, 1923-10-19
The Menace of Illiteracy

The public discussion in connection with edu-
cation that will be brought out this week will
give considerable emphasis to the growing men,
ace of illiteracy in America.
Illiteracy statistics are usually quoted from
the United States census reports which data is
collected among the citizens who are asked
whether they can read and write. Because many
answer the question without knowing what 1T
means, and others answer it affirmatively be
cause they are able to write their names or copy
a few words in English the percentage OF Hit
eracy as set forth in the census figures is mis-
leading. The census of 1920 shows the total per
centage of illiteracy in the United States to be
only six per cent.
This does not correspond, however, to other
investigations. The most exhaustive, as well as
most reliable, test of literacy was made during
the mobilization of 4,000,G0O men during the war
under the draft act 1t was absolutely essential
from the standpoint of public safety and eff
cheney of the army to know whether men muster.
ed into service could read instructions, write or
ders and otherwise prove themselves capable of
understanding the English language. The gov
eminent made a literacy test of every man draft
ed. The result was astounding and alarming.
Over % per cent of the men called to service
were unable to read and understand the English
language and unable to write the English Ian
guage, with the exception of probably their
names.
This led government and educational author
tiles to an investigation of those who were not
drafted, and the result has been the shameful
disclosure that illiteracy, meaning inability to
read, write and speak the English language to
any extent, prevails among at least one-fourth
of our population. In some sections of the coun-
try this percentage runs much higher.
Illiteracy in the cities is very closely related
to the problems of immigration. Statistics show
that 67.S per cent of illiterates in cities are for
eign born. This large group is composed of those
who can not write, read or speak to any extent
in the English language. By virtue of this fact,
they are cut off from the possibility of reading
American newspapers and engaging in discus
sion with American neighbors. They are con.
demned to the necessity of thinking in terms of
the old world. They are the prey of the labor
agitator on the one hand and the unscruplous
employer on the other.
1t reacts upon them not only mentally and
spiritually, but physically. Proof of this is fur.
nished by the New York State Industrial com.
mission. There are 100000 factory workers in
New York state who can not speak English. The
commission estimates that a very high percen.
tage of injuries and deaths to these workers is
due to their inability to read and understand
safety rules and signs.
Statistics of the United States labor depart
ment show that the rate in accidents in the iron
and steel industry, covering a period of years
was much higher among the non English reading
workers than among those who both read and
spoke the English language.
The Ford Motor company officials state that
since they have started night schools for the
Americanization of their foreign born workers
ehue III hci pldHts udNc. ueCTtdStu Of per
cent. The United States Bureau of Mines is au.
thority for the statement that 465, 900 men are
engaged in the mining industry who do NOT
speak the English language and that the rate
of accidents among this class of miners is twice
as high as among those who do speak and read
the English language.
The problems of Americanization and educa.
ton are inter-allied. This fact is being realized
more and more by all authorities. In a great
many states the work of Americanization
through the educational activities of the state
is being stressed. In Massachusetts the policy
of establishing immigrant education as a def
mite function of the state department of educa.
ton has been in effect for many years, and is
regarded as a model for other states. During the
first year the law was in effect the state in.
structed 1881 adult immigrants in the Ameri
can language. Last year the number had in,
creased to 22,244.
Ohio is another state which has established a
division of Americanization in connection with
its state department of education. In all of the
important cities of Ohio this work is being push
ed, schools being established in connection with
factories, and also evening schools being opened
for the benefit of those who desire to eouir
themselves to read, write and speak the English
language.
In 1918 the New York legislature enacted q
law making It compulsory for all illitcrate min
ors to attend evening school. The next yea,
Amerlcanlzatlon was set up as a state activity
In Connection with the state department of edu
cation. A great many other states have followed
the example of these states.
In addition to the state activities in this di
%rection, the American Legion, the Y. NJ. @. A.
the Knights of Columbus, MANY civic orpaniza
lions and many industrial corporations have
engaged extensively in. Americanization work
all having its foundation in the teaching OF
aliens our language, both spoken and written.