Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-12-26
From the Richmond Enquirer.
EXAMINATION OF THE BLIND PUPILS BE-
FORE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

III compliance with an invitation addressed
by the Professors of the Virginia Institution to
both branches of the Legislature, a large num-
Der oi The members repaired "Wednesday
evening TO the Concert Hall of the Exchange.
to witness an examination of portion of The
pupils of the Blind Department in their vari-
Gus studies, as well as their proficiency in
music. 1t was designed especially for the
members, though quite large audience of la
dies and gentlemen, attracted by the novelty
and interest Of the occasion. were courteouslv
admitted, to participate in the enjoyment of
scene.
! 1t will be impossible for us, within the mar
row limits to which we must confine our re-
marks this morning. to do full Justice to the
pupils, or their worthy and efficient teachers
We can only glance at some of the exercises
oil the evening of chief interest.
There were fourteen of the pupils present
three girls and eleven boys-all these were
provided with their several musical iuslru-
ments, forming complete band. Their per-
iormances in this delightful art were, under all
me circumstances of the case, remarkable.
Inc instruction given them by the Professor.
Mr.. Graham, himself blind, is purely upon
scientific ciples-There were exercises in
reading from the volumes of the new resta-
ment, IN raised type or letters, which had been
generously presented to the school by the
American Bible Society. The delicacy OF
touch was srikingiy exhibited Specimens
OF handwriting were exhibited, and various
methods, resorled 10 for teaching the blind TO
write lar aud iegible hand, were explained
by Dr. Merrillat, the Principal. Examina-
tions were then conducted by Dr. NJ and his
assistant teacher, Mr.. Gray of Harrisonburg,
upon Arithmetic, both mental and with the
AID OF Experimental Algebra, extending even
10 the quadratic equations-terrestria and as
tronom'cal Geography-[if philologsts vii!
pardon us the phrase -embracing complca-
ted problems, in the Mathematics, and the out.
lines oil history, ancient and modern. One Of
the State maps Of Virginia was produced and
curlously prepared for the use of the blind,
by means of raised threads or cords marking
the course OF rivers, pn-heads for the towns,
&C, and their familiarity with the geography
OF the State fully tested. The Examinations
were made as well by the members of the
Legislature as by the teachers, all persons be-
ing requested to PROFOUND questions. Where
all acquitted themselves so handsomely, il
were ungracIous 10 discriminate but we will
DE Pardoned by the pupils themselves for
naming the two youngest of their number, a
i''lle ooy and girl, both under IL years old,
as peculiarly interesting and clever~-we mean
ann fhzwilson, li.tle girl from this City,
and Milton Allison Of Wheeling. This little
ieiiow' whose sprighily mind and devotion 70
music, III connection with his blindness, serv-
Ell 10 awaken recolleclious Of the great poet
whose name he bears, was special favorite
with the audience
Specimens OF their haudcraft in brush-mak-
ing, peedle-work, netting, &C., were laid upon
the tables for inspection. But perhaps the
most interesting and touching incident of the
whole evening was an impromptu as unlocked
Tor by The audience as it was manilestIy unex-
Peoted by the young gentleman who was
CARED out 1t had not beet 'sel down in the
OH OF lare" In the midst Of the exercises, a
voice ID the crowd called for a speech from
Mr' Gray. The request being repeated from
many quarters, he was prevailed on 10 adj