The subject of education arouses less interest than it should with the people in general. This lack of public interest is perhaps accountable in a great measure for the indifference5 of the provincial and national administrations. Here is a criticism of Mr. Akers, the historian, of the educational system in Argentina. “A smattering of many subjects is taught, a sound knowledge of any one is the exception. It is not that the pupils are deficient6 in intelligence, but rather that teachers are lacking in experience and ability. Nor can any other result be expected under existing circumstances. The payment of officials is inadequate7, and frequently salaries are months in arrears8, while lack of discipline in primary, secondary and higher education is conspicuous9. Provisions for the orderly exercise of authority in colleges and schools are also most defective10.” This criticism was written in 1903, but it is applicable to-day, except that the payment of the teachers is somewhat higher and a little more regular. The teaching profession is still greatly underpaid, as the money is turned into other channels which are more purely11 political. It is simply[232] another example of that utilitarian12 policy of looking only to the present and letting the future generations take care of themselves.
Public instruction in Argentina is divided into three classes—primary, secondary and higher education. Primary education is compulsory13 by law, though seldom enforced, and is given free to all children in the republic between the ages of six and fourteen. Education in the capital and territories is under the control of the Federal Government, and there are in all five thousand, two hundred and fifty public schools for primary instruction maintained by it. Each of the provinces maintains large numbers of these schools for elementary instruction also, and in addition each city contains a number of private schools to which people of means send their children rather than to the public institutions. All of the schools having the support of the Federal Government are under the supervision14 of the National Council of Education, which is housed in a beautiful building in the city of Buenos Aires. Secondary education is not compulsory, but it is practically free, as only a very small fee is charged for registration15. There are sixteen lyceums[233] and thirty-five normal schools which come under this class, and they are located in all the larger cities of the nation. The national universities of Buenos Aires and Cordoba are both noted16 institutions, and these, together with the provincial universities at La Plata, Santa Fé and Paraná, provide the higher education. In addition to this the various provincial governments send a number of students abroad each year to complete their studies at the noted universities of Europe and North America. At the present time there are about thirty of these students at the various universities and colleges of the United States, and others are pursuing their studies in England, France, Germany and Italy.
A SECONDARY SCHOOL
Many technical schools are also maintained by the national government. Among these one of the most practical is the Industrial School of the capital. This institution has elaborate workshops which are well equipped with machinery17 and appliances, in which the trades and crafts are taught. The National Conservatory18 of Music, the School for Drawing, the School of Art, and the School of Commerce, in which instruction is given accountants and translators, are situated19 in Buenos Aires, and there[234] are commercial schools in Cordoba and Bahia Blanca. There is an agricultural school in Santa Catalina, province of Buenos Aires, and agricultural experiment stations have been established at Tucuman, Bella Vista20, San Juan and Tenna.
Argentina is, at the present time, spending a great deal of money for education. In the city of Buenos Aires there are sixty-seven buildings devoted21 to educational purposes. Many of these are very attractive structures and the total cost has run up into the millions of pesos. The general plan of education is being modelled very much after that of the United States. System and practice, however, are often two different things, and so it oftentimes happens in Argentina. In actual practice there is often a misconception of what real education means. Superficiality is too often a characteristic of the education offered. There are many finely educated persons in the country, but not many of them teachers. The positions are too often the reward of politics, although there are many very efficient women who are teaching. Graduation is easy for the scholar with a pull, for the students will bring in recommendations at graduation time in order[235] to be sure of passing, especially if they have not been very diligent22. A glitter is too often allowed to take the place of real scholarliness and learning. This superficiality is too often allowed to pass muster23 where solidarity24 should be demanded.
The University of Buenos Aires is one of the great educational institutions of the New World. It is not quite so old as the one in Cordoba, which was founded in 1613, but it has a much larger attendance of students, probably because of its location in the capital. The buildings are scattered25 over the city in different sections, as the various departments have been added from time to time. A few of the oldest buildings are very venerable looking indeed, and are among the oldest structures in the city. It is planned to rebuild much of the University in the suburban26 sections in the near future, so that more space can be utilized27 in quadrangle and park. Almost five thousand students receive instruction in the various departments, of which the largest number, about one-half of the whole, are matriculated in the College of Medicine, which is a large and well-equipped institution. Many departments are included in the institution, however, which do[236] not strictly28 come within the designation of a medical institution proper, and that accounts for the numerical enrolment. The next largest department is that known as the Faculty29 of Law and Social Sciences. A recent addition to this ancient university is the National Agronomic30 and Veterinary Institute, which is devoted to developing what are, and perhaps always will be, the greatest sources of the national wealth of Argentina. The courses of study of the University are very complete, and contain what is best in Argentine education. It is by far the best and most thorough educational institution in the republic.
