The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-01-19
Leads all North Carolina DaiesinN News andC Circulation

school book law. the cost of books TO
the children Of Tennessee was S2SO,OOO
more than il was afterward, and that the
law has worked exceedingly we'll, A uni
form system in the state would be OF ad-
vantage in that otherwise the schools
cannot be graded with any degree Of
de1niteness.
Mr. Cars. of Greene: The committee
seems to be practically agreed in the
idea of having an uniform system OF
school books The question seems TO be
whether or not the selection shall be
made by the State Board of Education or
by experienced teachers. Under the pro-
visions of section three Of this bill eX-
perienced men are chosen; the boards acts
as a check 1t is clear to my mind that
teachers ought 10 make the selection.
Mr. Green OF Wilkes, favored post
ponement as the majority of the COM
mttee was no, readc to vote on the
question. At this point Judge Connor
chairman of the House Committee stated
that he noticed present certain citizens
who doubtless wanted to be heard on the
hll.
Mr.. Whitaker of Guilford said Hav-
ing lived in n printing Office until %,
and in school ever since then. | feel
prepared TO give some information to the
committee relative to the cost of pub
fishing books. ! bought a book for my
little boy yesterday that cost 20 cents.
The paper was used in making the book,
am satisfied cost not more than two
cents, and the entire cost of the book was
not more than eight or ten cents. You
see what we might save by buying at
wholesale prices, and directly from the
publishers Mr.. Whitaker stated that he
does not think that teachers are proper
ones to make the choice of school books.
They do not agree. and have nearly all
represented publishing houses.
Mr.. Smith OF Gates. said that as the
bill was ccpied from one already in OPP
Grafton, we should study and see where II
is defective and improve it. He moved
that the further consideration be post
.oned.
Judge T. 3. Wamacl. stated that he was
representing certain interests. and would
like to be heard on the school book ques-
tion.
Mr.. Shannonhouse, of Mecklenburg, said
that if Judge Wamack represents a pub
fishing house. he should wait and ap-
pear before the Text Book Comission.
That the question Of choosing any parti-
cular set a. books docs not come before
this comrittee
Mr. r. II. Busbee stated that they un-
derstood that the matter of choosing the
school books WIS ore that the commit
tee. still the committee was taking ac-
ton that would affect the nature Of the
ttfth he
publishing houses. tie said that the bill
was being pressed by certain book COM
panies and opposed in part or as a whole
by cthers
Senator Aycock demanded If Mr. Bus
bee meant any reflection upon him. Il
have introduced this bill without consul
tation with the representatives of any
book company. ! believe it to be TO the
interest of the children OF North Caro-
lima to secure books for less money than
we have TO pay for our books now.
Mr. Busbee instantly disclaimed any in
tention of rejecting upon Senator Ay-
cock or any one else
Senator Aycock continued: The uni
form system of adopting school books in
almost evedy Southern State except North
Carolina. and North Carolina pays more
for her school books than any State where
the uniform system is in vogue.
Mr.. Green of Wilkes. said that he de-
sired all the information on the subject
he could get, and that it an yone could
throw any light on it, he thought he
wanted TO hear from him.
Mr.. James II. Pou stated that ne rep
resents the University Publishing Com
pany. This company he said, recognizes
the need of a ccaeper method of supply
ing school books. They desire to be
heard at any date and can give the com
mittce suggestions as to arriving at a
method by which no house will have ar
advantage in the competition. Reputa-
BILE book companies desire with the tC
get books as cheaply as possible. be-
lieve a scheme will be presented that
will greatly improve on the bill.
Mr. Aycock said that the lawyers could
present the matter to the committee
on very short notice and that he thought
the bill ought to be acted on at once.
Mr. c. NJ. Busbee stated that he repre-
sented the University Publishing Com
pany, and called attention TO the fact
that the bill provided for the sub-com-
mittcc holding executive session which
would prevent the representation by any
publishing house of the merits of theil
own or the demerits of other companies
| publications.