Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-29
Deaf and Dumb and Blind Institution,


We had tie pleasure of attending the
Annual Elk animation Of the pupils of the
Institution for the Deaf ard Dumb and
Blind, on Thursday last, and were much
gratifed to see so large and respectable
an audience drawn together to witness
these. interesting exercises. All who were
SO fortunate as to gain admittance to the
densely crowded Hall, we are sure, left
highly delighted with the proficiency
shown by these unfortunates, evincing a
high capacity for mental cultivation and
great perseverance on their part, as well
as superior skill and assiduous labor on the
part of their instructors.
The examination of the Deaf Mutes,
under the teaching Of J. G. Covell and ].
Turner, in the usual branches Of elemen-
tary education, was well sustained through.
out, and, in some particular studies, de.
serving of special commentator /,
would surprise any one not used to exhibi-
tons of the kind, 10 see with what ease
and accuracy they draw, OH the black
board, maps of all the grand divisions Of
the globe, and point out all the differen,
countries. 1t would make the more for
tunate school boy gaze in wonder, to see
them draw correct map of their own
State, and designate all the counties
chief towns, &C., as called for. In arith.
metic, they were quite at home. The
most difficult problems were readily grasp.
ed, when stated to them in the sign Ian
guage, and solved with unusual facilit,
and accuracy. In drawing and painting
too, the few specimens the time permitted
them to exhibit clearly attested their talent
for these refining arts, and the wisdom oil
their instructors in making them part 81
their course.
The Blind did themselves equal credit
in the examinations they passed, in read
ing, Grammer, Geography, History, Arith.
metic and Algebra, and also in French
This department is under the charge oil
the accomplished Principal, DIR. Merrill.
latt, and the equally finished Professor, II
]. Gray.
Medals, and other rewards Of merit,
were then conferred by Mr., Skinner,
President Of the Board of Visitors, on the
most deserving in both Departments, which
was followed BY very cnaste and appro-
pirate address by Mr.. J. e. Covel, Vice
Principal. He briefly reviewed the past
history Of the Institution, for the four
teen years Of its existence, and 1welt with
just pride ON the difficulties that have
been surmounted, and its gradual progress
from small Beginnings to its present state
Of efficiency and usefulness. He then,
beautifully and hopefully glanced at its
future, and portrayed the great good its
friends have reason to expect from this
noble monument OF their benevolenee.
BY request, Miss Irbine, who was pre-
sent, and graduate in the Blind Depart
ment, enlivened the exercises BY her sci.
entific performance on the piano, accom-
panied by sweet, full, rich voice.
\ A young lady, graduate in the Deal
Mute Department. whose name we cannot
call, then related story in the sign Ian
guage, which seemedto be eagerly drank
in by the pupils.
In conclusion, we cannot omit word in
commentator of the excellent music by
the Band, under Prof. Graham, which ad-
ded very much to the interest of the occa-
sion. It is truly interesting to see how
these afflicted ones, to whom the beauties
OF nature, and all the delights which feast
the eye are shut out, become infused with
the spirit ofmusic; whose eountenances are
so completely controlled by the sentim emf
breathed as to weep and smile in the same
moment. The excellent Professor, Mr..
Graham deserves the thanks OF all who
feel an interest in the finished education
OF the pupils in the Blind Department
for the success and proficie ncy, as Oh this
occasion was exhibited. attained by his
scholars.