The Government of the People of the State of Texas . By George Pierce Garrison , Ph. D., Professor of History, University of Texas. Philadelphia: Eldredge and Brother. 1898. Pp. 160.

That education is the guaranty of good government is almost axiomatic. That instruction should have a direct reference to the duties of citizenship begins to be recognized. Knowledge of general principles of political economy and of the broad outlines of constitutional law is no longer considered ample equipment for the citizen. He is of the government. It his duty and right to know its workings.

In his “Civil Government of Texas,” Dr. Garrison has performed a most valuable service to the cause of education in the State, and has furnished a model to be followed in other States. The book is designed for use in the public schools, and is admirably adapted to that purpose; few people are, however, so well informed concerning the history of Texas, and the details of her government, that a careful study would be without profit to them.

The suggestive preface is followed by a short historical sketch of Texas. This part of the work shows great discrimination in the selection of material, and excellent taste and judgment in its disposition.

The body of the book is devoted to an exposition of the government of Texas. An outline of all the departments and divisions and agencies of the State is given, and their several functions are defined. Concise statements are made concerning the duties of State, county, and municipal officers. The duties and privileges of citizenship are set forth, the more general principles of administrative law are mentioned, and attention is directed to some of the characteristic features of Texas jurisprudence. Nothing appears to be omitted which would seem properly to belong to such an outline.

The whole is concisely, clearly, and accurately stated and logically arranged. The author suggests in his preface that the purpose kept steadily in view had been to give “a description of the origin and growth of the State of Texas and the present working of its government, that shall be both easily understood and also, in a manner at least, logical and scientific in its arrangement.” The author, the teacher, and the student are to be congratulated upon the excellent manner in which this purpose has been accomplished. A Texan proud of the history and the institutions of his State can but entertain and express the hope that Dr. Garrison's work will find its way into all the school houses of Texas.

R. L. Batts .

How to cite:
Batts, R. L., "The Government of the People of the State of Texas", Volume 002, Number 1, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, Page 85 - 86. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v002/n1/review_8.html
[Accessed Mon Dec 1 17:26:33 CST 2008]