As regards primary education, there were in 1905, 5,250 schools, 14,118 teachers, and 543,881 pupils. The average attendance was 408,069. Considering that in 1899 about one million sterling was spent upon education, and that for a generation Argentina has spent probably more per head upon each school-child than any other country except Australia, the results are by no means satisfactory, and, like all new nations, the Argentines require to learn the lesson that learning and enlightenment cannot be obtained by money or bricks and mortar.[85] As regards the journalism of Argentina, it would be difficult to speak too highly of the two principal daily newspapers, _La Nacion_ and _La Prensa_. _La Nacion_ may perhaps claim the front place. It is the oldest daily journal in Buenos Aires, dating from 1852, and it was long under the influence of General Bartolome Mitre, for, as a French writer[86] remarks, no politician can succeed without a newspaper, and no newspaper can hope to obtain much influence without the support of a politician. It has a circulation of about ninety thousand. The paper is on a very large scale and full of matter; its tone is admirable, the ability of the leading articles is remarkable, and the literary pages, which are lavishly provided, reach a very high standard indeed. Hardly second to _La Nacion_ is _La Prensa_, which has offices, situated in the Avenida de Mayo, said to be more splendid than anything of the kind in existence. It is not as old as its rival, dating from about 1872, and it may be described as being of much the same size and scope as the _Daily Telegraph_, but rather more attention is given to literary style. Sobriety and moderation, as well as great ability, are its characteristics. It is the property of Dr. José C. Paz, who is said to have made a large fortune by it. _El Diario_ is an enterprising evening paper, and has a very large circulation. The journal possessed of the largest circulation of all (said to approach two hundred thousand) is _La Argentina_, which appeals more to the man in the street. Other Spanish dailies are _El Pais_, _El Tiempo_, _La Razon_, _El Diario de Comercio_, and _El Correo Español_. There is a French daily, _Le Courier de la Plata_, and several German and Italian. At the same office as _La Argentina_ is printed the _Standard_, an old English newspaper of high repute. This was founded in 1861 by the Mulhalls--an honoured name in Buenos Aires--and besides being extensively read by English residents, it has considerable influence with the authorities. Very similar in appearance and scope, but less influential, is the _Buenos Aires Herald_, another English daily paper, the property of Mr. Thomas Bell.