Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-04-28
from the Charlottesville Croni1lo.l j
Southern School Books.

We wish to call the attention of Teachers
and Parents, to this subject, again, not to show
how in jurous to the minds of the Southern
youth, are the false and trashy yankee, works.
so largely used, but to notice a new school
history of the United States now almost
ready for publication-from the pens of two
young Virginians of the Valley. Satisfied
as we are, that nothing can be more destruc-
tive to morals or religion and nothing more
subyersive of the truth of history, than the
sentiments and the fact that have for many
years scattered so induStriously over our
country, by the exertions of Northern rub
fishers, we are always ready to welcome
cordially any Southern work which promises
to supply the demand for instruction in any
department.
School history has been heretofore the
favorite, because the most obvious, means by
which the o-called LSmS have been propagated
everywhere-and it is therefore the first
branch to which those proposing to prepare
School Books should turn their attention.
We happen to know the authors of the book
now offered to the public the one by reputa-
ton, aud the other from long and intimate
acquaintance at school and coIege-and can
fully endorse them as men who bring to their
task, not only talents but a conscientious
truth and nothing but the truth
We give a portion of their preface, that
they may tell for themselves the design and
character of their work
"For nearly century the Puritans have
written the School Books of America
Through these, by craftiIy insinuating error
into the minds of the young they have propa-
gated their peculiar ideas and established their
power. The fear of detection bas. however
sharpened theiringenuity in deviSing modes Of
conceament. In the primers, grammers, and
readers, Puritanic doctrine sneaks unob-
served into notice, in the company of inno-
cent truths which nobody disputes
I'm the Biographies and histories the
strategy is different. Here the opportunity
for misrepresentation is greater, but the dis
guise is not so complete. Sometimes they
indulge in a mere exaggeration of actual
events but the more usual mode is to prerert
or suppress unsuitable facts.
THAT the South should have been hood
winked for so long a time in the matter Of
grammars and readers, is deplOrable; but that
she should have been contented to learn
Southern history from hereditary enemies, is
almost incredible. 1t is time to turn over
new leaf Americans who love truth must
reject the cunning fctions of the Puritaus,
and the South must rescue her glorious past
from the grave of obloquy.
Sincerely believing that the success of
our enterprise will advance the cause Of down
trodden Truth, we are emboldened to ask in
its behalf the countenance and support of
the Southern Press. Indeed, encouragement
should be freely given to all who volunteer
in the crusade against error. Much has ye,
to be done before her supremacy is over
thrown. The accumulated SANDERS of a
century must be removed, and the minds of
the rising generation sown with new impress
sions, before the South can hope for 7indi>
cation of her fame and character.
W. n. MCDONALD,
J. S. BLACKBURN.
Berryville, Clarke County, Va.