but internal revolutions and foreign invasions prevented the accomplishment of the design. On the reestablishment of the Republic, after the fall of Maximilian, the times seemed more propitious, and a decree was issued in November, 1867, ordering the formation of the library, and the old church of San Augustin was assigned for its use. By the suppression of the ecclesiastical colleges and other institutions many books and documents fell into possession of the Government. These were given to the library to form the nucleus of a national collection, as many of them contained matter of great interest to the historian and scholar. The changes necessary to adapt the building to its new purpose have been made, and its appearance has been secularized as much as possible, both externally and internally. This work has not only cost the Government large sums of money, but consumed years of time, and it was not until April, 1884, that the establishment was formally opened to the public. This library now has on its shelves about 170,000 volumes, among which are many which are rare and curious. There are also other libraries in the metropolis in connection with the Government departments, schools, and colleges, the combined contents of which will probably bring the number of books in the libraries of the city to about 250,000 volumes. Most of the large towns and cities in the Republic have public libraries, many of which contain very creditable collections of books.

MUSEUMS.

Museums are established in nearly every State of the Republic, many of them being well sustained by funds appropriated by the States, and contain very valuable In the City of Mexico an attempt collections, which are being constantly increased. to establish a museum was made as long ago as 1786, but without any permanent result. The effort was renewed from time to time, particularly after the country became independent, but it was not until 1867 that an institution worthy of the name of a national museum could be said to exist. In that year it was properly organized, a competent director appointed, and the sum of $500 per month appropriated for its maintenance. Under efficient management it has now become an institution which is creditable to the Government. It occupies very spacious apartments in the building formerly used by the mint, which is a part of the national palace. It is divided into three departments-archaeology and history, natural history, and the library. The sum of $12,000 is now annually appropriated for the purchase and preservation of specimens and for materials and repairs to the edifice.

The staff of employees consists of a professor of archæology and history, which office is usually filled by the director; a professor of zoology and botany, an assistant zoologist, a librarian, a secretary and treasurer, draftsman, photographer, and taxidermist.

SCIENTIFIC AND LITERARY SOCIETIES.

The principal cities, such as Toluca, Morelia, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Puebla, Merida, and many others, have their literary and scientific associations, and there are at least twenty such societies within the federal district. Of these, that named El Liceo Hidalgo ranks the highest, and is in fact intended as a national institute. It was established in 1849, and for some years had a rather precarious existence, but since the reestablishment of the Republic it has rapidly increased in membership and influence. The aim of this institution is the encouragement and development of native talent.

The material progress of the Republic of Mexico within the past thirty years has been marvelous, particularly since railroads have been so largely extended, inspiring more progressive methods, stirring the sluggish current of life, and spreading enlightenment among the people.

Mexico has seen many revolutions, but none of such momentous importance to the nation as that which commenced with the new era when President Juarez reestablished republican rule, separated church and state, and inaugurated a most impor

tant forward movement in the educational policy of the Government. This enlightened system has been nobly carried out by his successors and their constitutional advisers, and is now beginning to be crowned with success. This is a revolution that can not go backward. It creates its own momentum, increases as it moves, and is exerting a most important influence on the national life and progress. Great as this influence has been on the community, its effect upon the women has been perhaps the most noteworthy. Under the old Spanish rule their intellectual status was deplorable. Among the lower classes there was little or no effort made to educate them; they were mere drudges, without any prospect or aim beyond a life of hopeless toil. In the higher classes, beyond a few showy accomplishments, they grew up mere children in intelligence or knowledge. Now no one can study the condition of education in Mexico without noting how eagerly the women strive to partake in it. This spirit is shown by the pressure for admission to the National Normal School, for female teachers, which is doing such splendid work in preparing a culti vated and trained womanhood for positions of influence in public education. The applications for admission have been so numerous that on several occasions it has been found necessary to close the books and receive no more candidates, as they were too numerous for the capacity of the schools. Of course it is in the larger cities that the effect of education upon women first manifests itself. In every class, from the highest to the lowest, the range of accomplishments and knowledge is being extended, to the manifest benefit of women both intellectually and morally. The result is shown more and more every day in the entry of women into the various departments of commercial, industrial, and professional life. It is not long since a young lady of the City of Mexico graduated in dentistry and became an assistant to her father-a most surprising revelation to those who have known the ancient condition of female life in Mexico. No better illustration can be given of the forward movement of education in Mexico than in the following extract from the message of President Diaz to the Mexican Congress on April 1, 1895:

"Public instruction still receives the special and well-merited attention of the executive. Statistical information of the scholastic year last past shows a considerable increase in the number of pupils matriculated and approved-not only in the national schools, but also in the municipal and private schools which have accepted the official programme or curriculum. From these figures may be obtained a most pleasing prophecy, and one that is welcome to all good wishers of the Republic-that education is largely in demand, and that the precepts of the laws relative thereto are voluntarily and patriotically complied with. The normal schools, especially those of lady teachers, have been obliged to close their books and receive no more applicants on account of the paucity of their accommodations. The executive is anxiously engaged in an endeavor to give wider scope to these schools. The Female Normal College established during the month of February a meteorological observatory; while in the Male Normal College, in celebration of the eighth anniversary of its founding, were inaugurated shops for hand work, as also a new and well-adapted audience room.

