The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-12-26

DEAR AND DUNN AND BLIND INsrIruTIos We
are indebted to Capt. A. N Breckenridge, Stew
ard of the D. & D. & B. Institution, Cor copy OF
the year ending September 80, 1872
| We learn from the interesting and satisfactory
report Of the Principal Capt Chas D. Mccoy.
that the institution has been conducted successful
ly during the past year; that the teachers and
ofhcers have efficiently and faithfully discharged
their duties and the pupils met the highest ex-
pectations of their instructors The nealth Of the
institution has been remarkably good, only one
OF tho pupils having died, Peter A. Caldwell a
deaf-mute, of Halifax county. aged twelve years
"a bright and interesting boy.
There are now in the institution 1875 pupils,
deaf mutes and blind-47 boys and AZ girls Of the
former, and 26 girls and 10 boys Of the latter
class.
The finances Of theinstitution have been admi
rably managed. There is now balance against
the institution Of 81, 24e SO. On the let Of Octo-
der 1871, there was an indebtedness Of $12,2Sl-
Oo-showing q decrease of obligations to the
amount Of $8,O34.O6. This economy has been eff
fec.ed, without in the least interfering with the
usefulness Of the institution, or contracting any
of the facilities for the accomplishment of the
good designed in its establishment.
The report of Prof. John Hart, chairman of
committee to make ths annual examination of the
pupils OF the Institution, is very fattering both
to the teachers and scholars
The industrial department has been successful
y nfod ord clI In
selfsupporting.
Want of space compels US to abridge our synop-
sis Of the various reports, presenting the cond-
ton Of the institution. Suffice it to say it is well
managed and its conduct entirely satisfactory to
the Board of Visitors.
LUCK IN LEIsuRE.--Dr. Archibald Graham. of
Kockbridge, owns a valuable tract Of land at
Fort Smelling, Minnesota. short time since,
desiring to make All investment in his native coun-
ty, he was negotiating a sale of his Minnesota
land at $4,000. Before, however, the contract
was closed, the land he desired to purchase in
Rockbridge, was sold. He then declined to sell the
Fort Smelling property. A few days afterwards,
he was offered $4,000 for it. But, we UNDER
stand, he will not close at these figures, and will
probably realize 500, 900 for it.
DR.. Graham has the prospect ofrealizing .
handsome fortune from what is known as the
sBabcock Fire Extinguisher." The original in
vention was his brothers. who is nav dead. He
appliedfor patent and trial of the invention at
Washington many years ago. He did no: succeed.
The time passed in which renewal of application
could be made, without further legislation. In
the meantime, Babcock & Co., have been using
the invention throughout the west under the right
of French company. We understand that DIR.
Graham will ask for such legislation as will On
able him to renew the application for patent Of
his brothers. invention. This is done at the ear
nest solicitation of Babcock & Co, who desire to
avail themselves of the American patent to con-
tinue their operations IN the sale of the extin-
guisher. If the patent is granted DR.. Graham
will fall into the possession of princey fortune
from this source
As the question Of the intrinsic merits Of the
invention has been determined by the operations
Of the French patent, it becomes plain matter |
Of Justice that Congress at once cover The inte-
rests the Graham in vention by allowing the re-
aewal ofths application and the issuine of the +
patent. 81