The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-12-05


certain where schools are needed--scho
houses may be conveniently, located
where, owing to scarceness Of poplation,
they cann,t--where those who are able
to educate willunite with the State in The
establishment of Academies. In word
do rs has been done elsewhere--zhaye a
survey of the field Of ignorance, and with
the map before you, decide on your sys-
tenn. Make at least this effort, and il it
results in nothiug--if in consequence Of
insurmountable difficulties in our condi
ton, on improvement can be made on the
present system, and the poor OF the land
are hopelessly doomed to ignorance, pow
erty and, crime-!ou will at least feel
conscious Of baviug done your duty, and
the public anxiety on the subject will be
quieted. y q ar-..r.,.sr &
The Lumatic Asylum is well managed,
and successfully performs its mission Of
mercy and humanity. feel relieved from
the necessity Of making any special re.
commentator in relation to it, commit
tees were appointed at your last session
to examine its condition and report on its
necessities. After a comparison of its re-
suits with other institutions, and a cerefnl
Inspection ofits interior condition, cannot
withhold the expression Of my belief that
it is nm institution "more sinned agains,
ihan shining" ~
Not less humane in its object than the
care aud treatment of lunaticc, is the in
struction Of the deaf, dumb and blind
The State recognizes her obligation TO
provide for this unfortunate class Of her
citizens, and has always generously re-
sPonded in the appeals which have been
made in their behalf. For years a sum
was annually appropriated for the main.
tenance and education Of her poor mutes
in Northern Institutions. Parents cenerlly
were averse t. sending their children a.
broad, and few availeI themselves of the
opportunity thus afforded, In lS49, Mr..
n. p. Walker was induced by various
considerations TO establish school for
there education at Ceder springs, within
our own State. The motive that prompt
ed the effort was praiseworthyan the
highest degree. His success, considering
the difficulties he had to encounter, has
been remarkable, but hac meanc arc limi-
ted and wholly inadequate TO meet the
increasing demands of the institution. |
recomcnd to you the propriety Of author
lzing the commissioners OF the deaf dnmb
aud blind, 20 purchase the establishment,
and to place upon it such additiol lal
couveniences and buildings rs will make
it efficient for the nnmber of inmates who
are likely to occupy the same, and to
lease it to Mr.. Walker, or some other
suitable teacher, or to make some other
arrangement which they may deem the
best for the support and education Of the
inmates.
In this way the State may gradually
and economically build NV an establish.
ment Of her own equal to the wants Of
these objects other sympathy.
As part Of the same scheme, also re-
commend that the same commissioners be
authorized TO provide for the reception
and education of idiots. Until recent
yeare, no effort has been made TO relieve
this most miserable and pi,iaLIe class ef
human sufferers, bacause their condition
has always been regarded as utterly be.
yond the reach Of human benevo!ence.-
Modern philanthropy, which has achieved
such wonderful triunphs in the case Of the
mind, has at last conquered the misery Of
the poor, neglected., loathed IDIOT. Il has
been demonstrated by actual result that
tie IDIOT has "some latent germ OF intel.
lect, and is capable, under patieot culture,
of being rendered comparatively useful,
comfortable and happy. or tie deploa.
bic condition Of theSe unfjrtunate, crea
lures, it would scarcely be an exasgeration
to say that they are little better cared for
than the beasts which perish" What joy
will il not impart TO parents, whoes homes
are afflicted with the presence Of the IDIOT
child, TO learn that place has boen pro
vided to which he might be removed, and
as hghtis gradually let in upon his dark
soul, wha. blessings will they not invoke
on the State thus mercifuly dispeuses its
charity.
An interchange Of opinion with several
Of the Judges and distinguished lawyers,
has induced me, though not member Of
the legal profession, to bring 70 your con.
sideration the propriety Of makiuga sys-
temaDc revision Of the statutes of,ho State
] rely with great cou6lcnce on the jadr.
nent Of those who have made The IaM
the study Of their iqes, and trust shall
not be regarded as travelling beyond the
sphere, Of mo dnty in urging upon yot, A