Trustees of Boston University

VENEZUELA
Author(s): MACLEOD
Source: The Journal of Education, Vol. 42, No. 24 (1057) (DECEMBER 19, 1895), pp. 416-417
Published by: Trustees of Boston University
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/44046876
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 416

moiiious conduct VENEZUELA,on . other height. Standing trying

in the centre of the city, the ob
occ
pretty tail is edged with server gold, feels himself surrounded
and entirely
so by mountain
is hi
MAC LEOD.
If the red seal upon his peaks. Several roads
wing is leadaout of the city, literally
stamp o
and his crest an incipient passescrown,
through the mountains. However, what the city m
Just at present the reading public is turning its
hope from this bird in the is remarkably beautiful and the Venezuelans are justly
attention toward Venezuela and awaiting withway keen of evolutio
less, a Sidney or a Raleigh proud of it. On one yet
will subject the inhabitants
descend are sensi-
interest the outcome of the boundary dispute between
royal line upon the bough. tive, that is, the frequent earthquakes that visit the
that country and Great Britain.
Unlike the course of true city. love,
In 1812 the town was the entirely demolished
stream and
Before touching upon its present political troubles,
ran smooth as it neared thetwenty thousand
mouth people buried in the of ruins. Since
the
let us review the history of this South American re-
'95. The third then, there have been lesser earthquakes,
was inone which
public week
and take a look at of December
its geographical situation
ward look into the eyes portions
of of the town
Autumn. have disappeared. The Capitol
The ,
and agricultural resources. Columbus discovered the
the 21st was in known as the Palacio Federal, is a handsome building,
eastern coastinverse
of Venezuela in 1498, and ratio
the following to its brevit
the afternoon the highest in the city although but two full stories.th
yearhours
the Spanish explorer in fields
Vespucci, accompaniedthat by border
where it joins the sea. So still was its current another explorer named Ojeda, landed It occupies an entire square and is built around a park
there. They
through the richly tinted marshes, so blue the still- containing flowers, fountains, and statuary. Owing to
entered lake Maracaybo and there found an Indian
ness, that it seemed like "the sky turned into a chan- the liability to earthquakes, few of the buildings of
village of very peculiar construction. Evidently to
nel of meadow, but yearning for heaven. And the Caracas are more than one story in height. Caracas
avert the disastrous effects of a possible inundation,
sky - was it not an outstretched wing brooding the boasts an opera house, university, post-office, and
the huts were raised to a considerable height by being
world? The larches wore faded gold. Wooded built on piles. The explorers, fancying other buildings worthy of note. Gas and electric
a resemblance
islands in the bay, with clinging oak leaves, madeto a Venice, named this village Venezuela, lights
which in
are sig-use and there is an excellent telephone
gorgeous rug for a Titan. From the great spruce nifies "Little Venice," and the name has system.
since been
trees fell soft bird notes ; one, the call of the yellow-used to designate the whole country. The congress, consisting of an upper and lower
hammer, a mockery of spring. house,made
The first settlement of any account was meets each
byyear in February. The former sec-
tion
On the bosom of the river a flock of gulls werethe Spaniards in 1520. Spain held possession of the is composed of two senators from each state,
resting, twelve in number, each one with a perfect Venezuelan settlements until 1811, when the countryof the people for a term of four
elected by direct vote
double in the stream. So motionless were they, declared its independence. It soon returned years. The tolower
itshouse has one member to represent
spellbound by the spirit of the hour, that I began to every 25,000
former allegiance, but in 1813 it united with New of the population, elected for two years.
