CHAPTER XXI.

CONSULAR REPORTS ON EDUCATION."

CONTENTS.-German chambers of commerce and commercial education-Antwerp Geographical Exhibition-Admission to Italian art galleries-The Chinese language-Educational movements in China-New national school in Germany-Industrial school at Tourcoing, France-Changes in regulation for admission to technical schools in Russia-The medical school for women in St. Petersburg-The Glauchau weaving school in Saxony, Germany-Private schools in RussiaThe commercial school at Tiflis, Russia-Professorship of "Railroading" in Germany-Alcoholism in France-American College in Strassburg, Germany-Proposed university for Hamburg, Germany-Primary commercial education in Germany-Educational notes from Siberia.

GERMAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMERCIAL EDUCATION.

A short time ago, the Zwickau Chamber of Commerce wrote to all the various chambers of commerce and commercial bodies in the German Empire, asking what part was taken by them in supporting commercial education, the sum expended, what supervision of schools was exercised, etc.

The following answers from all parts of the Empire speak for themselves:

Aix-la-Chapelle.-The chamber of commerce uses every means in its power to promote commercial education. At the beginning of every school year, the chamber publishes in the press of the city the studies scheduled for that year, and always embodies the school reports in the annual yearbook of the chamber.

Altona.-There is one commercial school with indirectly enforced attendance. The chamber of commerce has been instrumental in forming a commercial school in the suburban town of Elmshorn. In Neumünster a similar school is maintained by the merchants' union and town corporation. Through the influence of the chamber of commerce many commercial subjects have been introduced into the public schools of Altona.

Arnsberg.-The commercial school was founded by the chamber of commerce. The sum of $32 is given annually toward its maintenance, and the chamber has full control. Prizes are given to worthy students, and members of the chamber often act as examiners. The commercial school in Neheim also receives $25 annually from this chamber.

Barmen. The chamber of commerce has founded a commercial school, to which it gives $285 annually. Four members of the chamber, together with one representative of the city and two members of the merchant union, form the board of trustees. The chamber uses all its influence to promote the interests of the school. Baireuth. This chamber of commerce is at present using its influence with the Government to secure the teaching of commercial subjects in the public schools of the district. Compulsory attendance has been recommended.

Berlin. The merchants' corporation of Berlin has supervision over six commercial schools, to which it gives a subvention of $10,000 annually. In addition, the a This chapter contains information regarding educational affairs in foreign countries as reported to the Department of State by United States consuls. These reports have been in part transmitted direct to the Bureau of Education by the State Department for publication and in part reprinted from the publications of the State Department.

The technical educational terms used by the consuls in their reports have been in most cases retained, and must be understood to have generally the signification which attaches to them in the countries to which they refer.

corporation gives $550 to an institute which prepares young girls to fill positions in business houses, $250 to the Humboldt Academy, and $1,000 to the city weavers' school. The corporation also gives $1,250 each semester for the benefit of young men who wish to hear lectures on the science of commerce, etc. The corporation would like to see the attendance of apprentices at these schools made compulsory. Bingen.—In 1888 a course of commercial education was secured to the schools of this city through the initiative of the chamber of commerce. The annual deficit (which amounts to $100 to $175) is made good by this chamber. The president and two members serve as directors.

Bochum.-There are four commercial schools in this district, to which the chamber of commerce gives $300 each year. The members of the chamber are now agitating in favor of a fifth, which will in all probability shortly be established.

Bonn.-This chamber of commerce has established a commercial school and gives $75 annually toward its support. In addition, the State, the city, and many business firms give voluntary contributions to its maintenance. Five members of this chamber belong to the school board. Prizes and books are granted diligent students, and any deficit which may occur is paid. Steps have been taken to organize a second commercial school.

Brandenburg.This chamber of commerce has organized three commercial schools in as many suburban towns, and affiliated them with the one in this city. The chamber controls these schools, and contributes one-third of the expense which is not met by tuition. The other two-thirds are raised by the State, private individuals, business firms, etc. Attendance is compulsory for apprentices until they have passed their eighteenth year. The Brandenburg Chamber of Commerce contributes annually the sum of $40 to each of the commercial schools in Wittenberg and Kyritz, which entitles it to one member on the school board, thus giving it a voice in the arrangement of studies and the disposition of funds.

