Daily Kennebec journal., 1870-02-05
UNIFORMITY OF TEXT BOOKS.


the Senate Chamber Wednesday evening, and
the question of Uniformity of Text Books
taken up for discussion.
herewith give you a brief outline of the
proceedings, remarks of speakers, etc.
Mr. Pullen Of Portland asked for informa-
ton in regard to bill, &C., if it had been pre-
pared.
Mr. johnson, State Superintendent, in
answer said he would favor the remonstrants
with an outline of bill which would perhaps
give what would be in the bill, and proceeded
to some length.
Mr. Symonds of Portland said a state uni
formity is unnecessary and impractcable.
The evils may be better remedled by town
than by State uniformity. The proposed
change is an abrupt innovation, which will de-
using books of their own selection, which is
an ancient and immemorial one, and they will
not submit without opposition. The advocates
of the measure must satisfy the people that
evils exist which can only be remcdicd by
uniformity. The burden of proof is upon the
advocates of the measure and not upon the
opposers.
The change is unnecessary because the
evils can be better remedied by town than by
State uniformity. 1t is not enforced. Where
is the fault? The legislature is not TO blame
for there is the law on the statutes. The
laws the towns shall adopt uniform series of
books which shall not be changed within five
years at penalty of $500.
The fact that it costs large amount for
books for families moving from one part of
the State to another is in fact strong argu-
ment for uniformity, but the chances then are
that in all eases no change of text books will
be requircd if it is, the loss is tritling. 1t is
not for the legislature to legislate for the
floating population of the State to the detri
ment of the permanent residents.
How is it in other States? 1t is not the
States most forward in educational matters
that have adopted uniformity. Some have
chusetts has not adopted it.
Will the proposed change give us cheap
text books, as is asserted? 1t will be impossi-
Bile to obtain an even exchange from any
publisher, unless he can be assured that he
can control the market of town or the State
for five years. We have had large improve
ments in text books caused by competition
among the publishers. The aggregate cost
to the State at the outset would be very large
if uniformity is decided upon. Every pupil
must pay something for an exchange.
But the controlling argument against uni
formity is that it establishes monopoly and
all the arguments that apply in such cases are
pertinent. Monopolies are always victorious,
and monopolies furnish the highway to cor
ruption.
Uniformity says to the towns and cities, You
shall not choose your text books. We will
choose them for you. Can such law be en-
forced if even town uniformity cannot be en-
forced? In over POO towns in Maine changes
have been made in text books during the past
year.
Uniformity is not desired by the teachers of
Maine. The committees in many cities and
towns will be very slow to introduce books
which the teachers disapprove. The preferen-
ccs of teachers should be attended to. The
advocates of the measure have not dared to
bring the question before the State Teachers
Association for discussion.
Mr.. Stone of Biddeford said il is not ia ct
that the people of Maine demand uniformity,
for the people of York county do not ask it
and do not want it.
Mr.. Boothby of Bath said the S. S. Com
mittee and teachers of Bath have sent in a re-
monstrance against uniformity, and he had
been requested to give expression to their
opinion.
Mr. Coburn of Lewiston said the question
Of uniformity will not and cannot receive the
approval of the people of Androscoggin county
Il Is a question which needs long discussion.
The interest in educational matters Of the
State has been wakened up during the past
year. Fears this movement will result dis
as,rously TO these interests. Division will be
created among the friends of education in the
STATE. Believes there is more need of change
OF methods Of using books than of change Of
books.
Mr.. Taylor Of Damariscotta said there is
danger Of asking too much. Doubtful points
upon winch educators disagree should not be
pressed. Our schools do not need uniformi
ty; it would be injurious. The same kind of
book needed in school of 40 weeks in year
is not the one wanted in school of IA weeks.
Mr.. Wentworth of Portland agreed with the
remarks made by those preceding him. The
primary teachers of Portland do not ask uni.
formity, unless it is town uniformity. Has
school of from ten to eleven hundred pupils.
Found only seven pupils during six months
who had to be punished with new books. The
legislation of last winter was step in the right
direction.
Mr. Stone of Portland said the more he in
vestigated educational matters the more he is
opposed to uniformity. We have law for
town uniformity; it will answer all our pur-
poses. If it cannot be carried out, make it
better. The number of migratory pupils has
been greatly exaggerated, and so has the ex-
pense of books. No store has ever yet got a