Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-09-24
Southern School Books.

Wehavc in paper to-day, an excellent article up
on this important subject, taken from DEBow's Com
mercial Review. We commend it to the careful con-
sdcration of our readers as containing much thought
of practical Importance.
We have in our time committed the error OF COM
mcnding to the attention of Southern people, certain
Southern movements not dreaming but that there was
really something in the name Since our labors have
been prouscly expended upon this topic however, we
have learned most concusvely to satisfaction, that
there is nothing in name.
We arc now led to indulge few thoughts upon the
subject above indicated by the article we have men,
toned. 1t is highly important for the success and
perpctuity Of our institutions that books for the of
Southern schools be published and that those incen
ary publications which have occupiedfor so long time
the exalted station of text books in our schools and
colleges, be collected together il large heap and
burned to ashes; and that it be made an ndctabe Of
fence forany bookseller to have in his stock "Waylands
Moral Science" Paey's Philosophy and such ilk as
deal in vile misrepresentation and abuses of the ins
tutions of the Sout!:. Why may we not have books
published at the South suited to our views and form
of government? Many States have their standard
works peculiar to themselves; and distinguishing
feature with some of them is that they will any
other; for example, New York has its extensive edi
tiOns Of spelling books reading books, &C., and under
10 consideration could the Empire State" be induced
to use those published in South Carolina because the
politics and notions of this State do not accord with
theirs. Why can't South Carolina be rs independent
as New York? Let US not hereafter talk about the
glorious South! whilst we have men in our midst and
lawmakers who rdicule the idea publishing South
crn schoobooks as preposterous.
We should like some one, who knows great DEAL
to tell US what business have to New York and
Massachusetts books in our schools? The peculiar in
sttutops of the South held up the scorn and de-
rision ofal; and yeta blind and objectionable nfatua
ton leads the dcludcd and mpotent South over this
fearful prccipcc. Are we indulging our imagination
unnecessarily? 1t may be so in the view OF wise
ones, but we believe We are right it is enough for
ourprcscnt purpose.
In the year 1850 a Teachers Convention was held
at Columbia IN this State and among the objects con.
tcmplatcd by Governor SEABRooK in calling together
that body, the preparation at home of Elemeta.
~ and other books for the ofour schools &C." This
suggestion was honored far as to occasion resolution
to the eflect-that committee be raised to inquire
into the character Of the elementary schoobooks
in use in the State and the encouragement that could
be eXtendcdto Southern men and Southern publishers
to undertake the compilation and issue of schoobooks
for the South" In order to carry out this inquiry
committee ofourtcen gentlemen from different districts
in tho State appointed who according to the pub
lished proceedings Of that body to report at
adjourned meeting. Has any thing been done towards
the preparation at home Of elementary and oherb books
for the of our schools?" The answer, like all 9TH
ers relating to the action of C0arenons at the South
for few years past is resolutions have been adopted
speeches have been made, but-nohng has been donel
And are we thus to remain in dleness whilst thecamp-
fires Of the enemy are burning all around us? From
every hill top and old field schoolhouse their flicker
ings arc plainly visible and the influences which the
perncious schoolbooks Of the North extensively crcu
lated and used at the South arc destined to exercise
the minds ofhe young will soon be incalculabe
AS the wri:cr in DEBow's Review remarks, the only
means We have in our power is, the remedy, which we
earnestly hope our friends will read and apply.
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