Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-10-11
y,stt 90 INC near and pumb Asytum.
Knoxville.

Vf4f9Eto Deaf uuO Uumh AsyIuut.
Knoxville.
The Grand Jury OF the District Court of the
United States now in session at Knoxville, by
invitation Of Mr. ljams,. the gentcmanly SUI
pcrintendcnt of the Asylum visited said insti-
tuition on the 9th inst, and were most kindly
received by Mr.. Ijams and cordially welcomed
in a most appropriate address by Mr.. Uranium,
one of the pupils. Though silent the language,
the address was delivered with force and encr-
gy, and as Interpreted by the Superintendent,
was chaste and eloquent
For the qualification of visitors, Mr. Iiams,
assisted by his co-laborers, examined several
classes in various branches taught in tho insttu-
ton. Tho members of every class examined
acquitted themselves with much credit clearly
demonstrating to the audience, not only that
the institution is under the charge of
most able corps of teachers, but that
through their instrumentality, bright intel
lects have been made to SHINE that would other
wise have remained shrouded in darkness. In
closing the exercises one of the pupils made n
most mastery address, laudatory of the institu-
ton and appealing to the sympathies of the
community.
Mr.. Perez Dickinson, of Knoxville, foreman,
made the Acknowledgements of the Jury for the
courtesy extended to them, in few per-
tinont remarks; paid deserved compliment to
teachers and pupils said that by energy and
perseverance, much good had already been ac-
complshed for those who had been looked upon
as one of the most unfortunate classes of our
community. But really, said Mr.. Dickinson,
when l see the intelligent, happy faces beaming
around me- aud look at this their beautiful
home / am made almost TO doubt whether they
are the unfortunate class that they have been
considered. He looked to the humanity and
good sense of the Legislature for their fostering
care of so deserving an Institution.
Col John +. Henry, one of the Jurors, was
introduced and said
He was a member of the Legislature of 1912,
when small pittance from the. State Treasury
was appropriated for its establishment The do
nation asked for was small but limited rs was
the amount, the appropriation was strenuously
resisted. The most powerful argument advanc-
ed to defeat the bill was poverty. This was so
effective that at one time the appropriation
| seemed to hang in tho balance. The Treasury
was empty A bill was pending to largely in
crease the taxes. In view of all these difficult
ties, he determined to take the responsibility,
and trust to n humane and sensible constituen-
cy. He gave the bill his most Jealous support
! 1t was carried by one vote only, and became
| law. His constituents not only approved that
vote, but reelected him by an increased major
! ity. After the lapse of twenty-eght years, he
still thinks it the best vote he ever gave in de-
! Lucrative body.
Mr.. Henry closed by appealing to the people
| to come forward and sustain an Institution every
way worthy of their support
! Mr. Iiams reports one hundred and nine pu-
pills in attendance the present session
The buildings are located on II commanding
eminence overlooking the city, and its beautiful
surroundings. The grounds are tastefully inn
proved, by the labor of the mute boys and IN
closed with a substantial iron fence.
The locality is healthful, and everything
about the premises neat and clean-the whole
constituting nm attractive home for its silent in
mates. Such an Institution appeals most fore
IDLY for support TO the heart of every philan-
thropist. Here the dumb are made to speak
the ears of the deaf are opened. Each succeed
ing year more fully demonstrates the policy Of
sustaining so excellent an Institution.
Without such an institution, how vast the
| number lost to society and friends. These I'M
fortunate people are mostly poor, and without
education could never have known of the stat
that guided the shepherds TO the place where
their Redcemer lay.
We, the Grand Jurors, do therefore mos
earnestly appeal to the Legislature about TO as
semble, in behalf of these untortunatcs, anC
ask them for more liberal appropriations 70
the support of so worthy an object.