EDUCATION. Instruction was almost entirely neglected until quite recent times. The older generations of the poorer classes are, for the most part, unable either to read or to write. The middle schools and the once famous uni versities are far inferior in in standards to corresponding institutions in most European countries. Spaniards seldom learn any language but their own, excepting the nobility, who usually can converse in French. In I8S9 68.1 per cent. of the population could neither read nor write, though by the law of 1857 education was made compulsory. Improvements in the educational system have been in progress for some years. It is now under charge of a Minister of Education with a council. The public primary schools are supported chiefly by the municipalities, with a small contribution from the Government ; and the average sum now spent on primary educa tion (most of the children being educated free) is about $5,000,000 a year. By a law passed in
1902, the schools are now regularly inspected, and rules regarding sanitation, discipline, and the appointment of qualified teachers are enforced under Government authority. In 1901 there were 25.340 public schools, with 1,617.314 pupils, and 6181 private schools, with 344,380 pupils. The secondary schools, of which there must be one in every province, prepare for the universities and are largely attended, but they arc still regarded as inefficient. There are nine universities, with about 16.000 students, the largest being at Ma drid, which has upward of 5000 students. The Government also supports special schools for instruction in engineering, agriculture, fine arts, music, and other branches. The sum set apart in the budget of 1903 for education was 43,122, 259 pesetas.