The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-06-13
STATE BOARD OF
EDUCATION MEETS.
Resolution Passed as to the
Adoption of Books.
TIE PLAN TO BE PURSUED.

LCt bOOh o. oO ~ StOCh CoO A'AotS
board of education met in the Office
of the State superintendent of edu-
cation 1t was the important meet
ing preliminary to the adoption OF
books for use in the public schools
for the next FIVE years.
When the board was called to
order all the members we're present
save Prof Cook, who came in shortly
afterwards
In the city we're numerous repre-
sentatives of publishing houses from
all parts of the country.
Several matters of minor import
ance were first taken up and passed
upon by the board.
An application from Allen unver-
sity to have its course Of study in its
normal department approved, came
up and, on motion, was postponed
till later meeting.
A letter from Mr. Il G Sheridan.
asking for permission TO offer to the
trustees for sale certain school sup
plies, was read The matter was
passed over, the board taking the
ground that the sale of desks was
DOT under it's jurisdiction
The board then reached the main
question before it which was the con
slderation of method of procedure
in the adoption of text books Vari-
Gus phases of this complex question
were discussed, after which Mr.
Knight offered the following resolu
ton, which was adopted
Resolved. That the adoption of
text books be made upon the princi-
pie of single list, it being under.
stood that this resolution shall not
prevent the use of different readers
as supplementary.
Gen c |. Walker appeared before
the board At the recent Louisville
convention of the United Confederate
veterans, it was unsnimosly resolved
to commence an active agitation III
favor of the use in all the schools of
the south of school books. especially
histories, which were fair and im-
partial.
Gen Walker was appointed by Gen
Gordon, commander. and Gen S. D.
Lee, chairman of the historical COM
mittee to undertake this very import.
ant work
The proposition met with such
general approval that the funds nee
essary to commence the work were
offered to Gen Walker before leaving
Louisville He will devote himself
exclusively to this work, giving up
his position with the Walker, Evans
& Cogsweil company.
The first opportunity of making
any effective impression was present
ed at the meeting of the State board
Of education
Gov McSweeuey. chairman Of the
board. specially invited Gen Walker 20
be preeecs and address the board 90 this
subject He very forcibly aud eloquent
ly presented the subject TO the board
and lis members should be thoroughly
convinced that in the schools of South
Carolina, only such histories should De
used ss do full justice to the State and
she south. Geu Walker did not and
could not in fairness admi; any epeoial
histories, bat explained the principles
which should be characferizsi in the books
to be adopted and urged that any not
SO written. be not used iu our schools
The Uoited Confederate Veterans
represent the largest body of the south.
ern people. associated, to see that
Justice 10 done the south and while they
primarily represent the Confederate
va. period. they are composed of repre-
sentative citizens of the whole south
aud their requests should have deep
consideration. Their action was
endorsed by the Sons Of the Confeder-
aoy assembled at Louisville aud the
requests Of these Two great bodies
should have great weight with the
school authorities of this and other
Southern States.
Much injustice is done 10 many
school histories, to the south also in its
anti bellum history and tue veterans
are anxious that all such oo.s be
removed for the teaching OF .ae rising
generation, who should be taught to
revere the grand heritage of glory
transmitted them BY their forefatbers.
10 the matter of text book adoption
the following was adopted
Resolved, That tee chairman and
secretary insert an advertisement 10
The American School Board Journal,
The School Journal of New York aud
The New Eogland Journal of Educa-
ton. stating that an adoption OF
single lis. of school text books will be
made during the first week in Septem-
ter, and inviting correspondence with a