Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-08-27
COUNTY SCHOOL COMMISSION.
ERS.
Results of the Meeting Yesterday
abe Uaiversity Series of school
Books Adopted, etc.

lhe UaiversitY Series of school
Books Adopted, etc.
At meeting of the School Commission
ers of Davidson county, held yesterday at
the City Hall, Vice President Buchanan, in
tie absence of Dr.. Provine, took the chair
and Superintendent Donelson acted as
Secretary. The report of the Committee
on Books, which is as follows, was read:
To THE DAVIDSON COUNTY BOARD OF Ed.
UcAT1oN: Your special Committee, con-
stituted to investigate the subject of Text
Books, beg leave to report that:
Your Committee has concluded to re.
commend that Holmes United States His
tory be introduced into your schools, on
condition the publishers supply it in place
of those now in use without cost to the
parties having them; and that said publish
ers continue to furnish them at reasonable
rates, hoping that such arrangements can
be made as will be satisfactory to all.
Your committee regard Maury's series
Of Biographies as decidedly preferable to
any now in use; and if said Biographies
can be supplied to our schools in place of
those now used, without cost to the parties
using them, and supply guaranteed on
terms acceptable, your committee would
strongly recommend their introduction
into the schools at such time as the Board
may determine.
We make similar recommendation in
regard to Holmes spelling book, if deemed
advisable by the Board to make a change
in the spoilers.
AL Of which is respectfully submitted.
j, o. GRIFFITH, Chairman.
E. A. MATHEs.
GEO D. HUGHES,
SAMUEL DoNELsoN.
Mr.. A. d. Wharton moved to receive the
reports on other books befOxe any final &C.
ton was taken on the above report. No
ton laid on The table.
Dr. VIM. Williams offered the following:
Whereas, There are some objections
brought against the books in present use;
and whereas, we are opposed to changing
books in the hands of classes; and where.
as, We approve of the books known as the
University Series of School Books. There
fore
Resolved, That the books now in the
hands of Glasses be not changed, but that
in starting new schools and classes, taking
up new studies, that teachers are directed
to use only the books known as the Uni
We: sity Series of School Books; that thus
parents who have purchased books be not
put to additional expense, aud that those
buying now books may get the same al
one-hslf the usual retail price.
In support of the measure introduced
by himself, DR.. Williams addressed the
Commissioners at length, saying that IN
less certain Objectionable books be kept
,r,k 1f Ntaa l..
his children at home.
Mr.. j. o. Griffith replied to the remarks
Of DR.. Williams, sustaining the recon.
mendations made in the above Teporl Of
the Committee on Books.
Mr.. E. A. Mathes spoke in support of
the report Ct the committee, and in oppo-
sition to the resolution Of DR.. Williams.
He was opposed to a constant charge OF
text books, and hoped to zee the Commits
sioners rise above the idle prejudices q
the hour, and legislate in the interest OF
economy and availability. Hsgas opposed
to making any change except as proposed
in the report of the Committee on Books.
Mr.. w. j. Wade Joined is ne with the
position of Mr. Mathis, and sustained the
resolution Of Dr.. Williams
DR.. Williams further explained the OBJ.
ect of his resolution, and disclaimed any
intention of catering to political or sec
tionsl prejudice il the proposition it en-
braces.
Mr. Mathis explained more in detail the
reasons of his position.
Col. Tom Claiborne was opposed to any
mate:isl change in the books used, and as
a matter Of economy hoped there would be
no considerable change. For portion Of
the gentlemen recommending the Southern
series, he had the very highest respect,
but he could not endorse their entire
recommendations. 1t was his intention to
support the report of the committee.
Mr.. Geo. d. Hughes spoke in favor Ct
adopting the new series, and gave his
reasons for thinking the cost of the change
proposed would not be as great as some
gentlemen were inclined to imagine.
Mr.. Wharton, by permission asked Dr.
Elliott to say whether the publishers Of
the books represented by himself would
exchange new books for old ones.
Dr. Elliott explained that the Company
he represented could not make the ex-
change on the terms indicated, AID init
mated his willingness to explain more full
ly The reasons rendering such negotiation
impracticab!e.
The report Of the Committee and the
resolution in lieu were again read
Mr. Griffith spoke in support of the re-
port and in opposition to the resolution of
DIR. Williams. This meeting was called to
hesr the report of tbs Committee, and the
resolution was for the entire change in
text books. He moved that the resolution
be laid on the table and the vote taken on
the report of the Committee.
Mr.. W. j. Wade moved a non-concur-
renee with the report. The motion to
non concur was lost and report of the
Committee adopted
Col. Claiborne desired to know how
many OF the Commissioners had taken the
oath required by law. The Chair stated
that if any Commissioner had not properly
qualified, it was his daty to do so without
further delay.
On motion of Mr.. Griffith system Of
cubic measurements by ]. d. O'Brien was
referred to the Executive Committee.
The business for which the Commission
eIs had assembled having been completed,
the meeting adjourned, subject to the call
of the Chairman.
The Monster Show.