The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1857-05-14
Letter from Hon. A. Cook.

| hcttcF ~ SOOh'
Especial Correspondence of the Perrysburg Journal
SYRACUSE, N. Y, May 5, 1857.
EDlroR OF THE JouRNAL-Dedr Sr:-I ar
we'd here last night at half past eleven o'clock
in company with my colleagues, Hon. VIM.
D'nnison, Jr., and DR.. Townsend, the other
Trustees of the Stae Asylum for the education
of diotic and imb cie youth.
This morning we visited thr asylum for similar
purposes in the State Of New Yo,k, locatedat this
| place, now under the superintend nee of DR.. II.
| B. Wilbur. We found the institution in pros
p,rous condition, and the evidence given us by
the Superintendent, Of the progress of his pupils,
was more than flattering, and it has given us
the most sanguina hopes that the institution
under our care. (though upon much more
limited basis, } will, with julicious management,
prove blessing to many Of this class of unior-
tunate youth in our own state.
A school for the educltion Of idiots was
thing unheorl of in the United States, until
very recently-and even now, many who ha' e
not given the subject special attention, doubt
its p'acticabllty But from careful examina-
ton OF the institution under the charge of DR..
Wilbur | am satisfied that it is no longer 8
simple experiment, but must, in the future, be
classed with the public institutions of the State.
If the position be true, that the state owes
an education to all those who are capable Of
receiving instruction in the common schools,
much more does she owe it to those unfortu-
nate beings, who have been cheated by dissem-
bling nature" of that crowning glory which
would have enabled them TO compete with their
fellows, and take rank with the fortunate ones
of earth.
The first school for the instruction Of this
unfortunate class Of persons in the United
States, was opened by DR., Wilbur at Barre, in
Massachusetts, in July, 1913, His extensive
practice at this place brought him in frequent
contact with this class Of persons IND his nat
ural benevolence, soon suggested to him the pro-
ject of opening his school. The results were
entirely satisfactory, and he soon had the honor
of being called from the little family which he
had gathered around him, 10 take charge of the
institution over which he now presides, founded
by the State of New York in the year 1891,
where he had more extended field OF labor
As to the mode of instruction and peculiarities
of these institutions will speak at length in
my next communication. The first appropria-
tion for the school in the state Of New York,
was male in the year 1851. The corner stone of
the building now occupied for this purpose, was
laid September 8, 1851, and the building ready
for the reception of pupils in the fall of 1855,
where there are now one hundred and five
pupils. Miny of these have been rescued
from the lowest depths of human imbecility to
an appreciation Of the unpublished gem of di-
vnity hidden beneath the rubbish of defec-
i've organization.
The grand design is physical and moral train
ing, combined with sufficient intellectual
culture 10 enable them TO provide for their own
immediate wants and it must be apparent to
any one at all conversant with the subject, that
the physical training is the more important, for
it is rare that one can be found who can supply
his most simple wants on entering the school.
The deaf and dumb, the blind and the insane
have long been the recipients of the bounty OF
the State, and have their hurt minds cured
by her fostering care, and taught to speak and
see by the generous aid OF her more gifted sons,
while the poor idiot has, neglected, been left to
pass his days in misery, beneath the scom OF
those who are bound by every consideration of
humanity to afford him relief
And in this connection il affords me pleasure
TO remark that some of the most eminent men
of the state of New York, have most cheerfully
given their influence, and devoted their time and
talents, to the accomplishment Of this object
John G, Spencer and VIM. L. Marcy were
among the first Directors appointed by the Gov
ernor for this purpose-and my earnest desire
is, that the institution founded b. her benefi.
cence, may be perpetual, and that Ohio will
emulate her noble example, and that these two
states may long stand side BY side as comneers,
the one stretching her hands out to the east, the
other TO the west, to cheer and encourage.
One great hindrance to benevolent objects OF
this hind is in our preconceived opinions, super
induced by early education in our schools. We
are taught to look beyond the immediate objects
of practical utility, and in our admiration for
the heroism and noble daring of the sncients,
we are too apt to forget that there is nobility
in seeking to alleviate the distresses of those
who ask for relief at our doors.
This is subject worthy our attention as in,
dividuals, and which cannot but commend it,
self to the attention of the benevolent of all
parties. Respectfully yours,
ASHER Cook.
- One of the most prominent citizens of Mis-.
soun-the owner of twenty-one grown up slaves
! loo. 10 NI,,... 1