venture into ae-
tive business life. their little Latin is
quickly forgotten. French and Ger
man are certainly of great education
pau value. and sometimes are required
as entrance credits for colleges and
higher scientific institutions: but
save for those preparing for special
courses and postgraduate work. they
are of no practical Importance owing
TO our isolated environments.
Value of Latin.
1t may be contendod that Latin is
OF great disciplinary value; that il
trains and develops the analytical.
reflective and intellectual faculties.
That's true. but. it is. also none the
less true that French and German
when properly taught. are more prac-
tical and also of great disciplinary
value, and the resulting analysis,
comparison and discrimination eVulv-
ed from the study OF their grammars
and literature. 20 say the least. are
excellent intellectual gymnastic exer-
cises which will. also, develop the
faculties
If French aud German have also
disciplinary value. why not Spanish.
Romanic language rich in the
euphony Of is grammatical construc-
tion and unsurpassed in its varied and
select classic and dramatic literature
Therefore, il Is not only a language
Of great practical and disciplinary
importance as a high school subject.
but, also, owing 20 the geographical
situation of our country, and the ad-
yantageous environments OF our state.
Where more than haf Of us p0puia