Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1918-12-12

This bill is the most comprehensive
and important educational measure
ever presented TO congress It pro-
vides for an annual appropriation of
one hundred million dollars, provided
that sum in equal amount be appro-
priated b ythe several states, for the
purpose of aiding the states to carry
on more successfully certain types of
education which most vitality con-
Germ the national welfare
The bill also provides for depart
inert Of eGa, sttion WIKI a secretary M
the presidents cabinet.
Number OF IlliteiateS Amazing.
The reasons fer the bill are found
largely IN the things disclosed in the
seleetive draft. The first draft showed
that there were more than seven hum
dred thousand male illiterates in this
country between the ages of 81 and
81. These figures merely bear out
those fthe 1910 census showing that
there were then more than five and
one-haf million persons in the United
States ten years of age and older who
could not read.
The bill new before congress pro-
vides for $7,500.000 annually 10 be
apportioned in the states in proportion
to their respective lliteracy of ten
years of age and above (not including
foreign born illiterates.)
New Mexico had, in 1910, 30.5 29
such illiterates. The congressional
allotment would be $60,S74S3 annual
~. This would have to he equaled by
the state, and there would then be
available $121,749.66 each year, or al
most $500 for each illiterate.
The bill provides for $7,500,000 for
the Americanization Of immigrants.
New Mexico has 23,146 immigrants
according to the census of 1910. The
congressional allotment would amount
to $t2,S46.03. The amount available
for characterization work in the state
would he $25,79206 annually.
For school Improvement.
The Smith bill also provides $780,
000,00 annually for the Improvement
of public schools of less than college
grade, with the definite aim of extend
ing school terms and improving,
through better instruction and gradu-
alton, the schools in rural districts.
New Mexico has 1,944 teachers and
would receive from congress $685.
1906. An equal amount by the state
for these purposes would make avail
able $312,371.92 for the purposes men,
toned In the bill.
The bill provides that no state shall
share in this fund unless it has at
least twenty flour weeks of school in
each district, unless il enforces an ade-
quate compulsory school attendance
law, and unless it provides that 1.-The
basis language of instruction in the
common school branches in all schools
public and private. shall be the
English language only"
Another provision in the bill is for
$40, 100000 to cooperate with the
states in the promotion of physical
health. education and recreation.
While New Mexico's population was
only 327,301 in 1910, and would there
fore be entitled only to $71,1S7.50 an
nually. it is known that this state has
grown in population faster than most
other states. and the 1920 census would
give New Mexico a larger proportion
III the federal money. But doubled
by the states appropriation to meet
the federal the sum of s142,375.90
would he available annually.
Another provision of the bill is $15,-
00C, 900 annually to match a similar
amount from the states, for the prep
aration of school teachers.
New Mexico had 1874 public school
teachers in 1915-1916. She would re-
ceive $46,S50.40 for the purposes
named above. Doubling this amount
would make available minimum of
her tax supported normal schools and
colleges
1t is doubtful If any other state in
the union would receive SO much
benefit per capita from it should such
hill harnn1a law