Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1921.djvu/1337

 INSTRUCTION 1285

the Church estimates. The relations between Church and State are regulated by the Concordat of May 6, 1851, and although it is laid down in this that only the orders of San Vicente de Paul, and Felipe Neri, with one other to be subsequently named, should be permitted in Spain, many other orders have been allowed to establish themselves. The third order referred to above, has never been named, and the conditions of this Concordat have never been rigidly adhered to. A law known as the ' Padlock Bill ' was pa'ssed in December, 1910, prohibiting the establishment of any more religious houses, without the consent of the Government. This law lapsed on December 31, 1912, but its effect was prolonged by an order from the Pope to the Spanish Bishops. This temporary measure will lie replaced by a definite ar- rangement which is at present being negotiated with Rome. Liberty of worship is now allowed to Protestants and all other religious bodies. The communities of the religious orders are numerous and influential in Spain. Many of them have schools, and about 5,000 of their members are engaged in teaching boys of the upper and middle classes, while, within many of their establishments, industries of all kinds are carried on. The number of religions houses in Spain is about 3,826, of which 804 are for men and 3,022 for women. Of those for men, 650 are devoted to education, 79 to charity, and 75 to the training of priests. The total number of monks is about 9,827 (including 1,294 foreigners). The orders for women comprise 1,322 for education, 895 for charity, and 805 for a contemplative life. The number of nuns is about 38,227 (including 2,418 foreign women). In 1918 there were in Spain 66 cathedrals, 20,407 parish churches, 17,424 chapels and sanctuaries, and 35,382 priests.

Instruction.

The latest census returns show that a large proportion of the inhabitants are illiterate. In 1860 19 '97 percent, of the population could read and write; 4 "50 percent, could read only; and 75 '52 per cent, could neither read nor write. In 1910, 38 59 per cent, could read and write, 177 per cent, could read only, and 59 "35 per cent, could neither read nor write.

By a law of 1857 an elaborate system of primary education was ordained : education was to be compulsory, there was to be a primary school for every 500 inhabitants, and instruction was to be on a rigidly uniform plan. This system has not been rigidly enforced, but various improvements have been effected, especially by a law of June 9, 1909, which made education obligatory. The country is divided into eleven educational districts, with the universities as centres. The public and primary schools are since 1902 supported by Government, the total sum spent in 1918 was 43,726,597 pesetas. Most of the children are educated free. The Royal Decree of July 1, 1902, regulates all schools, whether belonging to corporations or private persons, whether self-supporting or in receipt of Government or municipal subventions. It requires schools to be authorised by Government authority, and provides for their periodical inspection, for the enforcement of rules respecting sanitation and discipline, and for the appointment of properly qualified teachers.

There are 26,108 public schools, and 5,669 private schools, the total number of pupiis being 2,604,308. Secondary education is conducted in 1 institutions, ' or middle-class schools, there must be at least one of them in every province. There are at present 58 institutions with 52,498 pupils. These institutions prepare for the universities, of which there are eleven, attended by 2-3, 586 students. The universities are at Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Muicia, Oviedo, Salamanca, Santiago, Sevilla, Valencia, Valladolid, and Zaragoza. Each university has two or more