Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-12-26

- our 'eadofs Will md an interesting ac-
count OF tho examination of tho Pupils of the
Blind Department OF the Virginia Institution, be-
lore The members Of the General Assembly, on the
sirst page Of this paper, taken from tho Richmond
Enquirer.
The Compiler closes its account Of the exhibi-
ZION with the following remark---"We are graft
.eo to observe the universal interest manifested
In reference to the bene6ciaries Of this noble State
charity, and think we may safely say that hence
forward our authorities will do all that becomes
the character Of virginians in the promotion of
this branch Of education"
Since the above was in type, we have received
the following account Of the visit Of DR.. Merrill
lat, his associate Professors and their Pupils, to
the seat Of Government of North Carolina-whi-
ther they had gone. as we understand, with the
nope OF inducing the Legislature Of that State to
unite in the support of our Institution. Whether
they succeed or not in the object of their VISIT i
Is evident from the Registers account, that they
have awakened an interest in the cause of the ed
ucation Of the Blind which cannot fail to lead to
some benefcent result
We are happy to add that the Professors and
their Pupils returned home on Saturday evening,
all safe and well.
From the Raleigh Register, Dec. II.
A THRILLING EXHIBITION.
Never have Witnessed the feelings Of an
auditory more powerfully wrought upon, than at
an Exhibition which took place i'm the Capitol on
Saturday evening last. The performers on the
Interesting occasion, Pupils from the Insti-
tuition Tor the Blind, located at Staunton, Virgil
nia-an Institution. founded for the purpose of
ameliorating the condition Of these ''chdren of
nIntp md Of IL: 49,
curing moral and mental culture. Until the
close OF the last century, suitable institutions
were provided for the nurture of the Deaf and
Dumb or Blind. Immured within hospitals and
alms-houses, like so many lunatics or incurables.
tney were delivered over, If they escaped the ply
seal, TO all the moral conagion frequently in
c,dent to such dbodes, and were thus involved in
mental darkness. far more deplorable than their
bodily ono. Thanks to the enlightened philan-
thropy OF the present age, they have been rescued
trou this intellectual darkness, and restored to
the blessings, IT we may so speak, of light and
liberty. The fingers of the Blind, have, literally,
been made eyes to them, and, by the sense of
touch, simply, the mental night, that necessarily
attends physical darkness, has been Illuminated;
mechanical genius has been brought into active
exercise, and their powers of mind fully awaken
ed and developed.
But to the Exhibition, of which we started to
speak. Who describe it! Gifted, indeed,
would be the pen, that could transfer that scene
20 paper. We despair of giving faint out
line of the interesting exercises on the occasion,
and would most willingly iorego the attempt, did
not tyrant custom demand il at our hands.
The Exhibition was commenced by singing
Hymn, all the Pupils and Instructors uniting
their voices, with Piano Forte accompaniment
by Mr. GRAHAM, the head of the Musical depart
ment.
Judge CAMERON then made short Address,
explaining the objects of the visit and introduced
70 me overhowiDg auditory, DR.. MERRILLAT, the
Chiei OF the Institution, who, before proceeding
20 the examination of the Pupils, asked Mr.. Gray,
one OF his associate Instructors, TO submit a Few
remarks. In explanation of the designs and cha
Iacter OF the Institution which they represented.
MS was promptly done, and with ease of
manner and grace of elocuton that would we'll
serve as model for most of the Legislators and
professional gentlemen present. Some of his re-
marks, in relation to the peculiarly unhappy con-
citlon OF the Blind, which necessarily renders
Siem insensibie TO the grandeur of many specta-
cies which charm the eye and mind, were truly
eloquent. We endeavoTed to catch two
sentences, bet know do him injustice in the
eeport. 1.-The magnificent map of the Heavens
SAID ne, with every star, which the clear
cave OF winters night pours on the eye, is not
unrolled for us. The revolutions of the Seasons,
with all their beautiful varieties of form and COLOR
anc whatever glores of Nature lift the soul in
wonder and gratitude to the Creator, are not for
US, &c."
Inc hrst exercise was in Reading. young
lady and a small boy, Uhe latter not more than
eleven years Old read passages aloud from the
Bible, with as much iuency and distinctness, as
y they had been blessed with vision. Reading
is accomplished 10y lingering the pages Of Book,
on winch the letters raised, or embossed, and
the deicacy OF the touch is exquisite, that they
learn to read after little practice with the great
est ease and facility.
HE next exercise was in Geography, the de-
tails OF which communicated by the aid of
Maps with raised lines, points, &c. which are
readily and practically understood. A little girl
was placed before the Map of North Carolina.
and She answered every question put by the au-
dience and instructors with as much promptness
and accuracy, as any one having sight, could pos
sbly nave done!
Inc pupils were next examined in Arithmetic,
ana the result was most astonishing and crafty
ang. This branch of knowledge is acquired both
mentally and mechanically, and many of the pu-
Piis, some OF them among the smallest, very rea.
Oily solved the most difficult problems, mentally,
tnough they involved the most elaborate calcula-
ion' amounting in some instances to millions and
ohiiohs' One or two questions asked, and an
o"erea as soon as the process could be gone
through with, we took down as follows:
L. III two-thirds Of 81 Gallons of Wine cost
hVe-sXths OF $40 50--how much will severn
eighths OF gallon at the same rate
4: gentleman being asked what time it was,
replied, that it was between 5 and o'clock and
that the minute nand was far beyond 6, as the
hour hand wanted Of 6 or, 10 be more accurate,
that line drawn from IL o'clock to 6, will make
equal acute angles with the hands.
A gentleman present asked an intricate uues-
ton, and commenced working it himself on pa
per- TO test the accuracy of the Pupil, but il was
mentally resolved, and the proper answer return
ed, before the gentleman had fairly stated his own