"THE CURSE OF EXAMINATIONS"
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The merit of written examinations is that they test ability to cram ; and cramming suits that most important period of life—middle age. It is the crowning accomplishment of the successful barrister or company. promoter. In the lower walks of life, the ordinary business or professional man derives not only profit but pleasure from the effort of explaining this or that aspect of his speciality to colleagues or clients.
The progress of invention gives to the old an increasing
measure of control over the young. What is more proper than to graft middle-aged habits upon young people ? Young people cannot argue ; those who argue have forgotten what it is to be young. No one can state a case for the young in literature. Where R. L. Stevenson has obviously failed, who is likely to succeed ?
That middle age is the repository of desirable qualities is proved by the general agreement that examination of written work in schools cannot be dispensed with ; and that scholars are to be classed as " bright " or " average " or " dull " in proportion to their success or failure in displaying this elderly accomplishment.
The variety of subjects studied in mature life might present a difficulty to persons less wise than our examiners, because it might seem a handicap to our future architects if school instruction were concentrated upon farming, or medicine ; and equally unfair to farmers if schools were to specialize on structural engineering. But the remedy is obvious when seen ; we must cram youths with those subjects which are most remote from common use or interest : such subjects as mediaeval history, and extinct languages.
A further step suggests itself : since elderly people usually take their exercise by walking, ought not young people to be prevented from running about ? But no doubt this reform will come ; meanwhile we note with satisfaction that youths are kept sitting indoors for many hours each day.—I am, Sir, &c., Hindenvell, North Yorkshire. E. PEASE.
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