Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-05-13
VISIT 40 THE D. & D. & B. INSTITUTIONS

the emclent Iflhclpal. simultaneously with
the arrival of our small party, larger party ar
rived who also wished to be shown through that
benefcent Institution. Both parties, through
the courtesy of Capt A. N Breekinridge, the
accommodating Steward, were conducted to the
various class rooms whilst the teachers were in
structlng their classes.
The first class visited was that instructed by
Mr.. Thomas j. Williams. He was teaching his
| class geography. He would PROFOUND his ques-
tions in the sign language and the pupils would
| Immediately write the questions on the black
| boards and then write the answers to them. The
pupils answered with promptness, showing that
| they had made considerable progress
| One of this class, Master Charles Bruce,
mute son of Mr.. A. M. Bruce of this city, gave
an exhibition of his skill in drawing, by drawing
on the blackboard, with piece of chalk, a
| charger upon which was mounted rider with a
drawn sword in his right hand and with mill
| tary hat with plume upon his head, above
which he wrote the name-Gen. r. E. Lee.
| The next class visited was that taught by Mr.
| Henry A. Bear He would give a sentence in
the sign language, when the pupils would write it
| upon the blackboard. When the teacher had ex-
amined TIT different blackboards and found that
all had writtea the sentence correctly, he wou Id
| give another, and thus proceed. The pupils
| would write the sentences with astonishing ra-
pidity. We were particularly impressed with
the quickness and accuracy of small girl in
this class who did not appear to be more than
nine or ten years of years of age
1t is wonderful that mute girl OF that tender
age should be 80 proficient in both the mute and
written language. She interprets the mute Ian
guage and writes it correctly, and that, too. with
remarkable dispatch.
The next class visited that taught by
Prof Job Turner. At that time he was instruct
ing his class in grammar. He would write upon
q blackboard s sentence to be parsed. Then
each of the pupils would parse it, writing upon
blaekboards. 1t is matter of astonishment
that mutes can be taught this difficult branch of
learning. That this class have been efficiently
and successfully taught was clearly manifested
by the tests applied by the Teacher. He would
give few words only of sentence and re-
quire the pupils to supply the missing words
and to correct those which were incorrectly Civ
en-.
This showed that they had been taught to COM
pose correctly as we'll to give the proper gram
NAUTICAL analysis in parsing. The proficiency of
one of the girls in this class was very remsrka-
BILE.
In passing through this classroom at another
| time, we found that the Teacher was giving in
struction in arithmetic. The class were then solv-
ing questions in interest.
The several Teachers mentioned above are all
mutes.
The visiting parties were next conducted into
another room where the blind were reading by
| feeling raised letters with their fingers. They
| read each word correctly.
In the same room they witnessed quite nuns
Der of specimens of the handiwork of the blind
pupils, such as worsted, bead work, &c. That
the blind should be able to do such work in such
beautiful style is very wonderful
The visitors were then conducted into the
Music Hall where Prof. A. j. Turner was engag.
ed in giving instruction to his blind music class,
where the visitors had the pleasure Of hearing
both vocal and instrumental music skilfully
| rendered by Prof. Turner and his pupils-both
male and female. Prof Turner is an excellent
teacher, well musician, the proficiency
of his class amply testifes
The several hours spent at this Institution on
this occasion were much enjoyed by the visitors
LOCAL BRIEFs.-The City Engineer wants
bidders for the bridge over Lewis Creek to G. s.
o. r. R., at Burke's stables, New street.
After July 1st no free mail matter can pass
through Staunton or any Post Office, and SUBJ
| scrbers will have to pay postage in City and
and County.
The lecture Of Mr.. Charles Lempriere, of
Buckhorn, last week, was attended only by
about $50 persons, owing to the bad weather.
He was listened to with interest and his address
is highly spoken of by those who heard it.
In the City Court, held last week, the old
liquor dealers were granted license and the fol-
lowing Judges of Election were appointed for
the election to be held the 22nd: 1st Ward
VIM. B. Kayser, III. P. Funkhouser and A M.
Crane; End Ward-Geo. G. Bunch j. A. Lo-
gan and VIM. L. Herr. Major John B. Watts
qualified as Notary Public.
Registration books will be opened on 18th and
remain open until 18TH The place of registration,
in End Ward, is changed from Town Hall to
Police station at Market House. The City
Treasurer is the only officer to be elected.
Ed. 7. Smith, alias Hill, the horse thief arrest
ed some time since by Sergt. PARENT was sem
fenced to Penitentiary for yrs, from Albemarle,
last week. He plead guilty and protested re-
pentance He made his escape from Jail after
| he was sentenced.
Taylor Dunlap, son of Baily Dunlap, deco, was
thrown from his horse last week, and seriously,
but Tot fatally, injured. Dr. Hanger was called
and thinks he will recover.
CRY COUNCIL ITEMs.-Mr. Bickle being alb
sent, Mr.. Evans presided at regular meeting last
Tuesday night.
The resolution to purchase four Fire Extin-
guishers was laid on table; an ordinance appro.
priating $500 for purchase OF fire alarm ordered
to be carried out; steamer reported damaged to
amount of $3.50 and Office of Engine er vacated
until fixed.
The report on City Aims House laid over to
consult County Supervisors on their proposition
to support City poor at 81 per monh. $685.
allowed for poor for April and May.
City Treasurer reported balance in hand, May
LIST, So, III 92-$l ,637 was received from license
tax of '73 and $l46,25 from dog tax
Quite discussion arose over Valley Railroad
subscription during which Mr. Stuart stated
that he was satisfied Baltimore had no idea of
carrying out her subscription, and, by permits
sion of Council, Col. M. G. Hartman answered
that Rockbridge, Roanoke and Botetourt would
be in Baltimore, on the 10Th, with their SUBJ
scrptIons, and the prospects were never better
for the speedy completion Of the line. Mr..
Stuart resolution that unless the terms of sub
scription be complied with in 80 days, the City
wthdraws hers, and an amendment that nothing