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27.
reform, for reasons given above and in my minutes letter No 89 of 21 August.
Dr Eitel states that it is possible to train Chinese boys in Hongkong to speak and write both English and Chinese with equal fluency, but admits that it was contrary to the experience of Bp. Luich, Dr Legge, and he might have added Dr Stewart. Why has he not during his 15 years of office demonstrated the possibility of this theory? He asks too much, when he requires the Head Master to abandon a scheme and organisation to which for nine years he accorded the most lavish praise, and to substitute experiment not yet ventured on by any one even by himself;
(6) As an appendix I subjoin a copy from my notes taken at the time and attested by the Second master's signature, of some of the utterances made at the Conference, which throw some light on the spirit in which the proposed reforms would be effected, and accentuate the objection raised to the Conference in my Letter No 83 of 4th August.
For Batuon Wright
Head Master Victoria College
Sept 93
Appendix to Enclosure in Head Master's Letter to
Selection from Notes (taken down at the time by the Head Master) of the Conference between the Inspector of Schools and Subordinate masters of Victoria College. 3rd August 1893.
On Dr Eitel's New Scheme.
Dr Eitel. I have not come with a scheme. I will however unbosom myself and tell you of a plan that suggests itself to me. The College naturally falls into seven sections. I would put one English master in charge of each section with two Chinese Assistants under him to assist the English gentleman. The two Assistants must follow his methods. Each English man to arrange and control his own section himself taking all the English subjects. English Masters and Chinese Assistant work hand in hand most harmoniously.
Mr Jameson. Chinese Assistants would object to being under English Masters.
Dr Eitel. They would be at liberty to seek work elsewhere. In English School English masters should preserve discipline. God has made the English race to rule the world, therefore the sooner Chinese Assistants recognise that it is your place to be subservient to English Masters the better for you. I am a German, but I say unhesitatingly that Shakespeare is infinitely above Goethe. English language is superior to all others in expression and lucidity. Next to Chinese German is the most pedantic.
Mr Jameson.