The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-05-25
The scHooL-BooK TANoLE.
Probability That II VIII he Locsene,

minds Of the people unanswered. The
patrons Of the public schools Of irginia are
awaiting with expectancy 10 ascertain
what Kind Of text books their children must
study during the coming four years. The
Wholesale and retail dealers are anxious to
know, because they want TO lay IN Their
supply for the fan trade, and learn whether
or not they must get rid Of the present
series on hand.
WANT TINiE.
The manufacturers are, perhaps, the most
anxious of all. because they want tWr ~
Law in their supply Of manufacturing ma-
ferial and manufacture their books, which
time is already limited on account OF the
delay in determining the list. The terrific
fight between the monopoly and anii.mo-
nOp0ly firms is the true cause Of the delay.
With very few exceptions, for many
years the Board of Education has promptly
made up the list. and the books to be- used
announced long before this lime. The list
would have been made up this year as early
as usual, had the list which the -uperin-
tondcnt favored net the approval Of the
other members Of the Board.
80 CHANGE.
u is almost the universal opinion of the
dis.uicrested patrons Of public schools
throughout the Stale that no change should
Doe made from the present list. judging from
The reports received hY private individuals
from the various superintendent Of county
and city schools. Perhaps the mighty
trust staring them in the face IS the rea-
SON why thc public manifest so much inter
est ian the matter; also, inasmuch as the
superintendent seems TO favor the combna-
ton.
THE ALLEGED TRt ST.
The trust is now in operation Its
formal amendment was made ON the 18th OF
this month. and from that date they began
practical work under The name Of the Amer
Jean ~chool-B0ok Company. with their
principal Offices i'm New York. Cincinnati
and CHICAGO. They have already made
their power felt hy forcing several small
houses 90 the wall. and compelling them Ia
surrender. Their latest achievement in
This direction WIS mighty one, when thc4
acquired thr controlling interest IN the
rroat Standard >choOl-BOok Company, OF
II. Louis. owning the copyrights of books
supplied under the Indiana law. Nearly
lli of the other firms and companies have
received propositions from them, looking
FOO lhe same end. They claim ln
their announcement that they have
hD.a duly chartered under the laws OF New
Jersey. for the purpose Oi conducting "a
harmless and legitimate business, and L.
manufacture better books and sell them at
% smaller price. This. however. has not
been ihe custom of trusts which have sue
ccclol them. dryly remarked man ycster-
/ da} who read the announcement with great
care. Thus. the formation olthe trust. which
hls been hitherto di5credited by those who
favored ii. ifs really in existence. I he an
nouucement OF their combination was with
| 0id fifteen days later than 10 was their in-
f.uf-.n. thinking the contest i'm Virginia
would Doe settled ere that time. They con-
inue tO bring every influence possible On
bear upon The board 90 carry their point.
boat il seems now that their efforts VIII Doc
iu vain.
ArIOHNEi-GENEEAL ACTIVE.
Ever since The first announcement by
1uE TIMES ci ihe condition, of affairs rcla-
tto to tine 81 rht between the two factions,
the At0mey-General has been very active
collecting facts and making inquiries Go as
certain the wish Of thc public school patrons
throughout The state in the matter, and he
l,es not hesitate o. state that Dee is satisfied
that the large majority OF them earnestly ad-
AUcafe 100 change ln the present LIST. which
les nOarig equally divided between tine trust
sul antitrust firms. and he VIII advocate
il. PEOPLES wishes regardless Of personal
nr.ltr.ncl-. lie is bitterly opposed
90 sacrificing Virginia authors where
tNUI books are aH GOnl as llN--
.f Northern ones and confidently thinks
That 20 change in book. under tlc existing
circumstances would Doc "a ycrl unpopular
move for thc Democratic party 10 is n-
1rl-i0oj ALSO that iho Governor is opposed
a clau except where IL is Dor his opinion
absolutely necessary. and is hy n0 means
favorable 60 trusts or combinations, lie IS
heartily in favor of Virginia and other
southern authors where their books are adj
Missile.
10 Esd Soon.
lt i- probable inat within ten days
contest Will terminate. and the pros
pect for victory for tho trust is hy no
means as bright now as it was before this
paper made ifs first announcement Of tine
igit. SIR. Massey viii return irom Mexico
about tic latter pant of this month, and the
meeting t0 effect % hual adoption will he
held soon after. as the Attorney General ana
tbe Governor are ready i0I the completion Of