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Pupils of the Public schools of the province, or rather their parents. have in the past twenty years paid for the books they have used in their Studies $200,000 in excess of afair price. This is the opinion of the Royal Commission which has been engaged since the end of last June in the investigation of the system of producing text books for use in the Public schools of Ontario. The lucid and exhauStive report of that body. which was laid on the table of the Legislature yesterday, makes it clear that the literature required in the work of the schools were the subject of a system which prevented compet- ition. As a result. the books publish- ed for use by school children were inferior in material and workman- ship, and were sold at exorbitant rates. The phenomenon of excessive price prevailed in regard to the pub- lications used in the High schools. The commissioners censured the De- partment of Education of the late Government, which authorized too large a selection of texts. duplicating those in many subjects, and which allowed slovenly work in their pro. duction. They suggesn that the writing and printing of text books should be thrown open to competio tion, and that they be authorized only for a limited time. The depart ment should secure copyrights and make the plates. Finally, they rec. ommend that an inepector be appoint- ed, at a fair salary, to protect the de partment and peeple from having books of poor quality foisted upon them. As abeginning toward the free supply Of books to scholars in Ontario, which is favored, the com- missioners suggest that public school books might be supplied to school boards at coast. DURHAM CHRONICLE man, and the stenographer Mr. Clarkson James. AN EXHAUSTIVE ENQUIRY. The commissioners first renew the course pursued by them in gathering the evidence upon which they have based their conclusions. They took evidence under oath from representa- tive teachers, inspectora‘educatiqnak 53L; 'é‘x'iâ€"e-R; izrvbokmaking and all persons publishjn the text-books used 111 ‘Ontariq Sghoo . _ Th9 page: used The commissioners, who have em. bodied their findings in 12 pages of printed matter, age Mr. T. W. Croth- ms. of St. Thomas, and Mr. John A, Cooper, Toronto. The secretary of the commission was Mr. A C. Cassel- MacFarlane (Ho. Druggists and Booksellers DURHAM, FEBRUARY 7, 1907 Our . . . Grip Tablets It taken in time will break up a mild in short order. Keep a box in the house BECAUSE iv is equally good for chiHren and adults, and BECAUSE if it ever fails you get your money back. No cough remedy has ever been discovered which will cure every cough, but we think We have one that comes a little nearer to doing it than any other made. We have been sole agents for it for years; it has been tried in all manner of cases, and it has given the most uni versal satisfaction, We ask you to remember and try Carr’s BECAUSE it is pleasant to take; BECAUSE it is safe; BECAUSE it is the most cer' rain to cure; Report of Royal Commission. W. IRWIN. Editor and Proprietor. SCHOOL BOOKS TOO DEAR. 35 Cents a Box. Price 50 Cents. expééted to obtain as- . First Reader. Part II, cost 5.756, sell- mg price 15c. Second Reader, cost 7.750, selling price 25c. Third Reader, cost 105%, price 350. Fourth Reader, cost: 120, price 450. \Vhile the Education Department of the day took a wise course in having the present Public school readers pre- pared by a Board of Educationists, the methods of publication produced books inferior in material and workmanship and exorbitant in price, as admitted by the publishers themselves. The commissioners quote from the evi- dence of Mr. W. J. Gage and Mr. S. G. Beatty in support of this statement. RECEIVED EVIDENCE. A resume of the evidence regarding c0pyright and the cost of the readers is then given, with a comparison of their cost and present selling price. as follows: First Reader, Part 1., cost; 4.10c, sell- ing price 10c. Thus a set of readers costing 40c was sold to the trade at 95c and retailed at $1.25. At an advance of six cents per set superior and satisfactory books could have been secured. In the past 22 years the Public school children of Ontario had used inferior books, and paid for them about $200,000 in excess of a fair price. REMEDIES FOR THE EVIL. The commissioners recommended that if a satisfactory and modern set of readers cannot be secured the de- partment should prepare one, secure all c0pyrights, make the plates, and give out the printing by tender, under proper specifications, to one firm. Greater attention should be paid to the size of the type, quantity of matter on a page, quality of illustrations and color of paper. Pupils should be able to read the books Without strainin their eyes, even in poorly lighte rooms. If necessary to continue the old readers for a time. they should be printed by tenders by one or two firms. The best method, say the commis- sioners, would be to throw both writ- ing and publishing open to competi- tion. This method would produce a text-book for nine