Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1905-05-01
TsG 1wo DniFoRmrTY BILLS.

either OF the two bills providing for q
uniform system Of text books for the
schools Of this State, on account Of
the great expense TO parents that q
change would cause, We declare en-
physically In favor OF the McCTesTy
bill a. between the two, il either 10 To
become q law, for the following rea-
sons;
McCrsary BiIi-Senase Bill No. 8.
1. The sub-commission IL Democratic
in lie formation and conforms to the
primary law which 10 20 heartily ap.
proved by the great majority Of our
people. The frequent alloWsnce Of a
change Of school superintendents (who
are really the uniform text book com.
inIsSlon) prevents any danger OF a
SCANDAL and no likelihood OF an at
tempt st bribery, There are too many
men TO be bought.
2. IL provides for uniformity in ALL
grades-Primary, intermediate, Gram
mar School and High School.
8. Recognising the fact as pointed
out BY The Index last week that con-
tracts had recently been made by the
county school boards for books, II pro-
vides a GRADUAL conformity TO the
system rather than . radical and alb.
Fupt change.
4. Provision il made for the punish
ment OF contractors attempting to in.
fluence elections in this State. thereby
relieving the people OF such rumors &c
that much money was used in our
last campaign TO secure the election OF
Mr.. So-and-SO," e!c.
8. The argument being used that
the books are already selected before
the county boards meet il a MISTAKE.
0ne.hAlf OF the present school officers
have been installed since the present
contracts we're made IL the different
counties. ltis a fact, we'll known TO
everyone Of any ordinary intelligence,
that the county school boards never
select books until after advice from
and consultation with the principal
teachers OF their county.
So much for the McCreaFy bill, and
we believe We have discussed and
"analy Eed" II fairly.
Now few words ~ to
Senate Bill No. w.
/. II provides for q SMALL" com,
mission OF five. Three of these con.
stitute q mSjorIty, They will have to
pass on contracts aRgregatinR about
$50, 900 annually; II 10 perpetual in lie
character, like the bond trustees OF
Jacksonville, and II 10 said the same
Zine Italian hand" drafted both
measures; the members OF the COM
mission do not have 10 be confirmed by
the senate; the board passes on its
own vouchers for expenses; Il 10 as I'M
democratic ~ Il would be possible for
such q measure to be.
=. High school books are not la
ciuded In this bill Possibly, OF all the
books Ia use In the State, one.third are
high school books II there 10 TO be
any reduction, and u the promoters OF
uniformity are sincere in their Efforts
to serve the people, and to afford them
relief, Why were thVe not incl0dedS
IL IL because CHM a Co, aud a few Of
the smaller concerns Who do not pub.
lish standard works, simply desire TO
muddy the waters" aud prevent fair
aud just legislation along these linSsS
3, tn" existing contracts In the
counties SFe not recognized. and there
would be an abrupt change, WITH
POSSIBLE SUITS FOR DAMAGES
In FORTY.FIEE COUNTIES FOR
VIOLATION or CONTRACTS. Il
should have In its title = clause that u
10 measure In the interest OF the a..
toFueys Of Florida who desire Ia be re-.
talned by the small" commission in
the various eOupties Of this State At q
good SslAry for . sof' snap,
4, No provisloa 10 made for tie pun.
ishmsht Of contractors who may come
into the State TO help elect persons 20
Office who will DO their bidding after
election. ThsFr 10 danger Of untold
mischief ltbh the purpose Of MAX
ing a commission for ell time. Why no,
provide that they shall be- elected by
ihe people like The railroad commits.
sionf AZ ne tatI above, it 10 like the
city attOFnsyship % Jacksonville -the