Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1898-07-07
FREE TEXT BOOKS.
Why Notg Says One Beidingite-To be
Settled at the Annual school Meeting
Next Monday Evening.

why NOtT says Ohe beiuihsite-io pe
Settled at the Annual school Meeting
Next Monday Evening.
At our annual school meeting next
Monday evening this question is to be
settled. for If we take no action at all
we come under the provisions OF the
new uniformity law and must change
our books whether we wish or not; if
we wish TO remain as now vote TO
that effect Is necessary or il we wish
free text books a vote is necessary.
Certainly we would be extremely
foolish To permit our district TO come
under the provisions of the uniformity
law, and be compelled to change our
books before we shall know what the
new books are to be, when by a vote
we can wait until the books are adopt
ed and tested, then il desired we may
adopt the uniform plan. OF all the
plans suggested the cheapest is the
free text book plan. To support this
let us give "A few figures as to the rela-
tive cost Of books under the various
plans in the city Of Benton Harbor, as
reported by the board of education of
that city.
This summary of books includes five
readers, one large written arithmetic,
one mental arithmetic, two books in
physiology, two books in grammer two
books in geography, drawing books,
two music books, copy books, spoilers,
United States history, civil govern
ment of Michigan. If school books are
purchased new in every grade while "A
pupil is passing through the eight
grades of the public schools, the text
books alone, aside from pens, pencils
and tablets will cost al retail S27. 81 per
pupil. Readers, spoilers, arithmetics,
geographic, physiologies and gram
mars are used during two or three
years or grades by the same pupil
Buying the books once while a pupil is
passing through the eight grades, the
books alone aside from pens, pencils
and tablets will cost at retail $l7.79
per pupil. Quoting prices from the
prices as fixed under the uniformity
text book law, saying nothing about
the quality, if pupil purchases books
new in every grade while passing
through the eight grades of the public
schools, the text books alone aside
from pens, pencils and tablets will cost
at retail $20.A per pupil. If bought
by the board of education under the
free text book system, saving the 20
per cent. to the retailer, and if bought
new in every grade, it will cost $l6SS
per pupil. Buying the books once
while the pupil is passing through the
eight grades, the books alone aside
from pens, pencils and tablets will cost
the board of education under the free
text book system $3.50 per pupil.
Permit US also to quote from recent
report of Supt Whitney of the Sagi-
nav schools as to the advantage of the
free text book system:
l. 1t secures uniformity of text
books. People moving to and from
the city are never Inconvenience or
put TO additional expense for books.
2. 1t enables us TO begin work the
very first day of the term. There is
never any delay. All books and sup
plies are sent TO the various buildings
before the schools open and are as
signed to the pupils Immediately upon
enrolment. In poor districts this is an
marked advantage.
3. 1t greatly increases the attend
ance. 1t gives the poor boy and girl
an equal opportunity with the rich
without humiliating or wounding them.
This is particularly true in high school
and during times of depression.
4. 1t very greatly facilitates the eX-
change of old text books for new. This
is generally done without the know
ledge or protest of parents and at very
little extra expense to the board of
Outlines it is more econom-
ical to exchange a worn out set Of
books purchased at wholesale, for "a
new set, purchased in like manner,
than TO replenish the old stock.
3. 1t banishes away petty incon-
veniences and annoyances and gives
thereby a general toning and business
dignity TO the entire school system.
Free books for those who are unable
to pay for them, and it certainly seems
the proper and cheapest plan TO adopt.
Many towns and cities have adopted
the plan and many more expect to at
the annual school meeting. Vote for
free text books and let Bedding fall in
line. Cor.
MARRIAGE LICENSES.