It is not to be expected that one would find in Argentina a very great number of writers. The greatest incentive31 to a writer, as well as to a publisher, is that a book will be read by many people. In the republics of Spanish America, with education only imperfectly spread among the masses, the number of readers has been necessarily small. Another obstacle to the development of literary activity has been in the frequent wars and revolutions which have kept most of those nations in a state of political turmoil32. Furthermore the comparative isolation33 of those republics prevented[237] a co?peration among them even though there was a sameness of language. Therefore the editions were necessarily small, and the remuneration consequently inadequate to encourage a literary career. In the face of these disabilities it is to the credit of Spanish-American writers that their activities have been so considerable.
Politics and journalism34 have always been intimately connected in Argentina, for the editorial has oftentimes been of greater interest than the news columns. Many of her writers have been intimately associated with this form of activity. Avellaneda, Pellegrini, and Bartolomé Mitre, all of whom occupied the presidential chair, first made their mark in the journalistic field. The last named wrote an able work on the history of the emancipation35 of South America and a biography of the Argentine patriot36, San Martin. Vicente Fidel Lopez, another historical writer, gave to the world a “History of the Argentine Republic,” which has taken its place among standard historical works.
Poetry and the drama have always been favourite forms of writing among Spanish writers. Perhaps no language can boast of so[238] many dramas as the Castilian. Argentina has nourished a number of these, among whom might be named Tomas Gutierrez, Rosa Guerra and Juana Manso de Noronha, the latter writing a drama called “The Revolution of May,” which is very popular in that country. There are few Spanish writers who do not at some time stray into poetic37 writing to which that tongue is so well adapted. Although none of the poets have secured a world-wide hearing, some very sweet poems have been penned by Echeverria, Lafinur and Figueroa. In fiction translations of French writers have generally been demanded. Only one novel by an Argentine writer has received a favourable38 hearing in Europe, and that was “Amalia,” by José Marmol. It is an historical novel treating of the dictatorship of Rosas, and has been very highly commented upon by competent critics. It probably gives the best picture of the stirring events of that interesting period in the history of Argentina. In more recent years, since the population has increased, and better political conditions prevail, and the reading public has been so greatly augmented39, writers in all fields, including philosophy and political economy have become more numerous, and the[239] next decade will probably be marked by much greater literary activity.
The press is well represented in Argentina, for there is scarcely a town of any size that does not support a newspaper. They are well patronized too, and the towns take a pride in their publications. The press of Buenos Aires is one of the most polyglot40 in the world. There are in that city almost five hundred different publications, of which four hundred and twelve are printed in the Spanish language, twenty-two in Italian, eight in French, eight in English, eight in German and one in Arabic. Then the Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Roman and Dutch tongues each have at least one representative. There are sixty-six dailies, sixty-four monthlies and almost two hundred weeklies.
La Prensa, which means The Press, is a newspaper of which any country or city might be proud. Although not a government organ, for it remains41 independent, this newspaper undoubtedly42 exerts the widest influence of any newspaper in Argentina, and perhaps in South America. It is most frequently quoted by the people and its statements are taken as facts. It has a circulation of over one hundred thousand. In appearance it is a large metropolitan43[240] sheet seldom containing less than sixteen or twenty pages. Its news columns are well written and newsy, and its editorials are weighty and well-digested. La Prensa publishes more foreign news than any newspaper in the world. This is its claim—certainly more than any daily in the United States. There are seldom less than two pages of foreign cablegrams from all parts of the world, principally Europe, of course. The establishment of this newspaper is on the Avenida de Mayo, in an imposing44 building which cost three million dollars and is one of the finest newspaper homes in the world. Here will be found not only a complete and modern newspaper plant, but a number of unique features for the good of the public and the glory of the city. At its own expense a free consulting room is provided where an able physician, aided by several assistants, administer to the sick without charge; there is a law office where, during certain hours, indigent45 persons can secure free legal advice; a large, well-stocked library is open to all without payment; there is a large hall for public meetings and where fine musical entertainments, as well as private operas, are sometimes given for the force. Another unique feature is a suite46 of[241] finely furnished apartments where distinguished47 foreigners are gratuitously48 entertained. There are private grill49 rooms for the reporters and other employees, and the proprietor50 has a fine office which he does not occupy more than once in six months. The owner of the La Prensa is a very wealthy man, but he takes absolutely no part in the conduct of the paper. He engages an editor-manager, and the entire management and policy of the paper is turned over to this one man. If this man makes good he retains his position; if not, he is at once supplanted51. In a long period of years there have been but four editors, which speaks well for the care with which these men have been chosen. They have all been men of prominence52, and their ability is shown by the high standard of the paper which has been maintained during all of these years.
