Smyrna times., 1857-03-04
Exhibition of the Blind,

On Friday afternoon and evening last. ths
pupils from the Pennsylvania Institution, Phi.a
delphla, performed in this town, on their return
froma visit to the Legislature. The exhibition
IN the afternoon was given at the Odd Fellows
HAL, but, this being too small and entirely un
suited to the purpose, the use of the Presbyte.
ran church was procured for the evening per-
formance.
In the evening. the church was filled to over
flowing. At the appointed hour the exercises
were introduced with grand overture by the
Orchestra, composed of twenty-ene young men
and boys This was followed by number of
beautiful pieces, both vocal and instrumental.
aud ending part lst, with the " Railroad Gal
iop," IN fall orchestra, being perfect imitation
OF the starting Of the cars, with band of music
on board.
The Principal, Mr.. Chaplin. then made few
pertinent remarks explanatory of the objects of
the Institution. and the plan upon which it is
conducted. The great and chief aim is to pro-
vide the pupils with such means as will enable
them to obtain livelihood, without recourse to
their friends, and consequently to relieve socie-
less ever imposes upon it. Hence, it is consid |
cred that music constitutes one of the most i'm. |
portant elements of instruction. But the course
of instruction is much more comprehensive, in |
ciuding most of the branches of lea rning taurht
IN our common and select schools, besides a
practical knowledge of many OF the mechanical
trades-so that every precauton is taken to
shield the pupils from future want. The Insti-
tuition also, as far possible provides employ
ment for the pupils after they graduate. Many
OF this class are now teachers in the Institu-
tion. whilst others occupy positions secured to
them through it's agency.
Inc modes OF instruction were next exhibit
ed, comprising the branches OF reading. wri.
ting, arithmetic, geography, &c. An example
IN simple multiplication was performed by one
OF the girls. by means of a slate provided spe
clally for the PsePese. The slate is crossed by
"efa4ic bars forming sharp angles, at each of
which Is hole for the insertion of the leaden
type containing the figures. These figures
have appropriate spaces in one side of the frame.
each OF which is readily understood by the
operator, 50 that the movement is precisely G
similar 20 that of setting type
Geography is learned in the same w,v as =
reading, viz: by the touch. The divisions Of c
land, with the mountains ntersecting them. are I
Esised upon the globe, so that the locality and r
form OF every country is quickly determined
by the touch L
One of the most Interesting performers was r.
young Chinese girl, who passed very cred u
liable examination in geography. 1t is the in. u u
tentIon OF this young lady, after graduating, to
return to her native land, and devote her ener. Ii
gIes TO the education of those who. like her m
have been shut out forever from the bean,;f,i Il
sights of nature.
various articles Ofhandicraft were exhibited. r.
showing the mechanical skill of the pupils s
such as brushes, fancy work, &c.,-wbich. in bI
po'at OF besuty OF finish, would COMPARE favor a.
ably with any in this branch of manual labor
4 ne institution has a contract for supplying the
United States army with horse-brushes. p
Alter the Principal had gone through with az
l's interesting details, part I'd, of the music -
was proceeded with. and gave delight to the ce
entire house. Indeed. every one was astonisb. sill
ID at the great accuracy with which the most eli
Iiftcult pieces were performed. The singing. ex
Oo,-soOs, choruses. &c.,-was delightful, and ",
vIdenced that their voices were cultivated sti
With much care
The pupils, thirty in number, were accompa.
ned BY the Principal, Mr.. VIM. Chaplin, Mr.. wi
:. Pfelifer, the Music Instructor, and other ev e
eachers. -"