Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1895-01-11

are conversant with the needs of the state
and its institutions. desire to
cooperate with you in whatever
will prove to be the most business-lke
proposition to obtain satisfactory sOlu-
tion OF the question.
FREE AND UNIFORM TEXT BOOKS.
Though the common wealth of North Da.
kota is young, yet system of publi:
schools has been established, as abiding
and progressive as that of older states.
Men are not actuated solely by mercenary
motives in choosing homes for themselves
and their families. That which contributes
to the development OF morals and intelIi-
gence is always considered, and the eff
cheney of the public schools of state is
an incentive, no less than its agricultural
resources.
But few subjects receive the careful con-
sideration and thorough investigation that
those pertaining to the public schools
receive; for all regard this institu-
tion as the promoter OF morality, patriot
ism and citizenship. Careful and pru-
dent consideration, often amounting to re-
luctance, on the part Of a legislator, when
considering measures pertaining to
schools, is rather to be commended
than condemned, for by his consrrv-
atl>m he protects the schools from innOva-
tiOns.
Liberal expenditures for the support of
schools have always characterized the
people of this state. Now that the state is
funds to maintain the schools, thereby re-
!itving the people OF corresponding tax,
1t IS proper to consider the question of free
and uniform text. bucks. The money neces-
sary to provide these would be raised by
taxation. Nevertheless, it is question of
economy. II each patron of the public
school contributed to textbook fund
what he eXpends for school books in one
year: the amount so contributed would fur
nlSh bnOks for the use of an equal number
OF pupils for period of five years, and The
cost would be reduced in like ratio.
1t may be urged as an objection that
many would not contribute to the fund to
the number thus mentioned would not be
greater than the number annually fur
nished books by the various school officers
throughout the state Such persons REQUIRE
bonks to be furnished yearly; the
expenditure for this class becomes
ture, as suggested, would be sufficient for a
number OF years.
Education being for the benefit of the
state and community as well as for the IN
dividual, it is expedient that those able to
contribute should do so, but at the same
time as economically as possible. To les
ser, sen tae expense upon those possessing the
grants OF public domain were made to es.
tablish permanent fund.
The right of suffrage has been extended
10 some who, perhaps. are not able to use
it intelligently. 1t is too late to disfran-
chise them. and the only course to pursue
is to educate them and their successors.
In so doing, they are educated for the in
lerests and service of the state.
Placing free and uniform text books in
the public schools of North Dakota will
make them all that the term Stree" signifies,
compreheEding tuition, furniture, appa-
ratus and Libraries. 1t will aid in enfol cling
che law of compulsory attendance, as it re-
moves one OF the obstacles to its enforce
ment-lnablity to procure books. le will
teach that class most in need OF the instruc-
tlOn, the principle consistent with indie
pendent and dignifed manhood, that, wnat-
ever mans condition may be, he is en-
Titled to the means Of improving it..
would recommend such legislation as
may be necessary to provide system of
free and uniform text books for each county
in the state.
WOMAN SUFFRAGE.
Under section 122, article 5, of the consti-
tuition, the legislature is empowered - ex-
tend the right of suffrage to women. This
question has engaged The attention of the
legislature OF the territory Of Dakota, as
Well as the constitutional convention OF
North Dakota.
Women are citizens. Their civil rights
are not inferior to those of men, but with
regard to their political rights, they
form almost positive exception
to the general doctrine OF equality.
They obey laws, and contribute taxes;
and it is political justice land
po ltlcal justice always pays) that those
who are subject to law and contribute
taxes should have voice in their enact
ment and the distribution of taxes.
The elective franchise has been extend
ed, and restrictions removed, as men have
demonstrated their ability to exercise it.,
and as the right to its possession became
apparent
A partial recognition has been given by
granting women the right to participate in
school matters. In the exercise of this
ability to discharge greater suffrage, con-
scientiOusly, and to The best interests of
the body polite and themselves.
l would recommend to your favorable
consideration the extension of suffrage to
women. In municipal matters al least.
GOOD ROADS.
The attention being paid to the subject
of good roads in many states, agricultural
as we'll as manufacturing, is evidence of
its Importance. In the development of a
state, the proper building aud improve
inCAG VI highways Is Que Oh tl6 IaSG QueS-
tions to receive consideration, though they
are OF great Importance to all industries.
Streams and railroads are the arteries of
commerce, and public highways are the
tributaries. From the farm and the fac
tory come the articles to be transported.
With the low price that commodities often
command. it is necessary that they be
marketed as quickly and cheaply as pos
sible. Every item of expense that can be
saved in delivering to the lines of
transportation, will augment the profit Of
the producer.
While the people of this state may not
feel the need of jlldicious improvement of
highways, l believe that the day is
not far distant when they will realize that
the subject should have received earlier
and more careful attention.
These Improvements are often objected
to by farmers, who claim that
they constitute the class least bene-
fiEtpd This io orrnnonncG Good