Congress elects a council of sixteen members from its
think them phantom birds, and eager for their flight,G-ranada. and Ecuador and made a more persistent fight
number
that I might have proof of their reality, I yet dreadedfor liberty. It was declared independent and this
in 1819 and council selects by ballot from its
to disturb their exquisite repose. Suddenly a gun- members a president and two vice-presidents of the
shot broke the stillness. Instantly, every pair of Republic. The official residence of the president is
wings, save one, was beating the air in tumultuous known as the Yellow House. It is a showy structure
flight ; and lo ! a miracle of beauty wrought by that of two stories, and is not occupied by President
magician, the low descending sun. Each bird was Crespo, as his family is too large, and was not occupied
transformed into an animated rainbow, beautiful and by President Blanco for the same reason. A large
brilliant beyond words. The one stoic who had re- number of American families reside in Caracas. As
mained unstartled at his post tinned his breast in most Spanish-American countries, etiquette forbids
proudly sunward, and caught a flashing bow even the ladies appearing alóne in the streets. They are
more vivid and glorious than those in flight. Will always accompanied by colored attendants. The
the airs of Paradise be fanned by wings as beautiful women of Venezuela are noted for their beauty and
as those the birds of Iris bore ? The earthly para- grace. They are at the same time more vivacious and
dise had its attendant shadow for every ray of sun- intelligent than those of many of the sister countries.
shine j and these white birds of the sea liad their foil They have rich olive complexions, dark, melting eyes,
of darkness, the ever present crow. and fine figures. They are fond of dress and are up
December, too, had its Rembrandt shadow on a to date in regard to fashions, many of the wives and
canvas rich in beauty. The closing days held a bliz- daughters of rich Venezuelans importing their cos-
zard that silenced the gentle land birds and pitched tumes direct from Paris. All Venezuelans pride
in keys of fury the voices of the gulls. But the 31st themselves on their great politeness, the ancient dame
was a day of sunshine. The old year, as it crossed and the noted beauty alike calling forth extravagant
the threshold into the bright world of memory, wept vows of friendship and esteem. As a class, they are
not, but smiled. The " hardy sperhauke " greeted me accomplished, - to be able to speak three or four lan-
on my early morning walk, and permitted a fine guages being the rule and not the exception.
study of his rounded head, rich brown tints, and mur- Supervisor Walter S. Parker, The seaport of Caracas is La Guayra, a queer look-
derous beak, which he seemed to be whetting on the President Massachusetts Association. ing town extending along the precipitous coast for
oak - a feathered Shy lock, making ready to execute about two miles. Three roads lead from the seaport
his " merry bond " upon Christian bird or mouse. to Caracas, the shortest being an Indian trail, almost
With the zeal, if not the wisdom, of a Portia, I strove the three states were known as the Republic impassable,
of Co- about nine miles long. A wagon road,
to divert him from the pursuit of his lawful " pound twenty-two miles in length forms another means of
lumbia. The leader in the movement for independence
of flesh." communication
was Simon Bolivar, who in 1809 had visited the United between Caracas and the sea. The
There are sparrows by the billion, thirdthere
States and imbibed the republican principles and most serviceable means of travel between
Pretty hawkeye, on our street, the two "cities is a narrow gauge railroad of remarkable
prevalent. He is often referred to as the " Liberator
And you're welcome to a million, and the " George Washington of South America." construction. It runs along shelves excavated from
If you'll help yourself to meat.
He was president of the Republic of Columbia the sides of the mountains, the grade averaging 197
until
But he spake in pigeon Choctaw, 1831, when Venezuela withdrew from the feet union toand
a mile. Other important cities of Venezuela
" I'm a patriotic sinner, became an independent republic, with Juanare Valencia,
Falcon as Bolivar, Barquisimeto, and Cumana.
And I'd rather have the lockjaw
its first president. One of the most noted presidents The greater part of Venezuela is well watered. Its
Than an English sparrow dinner."
of Venezuela is the one who was in power immense but a few river, the Orinoco, and its branches drain the
A " knocking spirit " seldom goes to nature unre-years ago, viz., Guzman Blanco, a man, it is country.
