Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-01-22


mendable indeed-but we suggest that
those who have charge OF this matter
first proceed to inquire why it is that
the numerous histories heretofore offered
for this purpose have failed to secure a
popular verdict in their behalf.
1t will not do TO answer this question
bv saving that such and such southern
history is used in such and such school,
and that 1t is "first-rate, &c. What we
mean TO affirm is that after all the efforts
which have been made in this direction
the southern people are still not satisfied
that thew have the book which they
need. A few may be satisfied, but the
evidence is overwhelming that the masses
are not
Why is this? Why have not our
authors been able to write n successful
school history? Certainly there is no
lack OF material. The books OF the
Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS and his wife, the
history by ALEXANDER STEPHENS, the
narrative of General JOSEPH +. JONI
sroy. and tons Of official documents
memoirs. and biographies, assuredly
furnish all of the facts needed, aud 1t IS
not to be questioned that we have
authors of great ability among us. linen
why have we so long and so often failed
We really should like to know II any
of those who have undertaken to write
history for children have ever consulted
the children; have made themselves ac-
ouainted with children needs; in other
words. have ever gauged children's ca
pacifv and found the avenues to their
understanding.
Children do not take readily to histo-
nv unless it be presented to them IN n
pleasing form : in a form, for instance,
such as that of PETER PARLEY's History
of the United States, which was 50
popniar when many Of the men and wo-
men OF to-day were children.
PETER PAR1Ey told his story OF dis
coveries. settlements, wars, changes in
government. great reforms, and peoples
habits and customs. rs If he hal been
sitting in n chimney-corner with his
grandchildren gathered about him. His
narrative was eimple, picturesque, preg-
nant with important truths, and well
adapted to the juvenile minds to which
he adore sell himself.
1t requires peculiar genius to write
such n history rs PARLEY's, and the reve-
lations of recent years, we believe. dis
close the fact that PETER FARLEY was
no less a genius than NATHANIEL p.
HAwTHoRNr, who undertook this work
for the publishers TGooDBrCH & Co. be-
fore he had achieved greatness, and was
rewarded land perhaps thought himself
we'll rcwarded) with the sum OF 800.
Have we n PETER FARLEY amongst rs =?
If so there is work for him to do which
will be better paid for than old PETER
PARLEY's was.
A school history to be worth anything
must interest children. If it does not,
it is a failure from the start. II You can
once command the attention OF the
Young people your instruction will be
kindly received and will fall as seed
sown in good season upon virgin soil.
II an author could be discovered with
the qualifications we have described,
we should advise HIM or her to make
the book a southern book rather than a
Virginia book. II written especially
for Virginia it could not be expected to
be equally saleable in the other south
ern States, and the sale in one State
would not be by any means 30 valuable
rs sales in several States.
Nor should any one who is afraid Of
criticism undertake this work. Nova
DAYS and ever before, ms far rs We know
to the contrary, all such books have had
to stand searching and sometimes i'll
natured criticism, 1t is the fire in which
the purity OF their metal is tested. 1t
is. therefore, well to know before
hand that there are many diverse
interests to he consulted and long
standing prejudices to be recon-
ciled. Whose undertakes to write such
a history without we'll informing himself
beforehand will be surprised to know
what jealousies survive amongst those
who were compatrots in the war. The
fact that so many men who were in the
thick of battle yet live, with vivid recol-
lections of what they saw and no very
tolerant opinions of what others saw,
makes the task one of embarrassment I;
but we trust that it is not impossible Of
performance.
Indeed, the need of such history is
too urgent to permit us to allow Difficult
ties, great or small, to stand in the way /;
yet we would have the work entered
upon advisedly, and our conviction is
that the person who succeeds in it best
will be the one who most earnestly con,
suits the wants OF the children.