Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-10-27
The Te1t Book Latv.

Editor Fergus Falls Journal:
AS the opportunity for voting on text book
law is now near at hand, wish to say few
words on that subject. The text book mat.
ter is of great importance, and has hereto.
fore seriously embarrassed school work in
our county. OF the Inconvenience con
nected with the first attempts to put the text
book law in operation
it is not necessary to speak.
The question for Us to decide is whether OF
not, under present circumstances, We wish
to have the law continued. In arriving at
a conclusion on this point, there are only 8
few things TO be considered.
In the first place, 1O9 of our schools are
supplied with $4,000 worth of State books.
Uniformity in the matter of textbooks has
been established so that persons removing
from one part of the county or State to an
other are not compelled to buy another out
fit of school books before they can send
their children to school.
secondly, can we afford to throw away
$4,000 worth of books, and run the risk OF
a repetition of our unfortunate experience
in getting supply that will be more satis-
factory in every way?
Thirdly, are We prepared to sacrifice the
benefits to be derived from several terms of
our schools, while other plans for getting
school books are being discussed and ar
ranged?
Fourthly, have we ever had any set of
textbooks and plan for getting them, that
was not Objectionable, either in the cost or
in some other way?
Filthy, if we reject the textbook law,
what better plans for supplying our schools
with cheap books can we suggest?
These are questions of great importance
and worthy of careful consideration on the
part of every citizen, who feels an interest in
the success of our schools. OF the practical
working of the law, 90 far as relates to the
matter of uniformity, it is a decided i'm
provement on the plan of mixed
series of books in use in our
schools before its adoption. In my judg-
ment, another change OF text books through
out the schools in Otter Tail county would
be serious loss, not only in money, but in
time and effort to re.establish them in sue
oessful working condition.
While there may be difference of opinion
concerning the merits of the books fur
nished under law, they have thus
far, in all essentials, given
fair satisfaction. Should the people
decide to continue the law, it is confidently
expected that the present plan Of supplying
the books to districts will be changed 30 that
people can procure them with less trouble
and delay. A change in this particular
would relieve the plan of its most objection
able feature. Situated as We are il this
county, with so many newly
organized schools, just supplied
with new books, and in view of
the losses heretofore sustained while this
textbook matter was pending, prudence,
economy and the promotion of our eduoa-
tional interests suggest the propriety of con-
timing the use of the State books. In max
ing the foregoing suggestions, it has been
my desire to represent the matter as it does,
or is likely to effect the prosperity of our
schools, and in SO doing, firmly believe that
change will be neither profitable nor de-
sirable. Washburn must go.
GEO. E. CowNo,
Comfy Superintendent