CHAPTER IV.-THE BILINGUAL TROUBLE.
The writer may be allowed to express his
opinion on the troublesome question of bilingualism in a few words.
Years ago there were many German colonies in
the County of Waterloo and elsewhere. English teachers were
scarce. So the German settlers had to do the best they could and
engaged teachers as they were available. German was the
prevailing language in manv sections, and the teachers taught German
and as much English as they could, many of them very indifferently.
Had the Government then insisted to have
English only taught and forced the boards by legislation or
departmental orders to drop German or give it a scant place in the
curriculum, I have no doubt that it would have aroused the resentment
of the people. As it was, the Government allowed time and common
sense to prevail. As a result German gradually gave way to
English, so that there are now scarcely any schools where it is taught,
though it is a pity that such is the case.
What right has the Government to ostracise any
language? This being an English Province, the people will
necessarily feel the need of having English taught if they are left to
their own devices. All the authorities seem justified in
demanding is that English be taught as efficiently as possible.
If the people of a section wish to teach another language, in the
name of freedom and the natural love for one's mother tongue, let them
teach it. Again, history proves that with force nothing can be
accomplished. It only does harm. Look at Prussia? Did
they succeed to make Germans of the Poles and Alsatians?. Did the
Austrians succeed to make German Austrians of the multitude of
nationalities in their Empire? Then look at the French.
They conquered Alsace centuries ago, They did not interfere with
the language of the province. And what was the result? The
Alsatians to-day are more French than the French themselves, though
they still speak and teach German as they always did.
A similar policy in Ontario would, I am
convinced, lead gradually to simiular results. The language
question would settle itself. Unfortunately the politicians must
have some cry to arouse the people and keep themselves in power or
influence.
St. Agatha must be considered as the Mother
Church of the County, even though New Germany is just as old and had
far more Catholics. For one reason or another, the priests could
not remain there long. The early ones tried that Mission first,
but afterwards moved to St. Agatha, like Fathers Wiriath, Schneider,
and Sanderl. The Jesuits were sent by the Bishop direct to St.
Agatha. When they took New Germany they remained there only three
or four years. The only priest who held on to the parish so far
is Father Foerster, who has been there since 1877.