Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-03-19
FROM THE RALEIGH (N. c. REGISTER.
INTERESTING EXHIBITION.

1
| There was crowded auditory of both sexes
at the Presby terian Church, on Thursday morn
ing last, to witness the first Public Examination
oil the Pupils attached to the Deaf and Dumb
School in this City. The Institution has now
been In operation about ten months, under the
superintendent of Mr.. WILLIAM ID. Cooke, and
the rapid proficiency of the Pupils Seventeen in
number) a;tests most emphalcally, the peculiar
qualifications OF the Principal and his Assistants,
Messrs. ToTTEN and ALBRIGHT, for the duties of
their station.
Three classes were eXamined-one by each of
the misunderstanding in a most satisfactory
and gratifying manner, the progress which has
been made during the Academical year. 1t was
wonderful, most wonderful, to witness the correct
ness oil the Spelling, the excellence of the Writ
ing, and the knowledge of Grammar, which even
the most recent Pupils displayed The Teacher
would make few signs TO the Class, and, in an
instant, on each sate was written the required
answer to his question. Indeed, all their replies
eVlnced intelligence, and not mere school-room
drilling for the purposes of exhibition. We were
particularly struck with the evidence which was
afforded Of their advance in Religious instruc-
tlon Let it be recoected that, a few months
ago, they had no idea Of COP, or his attributes.
! he Bible was TO them, indeed, a sealed book
Mr.. COOKE asked them variety of questions.
for the purpose of showing the care that is taken
70 conduct them TO correct knowledg of the
ouSieu oCiiPtuiSS anu result OF these Efforts.
we took down one o! two answers, which struck
us with peculiar force. In answer to the ques-
tion--"Does God know your thoughts ?'-was
wrtten--"God knows all | think all saw, all
do" "Where is God :" was another question
asked. And, the answer was-"God is i'm Hea-
veE-he is here-he is every where" "How
does God produce the fruits of the earth !" was
then asked, and the answer was-"He causeih
the rain TO descend upon the just and the unjust"
In short, there was the satisfactory evidence
OF the fact that the Institution has fulfilled, and
is now fulfilling, its obligations TO the State, and
that It's management is conducted upon most
admirable system.
The closing scene was one that drew tears
from the eyes of many. Mr.. Cooke, the Princi-
pal Iecited Prayer in the language of signs.-
The intelligence of man, with all lis convention
al rules for opening the springs of thought, sinks
into insignfcance, when contrasted with the
pure and simple eloquence OF silent nature
Never was prayer uttered by man with more
thrilling force, or more convincing cloquence,
than by the silent language employed on This oc-
casion. we confess that our sensibililies were
reused, and deeply affected by this remarkable
and soul-strribg Prayer.
AT the close Of the Exercises, His Excellencv.
Gov GRAHAM, who is President, er otfcio, of the
Literary Board, (under whose charge this Insti-
tuition isl and who has taken deep interest in
the subject, delivered neat Address, which we
trust, VIII have the effect Of more fully awaken.
Ing public attention TO this noble enterprise