"An order has been sent for instruments and mechanical devices needed in the school of arts and industries for men, which, as is the case with the industrial college for women, must exercise beneficial influence upon the condition of the working classes, so worthy of protection and aid.

"The school of agriculture is receiving new pupils, furnished through the auspices of the various states of the Federation. There has been reestablished therein a course of veterinary surgery, the Government being enabled to remove the difficulties by reason whereof this course had been closed, and thus provision is made for a system of education which promises to be useful and well paying.

"In order to impart an eminently practical character to the provisional examination conducted in the school of engineers, the necessary provisions have been adopted, in accordance with the design of the various curricula in the school.

"The executive, being determined to omit no effort nor any expense which might redound to the honor of the nation and to the advantage of its studious youth, has created an anatomia-pathological museum, with the double purpose of furnishing a new and efficient element of instruction to the school of medicine and also for the purpose of appreciating worthily the scientific labors which are to be presented to the second Pan-American Congress when it meets in this capital in 1896.”

According to the latest statistics obtainable there were in the Republic about 8,000 public schools for primary education, the number of scholars enrolled about 500,000, and the amount appropriated by the Government for educational purposes about $3,500,000 per annum. In the Federal District there were 62 private free schools, 195 private schools in which the pupils paid for their education, and 113 public schools for primary education. In the private schools there were 10,355 pupils, and in the public schools 21,159 pupils were enrolled.

GUATEMALA.

From the year 1521, when it was conquered by the Spanish forces under the command of Pedro de Alvarado, until 1821 Guatemala formed a part of the Spanish dominion in America. In September, 1821, its independence was proclaimed; then followed the attempt of Mexico to annex Central America to the ephemeral empire of Iturbide, and it was not until 1823 that the Central American Republic was established. Party rivalry and the jealousies of ambitious leaders caused the dissolution of the federation in 1839, and the Republics of Guatemala, Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica resumed their autonomy and have since been governed as independent Republics.

From the date of its separation from Spain Guatemala was torn with internal strife, and when at peace was under despotic rule inspired by the old conservative and reactionary party, supported by the aristocracy and clergy. But in 1871 the liberal party, which in spite of all obstacles had rapidly increased in numbers and influence, succeeded in shaking off the yoke of the administration that had so long kept the country in inaction and ignorance. The liberating army had within its ranks a young man of high intelligence and indomitable energy, J. Rufino Barrios, who was elected President of the Republic in March, 1873. He was the Juarez of Guatemala, and from the day of his inauguration the country started on a new career of reform and progress. Every branch of the public service received his attention. The church, which had previously overshadowed the state, was finally separated from it. No priest nor minister of any sect was permitted thenceforth to control institutions of public instruction, and education was made public, free, and obligatory. Before his time a few parochial schools under the tutelage of the priesthood were the only provision for public instruction. He conferred upon the country an admirable public school system, devoted exclusively to secular education. Public instruction has ever since been placed within the reach of everyone, without distinction of race or social standing; and not only is tuition free, but text-books are furnished by the Government.

Professional education, which in the United States is not considered to be a part of the system of free public instruction, is in Guatemala, as in Mexico, undertaken by the Government. The result of this enlightened policy is that the rising generation is essentially liberal and enlightened in ideas and is displaying the benefits of education, the masses are gradually becoming elevated to a higher grade of civilization, and every insignificant Indian village boasts of at least one primary school. The indigenous race forms a very large percentage of the population. In general the natives are honest, laborious, gentle, and docile; they accept readily the benefits of civilization, and rapidly improve under the influence of education.

There are at present between 1,300 and 1,400 schools for primary instruction in the Republic, of which less than 50 are private schools. There are also 15 kindergartens. The course of instruction is very similar to that of the Mexican elementary schools;

but in the primary schools of Guatemala the theory and science of agriculture in all its branches forms a part of the regular course of instruction. For this purpose a text-book has been prepared by Señor J. M. Garcia Sulas, a professor of primary education, which contains all that is necessary to give the pupils a theoretical knowledge of agriculture, particularly in relation to those productions best adapted to the soil and climate of the country. It also includes a short treatise on animal industry and on the method of keeping farm accounts. For a country so largely agricultural this is a very useful addition to the usual course of primary education, particularly in the rural districts, where, as a rule, the larger portion of the scholars never get beyond such education as is afforded in the primary schools. In fact, the whole system of education in Guatemala is admirably suited to the country and the people. In addition to the primary schools for the young of both sexes there are numerous night schools for adults; even the prisons are not neglected, and clementary schools are established in them, so that the most ignorant prisoner on regaining his freedom has received at least the rudiments of education.