After La Prensa, La Nacion, which was founded in 1870 by the famous Argentine statesman, Bartolomé Mitre, is second in importance, and has a large as well as distinguished clientele. It is large and metropolitan in appearance, and might be called the government organ. The principal evening paper is El Diario. La Argentina, El Pais, La Razon, El[242] Tiempo, El Pueblo53, Tribuna, etc., are the names of some of the other leading dailies. There are two English daily newspapers, the Standard and the Buenos Aires Herald54, each of which has a good circulation. They are both typical English papers in appearance and general style, although the Herald was founded by an American. The Review of the River Plate and The Times of Argentina are weekly publications devoted to shipping55 and the general financial news and interests of the country. The former has a well-established reputation as a financial authority in British commercial circles. Caras y Caretas is a unique illustrated56 weekly which has a large circulation and is exceedingly popular. La Illustracion Sud-Americana is a handsomely illustrated monthly, one of the best published anywhere. La Revista de Derecho, Historia y Letras is a literary periodical of high character.
The Spanish cavaliers left Europe just prior to the Renaissance57, when the dark ages were nearing their end. Europe was then striving with the life which was soon to burst forth58. The wealth of knowledge and art, which had heretofore been confined within the dark and forbidding walls of monasteries59 and convents[243], was about to be given forth to the world to which it belonged. St. Peter’s was then in the hands of architects full of new ideas, the great cathedral of Seville was nearing completion and work was in progress on many of the other famous cathedrals of that continent. This genius for building crossed the seas with the new colonists61, and they soon turned their attention to the upbuilding of great temples dedicated62 to the Almighty63. It was an age of wonderful activities in art and architecture, and the New World profited by it. It was not long until hammer, chisel64 and trowel were busy in all the new settlements, and their accomplishments65 now gladden the eye of the people of this age. The oldest Spanish cathedral in the Americas is probably at Santo Domingo, as that was first settled. It was here that the body of Columbus rested for a time. Cortez marked his subjugation66 of Mexico by the inauguration67 of great public works on which the newly-enslaved inhabitants of the country were employed, as did Pizarro in Peru. The great cathedral of the City of Mexico, the most stupendous of the New World, was begun in 1573, on the site of the ancient altar of sacrifice of the Aztecs. This is said to be outranked by[244] only three cathedrals in the world, St. Peter’s, St. Paul’s of London, and that of Seville. The cathedral of Lima, Peru, is the earliest and largest in South America, and was founded on the same day as the city itself, by Pizarro. The corner-stone of this magnificent structure was laid on the 16th day of January, 1535, and the bones of the founder68 now rest beneath its roof and are shown to the curious visitor.
THE COLUMBUS THEATRE, BUENOS AIRES
There are some old churches in Argentina which one will find in Cordoba and other old towns. The cathedral, however, is more modern, as it was not begun until comparatively recent times, although erected69 on the site of a chapel70 that was founded in 1580. Were it not for the dome71 surmounted72 by a cross its appearance would not necessarily suggest a religious edifice73. The twelve massive Corinthian columns suggest the Church of the Madeleine in Paris. It shows a tendency to depart from the old models and adopt newer schemes of embellishment, just as has been the tendency in North America. Its fa?ade, however, is imposing on the Plaza74 de Mayo, around which centre the commercial and political activities of this great city. It is perhaps emblematical75 of the new forces which are at work[245] in Latin-America. The interior of this cathedral is commodious76 and will accommodate several thousand people. The Church of San Francisco is a fine example of church architecture, and has just been almost wholly remodelled77. San Domingo is an historic old church, in the tower of which a number of cannon78 balls are imbedded, which were fired into the city by the British fleet.
