Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-06-04
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE
In charge OF r. ]. Cooper, 90 Geary 90
SALT LAKE CITY, JUNE 4, 1902
II Musr NOT BE IGNORED.


The suggestions of the Deseret News
to the School-book convention, now in
session In this city have stirred up
some discussion That Is exactly what
we desire. II the delegates gathered
here from all parts Of the State viii
Investigate the whole subject Of supply
for the next five years, and decide ac-
cording to the merits OF the several
books submitted to their inspection,
taking into consideration the question
of prices, the News" win be satisfied
The subject of cost ought not to be
ignored. BY this wemean, particularly,
the relative prices Of the school books
charged by the publishers to Utah pur-
chasers and those for which they are
obtained In other States. II the con-
yention does not enter into this mat
ter with determination to get to the
bottom OF Il, the people Of Utah viii
take steps TO secure a thorough inves-
tgation, and will hold those who OPP
pose It now responsible for the con-
sequences.
1t Is rumored that there Is combin-
alton among number OF the delegates
60 carry their points, and It is said that
this Is very noticeable to all specta-
tors. We cannot credit the idea that
anything OF this kind has been
entered into from improper mo-
lives. The gentlemen who form the
convention are educated and trusted
representatives OF the various counties
In this State on educational matters.
For their own sakes as well as for
the public welfare they should fully
inquire into this question OF cost; for
Il they pass II by and refuse TO dis
cuss Il thoroughly. we warn them that
very grave suspicious will be attached
to them. The unpleasant rumors that
are abroad ought to be sllenced or dem
onstrated to be true. We believe they
VIII be.
Everything associated with this con-
vention should be made q public mat
ter The delegates do not assemble
In any private or personal capacity. /
They act for the people. Every step
they take and every conclusion at
which they arrive should have full pub
liclty. There should be- sufficient rea-
son given for every selection AS we
have repeatedly stated, this paper has
nothing IN view hut the public benefit.
We want the best books, but we de-
mand that they shall be obtained at
the lowest possible figures
We have already made reference to
certain class of Readers which, II is
said, cost eighty-fiye cents in Utah
and but forty-five cents in Missouri. In
doing so We merely referred TO
TINT as sample OF differences
IN the prices Of other books
to be adopted by the convention
We win not support nor oppose any
particular text book on any subject,
lest II might be inferred that we are
biased and working in the interest OF
some publishing house or dealer
We have declined positively any in
teryiew with agents or representatives
CT publishing firms. We express no
hoice. We make no attempt to sway
the convention in any manner what
rver, except on general principles IN
favor Of sood books at fair prices. We
expect 10 probe this matter to the CEN
ter, unless the convention will take IL
up on its merits and consider II In all
liz bearings, We protest against Utah
paying nearly double the sum for books
o that for which they can be purchased
n other States OF the Union.
II is argued that the laws regulating
ne adoption and distribution OF text
looks vary greatly in different States J
Cor example. in Indiana a maximum
rice is fixed by law. and the books are
furnished by the school officers 10 the
,upils at actual first cost. In Kansas
he local retail dealer is allowed 10 per
ent advance on the maximum whole
ale price. But In Utah the question
I quality and price is regulated by u
zen competition and the judgment Of
he boards or bodies making the adop- !,
ion. Therefore, the cost OF dlstribu- n
lon il added. here, to the wholesale N
rice of the book, and It reaches the e
urchaser In the same way as any 9TH h
r commodity. II is also claimed that | S
he extra amount OF freight is neces- Ia
lriy added to the cost. y
That is all very plausible, and an y,
xers the purpose of publishers and 81
gents in their endeavors 20 secure o,
Igh prices for their wares, II will be- n
oserved that in these explanations the q
.ci Is not denied that the cost is great o.
10 Utah than to some other parts Of y,
Ie country. and that is the real point hi
issue. The claim that the books sold w
some other States at a TAR lower lg- ',
e than that charged for them In Utah m
e inferior as 90 binding, quality Of "
iper. etc. II is said, is utterly falla- "
GUS. because samples OF these books =,
It side by side. show that there is no 70
between them in the particu- M
RS named. AS to the differences In
e provisions OF the law, regulating M
e supply In various States, that does ey