The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-05-17
Free Battle Charts for Schools.

Mr.. HENRY CABOT LODGE OF Massachu.
sets has introduced in tho House OF Rep
resentativcs bill TO provide maps OF the
principal engagements OF the civil war for
the public schools OF the several States and
Territories Of the Union. In grades where
the history OF the United States Is a part Of
the course OF study.
Tho first section OF the proposed law d.
reefs the Secretary Of War to prepare a Be-
ries OF maps showing the location Of all
the principal engagements on land and sea
during the war Of the rebellion" The size
OF these maps is to be such as Is best suited
to general use in the public schools. and any
particular map may represent the whole OF
the State In which battle occurred. or
part Of the State. as may be convenient.
The second section refers to engagements
or transactions Of historical Importance up
on the sea. and prescribes that the charts
relating to such matters "shnll show the
latitude and longitude. together with the
nearest point or points OF land to said en-
gagement or transaction"
Thus We have provision made for maps OF
battles on land and battles on the
sea which occurred during the civil
war. In addition to these. the third
!, section OF the bill provides for the
preparation Of third series OF maps on an
. enlarged scale, showing the field Of every
important engagement. It's topography and
boundaries.
When these maps are ready for distribu
ton they are to be furnished to the public
schools throughout the country upon the
application OF the Boards OF Education In
the several States and Territories. II the
State or Territorial authorities do not ap-
ply for the maps. any city or town may do
so: and where cities or towns do not apply.
1.-The trustees. corporators. or teacher OF
any school where the history OF the United
States Is taught may In like manner make
requisition therefor. and the same shall be
furnished to such trustees. corporators. or
teacher" The sum Of $4,000 Is appropri-
ated by the bill to carry out Its provisions.
We should heartily approve any proper
measure for promoting the study Of the
history OF this country In the public schools.
The encouragement OF historical study.
however. by means OF taxation. is not a
constitutional function OF the Government
Of the United States. Congress might |
properly direct the Secretary Of War and |
all other officers who have the charge and
custody Of public records to afford histori-
cal students and investigators every rea-
sonable opportunity for ascertaining the
truth In regard to the events OF the late |
civil war: but the Government should not |
engage in the business Of preparing and |
distributing school maps any more than 1t |
should undertake to print and circulate
school books.
II any work Of this sort ia to be DONE it |
~ rfotp 70 ho Etota
the national Government 1t would be well.
however. for State and municipal educational
authorities to do something moro than is
ordinarily done to give school children a
knowledge Of important historical events |
connected with the particular districts in
which they live. The other day in Brook |
Ign Mr.. HORACE GRAVES. well-known
lawyer In that city. delivered an afternoon |
lecture on the battle Of Long Island at All |
Souls Church. In South Ninth street. to |
large audience OF school children. The |
boys were SO much interested that they
themselves enforced the strictest order |
throughout the address. The lecturer gave |
. clear account Of the celebrated engage
ment In the summer Of 1776 which resulted |
IN the retreat OF the Americans across the |
East River. and he made the story OF the |
battle clear to his young hearers by identl- |
flying the various important points with |
existing landmarks In Prospect Park. at
Fort Greene. and In various other parts Of |
Brooklyn.
Such instruction as this Is most useful as
Inspiring both patriotism and an interest in
the study OF American history; but while |
We should like to see it more generally
given. We are utterly opposed to any ex-
pendlture by the Federal Government for
which there is no sanction In the Constitu-