Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-11-25

bodily faculties as remain 10 him. and provide an honest
neans of subsistence, instead of u blessing, would ate
to the misery of his natural priyations. From my own
observation and reflection, | am satisfied no Institution
of this sort ought ever to be put into operation, unless
some ofthe useful mechanical arts be introduced as ar
essential part Of education. Justice 10 the subject, and
economy TO the State, both demand it. To wake up
The mind TO a more intense view Of physical disabilities,
without the alternating consciousness OF acquired a6ili.
ties in the form Of a useful trade, is only training up,
and turning out upon the community a parcel of more
refined, and more unhappy, and more expensive pau.
pers. Give them 4 trade, and an equal number oil Use.
fuI, happy, and skilful mechanics, will occupy their
places. Without this, the work OF bene yolence IN re-
gard 10 this unfortunate class, is but half done.
was pleased to find, therefore, upon visiting S!aun.
ton, that j very commemorate prominence had already
been given 10 mechanics in this infant institution
Thus founded in practical wisdom and sound sense, II
cannot fail, if properly managed, OF dong good 10 The
unfortunate, and great credit 10 the State. | was some
what surprised at The remarks of some connected With
this Institution, that the shops could no. support them
selves-no doubt originating in a iaudsoie spirit oil
economy, but, IS think, mistaken notions Of policy,
and contracted views ofa great and benevolent purpose.
Economy, truly, is a matter CT the greatest importance
in every department.. But, if the views here taken be
correct, there can be no more propriety, IN expecting
the shops to clear expenses, than the schools. itnever
was expected that 4 set Of Deaf, Mute, and Blind
youth in the first year or or two Of their apprenticeship
could make money for their principal, and that at hall
day labor. Older establishments in other States have
not realized such good fortune; and from the nature of
/ the case, it ought not 10 be expected, at any rate for
some years.
One or two other remark of a general character,
i, VIII ich | intended TO introduce in another place, viii
close what | wished to say. Both departments of this
Institu ton have large claims upon the kind feelings Of
the State. One Of theIn, however, requires lar more
talent an.' science for its proper conduct than the
other, as is obvious 10 the most casual observer. In
one, music e uters largely and properly in the course o.
ins,ruction-i.t cheers and animales the pupil, delight:
the visitor, and diffpses q general apirit OF gaieiy ano
life, and will aw sys attract attention. All the opera
tons of the other a.e reformed necessarily and empha
tically in silence; no ,nL sic affects the ear, no harmony
of sounds soo,l:cs the mind. II is doubly important
ioyment, should be resorted to. Workshops are thu
best, the only alternative. / profess myself equally
gratiied with the wisdom and policy of q reso.t 10 mu
sic in the one, and mechanical employment in the t'Wel
department, upon the ground of equalizing the meai''
of enjoyment in each, in addition to the OTHER c~onsidera.
,.ions referred 10. HOWARD.