The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-04
The Textbook Proposition.

i Under section 106 of the school law
of 1897 the different school districts O
the state will have to vote On the fre,
textbook and supply proposition, and
1t is proper at this time to study tht
the matter 50 as to vote for the best
Interests of the district and patrons o.
schools. We think it proper to give,
what seems to us to be the principa,
advantages to the districts to be deriv.
ed from the adoption of free text books
and supplies as well as its objection
able features.
Some of the arguments for are, LIST,
the books would last longer because
used by succeeding classes until worn
out instead of being lain away when
the owner is through with it.
End. The wealthier of the communi-
ty would be called upon to help pay
for the schooling Of children of indi-
gent parents, who would be humiliat-
ed too much under present conditions
to ask for aid, and the odious distinc-
tlon between the rich boy, with plen-
ty of good books and the boy with
poor books or none at all, would be
avoided.
3rd. 1t might increase the attend
ance at school.
4th. Nonresident land owners help
to pay for what directly adds value to
their property
9th. That it is step in the right di-
rection that will ultimately result in
the state publishing and furnishing
all the schools at the states expense.
9th. In the larger cities and towns
where there are so many patrons with
limited means and where many chill
dren are poorly supplied and equipped
to attend school, this act will enable
the children of the poor to pursue
their studies equally with those more
fortunate, duty the state owes the
child. The state is under obligation
to educate its children unhampered
by the indigency of the parents.
7th. Free tex. books and supplies
tend to lessen the price, though under
the present contract which this state
has made it will be impossible unit
Its expiration in 1900.
The arguments against are equal,
strong and coupled with the presen
financial condition is probably strong
er. Among them are the reasons, 1st.
Pupils take better care of their books
when they own them, and also viii
need them constantly at hand for ref
erence and study.
End. The Inconvenience that would
arise by one district adopting and 9th
ers not.
3rd. The trouble, inconvenience
and extra cost in handling them, an6
the clerk who is to be the custodian is
entitled to compensation for hiE
trouble
4th. While we concede that great
relief might be had In the cities where
extremes of wealth and poverty exist
and where a greater demand for more
expensive text books prevails, but in
the country districts the reverse is
true.
9th. The financial condition vii
render it difficult and in many dis.
tricts impossible. To add 8 or
mill tax as the case may be, to The
already special tax levy, viii seriously
cripple the prospects of having The
required amount of school, to Say
nothing about many districts that art
heavily IN bonded Indebtedness anc
which Will have to levy an extrs
special tax in few years to create s
sinking fund for the purpose of re
deeming their bonds.
The district that adopts the text
books viii annually be required IL
levy a special tax as well as specia
tax for an exchange of books when th,
present contract expires.
7th. That it has tendency to IN
vite jobbery and boodlism on the par
of school directors.
These are the principal points abou
this provision that will materially eff
feet the patrons of schools and tax