Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-05-30
TIE VIRGINIA 1NsT1rur1oN

The Annual Examination at the Virginia Insti-
tuition for The education Of the Deaf and Dumb and
Of the Blind, took place, according to previous no.
tce, on Thursday and Friday last; A full attend
ance Of the Visitors afforded pleasing evidence of f.
deity to the high trust implied in the guardianship
of so noble an Institution; while the presence of
large number Of spectators evinced deep interest
in its operations and success. 1t is only necessary,
indeed, TO witness the scenes Of such an OCCASION to
be interested, and TO find the best emotions of the
soul stirred into pleasing and thrilling exercise
The contemplation of these stricken ones Of the
earth, has of itself salutary influence upon the
heart. Sympathy, precious relic from the ruins
Of the fall, and therefore akin TO divinity is promo
tive OF virtue. 1t is star that gtters through the
clouds Of human depravity--a gem which sparkles
amidst the gloom of an all -pervading selfshness.-
And then, when the feelings have been chastened
into tenderness, TO witness the minisraons of mer-
cy-the success of science and skill in giving Ian
guage to the mute-and, if not sight to the blind,
teaching him 10 read by Understanding the ear
and soothing into submission and patience, the ban
quet of the heart becomes complete. Here is the
spblimity Of charity. But we forget ourselves.
Attention is invited 10 the Report, in an other CO.
lumn, of a Committee of Examiners, specially APP
pointed for the occasion, affordng the evidence
OF careful and able instruction OH the part of tho
teachers, and of most commendable proficiency on
the part Of the pupils
After the examination had closed, various premi-
ums Were distributed among those who had distn-
gushed themselves for scholarship and good conduct
a. III. fl. STUART, Esq, President of the Board of
VISITORS had been selected for hsduty and todeliver
an address appropriate to the occasion. We hardly
need ADD, mat ability, good taste, fine sentiment and
touching pahos marked the effort The highest
premium awarded TO any in the Deaf mute Depart-
mont, for proficiency and merit, was Gold Medal
instituted and presented by DR.. l.. w. CHAMBER
LAYNE, Of the City of Richmond. When NIr. Sru-
ART had given briefhstory of the medal, and then
announced that by the unanimous judgment of the
Visitors and Teachers, the Dr.'s own son, a youth
of some IA years of age, deaf mute and inmate Of
the Institution, had won the prize, the effect was
electric and many melted into tears.
AT the solicitation Of the Principal Of the Deaf
and Dumb Department, MIR. VIM d. Cooke.
Principal of the North Carolina Institution, made
an address TO the deaf mutes in the sign language
which closed the exercises.
We were pleased 10 learn that The two foreign
Visitors, recently appointed and upon their first visit
to the Institution, Eve refer to WIN o. GoopE,
Esq, of Meckenburg, and DR.. GEO. r. YERBY, of
Northampton both expressed unqualified approba-
ton in the management of the Institution and in the
results of tlA examination. Without any dispar-
agement to others, the acquisition to the Board of
two gentlemen of such high character and intelli
gence, connected with their position and influence
may well be matter of congratulation to the friends
of this noble State charity