The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-02-02

same book In Virginia. In reply TO
questions from members of the com
mittce. Mr.. Stesrnes said that part OF
the extra cost of distribution in Ntr-
Rinia goes 10 the Virginia Book Com-
pany, and part to the local dealers.
Asked II he thought this per cent large
T the witness said that he considered II
very large" Also in reply to queries
the witness stated that the board had
never considered that under the pres
Ont statute IL had any authority TO
inquire into costs Of distribution. as
IL contracted for prices only at re-
tail and not wholesale but that IL Il
were given authority TO consider
wholesale prices 1t would also feel
Obliged and empowered to consider
the matter of distribution charges.
Governor Stuart.
Mr.. StearEes suspended test 'monr
In allow Governor stuart to testify
The Governor related the history of
the boards work on the school book
problem. He showed that the present
hoard had never adopted books be
fore. as this is done every seven years
When the matter came UP last
spring the members of the board de-
sired to investigate thoroughly. be-
fore acting on information given by
some of the members OF he board II
seemed that the State is being dis
eliminated against and it was deter
mined 20 investigate. One commit
tee was appointed to inves igate prices
and another discrim nations. These
committees reported to the board Nlat
Determinations appeared 20 exist Az
ter making vpa preferential list on
which prices were secured. the board
was Of the belief that tho whole list
Of prices was too high, and SO 1t was
refused and new bids Gale I for. When
evidence of discrimination was found
the board confronted the publishers
with the facts and had not yet
awarded the books pending an IN
vestigation. But for-tho special ses-
sion. the Governor thought that the
adoption would have been made this
Change In Method.
in reply 10 question, Governor
Stuart stated that he thoaght the
method of distribution could be
changed for the better and that the
change should be made.
Resumiug the stand. Mr., Stesrnes
testified that he was OF the opinion
that as few changes in textbooks as
were necessary should be made, unless
II was shown that substantial saving
in price could he made. Referring 10
the California system, Mr.. Stearnes
stated that the board had never con-
sidered printing books itself but de-
sired to have local firms print for it
from plates rented by the State.
Mr.. Pollard.
Attorney General Pollard took the
stand TO explain the bill prepared bv
him for the board He declined to
discuss the legal aspect OF the present
law. as he intends to bring suit and
prosecutions against the compa MES
for their failure to give the State the
sa me prices as other States. Mr.. Poi
lard said thai the board had previous
,ly considered a. new statute which IL
had intended to present ct this ses-
sion because 1t took the Legislature
seriously in lis declaration not to con-
slider anything save taxation. Mr..
Pollard explained in detail the pro-
visions of the proposed law, showing
that the 1t would he amply adequate
to cover all possible contingercie
In giving his views az to the cost
of distribution. Mr.. Pollard said that
twenty Ave per cent was an "exorbi-
tant price" for distribution in cities.
AS TO other sections ne was not pre-
pared to estimate, rs In Virginia the
country is scarcely settled and IL costs
more to distribute books than In
some Other states. MIR. Pollard ex-
pressed his belief that the prime neces-
sity in distribution system is that
1t he efficient and that the books
reach the rural districts promptly after
the beginning of the session. This
would cost more and should be taken
into consideration In estimating the
relative charges for distribution In the
various sections OF the State
Mr., StesrneS continued testimony
after Mr.. Pollard concluded and will
resume this morning.