provinfe'as instead of one. Educationalists would be stimu- lated to do their best, and competition among publishers would result in the highest standards of bookmaking. This plan would be the best if the de~ partmentmaiutained uniformity in all schools and authorized text-bookse‘for only a limited period. Only one primer should be authoriz- ed. If others are recommended for supplementary reading they should be purchased by the School Board and kept in the school-room. By a. second method. the department might have the texts prepared. make its own plates, own all the rights, and have the printing done by tenders. This system might be expedient for the Whole Dominion, but for one pro- Vince it would be expensive and cum- bersome. The other Public school booksâ€" arithmatics. histories, grammars, etc., â€"are nearly all excessive in price and inferior in workmanship and material, some being worse than the readers. The exceptions are three of Morang’s publications, which are typographic- ally excellent. The system of having three or four authorized books on the one subject should be done away with, enabling the publisher to produce one improved book at a lower price. ‘ No paper havmg mechanical pulp In its composition should be used in text- books. The seven cent writing and drawing books should be reduced to three cents, and the ten-cent writing books to five cents. The cost of scrib- bling and exercise books is a burden to parents, and some scheme should be devised to relieve them. Toronto pupils get all their supplies at a cost of 14 cents per pupil per year, paid by the city, while in towns where parents buy individually the cost 18 nearly one dollar for each pupil. §sistance from perusing the evidence { taken by the former commission under ,3 the Ross Government. but found it 3 had been destroyed. The commission- ; ers had also \'i§ited some lending pub- ; lishing houses In Boston, Ixorwood and ; New York. “Part of this general inferiority has been due to the absence of any insis- tent demand from the educational authorities, inspectors, or teachers for '. better work. The department allowed slovenly work, and apparently the in- spectors and teachers either hesitated to criticize or were unfamiliar with conditions elsewhere. We believe that just as good books may be pro- duced in Canada as elsewhere if the authbrities insist upon an equally high standard.” METHODS OF PRODUCTION. The report considers three general methods of producing text-books. The unsatisfactory one adopted by the late Government was to have an author. prepare a text-book, then engage a, publisher and fix the price to the gen- eral public. The author Was not nec-» essarilly the most suitable man, While‘ the publisher proceeded to make the; most money he could out of his con- ? tract. Hence the present unsatisfac- l tory books. a Many of the books have been an- thorized for more than ten years. While chance for the sake of ‘chan e is not desirable, a. consultation shou d be held over any book after it has been in use five years. If. with slight revision, it could be brought up to date, it should then be licensed for The list of books authorized for High schools and Collegiate Institutes is un- necessarily large. with duplicates in many subjects. Subjects could be fully treated in one book for each. When a pupil moves from one High school to another he frequently has to buy many new books at a cost of one dollar to ei ht‘ dollars. School libraries shoul take the place of supplementary text-books. gig-:0", :v'hereaIS in the United States and Great Britain great progress has been made. The paper and type work in Ontario is inferior, but plate-making is more up-to-date. In binding, the United States binders, by the use of special machinery, produce better work at lower prices. The commissioners report that the text-book publishing in Ontario has fallen behind the times. Most of the books produced to-day, they say, are no better that} thqsejgrqduped 20 years HIGH SCHOOL BOOKS DEAR. sellin g selling On Friday, Feb. lst, Rev. Alexander Langford, D. D., the esteemed and greatly belovod pastor of the Central Methodist Church, completed 50 years in the ministry. As a fitting celebra- tion of this rare event a magnificent banquet was held in the Methodist church on Friday evening. The lec- ture room of the church was beauti- fully decorated aud tables set with a seating capacity for 250 people. As these tables were filled twice and part- ly filled a third time there were over 500 peeple present. At one table on a raised platform were Dr. and Mrs. Langford, Miss Langford, Professor and Mrs. Langford, Mr. N. W. Rowell, K. 0., and his wife, Rev. Dr. Carman, 1L0 U09 duu 111$ Wilt, JKCVO U]:- Ualrwiilll, Rev. Dr. Potts, Chancellor Burwas‘h, Rev. David Rogers. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Langford and Mrs. Henry Lang- ford. Behind this table was a fine picture of the Dr. with the significant dates 1857-1907 underneath. After supper an exceedingly uniqne prc gram was carried out. consisting of short, pithy, :kindly and appreciative ad- dresses from representatives from nearly every circuit travelled by Dr. Langford during his long and em- inently successful ministerial career. Dr. Langford’s reply to all the kind words said during the evening was a characteristic-blending of pathos and humor. That he was more than or- dinarily moved by the overwhelming expressions of love and esteem shower- ed upon him goes without saymg. As Dr. Carman appropraitly remarked: “ If Dr. Langford could stand what he has stood to-night he could stand any- thing.” Dr. Langford’s concluding words were " I thank you one and all and pray God that the richest bless- ings of Heaven may continue to rest on all the churches. NOTES. The representative from Sarnia was a witty Irishman. He told a story which is worth repeating. “ Some Years ago a man who was giving ex- hibitions of the power of magnetism struck a small burg where he had an {admiring audience. After showing ; the force of a strong magnet on a piece of iron he asked any one if they had ever seen such a wonderful draw- ing power. one old fellow got up and said: “ I don’t know much about that ’ere iron and magnet but I know that many a year agone I knew a little girl dressed in calico who used to draw me 14 miles every Sunday over rough roads.” ' “In Ontario, a beginning might be made by supplying readers and other Public school books to all School Boards at cost. Later on readers might be supplied to rural schools free of charge. The rural Sch‘ol Boards purchase their books and supplies in such small quantities that they are not in a position to secure as close prices as the School Board in a city the size of Toronto. All the evidence brought before the commissioners in~ dicated that on Public school books alone the Government might purchase for the School Board at a very large saving annually.” During the evening many of the speakers referred in gracious words to the sweetness and helpfulness of Mrs. Langford which prompted the Dr. to tell this story. Once upon a time a certain lady decided to sell her house and so gave the matter into the hands of a real estate agent who at once ad- vertised the property in the local papers. The next da the agent was surprised to see the y step mto the office and hear her say “I’ve decided not to sell my house as I have come to .the. conclusiOn since seeing the. adver- tisement that I have got a pretty good Piles get quick relief from Dr. Sheep’s MagicOintment. Remember it’s made ALONE for Piles--and it works with certainty and satisfac- tion. Itching. painful. protruding, or blind piles disappear like magic by its use. Try it and see! MacFar- lane Co. “The evidence concerning free text books systems. now in VOgue in many States and in the leading cities'in the United States. in the city of Toronto and Province of Manitoba. indicates that this is a subject to which the De- partment of Education should direct its serious attention, There is a mark- ed tendency in all progressive com- munities on this continent toward this system. N 0 place that has ever adopt- ed it has gone back to the old system. It would he a specxal advantage in the newer and more sparcely settled dis- tricts in Ontario. “ Everyone now favors a system of free education. A free school should include free equipment for all the schoolâ€"maps, globes, etc., are now supplied free And there seems no valid reason Why text books and other school supplies should not be so pro- vided. Indeed there are many cogent reasons Why they should be supplied. H1945. asth‘eir cost is exorbitant. - The . papils might do their own ruling. A table of High school books is given. showing books costing nine cents retailing for 50 cents. While one costing 20;} cents sells for $1.25. INSPECTION INADEQUATE. The system of inspection of text on behalf of the department has been entirely inadequate. The commis- sioners recommended the appointment of a special inspector at a ood salary who would protect the apartment and keep the text hooks up to the standard. He should have a library, to which would be added all the lead- ing text books published in the United States or Great Britain. He should keep in touch With the department. the teachers, and the inspectors, and thus discover early any defects in the books sent to the schools. FAVORS FREE TEXT BOOKS. Speaking on the subject of free text books, the report says : three years more. If found unsuitable anopher should be authorized after the 93(9er of a. year. The change ,should he announced to the public and pub- hsher at. the Same time. The cost. of all High school books is too high and should' be materially re- duced. The annotated texts in‘Eng- liSh. Latin, Greek, French and Ger- man should be less than one-third the present; prices. The ruled blank books made by some enterprising publishers 8110‘? be_ prohibited by_the depgrt- CLASSIC CII‘Y CHRONICLES. (By W. H. Blakeston.) #MJ: THE DURHAM CHRONICLE v.1 ‘ I!!! Will Refund Money if Mi-o-na Fails to Cure. You may ask Why it is that Mi-o- no. stomach tablets are sold under a. guarantee to refund the monev un. less they cure, when no other treat- ment for stomach troubles is sold in this manner. The answer is simple and con- elusive. Other medicines for stomach troubles merely digeSt the food, while Mi-o-na strengthens the whole digestive system so that it soon be- comes able to care for all the food that is eaten. If you do not use your arm or leg for a month the muscles become flabby and weak and you have to resort to artificial help. It is the same way with the stomach muscles. If they are not used, they become so weak that it is necessary to con- tinue using a digestive with the food you eat. Qne of the best farms in the Town- shxp of Bentlnck. 