true, ofThis river contains numerous islands and
warded, and my next advance was courteously met by tyrannical character, but one whose strengthits of banks
mind are lined with Indian villages and mud set-
a pair of golden-crowned kinglets, who discoursed to and stubborn zeal did more for Venezuela than all his tlements inhabited by negroes and creóles. The delta
me in easy words of two syllables as long as the predecessors together. Venezuela, although declared of the Orinoco is thickly wooded, but the rest is
biting air suffered me to take a lesson in the aviana " free and independent state," was, in fact, bounded under by grassy, almost treeless plains, - llanos „
tongue. that most despotic of all rulers, the Church. Radical A few small streams flow northward through Vene-
u For what are the voices of birds -
measures were adopted by Blanco, the churchzuela was into the Caribbean sea and Lake Maracaybo,
Ay, and of beasts - but words - our words,
Only so much more sweet ! " deprived of much of its arbitrary power, and Much
the Vene- of the republic is mountainous. The Andes-
zuelans were given a larger and more liberal exposi- mountains enter from the west and divide into two
sang Pippa. Only so much more sweet that no
tion of what real independence meant. The present branches, one running north and the other in a north-
mortal has fathomed their meaning.
president is General Joaquin Crespo. The Federal easterly direction. The two loftiest peaks in the
Government supports the schools of Venezuela, country
the are about a hundred miles from Lake Mar»'
revenues from the post-office and all trade licenses caybo, being each over fifteen thousand feet high.
Each year when Christmas eve draws nigh,
being devoted to this purpose. These are constantly covered with snow.
Be it the time when you and I
Shall put away all wrong and sin, The capital of Venezuela is Caracas. It is Southeast of the Orinoco is a confused, only par-
situated
And bid the holy Christ-Child in in a valley between two lofty mountain ranges,tially
the explored, mountainous region. The country
To bless our merry Christmas. peaks averaging from six to nine thousand feet contains
in vast tablelands, most frequently referred to

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 Dec. 19, 1895.

school fêtes the children bear the Swiss cross crowned with
as llanos , although sometimes
THE PESTALOZZIAN CELEBRATION, ' designated as P
Paramos. the flowers of the season. It is the flag of the country in which
republics were born and popular education was begun.)
Venezuela may be said to have three climates, the BY HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH.
Pictures of Pestalozzi, Froebel, and Horace Mann. To these
extreme cold of the mountains, too intense to be en- may be added Washington, William Tell, Frederick William
dured by mankind, the tropical heat of the region Switzerland and Germany are to celebrate theLouisa
III., and Queen 150thof Prussia, Professor Agassiz, and
crossed by the equator, and the mild temperate climate anniversary of the birth of Henryfriends of education on
Pestalozzi in cities
the and towns. The record to Pesta-

found in cities built in the valleys, and so protected 12th of January. The representatives of educational lozzi on the wall of the castle of Burgdorf is crowned by a
interests in Switzerland met at Zurich last summer to marble or stone bough of oak with acorns. A like record,
both from extreme cold and intolerable heat. Thus,
which may follow the one we have copied from the monuments,
Caracas, although but ten degrees north of the equator, arrange for a national jubilee in the schools on that may be placed on the wall of the schoolroom, and a bough of
is so situated that the climate is like that of the tem- day, and the response will, be grateful and universal. real oak with acorns hung above it. The oak bough and
perate zone. The Swiss claim that they owe the glory of their acorns, rather than the old New England birch, is a Pestalozzian
For the most part the land of Venezuela is fertile. political institutions to Pestalozzi, and German think-teaching.
The principal productions are grains, sago, cocoanuts, ers, after the overthrow of Napoleon III., were accus- The motto, "For himself, nothing; for others, all," is
worthy of a conspicuous place.
mahogany, rosewood, satin-wood, ebony, caoutchouc, tomed to say, " It was Pestalozzi." When Frederick
To show the philosophy of the great teacher, it may be well
peruvian bark, coffee, sugar, cotton, tobacco, and in- William III. saw his monarchy crushed, he resolvedto plac? selections from his works about the schoolroom. We
digo. The usual wild animals of tropical countries to strengthen the nation by education and make amake a few selections, which may be multiplied : -
abound here, and great herds of cattle and wild horses generation of intelligence. He said: "We have lost
PESTALOZZIAN THOUGHTS.
