Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-11-29
orn aUrsrs.
They visit the University and Deaf and
Dumb school.

Not Sithstanding the inclencncy ofthe weath-
er in the forenoon Of yesterday the gentlemen
composing the Legislative Committee charged
with the investigation of tho affairs of tho East
Tennessee University, in company with num-
Der of the Trustees and other gentlemen, visited
that institution yesterday morning.
President Hunes had carriages provided for
the occasion, and the drive was a pleasant one,
notwithstanding tho rain and mud. Arriving
at the University buildings, the company Sc
paratcd, and proceeded to visit every part Of the
buildings from the basement to the cupola, in
Guiding chapel, recitation rooms society rooms.
libraries, dormitories, &c. A number Of
classes were reciting, and the students
showed a proficiency creditable alike to their
teachers and themselves. The class in advanced
mathematics, under the instruction of Prof. j.
X. Payne, was engaged in demonstrating intri-
cato problems upon the blackboard, showing
proficiency and industry on the part of the pu-
pills, and unusual capacity on the part of the
Professor.
Prof. Atwater was engaged with his class in
making experiments illustrative of lessons in
| chemistry, which they had under consideration.
A lot Of apparatus TO be used in this depart
ment Is expected soon, when the accomplished
| ant science much more satisfactorily 10 himself
and his class The visitors seemed TO enjoy his
experiments with q good deal Of interest, and
fingered with him for some time.
Prof. Barker was busy with his class in
French, the boys seeming to enjoy the lessons,
which were "all French" to US, consequently
we are unable to speak advisedly of their pro-
fciency Prof. Barker stands high as a teacher
of the languages.
Prof kirkpatrick had Just discharged his
| class as we entered, consequently we heard
none of the Rotations, but the Professors long
| residence here renders it unnecessary for us TO
| say anything of his accomplishments as an in
| structor. They are well known.
Prof. Nicholson has q class in the Agricul-
! tural Department, and there are few men in the
| State who have studied the various subjects
haa ,1Nt,ra
ton than he. We trust to see this become one
| eff the most interesting departments of the Uni
versity under his management.
Prof. Bradley was no. present but the visit
| ors had access to his room, where they had the
| privilege of examining his geological specimens,
consisting of shells, minerals, &c. He has
| spent great deal of time and labor in making
| his collections, which though not extensive, yet
| do great credit to the learned gentleman who
| has charge Of this department in the Univer-
| sity.
| President Humes was on hand at every point,
| ready and anxious 10 give any information con-
nected with the institution, the welfare and sue
| cess of which he has so much at heart.
| The private rooms of the students, rs we'll as
the hall, library rooms, &c, were all found to
| be clearly and in order, showing that every de-
partment is looked to with care by the Presi-
dent and able faculty,
| The primary school taught by Prof Newman
! in the white House, was also visited, which
was found completely filed with young gentle
!
striving to get the right kind of start up the
| rugged way to knowledge and fame which pre-
| sents itself before them. -
Tho visitors finally repaired to the grounds
Immediately. around the building, where the
| cadets were foomed in line and under the COM
inand of subordinate officers and commissioned
| officers, proceeded to 90 through various evolu-
tons Of squad drill much TO the qualification
| of those present. This was Kept up for about
half an hour, when at the ringing of the bell,
the command, break ranks, march, was Civ
en-, and the boys repaired to their quarters fol
dinner, while then visitors drove away TO town.
eyeiFy;?pe Of whom ysEdslet say was pleased
After dining Mt thelLamar House the COM
mittee were waited upon by Prof Iiams, Prin-
pal Of the Deaf and Dumb School and driven
over TO the Asylum. % .. 81 "GE
When the party arrived they llrst entered
the Office Of the Principal, and after a short
| stay proceeded to the chapel on abe second floor.
The pupils and teachers had their position in
the halls and on the Stairway, and received
their visitors with every mark Of consideration
and respect the young ladies bowling grace
fully, while the boys gave the hand salute.
| As the time was limited, the exercises in class
drill were commenced at once without the form
atty of salutatory Representatives of the
| various classes were examined and successfully
showed BY exercises on the blackboard and in
the sign language that both teacher and pupil
had been employing their time TO good effect.
One interesting feature was representation OF
the mechanical departments which il is desired
shall be established in connection with the
| school. The boys acted their parts to perfec-
ton The shoemaker brought in his bench and
went pegging away briskly at his work one
boy led in an other for horse while the
blacksmith shod him the painter brought
in his ladder and paint bucket and
commenced plying his brush vigorously TO the
walls. Another cut out and made suit OF
cloths for his companion. Still another stood at
his case with his copy before him and set type
like an old printer" and a carpenter worked
industrously at his bench. Some of the pupils
we learn are very ingenious and expert in me-
chanical work and the necessity of establish
ing mechanical department where their talents
may be developed and they may learn trade
which will be ValU0be to them In life Is at once
apparent. We understand il is the desire OF
those in charge of the school that this shall be
done and it might be we'll for the gentlemen OF
the Legislature to enquire into its expedi-
ency.
The exercises were concluded, as is customa-
ry, with the Lords Prayer, after which Repre-
sentative A. A. Freeman, on behalf of the COM
mittee, returned their thanks for the manner in
which they had been entertained, and spoke
some words of encouragement, which were in
terprsted to the pupils by Prot. ljams.
We noticed present during the exercises,
Q. NJ. McGhse, and others. After taking a
look around the grounds, the party returned, ey-
identity having enjoyed their visit al
2 Last evening the committee visited the Phil
harmonic society, and were well pleased with
the exercises. The chairman thanked the So
ciety, through the President, for the evenings
entertainmept,- "A. .r yft,.y. tss
T. Weunderstdndth the committee will leave fol-
\ Nashville to-day on the one O'clock train. v