Lecture on Switzerland (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Lecture on Switzerland

One of the first steps of the new government was to reorganize and renovate public instruction. A visit to the normal school established by them must inspire bright anticipations of future improvement for the country. Patriotism, religious and moral feeling, and intelligence, are developed by precept and example. In those who are hereafter to have the training of the Bernese youth. The industrious life of these future teachers, eleven hours being spent in the school-room, in receiv ing or imparting instruction, their frugal fare, meat of any kind being placed before them but twice in each week, and their coarse clothing, are all shared with them by the director of the institution. Severe exercise in the open air, through the gymnastics so popular in Germany and Switzer land, counteracts, in a degree, the effect of this sedentary life upon their health. In addition to the branches usually cultivated in our schools, music is made a part of the teacher's education, that he may, in turn, give instruction in it to all his pupils. The effect produced by the deep toned and well tuned voices of the young teachers in this normal school, engaged in singing, con amore, some of the patriotic songs of their country, was one of the most moving that I ever experienced. What a fine material for republicans was the remark of the counsellor of state who accompanied me, the echo of the very feeling which was thrilling through me. Close by this school is Hofwyl, the celebrated institution of Emmanuel Fellenberg. But to venture within its precincts would occupy you far longer than I am privileged to do. The system of this establishment, for it is not one school, but is composed of several schools of different grades, has served, in a degree, as a model for that of the canton, and has exerted a greater influence in and out of Switzerland than any other single institution in the world.

The new government has reorganized and improved many of the pub lic establishments of the canton, and created new ones. Thus the two orphan houses of the city have already felt its favorable influence 3 a School for the deaf and dumb, and one for the blind, has been estab lished under its patronage, and a new penitentiary has been erected for the introduction of the modern improvements In prison discipline. In 1819 women condemned for crimes swept the streets of Berne, and now the government is nearly prepared to adopt the Pennsylvania system of prison discipline. Surely the progress of this people has been worthy of, if not above, all praise.

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