roam the plains. Sheep, goats, pigs, and mules arein territory, power, and splendor, but for what we
raised. Agriculture is the main pursuit. Manufac- have lost abroad we must make up at home ; hence it The end of all true education is character.
tures are few and the means for commercial inter- Christ is the teacher of the school of the world.
is my chief desire that the greatest attention be paid
Life must be taught from life.
course are very imperfect. In certain parts to ofthe
theeducation of tlie people.'' He turned to Pesta-
The best way for a child to learn to love and obey God is to
country gold is found. The richest mine is in and,
lozzi, thewith him, turned the heart of Queen Louisa,see and hear a real Christian.
neighborhood of the Caroni river. It consists who was a delighted student of Pestalozzis educa- The individuality of the pupil
of valu- must be sacred to the teacher.
able quartz-gold-bearing reefs. This mine istional fiction, " Leonard and Gertrude."
called EXERCISES.
American schools should unite with those of Swit-
El Callao. The gold remitted in one year was valued
zerland and Germany 1. Overture to u William Tell " (Piano - four hands) -
Rossini .
in celebrating the birth-
2 . Singing - 1 Ł America. "
day of the great apos- 3. A morning meditation of Pestalozzi in his school at Yver-
tle of education, who don : We select that for Good Friday : -
founded at the castle of " My teachers and pupils :
Burgdorf, Switzerland, "We were talking yesterday of the repose of winter.
the first public school " I tried to make you understand that no seed thrives unless
in the world, as an ex- the ground has been well prepared.
" When the ground hâs not been well prepared, neither the
ample of that universal winter nor its snows can help forward the work of the sun.
instruction which he
The seed will perish.
held to be the right ofŁ ' A man cannot hope for a peaceful death and a happy im-
all children, rich or mortality unless the seeds of his life are likely to yield a good
poor. What does not harvest. He cannot lie down in peace to sleep unless his work
is done.
the present generation
" Christ accomplished in his sacrifice his work on earth. His
of Americans owe to
last words were, 4 It is finished!1 He was satisfied that his
this old Swiss school- work was perfected. He died in peace.
master, whose philoso- " Follow his example : It is the only way to eternal repose.
at about one million dollars. The upper levels are
phy inspired Horace Mann in our own country," No andman can meet death tranquilly unless he is faithful to
his work.
Dom Pedro and Sarmiento in the South! Every
being exhausted and deeper mining will be necessary-
" Scholars, love God, your parents, and each other more and
The inhabitants of Venezuela are composed ofchild in the United States should be told the storymore.
Spanish of
the lifeof
. descendants, Indians, negroes, and representatives of Father Pestalozzi ; it is one of the most" Teachers, he who makes better and strives to make p
mixed races. beautiful narratives in the world. the life within, will find the power to accomplish his d
The boundary dispute between Great Britain andOn the monument to Pestalozzi, erected at Yverdon,
the open school of the world."
Venezuela is not by any means a new thing, butSwitzerland,
has (This meditation closely follows one noted down by
in 1890, is the following simple outline
at Yveiidon from Vevey.)
of this wonderful story : -
been more or less a source of trouble for many years.
4€ " The Swiss Herdsman's Song." This may be found in
When Venezuela declared itself a republic it naturally To Pestalozzi , 1746-1827 .
many collections of school music, and in the "World's Fair
became possessor of all the land formerly owned by lit lived like a beggar , to show beggars how
Collection of National Songs." The chorus may be accom-
Spain. Holland ceded a portion of her possessions, they ought to live like men.
panied by bells, in imitation of herd-bells.
lying next to Venezuela to Great Britain, this por- Savior of the poor in Neuhof.
tion being known as British Guiana. All maps of 5. Anecdotes of Father Pestalozzi, to be read or recited by
Father of the orphans in Stanz.
that date, and in fact of a much later date, show Founder of the popular school in Burgdorf. the pupils in such a way as to give a view of the great teacher's
the Esequibo river as the boundary between the life, views, and work. We select a few : -
Educator of humanity in Yverdon.
