302 MEXICO. 
selfish natures of the superior classes, who wield the physical and Intel- 
lectual forces of the nation, have forced the masses to become little more 
than the slaves of those whose wit gives them the talent of control. 
In addition to this, you will observe how little has been done hitherto for 
the cause of learning by the Government, when you examine a table of 
the expenses of the nation, by which it will be seen, that in the year 
1840, while $180,000 were spent for hospitals, fortresses, and prisons, 
and $8,000,000 for the army, (without a foreign war) only $110,000 were 
given to all the institutions of learning in Mexico.* 
I learn, however, with pleasure, that under the new scheme of national 
regeneration which has recently been put in action, the subject of Education 
has engaged the especial attention of the existing powers, and that they 
design to foster it by every means in their power. 
In every one of the parishes into which the city is divided, there is estab- 
lished a school for boys, and another for girls, supported by the Ayunta- 
miento, or Town Council. In these establishments the pupils are taught; 
without charge, to read, write, and calculate, and are besides instructed 
in religious and political catechisms. In the schools for girls, in addition 
to these branches, they learn sewing and other occupations suitable 
for their sex. Books and stationery are furnished gratis. 
There is another establishment called the Normal School, supported by 
the Government, and devoted to the instruction of the soldiers of the army 
in the rudiments of learning. Advancement and improvement in this 
school are suitably rewarded by ranks in the army. Besides this, there 
is, also, a Lancasterian Company, which, commencing its labors in 
the Capital, is spreading its branches all over the country. It is devoted 
to primary instruction, and is protected by all the citizens of the Republic 
who are remarkable either for their wealth, education, or social posi- 
tion. The contribution is a dollar monthly. I am glad to learn that, 
since I left Mexico, the usefulness of this Company has been so apparent 
to the people, that schools upon its plan have not only been established in 
the principal cities and towns, but that they are now being founded in 
almost every village of importance, and even upon extensive haciendas or 
plantations, where the laboring population is numerous and ignorant. 
In the city of Mexico, this Company has formed a large number of 
schools for children of both sexes, upon the same footing as those estab- 
lished by the Ayuntamiento ; that is to say, the pupils are taught without 
* The CTnited States Census for 1840, gives the following results- 
Number of Universities and Colleges, 173 
" of Studentsin do 16,233 
Academies and Grammar Schools, 3,242 
Students in do 164,159 
Primary Common Schools, 47,209 
Scholars in do 1,845,244 
Scholars at public charge, 468,264 
Total number of whites in the United States 14,189,108 
Total number of whites in tlie United States over the age of 20 who cannot read and write, 519,693 
