Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-06-25
"TIe silent College :.

CoMHEEC EMEET OF THE NATIONAL DEAF MUTE
COLLEGE.
A5T,cs, by Gen. Eaton. Commission Of FJuc1-
ti0R-L"ttcrS PeIf from President GGltduiet-
CgrfeT,-t7.g Of DcgreCs, dc.
The commencement exercises on the ninth
anniversary OF the National Deaf-Mute Col
Iege, took place this afternoon in the hall of
the Columbia institution for the deaf and dun ,,
at Kendall Green. Gen. John Eaton commas
sioneT of education, and many other persons were
present to witness the exercises, which are
always peculiarly interesting from the fact that
they are mainly cond NC ted in the sign language,
The National Deaf Mute College is the only in
sfitution in the world for the higher education
of deaf-mutes, and is a department of the Co
lumbia institution, Of which the late Hon. A mos
Kendall was the founder and first president. IL
was opened IN a small way i'll 1a5. ar a kind of
high school for tie education Of uutes from the
District of Columbia and the army and navy,
but time and experience demonstrs ted the
necessity for college for the graduates of the
school, and in 1854 charter for the college was
obtained from Congress, which body has ever
since made liberal annual apprOpr iations for
its support. The doors OF the institution have
since been thrown open to the different states,
instead of being restricted to mutes from the
District Of Columbia and the army and navy.
In June, 1872, Congress appropriated $4,000
for the purchase of the Kendall farm, A few
benevolent citizens, and the purchase was con-
summated. so that now the Institution has at
tached to If about 100 acres Of ground.
The original design in establishing the col
legiate department was to prove what had been
doubted by some--that persons deprived Of the
senses of hearing and speech could, in spite Of
tns nr disability engage successfully in the aa
ing. The more important end in view, how
ever, was to afford to class OF persons in the
community, already numerous and increasing
steadily with the population, an opportunity to
secure the advantages of rigid and thorough
course Of Intellectual training in the higher
walks Of literature and the liberal arts. Nine
years experience has fully demonstrated the
n 10 NM Tn M afa f1n IA nd
sciences. The course of study pursued in the
college Is quite as advanced as in ordinary col
leges, and notwithstanding the phi ysical i'm
pediments OF the students 1t u completed in the
came time.
The president Of the institution has been absent
in Europe since last summer for the benefit Of
his health, and while there is examining the old
world system for the education Of mutes. During
his absence Prof. Edward A. Fay has been act
ing president of the institution.
The exercises this afternoon commenced with
an an invocation delivered by Rev Byron Sander
Prof James, nj. Spencer. The next, and one Of
the two remarkable features Of the exercises,
was the salutatory which was delivered orally
by David Ii. Carroll, of New Lexington, Ohio.
Mr.. Carroll is entirely deaf, and OF course can
not hear his own words; but nOtwithstan ding,
through his own and the interchangeable exer
tons OF the professors, Ire has learned to speak
with almost perfect distinctness. There are but
comparatively few instances on record Of SINH
lar cases. Next followed an Grafton on 'Litera
ture ard Life" delivered in the sign language,
by David S. Rogers. Of Spartanburg, South
Carolina; and interpreted by Professor John w.
ChickeriDg. This was followed by an Grafton
in the sign language on ''Our Dangers as
Nation" by Volantine Holloway, Of POolsville,
Ind, Professor Chickering interpreting. David
II. Carroll next delivered, in the sign language,
Prof. Chickering interpreting, An Grafton on
cart an Nature" The valedictOry address
was then delivered by Volantine Holloway
This graduate has also learned to articulate and
deliver orally that portion OF his Grafton ad-
dressed to the persons in the audience who could
hear. In addressing his fellow students he
spoke in the Language CT signs.
Gen. John Eaton, commissioner or cd leati0n,
then proceeded to address the graduates, con-
graduating them on their scholastic success,
conclusion, he badc them God-speed on the
journey ef life. Ills remarks were interpreted
by Prof Edward A. Fay, acting president OF
the institution. Letters were then read from
President Gallaudet, now in Geneva, Switzer-
land. The first, which was addressed to the act
ing president and faculty of the college and the
audience, was interpreted by Prof. Spencer.
In il Mr.. G.. congratulates the faculty, students
and friends OF the college on the success OF the
latter, and says he is entirely restored to health
and expects to return at the commencement OF
the fall term with his Odd strength and vigOr.
The second letter, which was interpreted by
Prof. Fay, was addressed to the graduating
class. In 1t MI. G. gives the graduates much
them farewell in touching and eloquent terms
The comforting Of degrees by Prof. Fay and the
benediction by Rev. Thomas g. Addison, OF
| Trinity (EpiscOpaD church, in this city, closed
the interesting exercises.
New Lexington, Ohio; Volandne Holloway, OF
| Poolsville, Indiana, and David 8. Rogers, OF
| SpartanburR, South Carolina. There were
about fifty students in the college during the