Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-07-09
SCHOOL BOOK TRUST.
LETTER THEREON FROM HON. JOHN
&. MASSEY.
o.nial of the New York worlds" In
sinuations, and a Tart Remark Con-
corning that Writer.

Hon. John T. Massey. Superintendent Of
Tuhlc Instruction, returned TO the city
Monday from q trip South. where he had
lccn in attendance upon several educa-
tanal meetings.
Ir The afternoon he was called upon at
rs oalcc IN the old Grant mansion on north
Twelfth street hv Dispatch reporter and
s,kca for his explanation Of the charges
r,-autiy made IN the New York World
which reflected upon his OR. Masseys)
c1rso in regard 81 the school-book con
tracts. tie said ne mad not seen the article
ratl his return 90 Richmond, when u was
SHOWN him by q friend. ard that he had
I-t begun 20 write tho Dispatch letter for
publication IN regard TO the matter.
HIs STATEMENT.
Tho article was soon completed and
handed 20 the reporter. 10 IS as follows;
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA,
DEPARTMENT orPUBTc OBSTRUCTION,
SUPERINTENDENT OrFcE,
RICHMOND. July 2, 1880.
IT, no Editor Of ne Dispatch:
Since returning from attendance upon
o. educational convention in Morehead
Ctv.N. c.. asteveninc lhayc been shown a
copy OF the DiT0icii. IN which y0u kindly
call my attention 10 an article IN the New
York World which article has also been
shown me.
nm not accustomed 20 replying 10 in
Iucndoos. especially whom they are anony-
nous. but as the schOol-boo question has
been extensively discussed, and ls one OF
general interest. ! viii state as briefly rs |
can the action Of the Board of Education,
RESPECTS TO THE AUTHOR.
Before doing so will say Of the author
of the article IN tho WOrd that ] pdy INN.
le seems desirous 10 create the impression
list the Board Of Education. and 1 par
tru'arlv, was influenced by sordid con-
rltrations III the adoption of textbooks
fo- public schools. tie seems 10 be con-
srinus that attaching ms name to his article
would cause those who know him TO dis
credit his statements. and wisel concluded
that his inuucndOes would gain more Gre
druce without his name than with II.
THE PLACE FOR THE WRITER.
DO not wish 10 use harsh terms, but |
will remind this anonymous writer that
the Bible speaks of a class Of men who
"shall have their part IN the lake that
burncth with FIRE and bIimstone.' aud
that auy man who charges or ln-lnuate9
that anv member Of the Board Of Educa-
tion was influenced 10y sordld motives or
considerations I'm the selection OF text
books tor our public free chOols is entitled
10 the highest seat in the synagogue OF
that large and noted "class."
WHAT Inv BOARD DID.
The law requires the Board of Education
to provide for a uniform system OF text
books every fourth year. The contracts
made by the preceding board with pub
fishers will expire the 3lst instant. Hence
the present board had 20 adopt ne'r iH OF
books. Many who did not understand
this inferred that they were goingto adopt
a list Of s,e1r books and became alarmed az
the expense q change of books would neces-
state.
TIIR NEW list.
The publication Of the new list shows
these fears 20 have been gr0undless. The
books which were on the former list have
been retained aud few others added, thus
giving county school boards and teachers
eull wider liberty than they enjoyed be-
fore. Contracts have been made with the
same publishers who furnished books for
the past four years. aud the state Board
submits its work TO the public with iull
confidence that it will be approved by all
who understand the subject.
JoHV f.. MASSEY.
Superintondent Public Instruction.