234 AWAKENING OF ENGLAND. 



new question as to what extent can we train 

 country lads to become skilled craftsmen in 

 wood, iron, silver or stone, without creating a 

 new artistic proletariat that have no means of 

 finding employment for their talents. 



In Denmai'k the parent is swift to take 

 advantage of every educational improvement 

 for his sons and daughters. He will pinch to 

 let them go to the high schools and colleges, 

 because he knows very well that what they 

 learn there will equip them for their future 

 career. The Government of Denmark does 

 not let the youth of its country run to loose 

 ends when it leaves the High School. The 

 winter school will cost the farmer only £10 

 for his son or £6 for his daughter ; the Govern- 

 ment finding the balance of the cost of main- 

 tenance. Then, too, there is nearly always a 

 position on a farm waiting for him when he 

 can use his knowledge for his own benefit and 

 that of his country. 



Our laissez-faire traditions have let educa- 

 tion grow completely out of joint with 

 economic conditions. The country worker 

 knows that the education with even the " rural 

 bias " which Sir Robert Morant urges upon our 

 country schools, fits boys for little else than to 



