France.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2372, 23 October 1880, Page 3 (Supplement)

France.

The exhibits from this country are numerous, and most attractive and interesting. Of course we expect from a people God gifted with artistic taste—industrial faculties, and irresistible energy, remarkable illustrations of the national genius. We are not disappointed; and when the court is complete, we are sure that it will form one of the chief attractions of the Exhibition. The General Court lies at the southern side of the eastern nave.

What monstrous ignorance is displayed by those dunderheaded people who cling to the tradition that the French are a superficial, erratic, and impractical people. France haa shown the world within the past ten years how impossible it is to place her back in the second rank of nations. Elastic, patriotic, ardent, full of genius and lofty.aspirations, the lessons of disaster have developed the most noble traits in the national character. They have inspired a profound resolution to become greater than ever; and to build up a future —not by conquest of arms or acquisition of territory, but by development of the arts of peace—such as shall be at once the glory and the envy of the world. And we of England, old enemies once, the faster sure friends and comrades now, may well rejoice in this new departure, this wise, this profitable devotion to the only sure means of progress, wealth, national happiness and advancement, power and influence. Among the multitudinous reforms which have been inaugurated by the Republic, that affecting rational education takes a high place. It is recognised more surely, more perceptively by the French Government, than by any other in the world; that by education alone can you re-form society There is no other method within the ken of man, by which humanity may be regenerated, perfected, relieved from the thraldom of narrow prejudices, illiberal thought, sinister action. There is no other plan by which vice, which is an abuse only of virtue, may be crushed; by which crime may be lessened; by which man may fulfil his rightful destiny of happiness and usefulness. Alive then to these facts, the French Government have taken most energetic measures to develop and extend the educational system now in the country—a system very much akin to our own, w only vastly superior in every regard. Had e space we would show this, and how by a plan, the chief merit to which is its simplicity, not one youth or girl of the present generation in France exists, but who has been taught how to earn his or her living. But we have no room to dilate upon this matter. We have merely referred to it in order to introduce Monsieur Macmahon, Director-General of Schools in France, a gentleman, intelligent, liberal, eagerly perceptive, who has been sent hither to teach us how they manage educational affairs in Prance, and to gather from our system any hints for their improvement. Monsieur Macmahon will show us his exhibit# with that courtesy and patient [attention to our inquiries which are the characteristics of a Frenchman and a gentleman. _ These books, now, which, we are informed, it is the intention of the exhibitor to present to the municipal authorities, are of wonderful interest. You have never been at Paris, eh ? Ah! then you have only seen half of the world; the other half believe me, is—Paris.