Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1867-07-05
LOcNL items.


public. on the afternoon of Thursday the 9th
inst.
Notwithstanding the threatening aspect OF the
heavens, Mt an early hour the spacious Chapel
was crowded to its utmost capacity with an APP
preciative audience and soon a burst OF music,
from the fine band, composed of bind boys, gave
notice that the exercises were about to begin.
The deaf-mute classes were examined first
They were composed of pupils from 10 to 81 years
of age, and the readiness with which they re-
sponded to the various questions put by their diff
ferent teachers in the sigr language displayed an
aptness and proficiency on their part which was
not only highly gratifying but absolutely won
derful and reflected the highest credit upon their
instructors. It is indeed wonderful that these
unfortunate children, deprived as they are of the
power of speech and hearing can be taught the
simplest elements of knowledge, but when we see
them as we did upon this occasion, show prof.
cheney in History, Geography, Grammar and
Arithmetic, solving complex questions in Frac-
tons and Interest, it is nothing less than aston
ishing. Some beautiful specimens of drawing
and painting in water-colors, executed by deaf
mutes were exhibited, and we understand that it
is intendeded to introduce painting in Oil very
soon.
The Examination of the Deaf mutes being con-
cludcd that of the Blind was taken up. Pupils,
of ages ranging from 10 to % years were success
sively examined on their different studies and ex-
hibited a neutrality-suspicious. The facility on
their part for acquiring Instruction seemed to US
as wonderful We noticed one little fellow abont
1nyo,rc old who hac bean an inmate of the In
stitution only since last February, who read from
Primer with ease and rapidity. This could
scarcely be expected even from those who are
blessed with sight. Others were examined in
Reading Geography, History, Natural Science,
French Arithmetic, and the Higher Mathemat-
ics and acquitted themselves in a manner in the
highest degree satisfactory. We can not refrain
from mentioning here two young men, Mr.. H. H.
johnson, from Peadeton, and Mr.. ". Ochiltree:
from Rockbridge who have just completed their
education at this Institution, having been carried
through complete collegiate course. Under
standing that they intend entering upon the pro-
fession of teaching, take pleasure in testifying
to their thorough proficiency and capacity. We
might mention various others who exhibited
marked proficiency but space forbids At the
conclusion of the examination, q valedictory adj
dress of marked force and ability was delivered
by Mr.. H. H. Johnson, after which the prizes for
proficiency and merit about "a in number, were
distributed by Thos J. Niche, Esq, President
of the Board. The annual address was then de-
lvcred by Fl. Jewett Gray, ESQ., ofRockingham.
OF this it is unnecessary to make mention, AS all
know Mr. Gray to be speaker Of distinguished
ability. Upon the whole the Exhibition gave
profound qualification to the large audience as
embed, and reflected the highest credit upon
both pupils and instructors.
The number of pupils last year in both depart
ments was 81. 1t is confidently expected that
125 will be present next session, which number
has never been exceeded during the exis-
tence of the Institution. We glad to learn
that the able and accomplished corps of Profess
sors and Teachers have been reelected to their
various posts and hope the pupils and the State
may long enjoy their able service.
Wa have received through Mr. Abram Kindig
from old friend DR.. Elias Wenger, of Gilman,
Iroquois comfy, Illinois, a very excellent map of
that fourshing State, which was admitted into
State in point of population. A, an exhibition
of the progress of that State merely state that
DR.. Wenger left Augusta some 10 or Is years
since and purchased lands in Illinois, on which
he laid out the town Of Gilman some 80 miles
South of Chicago, and at the junction or the To-
ledo Peoria and Warsaw and Illinois Central
Railroads. which now numbers about 500 inhab-
itants. We learn that the lands around about
are very fine, bringing from SIS to $50 per acre.
while the town lots range from $50 to $500 each,
of which we are also pleased to learn that Dr.
Wenger owns 2eS with an interest in about 80
Others from which we conclude that the appreci-
ated value of his land. from internal improve
menis, has placed the Doctor in condition of
considerable wealth. No better man could be
blessed with prosperity. If any of our readers
desire to see at glance the cause of Illinois pro
gress we would advise them to call and look at
our map, and they will conclude with us that the
numerous railway lines which intersect each 9th
or and traverse the State in all directions is at
the bottom of her great prosperity. We invite all
to look into this matter and learn from Illinois.
the lesson which is most applicable to the Virgin
ia of to-day.
We are pleased to to chronicle the fact that our
friend Carroll of Lynchburg received on Satur-
day last telegram from his agents at Phil
adelphia, announcing the fact that his cele-
brated brand Of Smoking Tobacco, " Lone