SECONDARY AND COLLEGIATE EDUCATION,

While the Government has devoted great attention to the development of public primary education, it has not been unmindful of the needs of the people in the direction of secondary, technical, collegiate, and professional instruction. The city of Guatemala now possesses not only the largest number of higher educational institutions in Central America, but the most celebrated and best appointed. This is so generally recognized that many of the wealthy families of the other Republics send their children there for instruction, instead of to the United States or Europe, as was formerly an almost universal custom.

The national institute for secondary education is one of the best institutions of its kind on the continent. More than 500 students from all parts of Central America are enrolled on its register. It has a geological museum, a cabinet and laboratory for the classes in physics and chemistry, an astronomical observatory, and numerous other buildings.

The Belen Female Seminary, which occupies an old convent of that name, is a highclass institution for secondary instruction. It has an excellent faculty, and the pupils receive an excellent education.

There are also in the capital 13 schools for secondary education, 7 of which are for boys and 6 for girls. There are also a number of private schools and colleges for higher education.

Collegiate and professional education is well cared for in the National University, the Law School, the College of Medicine and Pharmacy, the College of Engineering, and the Polytechnic School, which is modeled on the plan of the celebrated École Polytechnique of Paris. The Conservatory of Music is an admirably conducted institution, directed by a faculty of 12 professors. There are also 14 schools of music, which are subsidized by the Government. The people of Guatemala, in common with those of the other Central American Republics and Mexico, are great lovers of music, and show great aptitude in learning it. These institutions have therefore produced remarkable results. For the students of the western part of the Republic the Government has provided colleges for the study of law, engineering, and medicine in the city of Quezaltenango. There are in the capital two schools of arts and trades, one for men and the other for women; also a similar school in the city of Quezaltenango. These are supported entirely by grants from the national treasury. There is also a school of arts and trades for men in the city of Totonicapan, which is supported by several municipalities, aided by a monthly subvention of $200 from the National Government.

There is an excellent national library at the capital. At present it contains only between 30,000 and 40,000 volumes, but it is under able management and is constantly being improved and its collection of books enlarged.

SALVADOR.

Salvador is the smallest of the Central American Republics, having an area of only 7,255 square miles. Being smaller in size, more compact, and more densely populated than the other Central American countries, it has been easier for the Government to extend its care over the mental improvement and material progress of the people. The upper classes are, as in other parts of Central America, either of pure white blood or have a large admixture of it, but the indigenous race still composes the majority of the population. They are naturally docile and tractable, and generally honest, orderly, and industrious.

The efforts of the Government to extend the benefits of education to all classes of the people are producing admirable results, as the inhabitants of the cities are attaining a degree of culture and refinement that is remarkable, when all circumstances are taken into consideration, while the Indians, who form the majority of the agriculturists and laborers, are exhibiting marked evidences of progress. Article 33 of the constitution of Salvador reads as follows:

“Education is free. Primary instruction is compulsory. The instruction given in the establishments supported by the State shall be laic and gratuitous, and shall be subject to the proper regulations."

It is to the credit of the Government that it has honestly endeavored to carry out this provision and has made great efforts to improve and develop the educational facilities of the country.

The spirit in which this has been done is well exemplified by the following translation of an extract from President Ezeta's message to Congress delivered February 20, 1893:

"Profoundly convinced of the beneficial influence which education and instruction exercise on all social classes, I have contrived during the past year to extend to this important branch the most decided protection.

"The large number of educational establishments sustained in greater part by the State has rendered necessary the investment of large sums in the salaries of professors and in the purchase of supplies and text-books. Knowing the difficulties under which authors labor in a young country like ours, I have ordered the printing at the public expense of various important works produced by some of the best talent in the country. Some of them unite intrinsic merit with fitness for use as text-books in our educational establishments."

According to the latest statistics there exist in the Republic nearly 600 primary schools, with an average daily attendance of nearly 30,000 pupils. The curriculum in use has been carefully considered, and is admirably adapted to the needs and intellectual capacity of the pupils.

The kindergarten system has been introduced in the city of San Salvador by the munificence of a lady, and is doing excellent work among children too young for the public schools.

Secondary education comprises preparatory studies for a university course, education for commercial life, land surveying, and for teachers. For this purpose the Government supports three institutions, the Western, Central, and Eastern. The Central institute, which is located in the city of San Salvador, the capital of the Republic, has an excellent library, a museum, a cabinet of physical science, and a meteorological observatory.

In the capital the Government also sustains the polytechnic school, a normal college for ladies, and another for young men.

Higher or professional education is regulated by a law passed February 15, 1886. The National University is governed by a board called superior council of public instruction, and is in charge of a rector and well selected faculty.

The classes comprise pharmacy and natural science, medicine and surgery, law, and civil engineering. The course of study necessary for graduation is, in pharmacy and