The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-04-26
SCHOOL BOOK REVISION.
An Opinion by the Attorney-GeneraI
on the Subject.

There has been much discussion at the
school book commissioners as to just what
powers tn o board had to order q revision
of the books which are under contract at
the time of proposed revisons. At the
meeting just closed an appeal was made
TO Attorney General Smith for an inter
probation OF the laws of '93 on the subject
The following is the opinion in full:
The act of 1898 which covers the subject Of
revision and the introduction of new books
was enacted during the term of certain existing
contracts relating to the supply of school
books in the common schools of the state and
! for that reason some of its provisions are par
ticularly directed TO the revision of books
already under contract at the time OF the pas
sage of the law. while others relate 70 rsvisions
which may be ordered under contracts which
shall hereafter be made.
Sec. af the act OF 1898 provides that whom
ever the contractors for furnishing books shall
file their written consent TO q revision that the
state board shall have the right 10 order such
revifion of any or ell books which il may find
necessary TO revise. This language clearly is
intended to cover the revision of books which
have already been contracted for. Otherwise
no consent would be necessary.
SEQ. IL of the same act also requires that
the state board shall meet and alter due eXami-
nation OF the books now In use shall determine
whether or not any book or books now under
contract need revision. If il be decided that
any revision ought to be made a notice must be
given to any company or Companies now fur
nishing such books OF such decision. This seq
ton is intended to cover and provide for all
existing emergencies-nsmely, the revision of
books which are already under contract and
TO any change in which the written consent of
the contractors must be obtained. Ii is not in
tended, however, to control the revision Of
books which may be made after the expiration
OF existing contracts IL is clearly oontem-
plated that whenever any new contract is en-
tered into that the state board shall amply and
clearly provide for such reyisions from time
to time. the board itself NAV determine. linn
tied only by sec. Is, which says that in no
case shall a revision Of any book or books be
required otteneE than every five years, except In
Biographies and histories.
AS to future contracts, in see. 10 of the
law may be found the following language:
And at the expiration OF any contract now
in existence or which may hereafter be made
BIZ the state board etc. for furnishing books
for use in the common schools of the state OF
Indiana, the books then in use in the common
schools o. this state under such contract or
contracts shall be continued in use therein at
the same price and upon the same terms and
conditions until such time or times as the state
board. ETC.. shall determine that a revision
thereof is necessary for the best interests of the
schools when such revision shall be made or a
new book contracted for aud introduced for
/ use as hereinbefore specified" etc.
From this IL Is apparent that the state board,
at the expiration OF any contract should in
corporate into any new agreement entered into
such terms shall clearly enable the state
board to revise any or all of the books now in
use either at one and the same time or from
time to time or from year to year as the board
may deem advisable, subject OF course, as TO
the frequency of such revision. to the provis-
ions of sec. Is hereinbefore quoted.
10 will be necessary under SEQ. 10 of the new
law for the state board to give twelve months
notice to the county superintendenrs, township
| trustees and school boards of the state.
The action OF Carriers Little Liver Pills