The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1882-12-28
Blind Institute.

BIlnd InSIltuGo.
From the report of DR.. Rainey, su-
perintendent of the blind institute,
the following interesting matter is
taken:
THE session was useful and interes-
ting, and terminated with satisfactory
results. After having been with us
under our guidance and instruction for
from seven to nine years, the follow
ing blind persons finished their studies
in school and music, and their course
in the industrial department, and have
left the institution forever; for, as this
is a school for the blind, and not an
asylum, these pupils can never be re-
admitted:
John Dickinson, graduated in litera-
~ department.
Robert NJ. Turner, qualified for
teaching instrumental music.
Miss Mary Bingham, qualified for
teaching instrumental music.
Miss Ora Simpson, qualified for
teaching instrumental music.
Miss Matte Mather, qualified for
teaching instrumental music.
Miss Jane Garrett, qualified for
teaching instrumental music.
Miss Jennie Clopton, qualified for
teaching vocal and instrumental
music.
Miss Lulu Maynard, qualified for
teaching vocal and instrumental
music.
Miss Annie Neill, qualified for
teaching vocal and Instrumental
music.
Miss Annie Risinger, finished in
sewing department.
Miss Eliza ID. Allen, qualified for
teaching calisthenics.
Jimmy Maynard, cannot be read
mitted, sight is too good.
Ned Mitchell, cannot be readmitted,
sight is too good.
Freeman Taylor, cannot be read
mitted, sight is too good.
Fanny Neill TrusSell, cannot be re-
admitted, sight is to good
Caroline Echols, cannot be read
mitted, sight is too good.
Lizzie Kochl, cannot be readmitted,
sight is too good.
Dora Vandivere, cannot be read
mitted, sight is too good.
Miss Katie Camp, cannot be read
United, sight is too good.
Miss Nellie Rogers, cannot be re-
admitted, sight is too good.
William II. Miles, finished trades in
workshop.
William Gugoltz, finished trades in
workshop.
Cunningham Alison, finished trades
in workshop.
George Bounds, finished trades in
workshop.
VIM. Perry, finished trades in work
shop.
jeff. Mcdaniel, finished trades in
workshop.
Robert Hill, finished trades in work
shop.
Thaddeus Norton, finished trades in
workshop.
Miss Lizzie Brady, health ruined
and cannot return.
The studies pursued in school were
photography, reading, writing, arith-
metic, geography, English grammar,
etymolOgy, Latin derivatives, physi-
cal geography, algebra, ancient and
modern history, natural history, nat
ural philosophy, rhethoric, and English
literature.
From the various causes thirty of
the one hundred pupils who were
present last session have not returned,
consequently the number of vacancies
to fill is considerable, and l cannot
reasonably hope that we shall have as
great number present during this
session, mainly because the railroad
companies, the Santa Fe excepted,
have refused to grant any
more free passes to the
blind. The latter road still
answers all demands for aid in the
way of tickets. These remarks are
not intended as a compliment from
the pupils, for they should be grateful
for past favors. There are not less
than, perhaps, 50blind persons young
enough for admission, aside from
those now in attendance at this insti-
tuition. Many of the parents whose
children have never been admitted
into this school, knowing compare
lively nothing about its nature, fire.
quently hesitate about sending them,
| but send them free ticket and fire.
quently they will change their minds,
feeling that the experiment will cost
nothing.
l would respectfully suggest that,
as we now have large and commodi-
Gus buildings and plenty of apparatus
and other facilities for educatidg the
blind, the legislature should appro-
pirate about i've or six hundred dol
lars every year to pay expenses of
hunting them or advertising, and pay
ing their fare to the institution"
The report of the oculist is compre-
hensive, and gives the causes of the
various degrees of blindness as exhib-
tied in this school. He says that it
would be economy and benevolence
combined on the part of the state to
establish hospital for the treatment
of such little unfortunates as have
not the means to provide timely treat
| nent for themselves. The present ar
rangement does not admit them until
| the attainment of the scholastic age;
and not then, unless they are consid-
cred hopelessly too blind to OBJ
tain an education in a COM
mon school. One hundred dollars
spent by the state while there is time
to save the eyes will make the differ
ence between the blind man and the
one who sees, and save, perhaps, a
thousand dollars to the state. In this
case, the happy blending of economy
and benevolence is very manifest.
During the sessions there were fifty
two males and forty-eight females in
attendance.
The cost of maintaining the school
from March l, 1882, to September l,
1882, was S14, 226.57.