Prussia and the German System of Education. 5 



privilege, are appointed by the state ; schools conducted 

 by private persons or corporations are subject to super- 

 vision of the Provincial Boards, as to their teachers and dis- 

 cipline and instruction. Also, the supervisors must dissuade 

 persons evidently incompetent, from entering the learned 

 professions ; they must encourage and aid youth of superior 

 talent ; no dismissal can take place, without a testimonial 

 of mental and moral character. The mode of education 

 of the child is left to the father's choice, but the necessary 

 instruction in religion and useful knowledge according to 

 his position must be imparted. Any person may instruct, 

 after authorization by the state. Teachers of the Gymnasia 

 and other higher schools are declared officers of the state. 



In Germany, education is compulsory on both sexes, for 

 seven years from the child's sixth or seventh year. This 

 education is merely elementary. The state, however, is 

 obliged to prepare the indvidual for his future vocation. 



In the large cities, free schools especially for the poorer 

 classes are maintained by the municipality aided by the 

 state ; all teachers are appointed by the government and 

 the municipality jointly, and the schools are supported by 

 the latter. 



In 1857, Prussia contained 27,963 elementary schools 

 with over 30,000 teachers and 2,859,694 scholars ; and 

 1,171 private schools, with 3,635 teachers and 83,021 

 scholars ; leaving about 11,000 non-attendants. In France, 

 at the same time, nearly one-third of the children of proper 

 age were non-attendants and another third attended school 

 during a few months of the year only. 



Prussia has long paid special attention to its Normal 

 system. It honors teaching as a regular profession. The 

 teacher consequently loves his calling with enthusiasm. 

 In the higher schools of the cities, he associates with the 

 elite. In the elementary and the village schools, he and 

 the pastor are the gentlemen of the place. He considers 



