Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-03-12

DR.. Wilber, of the New York Asylum for
Idiots, speaks o: the marked improvement
in the condition of his pupils within the
brief period of one year. Even the pupils
of The lowest grade were improving in their
habits, in their ability to feed, dress and
take cure OF themselVes,-in their senses,
| in their ability 10 Ooserve what is going on
around them, and in their dispositions and
willingness to be controlled. 4
In the higher grade of pupils. there was
an improvement in their language, in their
department, in their willingness anC capa-
bilities tor simple Industrial pursuits, but
above all, in the exhibition Of greater self
control, and an increased perception OF So
cial and moral obligation.
Well directed, pe,severing effort will, be-
yond the possibility of doubt, secure COM
pensating and satisfactory results
An American physician, writing from the
Institution for idiots at Bsrlin, ;sys-"Ons
little fellow was iniently and earnestly at
work Wri;ing upon his slate, who, for three
months after his entrarcs, could not FIX
either hIs attention OF his eyes upon any,
thing. Another boy, considerably advanced.
I'VE cannot say in recovery, but in this
creation or development OF reason,) was en-
6esvoring 10 interest and instruct a third.
on whose face still rested the blank Vsid Of
idioey" 1s, .>-.
In short, all experience warrants the ex-
2eetaiion that idiots may. under proper
training and education. emerge from their
social, moral and intellectual disability.
MEANS Yon RELIEF.
An institution for the education of idisis
can be put into successful operation, and
carried on partly by public aad partly BY
private means.
A small appropriation may be applied to
the education of few vel marked cases
of diocy; and a few other pupils. whose
friends and guardians are able and willing
to pay for. their education, msy be received
at compeusating rates.
If q school for the education of IDIOTS can
at once be organized, il is believed that pay.
ing pupils will seek its benefits in sufficient
numbers 10 aid materially in defraying its
expenses, and when the financial condition
of the State shall justify larger appropria-
tions, greater number of INDECENT pupils
can be cared for and educated.
Does not common justice, as well as COM
mon humanity. demand that something shall
be done for idio;s' Are they bot effsctually
cut off and shu' oct from all participation in
the ordinary means Of education which the
State has provided for all other classes Of
childrenl And is it not, therefore, the duty
Of tie State to provide for them an educa-
tionnl system adapted to their peculiar
wants and condition. such as shall secure to
them the highest degree of usefulness, COM
fort and happiness incompatible with their
limited natural endowments. Because many
of them labor under disadvantages arising
from defective physical organization, SO
that they have but single ray of light.
shall that ray be left 10 smother and diet
Several of our States have already made
provision for the educati On of their idiotic.
and others, as well as most civilized nations,
are row taking steps TO enunerste them,
with view to provide for their wants. We
hvpe and trust Senator Canfeld's bill will
meet with general faycr, -aid speedily BE-
ccme a lLw. 4. J. r.