(To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR'S] 61R, —Unfortunately Dr. Macan's indignation
does not alter facts. I wish it could. I would forgive him freely any epithet he might apply to the writer or his modest plea. I cited facts from Scotland, where Greek has already disappeared from nearly all schools; and facts from America, where it has not only die- appeared, but can no longer be taught in most schools. In time, no doubt, the effect will be seen in the TJniversitios of both countries. They are not in point here, where it is a question of schools. It is certainly pitiful that Greek cannot live on its own merits; but in English schools no subject lives on its merits, not a single one. All are kept by some sort of compulsion, the various outcries of the public and examinations being the chief. The reason why Greek causes this extraordinary hostility is that it is unintelligently taught. Here also I have facts to show and a remedy to propose; but Dr. Macau., like many other distinguished mien, has turned a. deaf ear to all requests for impartial inquiry. Rather than admit that he and his fellow-teachers are to blame, he proposes a course which will practically extinguish Greek study. I think it would be very undesirable to have the study of Greek confined to a few boarding-schools, which could only accom- modate a small number of boys, and those only the rich. I desire to see its study continue to be possible in all secondary schools. Imagine what an outcry there would be if any one proposed to make the study of chemistry impossible except in a few schools. Not in this way is education reformed. Perhaps some one who reads these lines may be possessed of an inquiring spirit, and may oven desire to know the other facts on which my statements are founded. If so, I should be pleased to hear from him.—I am, [We much regret that we cannot continue this most interesting Correspondence at prescnt.—En. Spectator.]
Previous page
