The advocate and Topeka tribune., 1893-07-19

ment, but il il not the chief thing TO be
considered. The paramount question is:
What is best for the 0hild2 After studying
the subject many years, We long since con-
Cluded chat from any point of view it would
not be wise to extend uniformity beyond
tho county. Il is and has been q burden on
renters and others who often change their
homes to be compelled in every district
they enter 10 buy new books, but If each
digtriCt be authorized 10 furnish books free,
the renter is relieved. Upon tho whole, We
believe che following extract from the last
report Of the state superintendent ConOisely
indicates ''the way out:"
"As in the report from this Office for 1882
80, again express the opinion chat the best
solution Of the problem involved would be
that school districts, townships OF counties
be authorized to select books for term Of
years, and that these books be furnished
free to all pupils desiring TO use them.
Such al law need not interfere with the pres
ent county uniformity law"
We cannot better conclude this
subject at the present time than by
reproducing an article that appeared
in the ADVOCATE of February 8, 1893.
Il is as follows:
A single case in point is preferred BY
lawyer TO any amount Of theory; so q few
facts concerning the actual results Of free
text book system are better than columns Of
suppOsitiOnS.
Three winters ago took charge of the
Superior school, in District No. 81, Russell
county. The school usually has from
twenty-five to thirty-Rve pupils. 1 found
from two TO four different kinds Of readers
in use in every grade. There was little
less diversity in other text books. Some
families had lately moved into the district,
bringing with them their books Of a differ
ent kind from those adopted by the board.
These people were poor. To require them
TO get the adopted series was equivalent to
barring their children out of the school.
But something had TO be done. A special
meeting was called. A majority Of the
voters decided in favor of having the dis
trict own the books and furnish them TO the
pupils free of charge. Books were Rt once
bought directly from the publishers at
much lower rates than the individual con-
sumers could get them. The patrons we're
pleased to see the railroad which runs
through the district and the speoulatOEs'
lands taxed to furnish books. On my part
/ found my labor as teacher lessened at
once. For example, instead Of eleven read
ing CLASSES, ! had four. have taught two
schools under private and two under public
ownership Of books, and I think the latter
plan reduces the teachers work at least one
third. So much for the objection that free
books adds TO the teachers burdens. The
books have been used three years. Out Of
$50 volumes there are but fourteen or fifteen
that are not in excellent condition, and
they are primary works. Books are far bet
Ter taken care Of than when owned By the
pupils. The latter do not resent the inter-
ference Of the teacher in defense Of district
property. Seven or eight other districts in
this county have free books. believe that
not one would return to the old system.
The objection most persistently urged that
pupils viii wantonly destroy their books
falls before facts. ]. @. RUPPENTHAL, JR.
Lucas, Kas., February 4, 1893.