The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-29
Report of Committee ON sta.e Asylumns.

Report Oh NOnlEAANAet on SNd1t <Asg
COMMITTEE Room,
AUSTIN, May -. 1873.
Hon. VI. d. X. Taylor, Speaker of the
House of Representatives
SIR-Your committee appointed to visit
the Asylums of the State and examine into
their management and condition, desire to
state that they have, on various and unex-
pected occasions, visited the State Institute
for the Blind, and after careful inspection
of the school, buildings and grounds, can
speak in warm approval of the judicious and
satisfactory management evinced in the con-
duct of this institution.
The various officers are doing their work
well, and with commendable zeal and sue
cess. Their task is not an easy or trifiing
one. 1t is an art which no book can
explain, and no theory teach. Personal
contact and experience with the blind,
and familiarity with the workings OF
their peculiar and exceptional state, are
requisite for success. In so large Il house
hold, composed of children of a sickly and
helpless class, the duties are enerous and
unremittins, and the comfort, economy and
harmony that has prevailed, is largely to be
placed to the credit of the faithful officers.
In this institution all the branches of
a good English education are taught with
the piano, or in voice culture, are given to
all who are capable of approaching suchin-
situations. Some of these pupils will rely
upon their musical education for support in
future, it is therefore the aim to give them
such thorough knowledge, both practi-
cally and theoretically, as will fit them to
become successful instructors of vocal and
instrumental music. Others who show
decided talent for mathematics, or other
scholastic branches are being prepared for
| the profession of teaching, while even those
less favored by nature are furnished with
| the advantages of 4 free education, and
the knowledge of Il useful trade by which
they can become, on leaving the school,
s6lf-supPorting.
The proof that the blind can be educated,
that they can be lifted from dependence
upon relatives and friends, or upon charity,
and be made useful and independent mem
bers of society, is best obtained by visit
to this Asylum, and a close scrutiny of the
highly satisfactory progress made by this
afflicted class in the recitation hall, the mu
sic room and the workshop.
This year has been period of increase
and growth for this useful charity. There
have been in attendance during the present
term, twenty-four pupils, and nearly as
lliOICf We lCttlll llOll lllC
ent have applied in advance for admission
in September.
This increase will keep pace with the
growth of our population. As sure as a
large annual augmentation is shown in the
numbers of this State, so sure may we be
that each year will make increased demands
upon the capacity of this institute. In the
management of its affairs, therefore, the
growing demands of the State should be
steadily kept in view, and the improvements
and enlargements of each year be made of
such nature as to facilitate future require
mentS, rs well as meet present emergencies.
Consider the fact that there are over eighty
blind children in Texas who are growing up
without an education, and who may apply
for admission within the next six months.
The great wants of the Blind Asylum Just
now, are q suitable kitchen and diningroom,
boys dormitory and workshops, and addi-
tional ground for garden.
Your committee recommend the following
appropriation for the maintenance of the In
stitute for the blind during the present fiscal
year:
Salary of Superintendent ................... 1000
Dningroom, Kitchen and Closets.-............ 1000
Furniture 12SO
Boys Dormitory and Workshops .............. $500
Additional grounds for garden. ............... $500
support ol lIsuiutl"h. IIUoo
All of which is respectfully submitted,
II. c. CLIENT.
TUos. VI. JOSEPH.
c. J. SALTER.