Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-12-19

supsrntsndan,, This Institution Is divided bytwo ample
spartmens Tor the sitting which occupied by
the female and male scholars II contains chapel 10
which the scholars assemble for worship and discourse
IL delivered 10 them In their language Of signs on
the Sabbath. During my residence there the number Of
the pupils who admitted school, aud that Of
those who discharged from the school must have
been calculated from 100 l5O am not able to make
exact calculation OF the number for regret that have
made inquiries and have not yet obtained the sasfac
tory information concerning the present condition OF the
Institution and the num'er Of those who admitted
y'ss next spring. From tho time OF my dismissal
from school to the present time, IL Is In opinion that
'ne number Is multiplying to consideration. A youth
VINO Is from ten 10 twenty tive years old Is admitted TO
school and the age H. fitted for education
The Pennsylvania institution at Philadelphia wasincor
porsed aud Is still supported by the Legislature of Penn
syivanis for the education OF the ndgeot deaf uutes
lew years since, the legislature OF Maryland, who
were induced by philanthropy, made an appropriation for
the education Of tho INDECENT de- who sent TO
the institution at Philadelphia.
When the annuity granted by the Legislature to the
Deal and Dumb Institution expired according the terms
OF the grant, in the winter oil 1922 my teacher Weld ac
eompanied and OF his pupils the seat of Gov en-
ment OF Pennsylvania. and had public Exhibition held In
he capitol IN the hall Of the House OF Representatives.
before the members OF the Legislature. Questions and
answers were written on the sstes the proficiency of
studies excited deep interest amongst them In reg ard to
;"e Des. anu Dumb Institution Alter th. dons the
legislature unanimously voted and granted donation Of
eight thousand dollars Tor the educa alton of fifty intgen
uea mutes Tor the annuity four years longer and the
OF ms amount OF money ed for continuance Of
Tour years longer last winter The institution Phla
delphia is said 10 be ia successful operation IL Is about
10 years since, that the American Asylum Hartford
III Connecticut was the first in the United States. The
system Of ns ruc,ng the deaf and dumb introduced
by Mr. Gallaudet into this country. who had gone visit
Europe aud spent several months in Paris. He made
acquainted with the language at the celebrated " Abbe
Scard SCHOOL,: mean Scaid the inventor of signs
Tor the insii ucon OF the deaf and dumb His name ought
70 be forever revered Mr. Galsudet associated with Mr.
Clec, deaf and dumb man, in the "America an Asylum
lie had been eight years pupil and years
structor in the Sicard School fully with
he Ann Asvt.,,r r..
only supported by the Legislature OF Come but bv
the States OF Massachusetts. New Hampshire, NJ aine and
Vermont Several institutions were lately rommenc.
ed Tor the education OF the deaf in the w. States
When the Kentucky and Ohio institutions were lately
commenced the directors of these institutions sent their
teachers to the American Asylum attend course of lee.
lures on signs and the Of teaching the deaf and
dumb so were they well acquainted with the language Of
sgns anu the mode oil instruction. aud they qualified
for the discharge OF their duties.
Several institutions for the deaf and dumb have been
established 10 Europe which receive their supper, from
the National Treasures, and others which are sup
ported by the annual contributions Of public charity
This State ought to establish and maintain one for i,s
own deaf and dumb
Several hundreds of ignorant deaf mutes in this
have no knowledge OF the existence Of the Almighty and
the Creator OF all things, and Of their own souls
class OF the unfortunate mutes in number Of 200
800, in this State, should have sufficient school, Would
these poor mutes be LETT ia state OF darkness!
feel deep interest in the establishment of the insti
tuition in this State Tor no one but those who deprived
oil their faculties know how value and
how perfectly destitute they are Of correct IDEAS
Before went TO school, had any idea of the Al.
mighty God and the creation Of all things which were en-
rely hidden from me-nor have OF my SOUL that
10 exist forever. rs
You will please accept my thanks for so rrea, an honor
done me In asking to aid you in bringing about tho in
sution Tor the deaf mues in this State utmost Of
your abilities must now conclude myself, by bidding
you FAREWELL with the sentiments Of the most profound re.
gard Tor your health May your business prosper am,
SC. GEO W. STEENROD
To Mr.. JOHN McLuRE