Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-10-04
NO. XLVI.
For he SpectchF.
For he SpectcttF.
G1- The following was written by pupil of
the institution at Staunton; upon his leaving the
School. 1t is printed as it was written:
edictOry;
BY A DEAF MUTE.

School. 1t is printed as it was written
valedictory;
BY DEAF MUTE.
Kind Teachers and Fellor Sckoolinaies Il ad-
dress you now at the suggestion of no one but it
is the dictate ofmy own conscience whchprompts
me to make this one demonstration of rnT graft
tude, which ! so justly owe TO you, my kind gen
erOns tutors. do not 60 away from among yod
with light and merry heart, but, on the contra
ry, with heavy one but the remembrance of
the kindness with which | have been treated
while among you will ever make the past pleas
ant theme Of contemplation; and thuugt, Ting
shall fee away on .'Eagle's wings" you shall, [
assure you, be cherished first among those pictures
which hang side-wise on memory's wall. For
'The flush of youth soon passes from the face;
The spells OF fancy from the mind depart,
The form may lose Its symmetry and grace,
But Time can claim no victory DER the heart"
Oh! that | could justly reward you for your
labors, what source Of pleasure it would be 10
me. Now, that am about TO shake hands with
those who have taught me deaf mute, to speak
and write to others whom God in His wisdom;
has created without the power of speaking and
hearing, can scarcely restrain giving vent TO nv
feelings suffice it, however, for me to say that
consider the Deaf and Dumb Asylum the noblest
work of man; and it should be looked upon as
dazzling monument to those who eXerted them
selves to erect it. Long will their names be re-
membered and cherished in the minds of those
who have received instruction within its silent
wall. What would our republican form of gov
ernment and bOasted freedom have been to mute;
had 1t not have been for the eXertions OF those
phiianthropsts who first conceived the idea of in
structlng them, added TO the untirng labors of
those kind Teachers who have furnished US with
,,-l,,
our fellow creatures. But for the instruction we
have already received we should have been in
state of utter darkness, ss it were, scarcely able
to make known our slightest want; as it is, We
are enabled to transact business and make for our
selves competent livelihood Should we fail to
tender our thanks we should be acting in direct
opposition to all the finer feelings of the human
heart and the promptings of nature, which teach
us to be grateful for an act Of charity rendered
therefore, with all the sincerity we possess, do
we offer our thanks. Should the wheel Of For
tune ever revolye in such manner that should
| be chosen favorite, nothing could afford me more
real pleasure than to contribute largely to aid in
quickening the progress Of this earthly tabernacle
of true beneyolence. AS it is, my glad heart will
always yearn towards those who first placed the
germ of knowledge in my mind, and after the seed
was sown, took so much care in the cultivation
thereof; they are, in every sense Of the term, true
specimens of God commissioned philanthropisis,
moved by the purest sense Of duty, acuated by
the nobest motives, and led on by the warmest
hearts that ever throbbed in mortal breasts! This
and other similar works stand arrayed in bold
characters as noble monuments of glory and in
struction. The tongue of the grateful should new
er cease its laudations till senced by Him who
rules the destiny of man. Science, arts, and lit
| w. IL
to the mind of the mute, had il not been for the
skill and surgery of our teachers whose greatest
care it was TO instil knowledge and truth into the
dormant minds of their unfortunate pupils. Long
will their names. together with the names Of my
friends generally of Staunton, and he who preach
ed the word of God for our benefit, be cherished
in my mind both 10 prosperity and adversely.
sincerely hope the education have obtained
at the Institution may be of great value to me in
aiding me to get along well in this world, but es
pecially in enabling me to prepare for that better
world where can hear and join in the singing
and praises of the redeemed. To this end must
continually strive to inform myself through read
ing and study. To get correct manner of wri-
ting, must closely observe the style of the books
and newspapers which read, and give particular
attention to the meaning of the words therein en-
ployed. must not think that, having gotten
through here, my education is finished but con-
time TO read my Bible. which will point me the
way to Heaven, and endeavor by every means in
my power to improve my mind, that may grow
wiser as grow older.
am about to 90 forth into the wide wide world,
and many trials and temptations will necessarily
fall to my lot but, fully convinced that He that
tempers the wind to the shorn lamb will take care
of me, shall endeavor to live in such manner
IN p,orit He approval and all will bo ,yoll
To this end
We should conform to the customs of the people
among whom we live.
We should not (nor cannot) hope to accomplish
anything good or great unless we forego many
present qualifications.
We should submit ourselves before God with
great deal Of pleasure, and smile of gratitude,
thanking Him for bestowing blessings upon US from
time to time.
We should avoid bad company or we will lose
our good names.
We should believe and obey the Lords Word.
We should think of God with reverence at all
times, especially when we pray to Him.
We should be very careful, in common conter-
sation, how we make comparisons between per-
sons.
We should not seek to be praised or flattsred
deceit is wicked thing.
fr0l. y. y. CoVelI has honestly ADVISED MS pu-
pills and said that we should behave respectfully
to the Authorities, and habtuate ourselves to treat
strangers modestIy and ciyilIy atall times. feel
grateful to him, as an excellent tescher, for in
sructing me, and wish him great happiness and
prosperity.
In conclusion, can only say that will endeay-
or to shape my course in life, as to win the a1ec-
ton and confidence of all with whom | have I"
deal.
| am in very painful sorrow in parting y -
deaf mutes, with whom for some time ,ttb a.,
socated. Many'of them | may ne" ,b,ta .. as
would say to all, live uprigh'' .er meet ao,;n
bear your trials bravely and ~ and bonestI~
God will protect you. witt, calmness on1j
will close this bv '"'
upon all who are wishino the bless;nos of God
work OF educ' engaged in the magnanimous
prolonged ing the mute. May their lives be
forms a earth, and finally, when death per-
rest IS work, may their spirits soar aloft and
IN the right hand Of their Creator.
Farewell, farewell.
Fl K. a. MAYS.
0j- have no sympathy whatever with those
e who would grudge our workmen and our humble
y people the very highest acquisitions which their
taste, or their time, or their inclinations would
l.aaLl NlA.- to nlusxa.