As a rule derogatory statements have little or no educational value.... Only when a man has been guilty of an act of great moral turpitude is a discussion of his act likely to lead to beneficial consequences. Nero’s cruelty and Arnold’s treason are illustrations....
D. Probable Reason For The Presence Of Much Of The Material To Which Objections Have Been Made
Probably the factor principally responsible for the presence of objectionable material in the textbooks under investigation is that the writers have not divided their material into topic-units, and have not formulated aims, sufficiently extensive in scope to permit marshalling the facts in due subordination....
E. Emasculated Accounts Of Wars In Order To Encourage Peace
Objection has been made to the treatment in some of the textbooks of the wars in which we have been engaged. The objections are to the effect that the accounts are emasculated. In reply it is strenuously urged that “the surest way to end war, is to sing the praises of peace and to say little of war and the heroes of war.”...
War in defense of freedom or in vindication of righteousness, justice and equity should be vividly portrayed, and the praises of its heroes should be joyously sung. Thus only can we raise a citizenry willing to die for the country.
F. Our Heroes
Objection has been made that some of the textbooks contain statements in derogation of our national heroes. In reply it has been urged that the statements are true, and that attention should be called to the weaknesses of our heroes or we will esteem them too highly.
Truth is no defense to the charge of impropriety....
The assurance that posterity will hold our heroes in grateful remembrance is one of the most powerful incentives to heroic achievement. To preserve unsullied the name and fame of those who have battled that we might enjoy the blessings of liberty, is a solemn and sacred obligation....