The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-08
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
History in the Public Schools,

TO the Editor of the indianapolis Journal:
have followed the discussion of the teaching
of history in the public schools of your city as
an interested spectator, and without any wish
to interfere with the Interior designs, political or
otherwise, which may constitute the real animus
Of the agitation But when it becomes apparent
that an attempt is to be made to make me the
scapegoat for the sins of an administration with
which l have had nothing to do, will be pa,
doned for putting in an appearance, l wish, IN
the first place. to enter a general and positive
denial of the implied allegation that any part of
the history of our country was ever omitted dur
ing my spperntendency of the schools because
of any desire to conciliate any part of com1nu-
nifty. Being born and bred a Garrisonian Abo-
litionist had too much pride in the glory of the
achievements of the Union arms, and too great
a hatred for the institutions they overthrow to
wish to obscure the record of their deeds.
My own views and intentions in regard to the
teaching of the history of the United States in
public schools of indianapolis be known by
reference to the manual CONSTRUCTION to teachers
which was prepared by me in 1875, and published
during the school year of 1906 On page III
of this manual, under statement of Work" for
the grammar grade, is this entry:
Lneolns administration: Constitution OF the United
States"
On pages 100 and 121 the work of the first
three quarters of the school year is set forth,
which includes the history to Lincoln's admins
tratOn and the Constitution.
1t will be seen, therefore, that one quarter or
one fourth of the year was left for the study of
the subsequent history and for review. On
page 128 the purpose of the teaching of history
to young people and the principles which should
govern the instruction are briefly set forth If
is there stated that:
"The details of wars political intrigues, etc. that
cunber many textbook, are to be generally omitted.
The that led great revolutions and the re-
suits following from the some are of chief import
ance to the young students of history"
Reference to the High-school course of study
on page l29 will show that provision is made
for the further study of the United States his
tory in the first year, and for general history in
the second year. This manual was approved by
the Board of Commissioners and 600 copies of
it were printed for the use of the teachers and
for distribution among the citizens
1t will be noticed that in this manual no work
in history is assigned for the last quarter in the
A grammar grade Reference to page 1877 will
show that provision is made for recitatiOns in
this subject four days i'll each week during the
entire term.
This much from the manual, the printed record
of that period, which is better evidence to me
and probably to your readers, of the intended
scope Of the instruction in this subject than any
memory may have at this distant day of what
was said and DONE
1t is true, however, that in attempting to ad-
just the actual instruction in the schools to the
plan set forth it was found that the textbook in
use presented hardly anything of any historical
value after the beginning of the rebellion, The
scarcely twenty pages that were devoted to this
subject were unworthy the name Of history, be-
ing little more than chronological statement of
battles and army movements. 1t was therefore,
decided to omit the study of this period until
such time as fuller textbook should appear
and be adopted by the board. Those who have
any desire to investigate the grounds of this de
cision can do so by examining the edition of An
dersons Common School History then in use l
wish to say here that, although this omission was
mutually agreed upon by the assistant superin-
tendent and myself, I take the entire response
biEty of it, do not see how could shirI this
responsibility if | would, holding the position l
did. But certainly have no wish to do so. The
action was right, and would have been approved
by every intelligent citizen at that time had he
been acquainted with ali the facts.
No change was made in the textbook until
1875, which was the year of my withdrawal from
the schools. What has been done since that
time do not know. Certainly an intelligent
community will not hold me responsible for the
failure of the succeeding administration to carry
out my intention in regard to the teaching of
this or any other subject.
l willing to be held to the strictest ac-
countability for my own acts, but unwilling
to be set up target for shots that if deserved
by any one. are not deserved by me. My own
conviction as to the question at issue in your
city may be inferred from the fact chat in the
State Normal School, whose function it is to pre-
pare teachers for the State, the period of our
history since the beginning of President Lin
coins administration is thoroughly taught Nor
do believe that any one acquainted with my
former administration of the schools of Indian
apolis can justly accuse me of doing violence to
my convictions as to what should be taught in
them TO obtain the favor Of any one. 1 would
also add, that never during my association with
Of Col,
nation made by any one of them that this
period of our country's history should be omit
ted. GEO. p. BROWN
TERRE HAUTE, Feb. Z, 1884.