Notes

Abstract

THE instructive article on Japanese education, in another part of this issue, serves admirably to show the importance of education, especially higher education, as the chief factor of national progress. In a period shorter than that which has elapsed since the passing of our Elementary Education Act in 1870, Japan has introduced and perfected a properly coordinated system of education extending from the primary school to the university. More than this, Japan has put into practice the policy which has always been urged in these columns, that higher education is a State charge which ought not to depend upon private benefaction for its endowment. Reversing the order of this country, the universities of Japan rely financially upon the national exchequer, while the elementary schools, though assisted by the State, are considered primarily a local charge. The national bureau of education has no responsibility for the support of elementary or secondary schools, which derive the greater part of their funds directly from local sdlirces. The department is, however, o responsible for all higher education. As an object lesson of the profound influence which universities can exert upon a nation's development Japan's rapid advancement is perhaps unique, and it is to be hoped that the same enlightened views which have during the past thirty years dominated the rulers of that country may soon direct the educational policy of British statesmen.