Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1890 — The School Book Question. [ARTICLE]

The School Book Question.

The following instructive and conclusive article on the school book question, from County Superintendent Warren, was intended for last week, but was received too late: Editor Republican:— l find in the last issue of the Democratic Sentinel tha following utateuaenl in regard to the introduction of the Indiana,School books: ■ ■ “The Republican, county superintendent, and trustees Were continually harping over the inferiority of the Indiana school book series, and the county board of education, largely republican, resolved it would not obey the law.” The statement is untrue, from tin- fact, that the county board did not resolve anything of the kind, on thp contrary they resolved to procure the books as directed by the law and sell them to any, and all, who wished to buy them. The opinion of the Att’y. Gen’l., as sent out at that time, was that it was in the power of the trustees to enforce the use of the books or not as they chose. Only two coiporations received the books in time for the opening of the schools, although they were ordered as soon as possible after the selection of the books. Again the Sentinel says: “Had the law been enforced, we rejieat, nearly tSOOO would have been saved to the school patrons of Jasper county the past winter.” I find upon investigation that the dealers of school books in Jasper connty have sold not to exceed S6OO worth of books, such as are included in the Indiana series, during (he present school year. Now, according to the estimate of trustees, as made by their requisitions, the cost of books to furnish the schools of the county, with Indiana series, would be nearly S3OOO. Therefore Had the new books been placed in the schools this winter, the school patrons would have paid $2400 more for books than they did by using the old. Instead of saving S3OOO, they would have lost $2500. If S6OO will supply tli9 necessary books for on year, it will take five years to expend as much money for books of the old series

as it Will to introduce the new books,"shying" nothing' of the cK■ peuse to tax payers in saou ieo to school officers. Bro. McEweu !;a-> net examined thu m-w books, and does not care to know the truth regarding the mechanical execution, quality of paper, binding etc., compared with tlie old. 1 have iu my office a set of each and will be glad to .. show them to him and believe, that even he can see the difference. It is the desire and; expectation of the county board that the books go into the schools at the beginning of the next school year. The books should be thoroughly and fairly tested. The law wilt and has done good, in bringing down the price of text books. If it will now bring tip? new books up to the standard required, it will be heartily endorsed by all patrons and school officers. J. F. Vv’aurelj.