The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1901-01-01
GOV. GEER's TENTBooK coMMIs-
SION.
salem Capital Journal.

salem Capital Journal.
Probably never in the history of Ore.
gon has the appointment Of a commits.
sion with small emolument caused suct
general interest as the naming Of tbs
forthcoming school text book commits
sion. Even the election Of the United
States senator is not much more COM
mented upon by the press Of the state
This is as it should be. for the selection
Of the text books for our rising gen.
Grafton is Of vastly more Importance
than the personality Of a senator. Gov
ernor Geer mas wisely laid his plans in
this matter, and in following out the
ideas expressed in his widely circulat-
ed newspaper interviews on this sub
ject he intends to be guided by prin-
clples which mean something for our
state rather than by individual favor
itism. This again is as it should be.
The men named on this commission
should be not only OF the highest type
OF American citizenship. but they
should be good business men. as well
as men versed in the needs Of the grow
ing youth Of our state. Their work
win be a sacred task. and only men
should be placed in charge OF il who
win contemplate their duties from that
point Of view. Above all things they
should be far-seeing. and able to know
before they act just what the ultimate
effect OF their work win be in its re-
lation TO themselves and the public.
This may seem to be asking a great
deal, but why not? Is not Oregon en-
titled TO the best men in the public
Are not the Oregon children
entitled to the best that can be had?
Now IL the vital time. and If the right
kind OF commission is named. such
an one as the governor has outlined
be chosen. these high ideals will have
been met. II the commission should
be madeup of inferior or mediocre talent
II would be too late to get the results
desired. hence the great wisdom Of
rightly at this time
II Oregon ever comes to the front. 1t
viii be necessary to have her schools
take the lead. and there is no imagina-
DIE way In which this can be so well
done as by giving our teachers and
nupiIs the best tools to work with.
There are few homes in the state which
are not more vitality interested in this
one question than they are in who is to
be president, or whether our govern
ment is for or against certain policies.
What child gets out Of his school
work is what tells in the future Of our
commonwealth, and his facilities for
getting the most out Of these years
viii have the most telling effect for our
state.
Three influences seem to be at work
10 shape the selection Of the commits
sion. First the limitations Of the con-
pointed out by the governor,
including members Of the last legisla-
ture who voted for the bill, and per-
sons who are holding some other lu-
.rative Office Of election or appoint
nent This also includes the county
Being a reform meas
Jre. its faithful execution precludes
making up the commission Of persons
who are responsible for the conditions
now prevailing in the textbook busi-
ness in Oregon. Persons are being
petitioned for and highly recommended
who not only opposed the DAILY bill,
but who would be perfectly satisfied to
,eep all the present text books at pres