Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/656

636 failed, mainly through the absorption of funds for the war of intervention. Maximilian, with his German ideas, introduced some measures which left seeds that show signs of being developed into flourishing plants. Amid all the vicissitudes of the republic, however, with its disorders, neglect, and inefficient legislation, illiteracy has been greatly reduced. The proof lies in the growth of primary schools, and of the number of pupils in attendance. Besides these schools there were 134 public establishments of higher grade and colleges. In 1883–4 the federal government expended $353,080 in public instruction and kindred branches, and appropriated to the same purpose $701,420 for the fiscal year 1885-6. The propensity for separating the sexes is strong in Spanish American countries, hence only a small portion of the schools are of a mixed order.

The clergy for a long time tried to retain control over the higher schools, there to perpetuate scholastic and other old-fashioned ideas. Gradually, however, the states assumed control, and managed to introduce