Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 August 1889 — About the New School Books. [ARTICLE]

About the New School Books.

Editor Republican: Much has been said for and against the new school books. It seems to me that there is but one thing for the authorities to do, and that is not only to obey but enforce the law. Those who love cheapness have it in those books. They have more, they have inferiority, which is the worst phase of it. The high schools are not affected but all the common grade and country schools will be. van Antwerp, Bragg & (Jo., have been flooding the state with their circulars in opposition to the new books. Had they lowered the price of their books before the law was passed instead of sinoe, they would have oonferred a benefit instead of starring the muddy waters now. * The old books may be kept for reference and be used to very great advantage to teacher and pupil. Inferior books mean inferior teachers and teaching and all combined will bring forth inferior schools and scholars. A dishonest or ignorant lawmaker will make poor laws. If' the controlling

power in she last Legislature had honestly trying to improve our eelicx>l system' it would have permitted the full and fair discussion of the bill. That ignorance or gross carelessness is manifested in its preparation is certain. It is now a part of the law of the state and should he obeyed by all. If found wrong it should be repealed. Republicans should be in favor of law and order. Let us make the best of bad laws and repeal or improve them as soon as

we can.

REPUBLICAN.