Brunswick.-This chamber of commerce has established ten obligatory commercial schools in the Duchy of Brunswick and has full supervisory control over the same. The chamber makes good one-third of the deficit which may occur in any one school year. In 1901 the sum thus paid out amounted to something more than $1,000. It has established a free course of study for girls employed in commercial houses; it gives a small sum of money each year for the purpose of enabling the teachers in these schools to travel through the different districts of the duchy, in order to thoroughly study economic conditions. A collection of all the industrial products of Brunswick has been placed on exhibition for the benefit of apprentices. There is a library in German, French, and English literature for teachers and students, and prizes are also granted.

Breslau.-The commercial school receives $250 annually from the chamber of commerce. There is an institute in the city which teaches commercial subjects to young women, and $100 is given every year toward its support. The chamber of commerce has members among the directors of both these institutions. An industrial school is to be established this year, and the chamber of commerce has agreed to pay all expenses not met by school tax, tuition, etc.

Cassel.-The commercial school in this city, which was established twenty-five years ago, has passed entirely under the management of this chamber of commerce, which has erected a building from its own funds as a home for the school.

Coblenz.-The chamber of commerce gives $125 a year toward the support of a commercial school in this city. Members of the body are on the school board.

Danzig. The president of this chamber is one of the directors of the commercial school in this city. The chamber of commerce gives an annual stipend of $2,000 toward the maintenance of commercial courses in the public schools of St. Petri.

Dessau. The sum of $250 is given each year toward commercial education. The chamber of commerce further grants a stipend which enables teachers to hear lectures on commercial topics during vacations.

Dortmund.-The chamber of commerce gives $900 annually to the commercial school in this city.

Dresden.-The chamber of commerce maintains a commercial school, and the president of the chamber is chairman of the board of trustees.

Duisburg. The commercial school in this city was founded jointly by the chamber of commerce and the city corporation. The chamber gives $250 yearly toward its support.

Düsseldorf.-The commercial school of this city was founded by the chamber of commerce independent of outside assistance. It gives $400 every year toward its expenses. In addition, a course of lectures on the science of commerce, for the benefit of young business men, has been introduced. Beginning with April 1, 1902, attendance at the industrial school of Düsseldorf will be made obligatory. The

chamber of commerce will so arrange the curriculum of the commercial school as to enable the two schools to work hand in hand.

Elberfeld.—This chamber of commerce gives $300 a year to the commercial school in this city. In addition, the school receives from the chamber the interest on $700 annually.

Frankfort-on-the-Main.-The chamber of commerce gives $150 yearly toward commercial education in this city.

Frankfort-on-the-Oder.—Within the past three years this chamber of commerce has founded five commercial schools, all of which are directly under the management of the chamber, which supplies whatever funds are needed. The deficit made good by this chamber in 1901 amounted to $175. The secretary of the chamber is chairman of the board of trustees. The secretary also gives lectures throughout the district to business men who may be interested in commercial questions of the day. It is possible that four more commercial schools may be founded in this district during the next two years.

Freiburg. The commercial school was founded by the city corporation. The chamber of commerce gives about $100 annually, which is used chiefly for prizes. Beginning with April 1, 1902, a course of lectures on commercial subjects will be introduced for the benefit of young women.

Friedberg. The commercial school in this city was founded by the chamber of commerce, and receives $100 each year toward any deficit which may occur. Geestemünde.—The chamber of commerce founded the commercial school in this city. The sum of $100 is given each year, as well as prizes to diligent students. Giessen. The three commercial schools in this city receive $125 a year from the chamber of commerce.

Görlitz.-An annual stipend of $400 is given by the chamber of commerce to the commercial school in this city. Two of the members belong to the school committee. Göttingen.-The commercial school in Münden receives $50 a year from this chamber of commerce. One member of this chamber belongs to the board of trustees. It also gives $50 to the commercial school in Osterode.

Greiz.-The commercial school receives $150 a year from the chamber of commerce. Graudenz.-At the instigation of the chamber of commerce, a commercial school has been founded in this city in connection with the industrial school; $300 is given each year toward its maintenance. No changes can be made in the course of study without the consent of the chamber of commerce. It is trying to establish other commercial schools in the district.

Hagen.-The commercial school in Hagen, together with the one in Gevelsberg, receive conjointly $150 from the chamber of commerce; $25 a year is further donated for library purposes.

