The Portland daily press., 1862-11-08


We have just returned from an exceedingly
interesting visit to the American Asylum.
This noble institution is one of which not on
ly Connecticut but the whole nation may well
be proud. A deep impression was made upon
all of us of the magnitude and extent of the
blessings conferred by this beneacent institu-
ton upon the unfortunate class of children COM
mitted to its care None but beneficial infiu-
ences are exerted upon its pupils, and besides
the training of the school-room, there is con-
stantly exercised over them a mild, paternal
and strict moral discipline. The pupils are also
trained to habits of industry. Certain hours,
morning and evening, are devoted to labor.
The boys are taught some usefnl trade, and the
girls are prepared for the duties of domestic
life.
We were conducted through every part of
the Institution, = through the schoolrooms,
the sleeping rooms, and places for amusement,
and everywhere we noticed neatness, order
and system. We could not help remarking
especially the happy and smiling countenances
of the pupils, and they do not seem to feel that
they ars so gerry unfortu ate in being deprived
of one important sense and one important fac
ulty.
There is cabinet shop connected with the
institution where some of the more robust and
ingenious boys are taught how to make COM
mon furniture. Another class work in the
shoe shop, and still another class Of the small
er boys and the larger girls work in the taiors
shop which is under the supervision of Miss
Margaret Greenlaw, formesly of Deer Isle in
our own state At niue o'clock every morn
ing the pupils all assemble in the chapel where
q verse of Scripture is explained and short
prayer made by the Principal, after which
they repair to the several schoo-rooms. This
morning the usual services were varied some
what. Gov. Washburn and suite, the Presi-
dent OF the institution, the venerable Ex-Gov.
Ellsworth and the various officers of the Asy-
lum were seated on the platform in front of
the pupils. Gov Washbnrn and suite were
introduced to the President by Mr.. Turner,
who welcomed the visitors in brief and appro-
pirate terms, to which Gov. w. responded in
his usual happy style. The idea of making a
speech before an audience of deaf mutes was
somewhat novel but they all heard or rather
sa.u the speeches, as they were all repeated to
them in therown pautominic language by
Mr.. Bartlett, one Of the teachers, and at the
close they exhibited their appreciation of
the Cows speech by giving three cheers for
the State of Maine, which, next to Prussia,
provides most literally for the education OF
this unfortunate class of her children. Here
the benefciaries from our State were called
that we might see them all. We are now sup
porting thirty-three children here which is
somewhat less than the usual number, although
several who have been admitted have not yet
arrived. For these, the State pays one hun
dred dollars each per annum-the large fund
of the institution enabling the trustees to pay
the balance. Thaestimated cost OF the board
and tuition of each pupil for one year, is one
hundred and eight dollars. -
,.e.u we visited after
~ srS in tba charal these children
sAs .-.eiiisence and aptitude 10 learn
which would be no discredit to children who
can talk" as it was aptly expressed by one OF
the teachers. The Gallaudet High Class, I'M
der the instruction OF Mr.. Ayres, were recit-
ing Frenchlesson when we entered the room.
One member OF this class maniiests considera-
Bile talent for drawing, and outline sketches
upon his slate Of the countenances of two of
our party, created considerable merriment In
the course of the forenoon we entered one
room where sat an old lady se,cing,and were in
formed that she was deaf, dumb and blind, and
that her name was Julia Brace. When told
by signs that Gov. Washburn aud Council
were present, she at once exhibited the pecu-
liar vanity of her sex by asking why they
hadn't told her he was coming so she could
put on her black silk dress" Here was poor
unfortunate woman who never saw the light
of Heaven, had no idea of colors, or OF relative
beauty, yet instinctivey she thought she ought
to be " dressed up" because she had company
Ia little bit of pardonable feminine vanity.
All OF our party were exceedingly pleased
and gratifed with the appearance and condi-
ton of the Institution, aud were proud to
know that our own State has so literally pro-
vided for the education OF her deaf and dumb
children here. All were satisfied too that it
would be the merest folly for any New Eng
land State to attempt the establishment of
similar institution. The Principal, the Rev.
Mr.. Turner, is eminently fitted for the position
he holds. His paternal care over his pupils
and their childlike reverence for him was very
pleasant to behold.
The American Asylum was the first institu.
ton of the kind in the United States 1t was
opened under the charge of Rev. Thomas H.
Gallaudet, on tie 18th OF April, 1917, with
seven pupils, which number was increased to
thirty before the close OF that year. Mr..
Gallandet found an able co-worker in his as
sistant, Mons. Laurel Clerc, who had been FIRST
the pupil, and then assistant of the celcbrat-
ed Able Sicard, in Pal NJ. Clerc still re-
sides in Hartford, but the increasing intrmi-
ties of age prevent him from occupying his
old position. We had the pleasure of an in
PRODUCTION to this venerable man, who is
termed by Mr. Turner as the Father of the H.
stitution. His daughter is an assistant teach
or In the Asylum.
In 1918 Congress granted township of
land to aid this Institution which was located
In sections in Alabama, from the sale of which
was realized s27s,l00. The permanent fund
Is now about s3o7 900, the annual income of
which is estimated at $4,000, which enables
the managers to receive pupils for 800 per
pear. The regular course of instruction is
x-lANr L.. afx