The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-04-01
GEoReIA.s SCHOOL BOOKS.
Commissioner Bradweu and the Pub
fishers Trust.

Commissioner Bradwen and the Pub
fishers Trust.
Commissioner Bradwell has taken hold Of
the school book trust question.
This circular letter, which explains itself
fully, has been sent out:
TO COUNTY SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS OF GEORGIA.
The following resolution was passed at the
recent session of the general assembly;and was
approved by the governor:
RESOLUTION IN REGARD TO SCHOOL BOOKS, NO. IS.
WHEREAS. Through the instrumentality of q
pool or combination formed between the pub
fishers Of school books, thereby Creating a mo
nopoly and advancing prices several hundred
per cent. on the same. which has rendered the
price of books burdensoms alike TO all ana in
many instances placed it beyond the ability of
the poor 70 supply their children with books
necessary for their advancement; and,
WHEREAS, The constitution of the state au-
thorizes the enactment OF such laws as may be
necessary TO prevent and defeat all combina-
tons and trusts which tend 20 reduce or defeat
competition; and
WHEREAs, 1t is the policy of one or more Of
the states to publish or furnish books for the
use o. their own schools at price which only
covers cost or materials and expenses of pub
fishing; therefore be Ii
/. ResolUed By the Senate. the House COB
curing, that it shall be the duty of the state
school commissioner OF Georgia, If possible. to
inaugurate system or plan by which school
books can be supplied to the children of the state
at greatly reduced price.
2. Resolved, That 1t shall be the duty of said
commissioner to inquire into the feasibility of
publishing all school books by the state, by
contract with authors and publishers, or other
wlse and make report to the adjourned SEES
sion OF the present general assembly, should
there be one, II not to the next general assem-
bly,, of all Information acquired by him, with
such recommendations as will assist In solving
this question and affording the desired relief.
In order that may properly invest gate this
important subject and MAKE an intelligent re-
port 20 the general assembly at the July session,
1t is necessary that answers to the questions
propounded on the other half of this sheet be
furnished me at an early day This informa-
tion will be an important factor In solving this in
trica problem, IN which are involved the prog
ress, efficiency and uniformity of the common
school system, well as the defeat of combi-
nations and trusts, and the reduction of the
price of school books to be placed in the hands
Of our children.
The law prescribes what studies shall be pur-
sued in the common schools, and therei ore.
have confined my questions to the text books on
those branches.
You will please answer these questions to the
best of your knowledge and belief detach the
sheet and return it in the inclosed envelope to
me.
Your help in obtaining the answer to this
problem In the interest of the state, the parents
| and children, will be appreciated.
S. d. BRADwELL,
State School Commissioner.
Irequest the superintendent of the different
local systems, to whom this circular is also sent
to answer these questions. s. d. B.
A QUESTION IN RELATION TO SCHOOL BOOKS.
/. When does the contract for school books,
made by your board, expire?
2. With what company was that contract
madeS
3, Give an estimate of the amount OF money
now invested in the school books in the common
schools Of your county, including private ele-
mentary schools!
4. How long does an ordinary school book
last; or what's the average life Of a book in the
common school?
5. Can you state how many changes have
been made in the series Of textbooks in your
county in the last ten years?
6. Is there any authorized depository in your
county; or do the parents purchase the books
wherever they can get them?
Z. What is the per cent. of difference between
the cash price and the time price?
8. Do the teachers purchase the books giving
the bookseller an order on the county school
commissioner. and furnish the children with
the books as they are needed?