Halberstadt.-Through the instrumentality of this chamber of commerce, ten commercial schools have been established in as many cities in the district. One member of the chamber is on every school board. Lectures are maintained during vacations for the benefit of teachers. The chamber pays $1,500 annually for the maintenance of these schools.

Halle.-Three commercial schools have been founded in this city through the united efforts of the municipal authorities, the merchants' union, and this chamber. Each organization pays $50 a year on the deficit.

Hanau.-The commercial school was established through the efforts of the chamber of commerce. One of the members is on the school board. In addition, the chamber has caused a commercial school to be established in Fulda. A commercial course for young women has also been arranged for in this city.

Hanover. The chamber of commerce has no official connection with the commercial school in this city. School tax, tuition, etc., adequately meet the expenses of the school.

Heidelberg.-The commercial school receives $100 a year from the chamber of commerce. Two of the members are on the school board. An advanced course in modern languages and economics has been arranged for by the chamber.

Heilbronn-This chamber gives $25 a year to be distributed as prizes to worthy and diligent students, and one of the members is on the commercial school board. Hildesheim.-The commercial school in Hildesheim and Peine receives $400 a year from the chamber of commerce. A commercial school is shortly to be established in Alfeld.

Insterburg. The commercial organizations of this city, with the assistance of the Government, founded a commercial school here some years ago. Members of the chamber have the right to attend the examinations. They intend shortly to set aside a sum of money for premiums.

Cologne. The chamber of commerce watches with great interest the development

of commercial education in this city. Through its influence, evening courses have been arranged for those who have no time to attend the day courses. The commercial school of Cologne was founded and is supported by the municipal authorities of the city, acting for the people. The chamber used its influence in securing the Commercial University for Cologne in 1901.

Konigsberg.-Through the initiative of the municipal authorities, a commercial school with twelve classes has been in progress since the beginning of the year. Attendance is compulsory. This commercial organization gives $225 a year toward

its maintenance.

Constance.-Two members of this chamber serve on the commercial school board in the city. All the members are permitted to attend the examinations. The chamber of commerce gives $15 a year for the purchase of prizes.

Crefeld. The commercial school in this city was founded by the chamber of commerce, and receives annually the sum of $1,500 toward its support. One of the members belongs to the school board. The chamber intends to donate a library to the school in the near future.

Lahr.-Two commercial schools were established in Lahr and Offenburg, at the instigation of the chamber of commerce. Attendance is compulsory for apprentices. The president of the chamber is on the board of trustees. Each school receives $10 a year for the purchase of book prizes. The commercial school in this city has recently passed under the management of the municipal authorities.

Leipzig. This chamber of commerce pays $4,000 annually for commercial education in this city. This sum is raised by private subscription from the members of the chamber.

Liegnitz. This organization has the management of the commercial school in this city; $200 is given yearly toward its support. Prizes are granted to ambitious students. Limburg. This chamber of commerce is at present negotiating with similar organizations in other cities of this district, with a view to establishing a commercial school. Lübeck. In 1873 a commercial school was founded in this city for the benefit of apprentices, which receives $250 a year from the chamber of commerce. Another school is being organized by the chamber.

Mannheim. This chamber of commerce gives $250 annually to the commercial school in this city. It also maintains a lecture course on commerce and economics, the funds for which are raised by the chamber conjointly with the merchants' union and bourse. It is probable that attendance at the commercial school will be made obligatory in the near future.

Magdeburg. The commercial school in this city is maintained equally by the State, municipal government, and the chamber of commerce. The city places a building free of charge at the disposal of the school. The aggregate sum paid for maintenance, in addition to school tax, tuition, etc., amounts to $5,000 per annum, $1,500 of which is contributed by the chamber. Special courses have been introduced into this school in foreign languages, rapid calculation, double-entry bookkeeping, stenography, etc. These courses thus far have been self-supporting, but if a deficit should occur it must be made good by the chamber and the merchants' union of this city. In addition, the chamber of commerce has arranged for ten scientific lectures on commerce and economics for the merchants of this city. The expense of these amounts to $500 a year, which is partly paid from the interest on $4,000 capital donated for this purpose by one of the citizens, and partly from admission fees. During the past year, however, this chamber made good a deficit of $250 for these lectures. The total sum expended by this chamber of commerce for commercial education amounts to $2,000 annually, or fully 15 per cent of the total expenditures. Mainz.-There is a commercial school in this city, which receives $75 a year from the chamber. There is a movement on foot throughout the Grand Duchy of Hessen to thoroughly reorganize all the commercial schools, beginning with the one in Mainz. On the 1st of April, 1902, the commercial school in this city passed under the management of the chamber of commerce.

