Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1859-01-22

HSaICiI dLld iCal prosperity VI tIlS SUdIe,
OF operate to so great an extent to hold
out inducements to citizens Of other
States, or residents of other countries.
to settle among us.
While TO some extent there has been
failure Of crops, as in other western
states, yet nothing has occurred to dis
courage our people. Misfortunes of this
kind are incident to every agricultural
people, and they cannot be guarded
against The fact furnishes an arcu-
ment, however, in favor of a greater
variety in agricultural operations, and
gives strong invitation to farmers to
engage more in stock raising. Irepeat
the same recommendations, made in my
last annual message, in regard to the
initiatory steps for forming an Agricul-
tural College. In the absence of an in
stitution of this high order, great ben
eft might be derived by the formation
of Farmers Club in every town, and
Farmers Lyceum in every school dis
trict. Then once each week during the
winter season, by lectures, reading from
agricultural works and papers, discus
sions, and mutual interchange of opin-
ions, suggesting experiments, detailing
results, and comparing views, new sour
ces Of pleasure and profit might be
found.
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
The report of the Trustees and Off
GERS Of the Wisconsin Institute for the
education Of the Deaf and Dumb will
be laid before you. The Institute has
been as prosperous as the limited ap-
preparation of the last session of the
Legislature, and the stringent law of
the same session regulating the terms
Of the admission of pupils, would war
rant. The Legislature at its session in
1857, made an appropriation Of $15, 900
towards the erection of the main or
centre building, and in 1853 an appro-
priation Of $4,000, for completing in
part the main building, making in all
the sum Of $21, 900. The original esti-
mate Of the expense Of the main or cen
tre building was $3O,OOO. The appro-
priations already made have not been
sufficient, and the balance of the sum
of $4,000 is asked for and will be ne
cessary for the purpose. At the last
session the sum of $500 was also appro-
priated for finishing the shop and out
buildings already commenced. During
the term preceding e. last annual re-
port, the number Of pupils in attendance
was forty-two.
The next appropriation by the Legis-
lature for the annual expenses will be
for the twelve months commencing Feb.
18th, 1859. The report shows that in
calculating for current expenses, it will
be necessary to calculate for house
hold Averaging ninety persons. This
included an anticipated increase Of six
teen to twenty pupils. The estimated
amount necessary for current expenses
for the coming year is $4,000. Esti-
mated Indebtedness January 81, 1859,
$500.
It is also estimated that there will be
needed for the months of February,
March and April, which intervene be-
tween the close Of the present year,
(Jan. 81, 1889 and the reception of the
next appropriation, So 900; and for fur
nishing main building, including kitch-
EN- ranges, $500.
The money appropriated last year
appears to have been judiciously and
economically expended. The officers
Of the institution have evidently man
aged its affairs with great care and pru-
dence, and have been faithful and hon
est in the discharge of their peculiar
and responsible duties. The Principal
and his assistants are experienced and
accomplished teachers. The pupils
have been as well provided for and
cared for as the limited accommodations
Of the unfinished institution would al
low. They show good training, good
teaching, and commendabls desire to
improve. Allowing for the many en-
barrassments under which it has labor
ed, the institution may be properly
classed as prosperous. It is deserving g
of the fostering care Of the State.
The ninth annual report of the Trus-
tees Of the Wisconsin Institute for the
education of the Blind, will also be laid
before you. | commend it to- your care
full consideration. The suggestions of
the superintendent, which are of great
importance, apply with great force as
we'll to the Institution for the Deaf and
| Dumb.
The number Of pupils who have been
in attendance during the past year was
twenty-five. But owing to the opera
ton of the stringent law of the last ses-
sion, the number has lattelly diminish
ed. The amount appropriated by the
,'-st LEGISLATURE for the Institution was
60 80 zsn 7o. OF this amount ST ,53O.79
was to be applied to discharge existing
indebtedness, and The remaining 81. 900
was for current support up to Feb, lst,
1a5a No money was appropriated to