The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1870-05-12
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURES.
sIxTlETH DAY.


REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr.. President The Committee on HUI
name and Benevolent Institutions. 20 whom
was referred the message OF His Excellency
the Governor. In relation 10 the Blind Asy-
lum. have had the same under consideration
and have instructed me to make the follow
ing report:
The cash expenses ofthis institution from
October l, 1865. 10 June /. 1850, are S5Os0 ST.
100. and an average number Of pupils (2l)
twenty-one. This would make the cost 10
the State OF 1881 - "a year for each pupil.
See form "A" which includes vouchers l3S
to $50 inclusive for disbursements for that
time. but does not include the discount on
warrants.
Your committee are Of the opinion that
the depreciation of state warrants Is not
chargeable to the management OF the SUI
perintendent, but TO the state of Mississip-
pi..
| institution are repairs on the present build
| ing and the erection OF an additional one
| TO meet the present and future wants OF the
state under the new order OF things. The
additional number OF pupils which will be
chargeable 70 the care Of the State win make
it necessary TO have more room, and the
committee beg leave TO submit the follow
ing plan accompanying this repoTt-one that
would furnish ample accommodations for
so or 60 pupils-and entirely separate the
Two sexes. which. In an institution of this
kind, Is very important. The cost of an ad
dftional building Will, although IL adds 10
the taxation of the people of the State make
il home institution.
The friends of pupils aud citizens often
visit the institution, and naturally ask what
can and what shall we do for the blind Of our
State. No one ever complains OF extra tax
alton for such purposes. Education OF the
blind Is q work worth doing well. worth
doing for the sake of economy, worth doing
for the sake OF humanity, and for the full
and complete Performance of this work. the
State needs an additional building for the
education ofits blind.
The State is able IN pay for il, and the
people are willing to be taxed for il.
The institution could be made 10 help
support itself. There is n building former
ly used for a work shop before the war.
and could be put IN repair at "A trifiing cN-
pense. and the females employed In sewing
knitting and bead work. and the males ma
king baskets, brooms and brushCN.
AT this time there Is no employment for
any of the pupils, except what little domes-
tic help they can afford. Ii means are pro-
vided for them when they are given back TO
society. they viii not be entirely helpless.
This institution is greatly in want OF fur
niture. Music is a very important depart
ment I'm the education of the blind. At the
| present time there Is hut one piano. An
! additional piano aud other musical instru-
ments should be furnished. Institutions OF
a similar character in other States with not
more than double the number OF pupils, have
| twice the number Of musical instruments.
Your Committee would further recon-
mend the erection of a gymnasium for the
use of the pupils. which Is customary In all
! institutions of this kind, for the promotion
of health. Also a small appropriation for a
/ library. which, at the present time, contains
| only 80 or 60 volumes which were donated
| by Appleton d Carter, of New York.
There are. at the present time, seventeen
pupils-nine males aud eight females
! whose average ages range from ten 10 TWEEN
/ ty-nine years. Form "B," shows the total
number of pupils for the last year, with the
names, age residence and cause OF blind
ne s.
Form "C'' shows the studies pursued and
1 the general rules and regulations OF the In
| situations.
Your Committee would further recon-
mend the appointment ola board Of exam.
lining physicians. whose duty IL shall be 10
examine, from time 90 time such pupils OF
/ inmates as In their judgment are subject 81
cure. and prescribe medical treatment for
/ the same.
! This report cannot be closed without pay
/ ing just tribute to the Superintendent Mrs
). Il. Merrill, and her efficient assistants
| Miss NJ. l.. Merrill and Miss Helen NJ. Mer-
rill. for their untiring eXertions In the care
and progress OF the inmates and have. un-
/ der great difficulties. made the institution
! although small one,) a credit 10 the State
JOHN GARTMAN,
Chairman.
BY Mr.. Gray-A bill entitled AN act "a
prohibit any organized fire company In any
| fire department In the State of Mississippi
from debarring any black organized fire
company within said department from en-
joying any and all privileges Of any white
fire company within said department and
I for other purposes.
BY Mr.. Little-An act 10 enforce article
% of chapter 81 OF the revised code Of Mis-
sissippi and for other purposes.
By Mr.. Mygatt-A bill 20 be entitled an
act To- establish Criminal Courts IN Warren
and Kinds county.
An act to incorporate the st. Stanialus
Commercial College was passed.