British and Venezuelan possessions (see map), and All for others; for himself nothing ! I. John Henry Pestalozzi was born at Zurich in 1746. His
legally there has never been any extension of that father, who had gained some slight reputation as a doctor, died
On the monument at or near Brugg is alike inscrip-
boundary line, and Venezuela claims, and apparently when Henry was five years old. His mother was left with very
tion, to which is added : -
with the law on its side, that this river is at present slender resources, but, being an active and intelligent woman,
the correct boundary between the two countries. To our Father Pestalozzi ,
she was able, by dint of the most rigid economy, to bring up
England, however, with the desire for acquiring terri- Grateful Aargau. her three children in moderate jcomfort. She was helped by a
tory for which she is noted, has overstepped this line,
I spent the last summer in Switzerland, and visitedfaithful servant, Babeli, who had promised the dying father
advancing to the Cuy uni river and almost to the mouth
the Pestalozzianian or Pestalozzian Museum at Zurich that she would never forsake his family. The struggle was a
of the Orinoco ( see map ), and now claims a large hard one, but no privation could daunt the courage of the two
and the two castle's, one at Burgdorf, and one at Yver-
slice of the Venezuelan republic and an important women.

portion of it for many reasons. don, in which Father Pestalozzi founded that system There is an interesting anecdote of his childhood
For one thing, it would give the British control
of of
popular education which has become a part of all
worth mentioning, though it does not throw any par
the vast water-system of the Orinoco, and also it is a on his future career.
of the republics of the world.
section rich in gold mines. The present claim is In spite of the economy practiced in their home, it occasion-
based upon an arbitrary line drawn by an engineer The castle at Burgdorf stands on a high hill,
ally happened that the children had a penny to spend on them-
and
named Schomburgh, sent by England, entirely on her overlooks the town and most beautiful Alpine
selves, and one day the young Henry went into the con-
own responsibility, for that purpose in 1841. By the and commands a majestic view of the crystal
valleys, fectioner's shop adjoining his mother's house to buy ftome cakes.
Schomburgh line, British Guiana becomes about double
peaks of the high Alps. On the old wall of the courtA little girl, a few years older than himself, was in the shop.
the size of the country ceded by Holland. Venezuela
of the castle is an inscription to Pestalozzi, under"Iacannot sell you cakes," said this girl. 14 You do not need
protested and England yielded so far as to have the them, and you should only spend your money for what is most
boundary stakes removed. It was agreed between bough of sculptured acòrns.
useful."
Switzerland and Germany show that the Pestalozzi-
the two governments that neither would occupy a cer-
tain section of the country under dispute until the system of education is a tree of good fruit, andThat girl became his wife. The house where she lived is
Froebel now the Pestalozzianian, or Pestalozzi Museum. - Altered from
question could be formally decided. However, Eng-
we would like to see the 150th birthday of Pestalozzi
the Students' Pestalozzi , London.
land broke this agreement and advanced across the
celebrated in American schools as in these countries,II. His earliest inspiration. -
Esequibo river and has lately taken possession of terri-
tory within the Schomburgh line. where the education of character has strengthened the When he was about eight years old he was sent to a day
school, where he was looked upon as somewhat of a dunce by
national life. I offer some suggestions and outlines
The government of Venezuela desires to lay the
his masters and as somewhat of an original by his schoolfellows.
question before other governments - the United
for such a celebration that may assist teachers in illus-
States, for one - for arbitration, but this Great Britain The latter liked him for his good nature, but took advantage of
trating the spirit and plan of Pestalozzis work : - it, and often made him the butt of their jokes, dubbing him,
refuses to do, and at this point the matter now "rests.
Neither country will yield the disputed territory, and DECORATIONS. ironically, u wonderful Harry."
Flags of the Union crossed by the SwissDuring
the outlook at present is toward a bloody conflict, the cross his to
school
bedays
hunghe generally
on spent his summer holi
the walls. (Switzerland is the children's land, and at the days with his grandfather, who was the pastor of a village near
result of which cannot with any certainty be foretold.

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