Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-12-19

eloquent
the Institution and the benefits aording to the
pupils, and the cheerfuness with which it was sustained
by the people Of the State
Tho following is the petition:
TO the Honorable Members Of the Constitutional Con-
renfi0R
We are aware that the present Convention before
whom have the honor OF appearing IS the most inn
portant which has assembled in tins capitals and
comprises in its ranks the most talented OF the people
OF the State Under these circumstances, ieei over
whelmed with a OF incapacty but we would
crave your indulgence and hope that your kindness viii
the lmperectons oil present address, as bat
few years have passed since the time when first
learned to communicate thoughts to others.
We feel that the blessings which education has besow
ed upon are far greater than the power of language
express and pray that these blessings may
not be withdrawn from us and others equally unioTtu-
nate. which prompts us 20 address you this time
The pages of history contain the records of all class
es Of men the peban and patrcian the noble and the
slave, alike remembered. But who shall tell OF
oar history in years gone by! The Mute andi the
Blind have gone down to the grave, leaving no record
TO tell that they had been Ii true, that among the
latter many eminent individuals have been found
as early as the DAYS of the blind Grecian Bard but of
the muUdes who have passed in darkness through the
world, where shall find the historyl We would,
however, hope, that the dark clouds which hung
us have passed awav for teachers have been given,
who, with words Of wisdom, have impaired TO
life, and whose instructions shed light and JOY
path.
To us who are mute, the world is longer ioyless
dwelling place. No more do we look upon the blue
vault above us with all its shining hosts, merely
image of external beauty for science has revealed
and systems innumerabe. in the regions of space
and, in every that shines. world. And
while thus teachers have unfolded to eyes the
wonders of creations and opened the mines of knowl
edge affection has been forgotten in the thought, that
the treasures of wisdom and learning belonged us,
well as to the Fortunate; while the Blind, in the
intellectual Joys which they have ataiaed, forget the
darkness which envelopes outward things
But what has hitherto been the condition of those
whose lot it is to pass through life, bewdered in the
mazes of disordered ntelectl What heart does not
feel for them, and what tale of suffering does their
history unfold Like the demoniac of Scripture, their
dwelling has been among the tombs being destitute af
cted tormented The wild beast of the desert has not
been summed with greater dread or treated IN capv
~. with more severity, than those whose minds
the lamp of sheds ray We rejoice TO think,
that they too have been succored by the angehand of
benevoence and rescued from oppression and misery.
In the home which has been provided for Them their
wounded spirits have found peace.
1t is to ask that these blessings may still he extended
to all, by the renewed henecence Of our fcowciti-
zens that this address presented vour honora-
be body-and we have been emboldened to make it. by
the kindness and generosity which has always marked the
conduct Of our government towards US.
And. in conclusion. would say that, although we
can offer suitable reeompense; yet, while live
prayers shall ascend sngv for beneactors
and trust % them in that world Of Joy and bliss
where thanks shall reach their without the aid
of Interpreter; there shall eve be dimmed neither
shall any mind be darkened.
IThe above was signed by Mary St. c. Belchcr OF
Jefferson mute pupil and antkoress of the pc
ttion Mary F. Orchard of Monroe county. Orlando
0sgood T. N Bowes Francis A. Compton and 65 9TH
err pupils. The whole list will be published in the PAM
phet edition that will be authorized by the Convention
as soon the committee on Benevolent Institutions
uIake their report.
A motion was made to refer the petition to the com.
mttee the Benevolent Institutions Of the State which
was decided in the Neutrality-suspicious. to which,
Mr. NILES. in few brief and eloquent remarks char
acerzed with much feeling. gave evidence of the will
ingness Of the people of Indiana sustain she Benevo
lent Institutions of the State--carryng out he he.
7 ieved, in an humble way the principles OF Him who
while npon earth, opened the eyes of the blind made
the dumb speak and rescued the lnnatic from hi.
wretchcdness sending him forth into the world clothed
in his right mind
Mr. KELso from the select committee on that subject
made report, relation TO for the sittnes o.
the Convention. accompanied by letters from Mr.
Sheets and from Messrs Yandes Sharpe. Mr.. Sheets
behalf Of the Masonic Hall company states that he
will submit price for the of the Hall hut if the
Convention will make offer, which he deems reason
d able and the interest of the stockholders he will
: ceptit Messrs. Yandes & Sharpe offer the Concer
f Hall at four dollars per dav.
; Mr.. PETIT was opposed 10 removing from the pres
5 ent Hall. The Supreme Court Room, he believed
. would answer for the Senate. and the Senate Chambc
n for the House of Representatives.
, Mr. kELso thought the Convention should not contin
sessions in this room while the Legislature was
in session Besides it altogether uncertain wheth
i er the Senate would occupy the Supreme Court Room
The Senate had appropriated to them for thei
o give il MP
/ Mr. GRAHAM had no doubt hat the Legislature wou'
s afford every facility for the Convention. They wer
n equally interested in doing every thing that would ad
It vance the interests Of the State.
i Mr. WoLFE thought it would be impossible to 90 Of
/ with business if the three bodies held their sittings
this building.
n Mr.. CooxERLY took the same position and wou
vote for rather than continue in this building
n Mr.. FOSTER thought the Convention should by al
Of means. he scpar aed from the Legislature.
p Mr.. MURRAY thought this Hall should be given "a
@ and another room procured.
Mr.. DoBsoN contended that there Sufficient roor
in this building for the Legislature and Convention
I pleased with the idea of having the three bodies
10 ses ion at the same tme in the peoples House He be
eved there sufficient in the Supreme Cour
At Room, in this Hall, and in the Senate Chamber.
&C Mr.. HELM opposed to continuing in this Hall @
ne in this building, and would favor adjournment
r the meantime room could he obtained and fitted ur
10 He in favor OF an ad ournment until the 10th
lie February.
err Mr.. DoDsoS moved that the report Of the commte
as be laid upon the table; which motion prevailed
I'd Mr. DoBsoN, on leave then offered resolution tha
IN the Convention will continue In this Hall.
H. Mr.. OWEN saw no Inconvenience in the three bodie
n holding their sessions in the building Ii had bee
SAID that there candidates for the United Stat
TO Senate in this BODY who might absent themselves, il
continued here He thought If that should prove to
ne true the Convention could along very we'll withor
them. They were not numerous enough to break u
the Convention, if they shonld all he absent.
Mr.. Warts thought the Convention could get throug
in two weeks. II gentlemen determined TO hold
n longer session. he for going to Madison He
st. for giving the Convention opportunity to exhibit itse
nd at that city.
Mr. RoBlxsos thought there wonld be no difficult
. with the members of the Legislature. They were re.
IL sonabe men, and if the Supreme Court Room is tte
n up they would occupy it, The idea OF going Mad
e, son supremacy ridiculous 1t would look indee,
be tleman from Dearborn, (Mr Watts were any one
te witness this body descending the plane at Madison wit