Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1845-01-09
les have six or eight children each, all of

whom can hear and speak, and in only four
families ont of the 81, are there any children
that are deaf and dumb-a pretty conclusive
evidence that deafness is not more herodita-
Iry in families ,han other inperfections of
naluie. The price OF admission into this
institution is ono hundred dollars per annum.
which includes tuition, board, lodging and
washing. Pupils must be between the ages
of 8 and %, and will not be received for
less term than 2years. Besides literary in
s,ruction, The pupils Of both sexes are taught
useful trades and occupations, suited to their
sex and dispositions, to enable them to main
tain themselves and families, if necessary,
after leaving the Asylum, and which, with
the education there received, they are able
to prose cute with equal advantages, in most
cases, as others who can hear and SPEAK.
It is probable that this Institution will be
able to accommodate all the Deaf and Dumb
in New England for some years to come, and
thereby render The expense OF erecting others
unnecessary. 1t is now patroniscd by all the
New England States with ono exception. In
this, Massachusetts, as in most other liberal
and benevolent public acts, took the lead
and rs carly as 1919. made public provision
for the support Of twenty pupils at the Asy
lum, and has since increased the appropra-
tions so os to provide for the education Of all
the INDECENT deaf mutcs in that State,-and
now supports 3G pupils at the institution
The example of Massachusetts was followed
by New Hampshire in 1899, and in 1925 by
Maine and Vermont, wkich ,hsce States now
support so pupil, ct the Asylum In 1916,
Connecticut made grant of 5000 dollars to
its funds, and in 1923 followed the example
of her sister States in making appropriations
for the support of her INDECENT "deaf and
dumb" and now maintains % pupils at the
Asylum. Rhode Island, the wealthest Of all
the New England States in proportion to her
territory and population, has not yet made
any provision for the support of her ndigen,
deaf and dumb, either at the Hartford or any
other institution. Is it not high time that
she, too, followed the example Of her sister N.
England States, now that she is IL years be-
hind the last IN that respect, and i,centy years
behind "Nsw HAMPSHIRE ~
Humanity not only calls for such course,
but Justice demands it.-A part of the edu-
cation fund of right belongs to the deaf &
dumb. They have not, as yet, ever reed
the benefit Of fa-thing Of it, and heavy ar
rearages are due them.-it is true that not
only the good, but the very existence of the
State, in a republican sense, depends upon
the general education Of the peope-but, as
individuals, those possessing all their natu~
raj faculties may enjoy life in good degree
with but little instructlon-but not so the
"Deaf q dumb.'-To them education is in.
dispensable, and upon i: depends their whole
enjoyment ofl;fo.
The writer would not. by any means, be
understood to recommend the withdrawal Of
any part of the Education fund as at present
applied--so far from it, he would consider the
man who at this critical period in the history
of our republic should recommend the lessen
ing or perversson of that fund for any purpose
,rhaierer, as an enemy to his country and to
mankind. But he would propose that an ap-
Iproprintion be made, at the present sitting
Of the Legislature, of q sum not exceeding
1000 dollars per annum, for the purpose of
aiding in placing and maintaining the indl
gent "Dedf and dumb" in this State at the
American Asylum at Hartford. This sum,
with the aid Of friends, would probably be
sufiice2. fc. the support Of all Of that class
who would require assistance from the pub.
lie. II the money cannot be spared from the
Treasury, let it be assessed on the towns-a
| Tax of three cents OH one thousand dollars
would raise the required amount or il might
be readily saved by shortening the sessions Of
the Legislature a few days, which will other
wise be wasted, in all probab illty, Judging
from the past,) that office seekers may have
time to perfect their intrgues at the cx.
pcnsc of the State.
NARRAGANSETT.