Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/77

Rh ; including' a kind of political and religious catechism—the girls being initiated into the mysteries of plain needle-work in addition. Subscription Lancasterian associations have also been formed in various parts of the republic, which have met with considerable patronage from private individuals: in these institutions, the children are instructed gratis. There are also evening schools for adults.

There are four collegiate establishments in the capital; and a few in different provincial departments besides. It is a lamentable fact that such praiseworthy efforts as these have been, as yet, unproductive of good fruit; but many of these institutions being based on right foundations, there is promise in them. We would charitably hope that the illiterate and apathetic priesthood throughout the country, are not in their hearts opposed to the progress of national education; but their actions do not afford ground upon which to rest so liberal a construction of their conduct.

The Roman Catholic clergy in Mexico have been, for ages, in the habit of carrying it with a wondrously high hand; and, although their voices may not be quite so emphatic as formerly, they yet act without the least control. The