Textbook Trust Bribery Scandal Hits State Schools

The notorious Edwards, for years the 'purchasing agent' of the American Book Company in this state, but recently discharged, declared not long ago that the Gunderson textbook law, substituting county selection of textbooks for state selection, was passed through the corruption of many of the school superintendents and school officers of the state. Edwards was the principal figure in the alleged bribery of the board of education under the McGraw administration, when Leach of Vancouver exposed a check for five thousand dollars given to him to vote for the adoption of certain textbooks controlled by the American Book Company. Every effort was made to discredit Leach, but time has proven that he was about the only honest man on the board and that the others stood pat in pocketing their swag and saying nothing. Edwards was indicted for bribery, but after many delays escaped conviction on a technicality. The sooner this infamous law is repealed, the better it will be for the honor of the state and the good name of its school officers.