The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-17
SUNDAY. JULY II, 1898.
THE PARTY AND THE BOOKS.

The Ivnchburg News whose editor IS
n member Of the state Democratic Com
,nittee. is somewhat indignant that MI
NIpnford should have intimated that Tor
IN state Board Of Education TO make
change in the present text books wouid
"a INJURIOUS to the Democratic party
The News says that this is not ques-
ton Of party politics, and denies most
emphatically the right Of Mr. Muntora OF
ANYBODY else TO assume to speak eH
catbedra for the Democratic party IN TINS
matter.
We do not understand that Mr. Mum
ford has spoken with any show OF au-
thori;y. but has simply expressed an
opinion, and our Lynchburg contempt
rarv seems TO have overlooked the TACT
that in that opinion Mr.. Munford Is for
.iaed by Congressman Swanson and by
.1,,doe Rbea. who is a candidate for Con-
gress from the Ninth District But
whether these gentlemen have spoken ex
csthedra or not, it is plain that an effort
has been made to use the political ques-
ton as a means of influencing the board
sn its decision.
We are very glad. therefore, that Editor
Glass. who. as we have said is mem
her OF the State Democratic Committee
has taken issue with Mr.. Munford and
other marty men on this question. The
News believes that there should be
change in text books, and makes the
following argument in its favor. We
huote:
Now. the simple truth is, we do not
believe that the exclusion Of the books
of the American Book Company VIII
nroye a burden upon the people at all
ON the contrary, It is asserted and con-
tended by those who are familiar with
the question that the change can be
made at a saving of many thousands OF
dollars 10 the people. Whether this last
contention be true or not. Is a matter OF
debate. but We do know that there
IS a general demand throughout the
length and breadth OF this Common
wealth that our people should be relieved
Cor once and fer all OF the scandals
which follow In the wake of this mann
moth book corporation. We believe the
auestion has assumed broader proper
lions than that Of the saving OF Few
dollars 10 our schools even should 1t be
found necessary to make a sacrifice OF
this kind in order to rid the State, its
politics and its Industrial interests Of the
'paralyzing effects OF the methods en-
xoloyed by this trust TO stifie competition
and secure a monopoly.
we believe our State Board Of Public
instruction is amply able 10 deal with
this question. and that should 1t decide
upon any desirable change in teNt books
the interest OF the schools and of the
parents who have to buy these books
viii be fully protected both as 20 price
and as to quality Of books. we believe
the Educational Board will be sustained
by public opinion in any reasonable
course II pursues. and whether sustained
or not we believe the members Of the
board are men OF sufficient character and
courage 10 do what they believe to be
right regardless Of threats from any
source.
In the same connection, We note that
the Suffolk erald. whose editor is we'll
known Democrat and a representative
OF Nansemond county in the legislature
also comes out IN favor Of the home
book. Editor Booker says:
The school-book question is now on
IN It's fullest measure. and the people
are all interested We want no more
book trust contracts Our own pub
fishing houses have ample facilities for
getting out the major part OF the text
books needed. and should be given the
contracts. We want no more school
book scandals
And so we could quote from dozens
Of the Virginia papers. all Of which are
steadfast in their devotion to the Demo-
cratic party II the press OF Virginia
voices the sentiment Of the people OF
Virginia the interests of the Democratic
party are in no danger from the adoption
NJ virginia books