Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-01-29
REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE ON THE DEAF
MUTE AND BLIND INSTITUTION

The committee visiting the Western Lunatic Asylum
were also required to visit the institution for the educa-
lion Of the deaf dumb and blind. and "besides enqur-
ing into its general management, TO inform themselves
of the necessity for the additional appropriations asked
for by the VISITORS" &c.
In the discharge of this duty visit was paid on the
nd day of their arrival in Staunton to the institution
foresaid and under The guidance of the Rev Joseph D..
TYLER, principal oil the deaf mute and Dr. j T.. M. Me-
rat, principal of the blind department, every nvesti-
cation necessary knowledge of the condition of the
various ooms passages and appurtenances OF the extern
siye building, carefully made. This examination
satisfied the committee of the necessity of the addition
al appropriations asked for by the VISITORS 10 supply the
defects and wants mentioned by the principals OF the
tN departments, in their late annual reports. The OBJ
ect 10 be accomplished will require outlay Of about
Two thousand five hundred dollars, and not two hundred
and fifty dollars stated through mistake O. the prin-
ter in the report of Dr. Merilat. For full information
upon this subject the committee refer the reports
bove named, and respectfully commend them to the ia
vorable consideration of the Legislature.
In regard to the general management and guardianship
Of the buildings and enclosures single remark will
suffice. Coming somewhat suddenly, and upon the eve
of the Christmas holidays 10 the locality Of its duties,
no surprise would have been felt by the committee, if
much-in large establishment of that kind including
nearly hundred children stricken with their peculiar
misortues-had been found out Of ORDER Instead of
which, the evidence of care, cleanliness, neatness and
arrangement palpable throughout
The management of the pupils, TO Judge from their
cheerful countenances orderly department and surprising
ad ancement in knowledge, have been of the very
hest character In majority of them the tongue had
never uttered, and the had never vhrhIed ~, one
single sound. In another portion, the eye had never
been penetrated by one, the antest, ray Of light
In such sad condition, would naturally expect TO find
fixed and settled gloom the fitting index to their terri
BILE and hopeless bereavement. And such we presume
is the case with those children when found fastened down
to their fate in the seclusion Of the homes which gave
them birth. Here, the contrary, every look every
siep every gesture gave evidence OF the Joy OF an es
cape from the horrors they had left and Of the blessings
they had reached. The committee doubt whether the
same amount of happiness be found in any school OF
the like number of children having all their senses.
The advancement in knowledge with those who had
been in the institution reasonable time truly
prsing; the attanmenls Of many seemed almost mi'ac
ulous And this not in the ordinary educational know
edge only, but in the important knowledge of useful me-
chanical trades shops for which, belonging to the in
stituon shew many Of the pupils in the character
of industrious and skiIu operatives in printing, book
binding and the manufacture OF chairs, shoes, brushes
mattresses, &C., &c.
To the blind, the sense of touch and that of hearing
furnish the means of acquiring knowledge and such
the perfection of these when sight is denied and
such for that reaso the capacity OF the mind to con-
centrae its power 10 lis purposes that education seems
acquired by these unfortunate children almost rapidly
by those having the full use OF all their Senses This
is especially the case with regard to music, most me-
cessary part of the education of the blind. And the
committee witnessed, in this institution instances OF ex-
traodinary capacity and SKILL from the child to the
almost grown young lady.
TO the deaf mute knowledge is conveyed by easy and
graceful signs made by The hands and fingers. few
of these signs made in The presence Of the committee,
to large class OF girls, were simultaneously and prompt
" recorded large states by their side, TO the following
purport, and in tie following order:
lst. 1--WE are pleased TO see you, gentlemen"
end. "We trust the Legislature will not forget this insti-
tuton."
3rd "We hope the Union will last for ages"
is needless say your committee joined in that hope.
and now add this that those ages will ever witness the
continued usefulness of that noble state charity, The
Virginia Institution for The relief and education Of the
Deaf the Dumb and The Blind.
All of which is respectfully submitted.