The principle of subsidy79 to art still retains its vitality80 in South America. In Argentina there are several municipal theatres, or opera houses, and the finest of which is the Teatro Colon60, or Columbus Theatre, of Buenos Aires. This handsome structure was erected by the municipality at a cost of two million dollars. It is three stories high. The first story represents the Ionic, the second the Corinthian and the third the Doric style of architecture. It is of recent construction and will seat nearly four thousand persons. The very best artists of the world are brought here, as the annual allotment from the municipal budget enables the management to do what the box receipts alone would not warrant, because of the long voyage necessary to bring these high-salaried artists to Buenos Aires.
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impetus
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| n.推动，促进，刺激；推动力 | |
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provincial
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| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
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desuetude
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| n.废止，不用 | |
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spurts
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| 短暂而突然的活动或努力( spurt的名词复数 )； 突然奋起 | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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inadequate
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| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
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arrears
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| n.到期未付之债，拖欠的款项；待做的工作 | |
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conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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defective
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| adj.有毛病的，有问题的，有瑕疵的 | |
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purely
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| adv.纯粹地，完全地 | |
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utilitarian
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| adj.实用的，功利的 | |
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compulsory
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| n.强制的，必修的；规定的，义务的 | |
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supervision
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| n.监督，管理 | |
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registration
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| n.登记，注册，挂号 | |
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noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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machinery
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| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
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conservatory
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| n.温室，音乐学院；adj.保存性的，有保存力的 | |
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situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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vista
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| n.远景，深景，展望，回想 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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diligent
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| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
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muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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solidarity
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| n.团结；休戚相关 | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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suburban
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utilized
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strictly
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faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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agronomic
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| adj.农艺学的，农事的 | |
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incentive
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| n.刺激；动力；鼓励；诱因；动机 | |
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turmoil
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| n.骚乱，混乱，动乱 | |
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isolation
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| n.隔离，孤立，分解，分离 | |
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journalism
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| n.新闻工作，报业 | |
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emancipation
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| n.（从束缚、支配下）解放 | |
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patriot
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| n.爱国者，爱国主义者 | |
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poetic
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| adj.富有诗意的，有诗人气质的，善于抒情的 | |
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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Augmented
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| adj.增音的 动词augment的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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polyglot
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| adj.通晓数种语言的；n.通晓多种语言的人 | |
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remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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metropolitan
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| adj.大城市的，大都会的 | |
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imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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indigent
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| adj.贫穷的，贫困的 | |
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suite
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| n.一套(家具)；套房；随从人员 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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gratuitously
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| 平白 | |
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grill
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| n.烤架，铁格子，烤肉；v.烧，烤，严加盘问 | |
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proprietor
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| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
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supplanted
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| 把…排挤掉，取代( supplant的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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prominence
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| n.突出；显著；杰出；重要 | |
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pueblo
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| n.（美国西南部或墨西哥等）印第安人的村庄 | |
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herald
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| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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shipping
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| n.船运（发货，运输，乘船） | |
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illustrated
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| adj. 有插图的，列举的 动词illustrate的过去式和过去分词 | |
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renaissance
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| n.复活，复兴，文艺复兴 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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monasteries
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| 修道院( monastery的名词复数 ) | |
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colon
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| n.冒号，结肠，直肠 | |
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colonists
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| n.殖民地开拓者，移民，殖民地居民( colonist的名词复数 ) | |
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dedicated
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| adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的 | |
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almighty
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| adj.全能的，万能的；很大的，很强的 | |
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chisel
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| n.凿子；v.用凿子刻，雕，凿 | |
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accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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subjugation
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| n.镇压，平息，征服 | |
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inauguration
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| n.开幕、就职典礼 | |
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Founder
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| n.创始者，缔造者 | |
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ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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dome
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| n.圆屋顶，拱顶 | |
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surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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edifice
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| n.宏伟的建筑物(如宫殿，教室) | |
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74
plaza
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| n.广场，市场 | |
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75
emblematical
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| adj.标志的，象征的，典型的 | |
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76
commodious
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| adj.宽敞的；使用方便的 | |
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77
remodelled
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| v.改变…的结构[形状]( remodel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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78
cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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79
subsidy
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| n.补助金，津贴 | |
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80
vitality
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| n.活力，生命力，效力 | |
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