Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-05-13
THE GAZETTE.
THURSDAY EVENING, MAY l3.

A DEAF AND DUMB DEBATING CLuB.-A
London paper says:
The deaf and dumb debating club, known as
1.-THE Wallis Club. in honor of DIR. John Wal
lis, who, in the seventeenth century, succeeded
TO some extent in teaching the deaf and dumb,
has Just terminated its third session, in the
usual English fashion, BY dinner. The so.
ciety consists Of twenty-eight members, etfec
tive and honorary, the qualifications for mem
bership being proficiency in dactyology, 10
which mode of communication the debates are
carried on with (iu most cases) the admixture
of expressive signs" and it is a satisfaction
TO know that that these denizens OF the "land
Of silence" are not debsrred from the qua6ca-
ton Of expressing their opinions on the great
political and social questions of the day, adding
their influence, minute though it may be, to
one side or other in the polemics Of life There
have been nine debates during the term, on
the following subjects: 1.-The Irish Church,
(which party is most worthy Of the confidence
OF the country-the Conservative or the Lib
sral?' 'The best way to enjoy lite, " ''The new
Chief Commissioner Of Police-ought not an
officer Of the army to be appointed in the late
Sir Richard Mayne's place p WAS the late
Abyssinian war justi6sble p THAT early mar
risges are Injurious to society, and should be
prevented by law" ''The Siamese Twins
would surgical operation be fatal to them
both?" Should deaf and dumb children asso-
ciate with hearing children at SCHOOL, and
Woman Suffrage" Reading over the min
utes OF the debates we find the arguments pro
and con wonderfully we'll expressed, At the
closing dinner all the usual loyal and patriotic
toasts were given, as we'll as the toast OF the
evening-"Success to the Wallis Club BE
sides personal ones.
ANrIPATHIEs Certain antipathies appear
TO depend upon popularity OF the SENSES
The horror inspired by the odor OF certain
flowers may be referred to this cause. Amalus
Lusitanus, relates the case OF a monk who
tainted when he beheli rose, and never
quilted his cell while that flower was bloom
Jog. Scaiger mentions one Of his relations
who experienced q similar horror when seeing
lily Montague remarked on this subject
that there were men who dreaded an apple
more than a musket ball. Zimmerman tells
Us of lady who could not endure the feeling
of silk and satin, and shuddeIei when touching
the velvety skin of peach. Boyle records
the case of man who felt natural adherence
to honey. Without his knowledge, some honey
vas introduced In plaster applied to his loot,
und the accidents that resulted compelled his
attendants to withdraw 1t. A young man was
known to faint whenever he heard the servant
sweeping. Hipyocrates, mentions one Nlcanor,
who swooned whenever he heard flute.
Shakespeare has alluded to the effects Of the
bag pipe. julia, daughter OF Frederick, King
OF Naples, could not taste meat without serious
accidents. Boyle tainted when he heard the
splsshing water. Scager, turned pale at the
sight OF water,cresses. Erasmus experienced
tebrile symptoms when smelling fish. The
Duke dEpernon swoOned on beholding leVc
ret, although hare did not produce tue same
effect Tycho Brach tainted at the sight OF
fox; and Marshal d'Abert in presence OF
pig Many individuals cannot digest, or even
retain certain substances, such rice, wine
various fruits aud vegetables, upon their
stomachs