208 acres. new brick house, two large bank barns, land first class, all cleared except) 20 acres. Snap to qulck purchaser. $1500 down, balance at 4% per cent. Appr ‘50 ‘ MACKAY . DUNN, Vendor’s Solicitors. The stolen harrows advertised by me a few weeks ago have not been re- turned to me personally and I again give notice that action will be taken by Saturday the 16th. inst. if the matter is not previously settled. Theyr were wooden six bull} barrows, which were advertised on a sale bill. The parties are known.â€"2 Feb. 6th, GUARANTEED STUMABH REMEDY - On the other hand. when you use Mi 0 na. your stomach soon grows so strong that you can give up the. use of medicine. Mi-o'na costs 500 a box and does more real good than a dozen boxse of ordinary tabfets. We absolutely agree that your money will be refunded should you buy a 500 box of Mi-o-na. stomach tablets and not be satisfied with the results. Mi-o-na. is sold by druggists everywhere. or will be sent my mail on receipt of price, 500. Write to-day for a free sample package, and also give us your symp- toms, and one,of the been known stomach specialists will give 5'0“” case his careful and personal atten- tion without charge. Booch’s Mi-o- na Company Bufialo, N. Y. \VE take up considerable space in this issue with matters relating to the amendments and proposed amend- ments to the Public Schools Act. A communication appears on page three under the signature of Norman Mac- Intyre of S. S. No. 10, Glenelg and Egrcmont. As this communication was ordered to be published in the two Durham papers and three city papers it should not be overlooked by our readers. \Ve have no comment what- ever to make on it at present. These matters should be fully discussed by the people in a proper spirit, and their opinions should be known at head- quarters. Just in this connection we may refer our readers also to another article on the School Question where It is shown by a special commission the advisability of changing the sys- tem of school book production and school book supplies. As a change in this direction would, on paper, save the country thousands of dollars an- nually we see no reason Why either side of politics,would think such a change objectionable. If there is one thing more than an- . other that we have to take as it comes it is the weather and to-day (Saturday) '.it wasn’t in monotonous doses we got it either. In the morning it was balmy as the spring. ' At noon it re- minded us of March but at night it was‘ an old fashioned February bliz- To many the introduction of coal is comparatively new, and it will be well to be careful. Seldom a week passes without some accounts being recorded of accidents and death from coal gas. A few nights ago Mrs. Siegner imag- ined she smelled gas, but made no in- vestigation. Later on she woke up feeling distressed from the fumes. She roused Mr. Siegner who was enjoying the calm, peaceful repose of a man with a clear conscience. He first opened the doors and windows and thenzsought for the cause of trouble. The furnace pipe had become disloca- ted and gas was escaping. Had dis- covery not been made just in time it is hard to say what the result would have been. Mr. Siegner felt the effects for some time. We are glad it wasn’t worse as we’ have no desire yet to lose the family from our town. one and I’m going to keep it ;” and “I am going to keep my wife ” said the Doctor, amidst the hearty laughter that greeted this pleasant sally. Perhaps however it was a delegate from Brantford that made usfeel cold and hot in about one second of time. " Why.” said he, “I heard a. man say when the Doctor was with us that we didn’t want him any longer.” This didn’t seem much like a. joke until we remembered that Dr. Langford is about 6 feet 4 inches high and as straight as an arrow and then we laughed loud and long. Farm for Sale. LOCAL NEWS. NOTICE. ICASH ONLY. Flen’s, Women’s and Boys’ Overshoes Felt Gaiters and Mackinaw Socks Leggings and Hockey Boots Ankle Supports Fancy Velvet and Fancy House Shoes We are preparing for spring trade and have not room to carry Winter goods over. Orders 6: Repairing carefully 6: promptly attended to We will not allow ourselves to be undersold, and to make you sure that we are giving the very best bargains we’ll give you the very liberal discount of 20 per cent. 20% DISCOUNT W" a. ‘1 _._ “fwd FEBRUARY”? 1907 DURHAM AND OWEN SOUND