The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-02-20
THE scHooL-BooK QUESTION.
An Ex-Teacher Speaks Her Mind Freely o
the Subject


To TEE EDIToR-Sir: ! have doubt in your per-
sonal sincerity in what you bravely declare al
questions yet journalists. as q class are very care
full not to say things distasteful TO their readers.
Your correspondents are independent. As such a
one should like 10 be heard little of the beaten
track of the al-absorbing topic Force is daily
being added in newspaper articles to "smash the
school-book trust" To the masses a very pleasant
sound. and II certainly would Be good thing to do;
but how many have looked carefully the matter
and are able TO comprehend the difficulties into
which we are liable to fall when the state attempts
TO furnish schOOlbooks free at cost The question is
very broad one a1d it therefore quite neces-
sary to make haste slowly in this matter THE SEN
rINEI has said there no middle ground in this mat
ter but there certainly is and the thinking will
surely take this middle ground, and insist placing
this subject in position TO b. cOOly and calmly in
vestgated in order find out the best way in which
to smash this gigantic trust and what to re-
ceive in return.
We all agree that we pay entirely too much for
our school books, but the time is short and the
work of the present assembly so pressing in other
important measures that they certainly cannot give
this subject the thought it demands. The people
are well pleased with the idea of getting cheaper
books that with little thought on the matter, they
cry out out "Smash the school book trust" and go
on hurrahing. little dreaming OF the thousand
do il can be reached. Ii Is 4 question with very
MANY sides and all sides must be carefully guarded
before wise measure can be finally adopted.
1t is little wonder the educators OF the state,
county superintendent, professors, etc, are in 4
measure quiet the subject. and we have no right
TO impeaeh their sincerity because they are so. As
best '"t way out Of this diffcuty. and until
they can help devise some plan, il is to be hoped
they will not join the clamOr District teachers will
be very glad of some plan by which they may with
less trouble fit their schools with proper working
material The need of which often setards their work
e e,I o1cbn 10 bolA
their peace until We have some assurance as to
lust what do without interfering with present
progress. We cannot go OackWaru, out we must so
forward intelliSently in such an expensive under
taking.
Your recent clipping from the Rushville Jack
soaidn shows the breadth of mind many Of these
clamorers have. Such 4 proposition were il for a
moment seriously consdered) would be an insult TO
our ableand efficient corps of teachers.
All this stuff and nonsense about legislators and
newspapers being bought up by the trusts is IN
worthy OF comment. The man that can be scared
into an unwise measure in that way is unworthy the
confidence OF his people, and deserves retiring
TO private life on the first opportunity"
Newspaper threats don't always win, and I
sometimes think that if our legislators could only do
something purify journalism they would confer a
lasting benefit on mankind. Reid indianapolis daily
papers carefully and If ii were not for party preu
dice would we not conclude they were all a set OF
But to return to the subject, "scan the proceed
ings of the legislature closely on this question:
observe the man who does not rush into expensive
you will the that does not necessarily retire
10 private life The middle ground of careful inves-
tication is the only safe measure at present Many
of our ablest people now 50 express themselves
A few words abe u county supcrint g ldents- Rush
county, with many able men TO prepare set of
school books for the great state OF Indiana is repre-
scented by q man that wants TO abolish the Office OF
county superintendent. We understand Fayette
county has in private life few such people. As 10
Rush county, ] cannot knowingly say,
but as for Fayette, her district schools
are about twenty-five years behind the
ffr,oe all If he rnia If
man.-for ages mOssback-and yet Fayette county
belongs, almost body and soul, TO the progressive
party the party of culture!"
Democratic Franklin county Is among the best in
district general school work in the state. Our town
school is ub to the standard All are interested In
cheaper books but people capable of judging prefer
knowing something TO what this experiment will
cost and what kind OF books they are likely to rece
In exchange for the very excellent ones now In the
hands of the children. Ii Rush county has half
dozen men capable of compiling set of school
books Franklin county Sight furnish dozen more.