Meiningen.-In 1884 a commercial school was established by the chamber of commerce. The yearly expenses are paid by school tax and tuition.

Münden.-In 1898 the chamber of commerce established an obligatory commercial school, which has an attendance of about 150 pupils, divided into four classes. The secretary of this chamber formerly gave a course of lectures on commerce and economics. The annual deficit, if any, is met by the municipal authorities. The efforts of the chamber of commerce to establish an obligatory commercial school in Bünde have thus far failed, owing to the antagonism of the town council of that place.

Mühlhausen in Thüringia.-The city and chamber of commerce founded the commercial school in Mühlhausen. One hundred and twenty-five dollars a year is given

toward its support, this sum being raised by a direct tax on the business firms of the city.

Mülheim-on-the-Rhine.-A commercial school was founded in the Mülheim district by the chamber of commerce, which gives $75 a year toward its support. The president of the chamber is chairman of the board of trustees.

Mülheim-on-the-Ruhr.-The commercial school in this city, which was founded by the merchants' union, has passed under the management of this chamber of commerce. Its gifts to the school amount to about $250 a year. The president of the the chamber is chairman of the board of trustees.

Münster in Westphalia.-The commercial school in this city will open on the 1st of April, 1902. Attendance is obligatory for apprentices and those holding positions who have not passed the age of 18. The State and municipal government each pay one-third of the expenses that are not met by tax and tuition. The rest is paid by the chamber of commerce and the merchants' union. The board of curators is made up of representatives of the Prussian Government, the city, the chamber of commerce, and merchants' union.

Nuremberg. The chamber of commerce gives an annual stipend to the commercial school in this city.

Offenbach.-The commercial school in this city was founded by the chamber of commerce. The yearly deficit, if any, is paid by the members. In addition, the. building, heat, light, and $75 extra each year are furnished by the chamber.

Oppeln.-There are 30 commercial schools in the district covered by the work of this chamber of commerce. These schools receive annually about $4,000 from the Government, the chamber, and the various communities interested. A movement is on foot at present to thoroughly reorganize all these schools. This chamber has offered to pay the salary of a director, who will superintend them.

Osnabrück.-The commercial school in this city was founded by the chamber of commerce and the merchants' union. Two of the members are on the school board, and the secretary is director. Steps have been taken by this chamber to organize similar schools in other towns of this district.

Plauen. The chamber of commerce uses every means in its power to promote commercial education in this district.

Posen. This chamber furnishes funds to three different commercial schools. It has a member on each of the school boards.

Potsdam.-The commercial school in this city was founded by this chamber. The deficit, if any, is met equally by the Prussian Government, the city, and the chamber of commerce. During 1901 the total amount thus expended was something in excess of $500. The first vice-president and two members belong to the board of

curators.

Ratisbon. The chamber of commerce gives $250 a year to the commercial school in this city.

Ruhrort. The commercial school was founded by the chamber of commerce, which contributes $500 a year toward its support. The members of the chamber are on the board of curators. During the winter months some twenty lectures on commerce and industry are given for the benefit of merchants. The expense of this course amounts to about $200, which is raised by admission fees.

Saalfeld.-Three commercial schools receive funds from the chamber of commerce. Several of the members are on the school boards. Lecture courses are also given by the chamber.

Saarbrücken.-The chamber of commerce gives $40 a year to the commercial school. Solingen.-The commercial school was founded by the chamber of commerce conjointly with the city. The chamber gives $150 and pays one-third of any annual deficit.

Sonneberg.-The municipal authorities have charge of the commercial school. The chamber of commerce gives $75 a year toward its maintenance. The following subjects are obligatory: German, English, French, arithmetic, geography, elementary economics, and penmanship.

Sorau. This chamber and the merchants of the city have established three commercial schools in this district.

Stettin.-The merchants' organization gives $150 toward the maintenance of the commercial school.

Stralsund.-There is an evening commercial course in this city which receives $25 a year from the chamber of commerce.

Strassbury.-In common with the city, this chamber of commerce has assisted in establishing a commercial school and gives $500 annually to its support. Four of the members belong to the board of trustees. In addition, this chamber contributes