Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-09-12
sCuooL-pooK CONTRACTS.

There are already two or more south
ern histories upon the "eligibIe list" of
books that may be adopted by local
boards for use in the public schools OF
Virginia; but there ought to be a still
wider range OF selection.
The contract that Virginia has with
| the American Book Company and all
other publishers whatsoever we would
have her observe faithfully to the end.
But these companies ought to pull
down the bars and let our people have
what they want. II they did but know It,
It is to their interest to do so. Our people
have made up their minds that they VIII
have real history taught-not the So
called history that vaunts the victors and
slurs the defeated side. Any history that
neglects to state the fact. for in
stance, that Massachusetts, more than
once threatened to avail herself OF the
right OF secession, suppresses the truth
and creates a wrong impression upon
the minds OF the student
There have been a score or moro OF
southern histories written. Some Of these
are In use in Virginia schools, while
others are not upon the eligible list"
and cannot be used. AS TO the merits
Of these several histories. there Is much
difference OF opinion. Some people pre-
fer one; others another. But really II
seems to US that 1t would be well TO
open the field TO all and let the fight go
nd Those
are entrusted with the education OF
youth ought TO be the best judges OF the
merit of textbooks. but even their
judgment, which we much respect.
would not be as reliable before trial as
after trial OF the books. 1T is only in
that way that the public mind can be
brought TO an intelligent decision as to
which history of all those offered as
works acceptable to southern students
ought to be generally used In southern
schools. No matter what committee,
commission, or board may undertake to
decide which is the best southern his
tory" there will always be found men
to appeal from that decision. But from
a popular conclusion reached after fair
trial by teachers, parents. and pupils
there could be no successful appeal.
OF course, the cost Of changing from
one history to another will always be
urged by some as a reason against any
change, but we must trust to the intel
ligence and patriotism of our people to
rise superior to any objection of this
sort.
We have not the record Of the facts
before us as we write, but our recollec-
ton is that the contracting companies
have not been illiberal in consenting to
of their contracts, having |
for their object the addition of new |
books to the list; but, however that may |
be. the companies would do well to yield |
to the general demand so that all south |
ern histories may have a fair trial in |
our public schools. OF course, private |
want, but public schools may only use |
such books as are adopted by the State |
Board of Education. And the board |
with the book companies for
the books in question to the exclusion
Of other books Of other publishers. Not |
all, but most of the books in use in
he public schools OF this State are pub
ished by the American Book Company,
whose contracts have good while to run
before the State Board Of Education
s free to enter into new contracts. But
,ur advice to the American Company,
md all others concerned, is to waive any
such rights that they may possess and
ct the State Board enlarge the history
list as much as 1t pleases.
With all the histories to choose from,
We may be sure that IL there is really
my one of them that meets all, or
nearly all, of our wants, the consensus
II opinion in educational circles will
Joint it out. Thenceforward there will
,e no trouble about getting 1t taught
,ut until that end is reached we may
ave to try and try again, over and over,
Until we get the very book that we
,apd |