The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-21
LETTERS TO EDITOR
The System Works Well.

 To the Editor of the Age-Herald:
 I have been watching with much inter- est all that has been said in the several papers in the city concerning the "uni- form text book laws and admired very much the stand that Mayor Drennen. took in this matter as well as some others. Have just noticed your editorial in to- days paper under the caption, "All or None," and I think that you have sized up the situation very correctly indeed.
 Having but recently become citizen of this state and the city of Birmingham, l should not enter the discussion or this matter were 1t not that I had my ehil- dren in the schools of Texas before the enactment of the uniform text book law" and the entire time since then up to the present year, and I have a personal knowledge of the workings and benefit of that system, and must say that it proved highly satisfactory in every re- spect. I fail to recall a single instance of complaint by anyone since It's adoption. It is the most universany popular law in the great state today, and Is conceded 6CC0 ever enacted. It's continuance there Is sure. Those who took the same positions there before the enactment of the law as some are taking now In this state, are free to acknowledge their error since they see the results They are certainly prepared after this test of the workings to express an opinion of more value than before the trial of the law.
 One gentleman instances a case of school books in Tennessee that cost more under the uniform text book law than they do at present at this place. It is very hard for me to realize that the peo- pie of Tennessee made such egregious er- TOTS in the matter as to enter such 8 contract as this would indicate. It Is cer- tainly far from being the case in Texas. The cost of all school books used in Texas was greatly reduced, ana there was no book used in the schools there before the uniform law that was not offered, If adopted. at greatly reduced prices.
 I note remarks made in the discus sions of this matter lately wherein gen. tlemen cite the very efficient systems of our schools, and point with pride to the achievement of their exhibit at the Att lanta exposition. I am pleased to know this, and being a patron of these schools I sincerely trust this high standard may never be lowered, and would ask that the good influence of these honorable gen. tlemen who display so much interest in the matter stay with the state law and be directed where they can do the great est good; stay with the state law and add their intelligence and help to Heaven the whole" They can more certainly and easier secure the adoption of the most desirable books than by lobbying for exemption" They will find cooperation both easier and more beneficial in results. What they had the ability to demonstrate so clearly to the judges at the, Atlanta exposition they are surely able to show to a committee of citizens of their own state who will be selected with special reference to their fitness to perform that duty.
 It Is the highest duty of every good citizen to aid his ignorant fellow man and point him to the highest and best | Tn all things, ana 1T any DeleVe that the ma sses of this state are not competent to choose wisely in this matter it is their duty to stay with them and aid them, J and not leave them in their present dark ened condition, if they be so ignorant. The attitude some gentlemen assume in this matter reminds me of that taken by the populists some years since when they left the democracy to purify the party" If there was purity In them the purity certainly stood in great need of them.
 If these gentlemen, whom I have not the pleasure to know personally, have a superior knowledge of the wants of our schools, I would ask that they stand by the whole people and give to the masses the benefit of that knowledge. Any other course must be a selfish one. Man should not live for himself alone nor forget that fin union there Is strength; divided we fall" Very respectfully,
 F. B. PATTERSON.
 Birmingham, February 19, 1903.
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 Chinaman Contributes Literally.