Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-02-10
PROF. QUINN DISCUSSES
UNIFORMITY IN TEXT BOOKS

Editor Journal:
Will you kindly allow me space to no
tice briefly an article in yesterdays
Journal signed An Educator" L do
who cloaks his identity. With such it is
generally true that if the full name and
connection were given the effect would
be to nullify the argument
There are gentlemen in Georgia who,
like myself, were once in the school bust
ness, who should now sign, If using a
nom de plume, an 'ex-educatOr." Some
of these have business connections which
make them exceedingly anxious about the
question of text bOoks-especially the
matter of adoptions.
"Ex-Educator' seems to have taken
some notice of politics and political plat
forms in the midst of his arduOus school
duties, and undertakes to read out of the
Democratic party all those who favor
uniformity in text books. 1t is to this
feature of his article that I wish to en-
ter objection. and for the following rea-
sons:
/. Uniformity In text books except with
the provision that the state furnish books
free was never the Populist platform in
Georgia.
q Many Of the Democratic members Of
the last several legislatures were avow-
eddy in favor of uniform text books. And
in such favor did this Populistic CD plank
ocratic house; and at another time pass
ed a Democratic senate. 1t would have
passed both branches at the same ses-
sion but for the very vigorous canvass
against it by certain book publishers.
who we'll knew the erect would be TO
produce cheaper books for the people.
thereby decreasing the enormous profits
of the publishers. Otherwise they would
| never have taken so profound an interest
| in educational legislation.
3. A majority of the people of Georgia,
admittedly Democratic, desires a uniform
1 series of text books, because 1t saves
| money to the parents, and because furth-
er it would make possible a real system
of schools in Georgia.
4. Democratic South Carolina. Demo-
| cratic North Carolina, Democratic Ten
| nessee, Democratic Louisiana, Democrat
! lie Texas. and other Democratic states
| have uniform text books, every one OF
which without exception get just as good
books as Georgia has and at much low
er cost.
4. am reliably informed that lead
| ing candidate for the Democratic nomin-
| alton for governor favOrs uniformity In
text books 1t is also said that our pres
ent Democratic-to-the-core Governor
| Allen d. Gambler. favors uniformity.
| For these reasons 1 think ''Ex-Educa-
tor is unfair to Mr.. Beck, who, in ad-
dition to being a polished gentleman and
| an able school man. is also stancn
! Democrat He is also unfair TO other
| loyal Democrats when he undertakes 10
| leave the impression that only Populists
/ favor this wise and necessary piece OF
| legislation Furthermore. he is doubly
| unfair to his own side when he seeks by
| raising a party issue to avoid a discus
sion of this question on its merits; thus
virtually acknowledging the feebleness OF
| the arguments which may be brought TO
| support his view.
IF The real facts connected with this
| school book business in Georgia are
brought out in the approaching cam
| paign as they undoubtedly will be, our
| ''Ex-Educator'' friend will unquestiona-
/ bly, be amazed at the great majority Of
Democrats who favor cheaper and bet
| ter text books.
Having supported every meritorious bin
looking to uniform text books in Georgia.
| and having always been Democrat. 1
| felt it due to llyself and to others who
| hold to this view, to show that In our
advocacy of a uniform series Of text
| books for our common schools, We were
about as good Democratic company as
could be found in the south.
Though candor compels me to say that
| rather than do violence To my conVic-
lions in a matter affecting the highest
/ and best interests of the people OF our
| state. should not in the least object to
being classed with Populists or Repub-
| licans.
| Furthermore, I must protest against the
effort to gain political advantage by con-
stantly nagging at the Populists. This
/ party now is a thing of the past. Many
| of it's members are as good citizens as
| Georgia has, and thousands of them nave
come back to the Democratic fold and
are now loyal to our party erunN
| Atlanta Ga Feb g.