Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-24
USE SHINN'S HISTORY
The Board ld,pts II for The Public
SchOOl-ROoms Of Richmond.
THE sun-coMMrrrEE's REPORT.
IL Treats the Attitude of These
Hooks TO the Cause of the south
Long and Vigorous frote"
Ended.
Ended.


tho public schools Of Richmond In Febru-
orv parnes's History of the United States
will be suppanted in these schools by
Shinns. one of the best and most compfe-
henslve school histories published IN TINS
country. This is the termination OF the
war made by the Confederate camps ana
many private citizens upon Barnes's puo-
lication. upon the ground that IT ana not
properly represent the Lost Cause and
the character and manhood Of the, south
ern people.
The School Board, at regular meeting
last night. took up this matter. and after
carefully considering voluminous report
presented by the committee, consisting
Of the Superintendent and principals
bearing upon this question, adopted the
paper. which action provided for the
change from Barnes's to Shinn's History
When the body convened the following
members were present: Messrs. William
Lovensten tvice-charman). Joseph e.
Dickerson. Alonzo l.. Phillips. James II.
Capers. George b. Davis. and H. T..
Shine. Superintendent William +. FOX
and Clerk c. +. Rady were also on manu.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES MONTHLY RE-
POhI.
The Superintendent submitted the fol-
lowing report of the condition OF the puo-
lie schools for the past month: Total en-
rolment. II. 2e9: monthly enrolment, 1914;
percentage Of attendance, % per cent. Inc
Superintendent reported an increase IN
total enrolment. but a good deal Of sick
ness I'm the schools.
The board decided to extend the Christ
mas holiday 10 January 9Th.
The board decided to open night school
for colored children in the northwestern
part of the city.
CHANGE OF HISTORY.
The board took up the consideration OF
the question Of changing the history now
used in the schools.
The report OF the Superintendent and
principals. TO which was referred some
weeks ago the matter Of examining the
several histories and making report
submitted one, which, after being con-
sidered, was unanimously adopted by the
board. The following is the report:
Office of Superintendent Public schools
Richmond. Va, November 20, 1885.
To the Honorable School Board of the
City Of Richmond:
Gentlemen,-In response TO your re-
quest that We examine the histories OF
the State list and report as to their
respective merits. and whether II Is de-
Slr6Dle 10 MAKE a III she
book used In our schools, we Deg 10 SUD
NIT the following report:
In determining the suitahleness or
history Of the United States for southern
schools several considerations must en-
ter. IT IS important, of course. that
truth and fairness shall characterize
every period OF our history; but II IS
especially important that. in reference
10 that wide divergence between the sec
lions that led to the war between
the States" the causes should be clear
Is stated and the truth OF history vindi-
Gated. II is not, from any point of view.
desirable to have a partisan history; but
one that gives simply and clearly true
statement of our differences and their
causes.
----DS NO ESTABLISHMENT.
The South. fortunately. does not need
the embellishments Of fiction; the simple
truth is its highest praise. Settled by
reople OF widely different characteristics,
occupying territory varying in soil. eli
mate and productions. the Colonies early
exhibited a jealousy Of one another.
This was shown in the early wars, when
IT became necessary for them TO co-ope-
rate for mutual protection and defence;
1t was more distinctly marked during the
Revolution; and in the effort TO formulate
"A satisfactory system Of government at
fits close these differences OF interest and Of
political ideas were so clearly emphasized
that the best efforts Of our wisest and
most judicious men were required TO con-
serve and utilize the results Of the long
struggle for independence.
Early rose a difference as to the charac-
ter Of the government. Men just released
from the tyranny OF a foreign power
were slow TO Ak on themselves a form Of
government which could readily be turned
into an oppressor. The States. the parties
tt.. a1 To acfq <
a government Of defined and limited pow
ers and 70 retain in their own hands
everything that was not specifically dele
gated TO the central authority. After
long and searching discussions the Con-
stltution was adopted. These differences
of opinion crystallized into two parties
the one holding that the States reserved
TO themselves all rights except those
which they had delegated TO the General
Government; that the States were SUI
preme. and the General Government sim
ply their agent for certain specified pur-
poses-the other seeking to strengthen and
enlarge the power of the central gov
eminent at the expense OF the reserved
rights of the States. SO far was this view
carried that in these later days some
have spoken Of the General Government
as the parent and the States as her off
spring-contrary to all historic truth
maintained an existence all through our
history.
Conflicts between the adherents of these
different theories have occasoned most OF
the serious disturbances In the admins
tration Of our national affairs.
Differences Of interest have likewise
from an early period produced stormy
conflicts The rich soil and genial climate
OF some sections have fitted them foi
er,t. nd hou v
largely independent of his neighbors
while the sterile soil and rigorous climate
Of other sections compelled the inhabi
tants TO adopt different pursuits. Manu-
features naturally, In the existing con
ditions. occupied their attention. Thes'
must be sold at such prices as 10 make
their business profitable to the manufac
turer ard break down the competition
with outside parties. To accomplish THU
II was necessary. In the judgment Of thu
manufacturers TO secure protection from
the General Government. Parties hav
divided constantly on this issue-the pro
tective tarf.
third question has had large in
fuence on the history of our country--th
question OF slavery In itself II SHOULD
have produced TO discord In our funda
mental law its existence and the right
Of shareholders were distinctly recog
nizcd. But In the hands OF self-seekin
fanatics II has long been used 10 widei
the breach caused by conflicts in othe
lines
These are the main questions whic
have caused division In our midst, an
have led 10 internecne strife. The ques
ton for us 10 consider is: In which 0
the books allowed us for selection hav
these subjects been most Clearly, fairly
and truthfully set forth?