Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-04

ing. Unless otherwise instructed, your
committee expect 10 refrain In future
from such recommendations.
A great misconception has become cur
rent OF the aim and purpose OF the COM
mittee in supposing that 1t desires only
historical works written from the south
ern standpoint. Such works are useful
only as materials for the future histo-
RAN and useful because they exhibit the
animus with which they are written.
Works in vindication of the course of the
South before and during the civil war
will be invaluable In showing the causes
which led to the war, and the motives OF
those engaged In IL. but controversial
literature Is not history, and is out OF
place in historical instruction.
COMMITTEES DESIRE.
The desire OF your committee is to Sc
cure such histories as can be read or
taught In every part OF the Union with
justice toward all-hlstorles that will put
an end to prejudice and sectional feeling,
not perpetuate thenl-and histories de-
signed as southern histories solely viii
cease as soon as a broad, catholic, and
true historic spirit prevails I'm current
histories for schools and libraries. Until
that time southern teachers will not in
struct southern youth in way TO destroy
southern self-respect and manhood.
A suggestion has recently been made by
the Department of Wisconsin, OF the
Grand Army Of the Republic which s
embodied in their resolutions as follows:
whereas, the war between the North
and South ended nearly third OF q CEN
fury ago-ended TO the honor and glory Of
the best government ever vouchsafed TO
mankind and,
Whereas. there has not yet been pre-
pared for use in the public schools OF
the United States chapters on that great
war for a school history that do exact
justice 10 State, armies, battles, and lead
ers. and are satisfactory to both North
and South; and.
"Whereas. such chapters in a school his
tory are most desirable, and would be Of
incalculable benefit to the country in
proper instruction Of the youth: there
"Resolved, That II Is the belief OF the
Department Of Wisconsin. Grand Army Of
the Republic, that the surest. quickest,
easiest and best way TO secure such
chapters for a national school history Is
70 Select for the work a commission Of
distinguished educators from the ranks
OF the contending armies In the contest
from 1861 TO 1865.
'Resolved That our representatives 10
the national encampment, which meets At
Buffalo next August, be requested TO pre-
sent this matter TO that honorable body"
Your committee feels that IL cannot TOO
highly praise the broad and liberal AmerI-
can spirit which pervades these resolu-
tions. While IL might be premature for
your honorable body, TO pass upon THIS
proposition. nevertheless your committee
does not deem IL Inappropriate 20 present
at this time few suggestions with refer
ence 10 such a plan.
Your committee regards history as
form Of literature. treating OF past events.
akin 10 science, in that II endeayors 10
express with accuracy and system the re-
suits OF knowledge, but also akin 70 poe
try. In that II endeavors 10 reproduce the
former thoughts and motives OF men,
and TO represent the noble and great in
a way which appeals to the imagination,
as well as instructs the Judgment The
publication of the facts without note or
comment robs history of its greatest
service in stimulating the patriotic emo
tions of the student, and encouraging him
10 the emulation OF great deeds.
History Is not mere product. and can
no more be written by commissions or
committees than can scientific or dra-
matte compositions. Such a body would
be ant TO produce a colorIess. comprO-
missed work. which would represent the
real convictions OF no person whatever,
and lack the iife-giving spirit which gives
to history It's literary quality and makes
IL an inviting and elevating study.
The only reliance. after all. Is upon the
character Of the writer himself Ii he Is
broad minded. sympathetic. unprejudiced,
fearless. painstaking. and devoted TO the
ascertainmert OF truth, according TO his
gifts. he will write history. IL he writes
his book simply to sell, no will. OF course.
make his views conform to those OF the
greatest number OF prospective pnr-
chasers The would-be historian who sets
out 10 make a history which will conform
TO the views or win the condemnation OF