Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1871-10-06
Visit te the Deaf and Dumb Asylum,
Knoxville.

The Grand Jury of the District Court of thu
/ U nited States, now in session at kno1vile, Oy
invitation of Mr.. Ijams, the gentlemanIy gu
perintendent of the Asylum, visited saio ihstl'
| tuition on the 9th inst, and were most kindly
received by Mr.. Ijams and cordially welcomed
in a most appropriate address by MI. Uranium,
one of the pupils Though silent the language,
the address was delivered with force and ener-
gy, and as interpreted by the superintendent.
| was chaste and eloquent.
For the qualification of visitors, Mr.. Ijams,
assisted by his co-laborers, examined several
classes in various branches taught in the institu-
| ton. The 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 a
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 a
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-
tinent remarks; paid deserved compliment to
teachers and pupils; said that by energy and
perseverance much good had already been &C
complished for those who had been looked upon
as one of the most unfortunate classes of our
community. But really, said Mr.. Dickinson,
when | see the intelligent, happy faces beaming
around me- and 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 80 deserving an institution.
Col. John +. Henry, one of the Jurors, was
introduced and said:
He was a member of the Legislature of 1872,
when q small pittance from the State Treasury
was appropriated for its establishment. The do
nation asked for was small but limited as 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 the 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 q humane and sensible constituent
cy He gave the bill his most Jealous support
II was carried by one vote only, and became q
law. His constituents not only approved that
vote, but reelected him by an increased major
ity. After the lapse of twenty-eight 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.. Ijams reports one hundred and nine pu-
pills in attendance the present session.
The buildings are located on a commanding
eHnlnence OVERLOOKING the CITY, ana It's beautiful
surroundings. The grounds are tastefully I'M
proved, by the labor of the mute boys, and in
closed with 8 substantial iron fence
The locality is healthful, and everything
about the premises neat and clean-the whole
constituting 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.
number lost to society and friends. These I'M
people are mostly poor, and without |
education could never have known of the star |
hat guided the shepherds to the place where |
heir Redeemer lay.
We, the Grand Jurors, do therefore most |
earnestly appeal to the Legislature about to as
emble, in behalf of these unfortunates, and |
ask them for more liberal appropria tions for |
he support of so worthy an object.