The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-02-18
Louisville, KY
Correspondence Of the Herald

LOUISVILLE, Ky, Feb. S, 1872.
Exhibition Of the BIind-Singuar Facts in Physiology
--3Iusic-Lansuase- -Geosraphy--1rade and
Commerce.
In my present communication shall take brei
notice, OF, as MafIit says, 'bird's eye view" Of
the exhibition of the blind, which took place in
city few nights since, its object being to solicit
interest and feeling among eur citizens in behalf Of
this helpless branch of the human race.
The school is to be established in this city for
the instruction fths blind and to prove the appi-
cabiity of their being instructed. MIR. Howe, from
Boston, has given public exhibition of his mode
and manner of teaching; and that the citizens Of
Louisville take deep and vital interest in this
most philanthropic cause. The large and crowded
audience each evening deeply testify tina, they will
use the utmost means to place il upon basis equal
if not superior, to any in the west, cannot for
ment be denied. One of the pupils is from Bostsn,
and was Sophomore in Cambridge University;
others were from Columbus, Ohio. They were exa-
mined in mental and practical arithmetic, in read.
and Latin. Several Of the most respectable citi-
zens conducted the examination; the answers on
all and every branch were most satisfactory. A
small boy OF about eight years read in the Bible
kerchief we're placed on the printed page; this
scarcely made any perceptib!e difference in the
rapidly of his reading.
Another boy more advanced in years was now
"Viri Romae' was placed in his hands, with re-.
quest that he would read. When the book was
opened, the chapter proved to be one concerning
''Scipio Africanus" He translated with ease and
great accuracy He was next called upon TO trans
late Greek, it being first read to him; in this he
seemed to be perfectly at home. Geography was
the next branch-the kind of map used was shown
the audience, its convenience and peculiar adapta
tiou fho IF fha lind oil tko
man appeared proficient in this. Music was oc-
casionaly introduced TO enliven the audience, and
prove to then how easily the blind could be taught
this most cheering arr, which ouid not only serve
to enliven them in their lonely situation but be the
means OF procuring for themselves an hone-t and
pectable livelihood "Twilioh dews are falling
fat "The Mountain Brow, -" The Sea, the Sea-"
and " The Country Schoolmaster,'' we're among the
many songs which these pretty blind warbisls so
sweetly sang. Several very beautiful pieces from
eminent artistes were finely executed by them.
Beside the very satisfactory proofs which these
unfortunate youths gave, that the blind were sus.
ceptble Of the highest grades of mental culture and
improvement, there were other proc eedngs which
deserve some slight notice.
e. M. Thurston arose and addressed tho au-
dience in speech of thrilling eloquence He
spoke in merited praise of DR.. Howe, who has de-
voted many years Of his life in the amelioration of
the condition Of the bind-spoke of the gratifying
evidence that had ea given, that the condition Of
the blind could be rendered mparatively happy |;
that unfortunate class of society restored TO USE
fnlness. In contrasting the condition of the unn-
structed blind, with the high attainments and qua
liGcations Of the pupils then before him, he used
the well known lines of Grey
"Full many gem Of purest ray serene,
The dark unfathomd caves Of ocean bear;
Full many hower 10 bern to blush unseen,
And waste its fragrance on the desert air.
The impressive manner with which these lines
were quoted, aud their striking applicability to the
blind, touched cherd in every hssrt, and called
forth applause from the whole audience. In con-
clusion, he expressed his entire confidence that the
citizens would contribute generously for the csta-
blshment Of an asylum for the blind in this city.
The following resolution was proposed and unani.
m ously adopted
Resolved, That we, the citizens OF Louisville, who
have had the pleasure Of witnessing the exhibition Of
this evening" have been instructed and delighted there
by and do pledge ourselves cheerfully and literally
to contribute 10 the successful accomplishment of the
objects ofthe law pending in the Legislature Of this
State for the benefit of the blind.
committee of three was then appointed to each
ward to solicit contributions to this benevolent OBJ
ject. Judging from the warm interest manifested
that evening, large sum will be raised.
1t is stated that a rise Of IL feet is coming from
Wheeling; if such be the case, we must look out
for high water.
Illinois money is still 3Ob discount.
Business dull; about 100 OF more declarations OF
bankruptcy have been sent back from the supreme
court Of this state for some informality. Who are
the parties? Cannot say.
ToursyrLIr