Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-02-12
RIGID INQUIRY FAILS TO
UNEARTH SIGNS OF CRAFT
Report Of Committee Probing School.
book Matter Submitted to
General Assembly.
RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE
AttoEney-General VIII Institute Le-
gal Proceedings Against Publish
ers Guilty Of Determinations.
Book Contract Methods Discussed.

In Its report to tho General Assem-
bly, yesterday the Joint legislative com
mittee appointed to Investigate school
book conditions In Virginia submitted
as It's opinion that no graft exists in
connection with book adoptions. and
that thero Is little evidence tending to
show that publishers have discriminate
ed against this state.
Tho report was read and adopted by
both branches Of the Legislature. and
tho Investigating committee. having
completed It's work. was discharged
from further duties. Numerous wit
nesscs testified before the Investigators.
and the Inquiry has created much COM
ment and great interest.
TEXT OF REPORT MADE
BI INVESTIGATIONS
Tho committees report follows:
TO tho General Assembly:
Your committee. appointed under the
foregoing resolution. respectfully re-
ports as follows:
/. Whether the state Of Virginia has
been Disseminated against in the price
Of textbooks for use in the public
schools.
discrimination against the State OF Nir-
Einia, which tho Attorney General is
now Investigating with n view OF insti-
,utin6 legal proceedings against tho
publishing houses charged with tho Of
Tense.
2. What Legislation is necessary to in
sure this State a price on textbooks
as low AZ any other state In the Union,
and any subdivision thereof?
Since the Introduction of the above
resolution. the Attorney has
drafted n bill tSenatc Bill No. 06), which
has at this time passed the Senate and
is now on the House calendar. and In
on! opinion Will give the state Board
OF Education power TO procure text
books at "A better price than now OBJ
tains.
B Such other matters or legislation
IS tho committee may deem necessary
to carry into effect the object OF this
resolution.
heretofore. the State Board OF Edu-
cation. under the law, has been com
PEELED To contract for prices on a net
retail basis.
Many other States have contracted
for text books on a net wholesale price
and limited the amount allowed for dis
tribution. thereby apparently reducing
the cost TO the school patron. The
bill now pending enables the State
Board OF Education TO contract for dis
tribution. and may thereby feet a
saving by that method.
Your committee desires TO say that.
In It's opinion. the State Board Of Edu-
cation Is composed OF men of high char
acter and integrity. and Is earnestly en-
dearoring to serve the State In the best
manner possible. and any charges TO the
effect that their actions are Influenced
by selfish or Interior motives are with
out foundation IN fact and absolutely
unsupported by any evidence introduced
at tho hearing.
Your committee would recommend to
the board for their most careful and
earnest consideration the following
matters:
l. Less frequent change In text books
used In the schools. as In a great mum :
Der or cases the purchase OF textbooks
is OF serious consideration 10 the heads
or families throughout the State
:. The question OF distribution, as In
our opinion saving could be effected
in that manner.
g. The question OF renting OF plate.
by the state and the publishing OF text
books by contract
All o. which Is respectfully sub
united.
JULIEN GUM,
Chairman:
GEORGE T. RISON.
JAMES L. CANNON.
s n LOVE
GRAHAM b. HOBSON