New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1921-11-25

it will have either an expression of
discomfort, or one of gratitude and
happiness.
I'VE are training the boys and
girls, and sending them out into the
world to find happy and full lives
with that training. The responsible
ity is ours whether or not the train
ing properly fits them to meet the
problems of the world.
Our duty it is to instill in them
the normal relations between the
sexes among the boys and girls. We
must teach them to respect each
other to work together, to adjust
their emotions, and to play together
We must fit them for lives of use
fulness and happiness, so that when,
in years to come, the generation
which is now going through the
schools come back to us, the face in
sion which will accuse us of neglect" ="
COnway's Speech
Whether it be here in New Mex
leo, or in the oldest center of cul-
ture, the problem of education is stu
pendous, for it is the problem OF
civilization itself-that of raising
human nature to the highest mental
and moral level thru the cultivation
of the intellect and the development
of its resources. Progress in edu-
cation has brought us new concep-
tion of what education seeks to ac-
complish and what it means to be
educated. 1t no longer means a mere
acquaintance with text books, but 1t
means the greatest personal efficien-
cy, harmonious social adjustment,
and ideal of service.
DR.. Suzzalo has defined the edu-
Gated man as one who is responsive,
responsive to beauty, responsive to
ethical ideals, responsive to the ap-
peal of altruism, responsive to Soc
ial relationship. Another modern
educator has defined the man of
culture as one who has correct
scale of life values, he does not esti-
mate money above personal worth,
influence and position above noble
character, nor does he value material
possessions above fine capacities or
mind and heart. Spencer's defini-
tion for education is "A preparation
for complete living" This must in
clude mental, physical and moral
training.
1t is obvious that the well educat-
ed man or woman will function as
a good citizen, good parent, and
an effective member of the social
group.
With these broad aims before us
in considering the problem OF edu-
cation, we are concerned not alone
with school rooms and school sys-
TEN, but with all contributing in
fluences in the community. Educa-
tion is identified with the progress
of the whole commonwealth.
Here in New Mexico we have speci-
fc needs and difficulties, definite
local problems to be solved in work
ing towards the aid of education.
The trails blazoned by the pioneers
of our State are yet fresh, we nave
the crudity of youth, but also its
splendid possibility of growth.
Our native population is largely
of Spanish origin with is own Gus
language, yet nevertheless essenti-
ally American in loyalty, in sentl-
ment for this American soil which
has given it birth for generations
and in an eagerness TO snare IN
American ideals.
The Spanish American people OF
New Mexico present a problem that
is far more complex than the usual
one of assimilation of foreign blood.
The foreigners who pour into our
country from Europe bring not only
another language and other customs,
but they carry the memory OF an
other home, a past allegiance and the
influences of old world environment.
The Spanish-American population
of New Mexico is like a foster child
with pathetic trust In the adopted
parent who does not fully claim 1t,
vet il knows no other. 1t has no
other source to draw from in Its
growth, yet it is in a measure cut
off from the fullest supply of nour-
ishment.
Unless we face this problem frank
ly. wisely and justly here In New
Mexico, we shall not prosper as a
state. 1t is an educational problem
and a social problem.
Americanization does not mean
the annihilation of the spiritual lie
of a people, the inner life OF social
habits, customs and sentiments, IL
means a union Of ideals. The true
spirit of Americanization must say
IN any people "The best tnat you
/ have ioined to Americas best ana
until we recognize the virtues or our
native people (or any foreign group
among us), we cannot lead them TO
the fullest acceptance of American
ideals.
We must accord social justice to
the Spanish-American, recognize his
equal rights, and our high obligation
to his children who are our ehiidren
born on American soil. we mus,
respect his traditions and understand
his needs and see to it that ne is NOT
robbed of his opportunity and his
birth right as an American.
Our essential need is for teachers
with the right attitude toward the
Spanish American people, teacners
with a vision of service, with a broad
social consciousness. with a deep IN
terest in the human. We have kept
abreast of the times in our larger
towns and cities in New Mexico. but
our rural schools have not come up
to the standard we have a right 10
expect.
We have established vicious cir
Gle here. The poorest equipment
the poorest buildings and the poor.
est teachers have fallen to the lo'
of the rural schools and these Inn
poyerished schools have turned out
badly prepared young persons, VINO
become teachers in these places
where better qualified teachers
would not go: and these inexper.