Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1883-09-12
rive HUNDRED DEAF NUrES n
SESSION.

NEW YORK, Aug. 29.-The triennial
National Convention of Deaf Mates
their first co vention ever held in this
State, was begun yesterday in Lyric
hall. 1t Is to be concluded tomorrow
night. About 200 persons were present
Twenty five were women. Among the
organizations represented were the
Manhattan Literary Association, the
Twilight Union, the Catholic Literary
and Benevolent Union. the Gallaudet
Club, and the New York Institution for
the Deaf and Dumb. The members of
the convention represent themselves
only. The meeting is of a social ma
ture. The members are of all religions.
Five reporters for five newspapers print
cd for deaf mutss sat at tables next to
he platform. From the platform the
hall was a sea of twirling fingers and
waving arms. The delegates come from
as far west as Dakota or Colorado. Sew
en- are from b ,ston, four from Cincin-
natl, and six from Michigan. The num-
Der Of members enrolled was $50. They
represent nearly every trade. One is in
the Custom House in this oitv, and an
other is lawyer in Cincinnati.
Il. y. McGrsRor, professor in school
in Columbus, Ohio, president of the
convention last year in Cincinnati,
called the members to order hy waving
his arms and stamping with one foot.
He made brief address. He did not
doubt that it was the opinion of the
members that they enjoyed assembling
together and conversing with their eyes
and fingers. He added that there are
now 50 many schools and societies of
deaf mutes it IS desirable and possible
that conventions should be kept up.
The Rev. job Turner, a deaf mute,
rector of an Episcopal Church in Staun-
ton, Virginia, prayed. He painted his
prayer on the air with his fingers while
his head WAS bowed. All tue p,embers
assumed reverent attitudes. bat their
heads we're not bowed. Their eyes wide
open were fixed on the preachers
hands.
Nearly the entire day was spent in
organizing. Men paid 81 and women
80 cents each to become members. No
convention OF ordinary people could
have been half so quiet, yet there was
no lack of animation. Trains on the
elevated railroad ratified past the open
windows, but they disturbed no one.
It seemed as though every member saw
everything that everybody did, even to
the mild fiirtations.
The Rev. DIR. Chamberlain of St.
AIMS Episcopal Church, assistant of
the Rev. DIR. Gallaudet, said the latter
gentleman was in Europe. letter of
regret from DR.. Gailaudet was told of
on the Secretary's fingers. He was in
England. and was to attend the Inter
national Convention OF Teachers of
Deaf. Mutes.
While the convention was waiting for
the report of committee they we're en-
tertained by deaf mute. W. q. Jones,
son of a once famous actress of this
city. Mr.. Jones is a teacher in the New
York Institute for the Deaf and Dumb.
In pantomime he told the story Of the
preacher whsse pct monkey mounted
the pulpit unknown to the minister, and
mimicked his gestures. The convention
grew red in the face and held its sides
at the representation.
The following officers were elected !:
President. Z. A. Hodgson, editor Of the
Deaf Notes Journal, New York; vice
presidents, L. l.. Brown of Michigan,
George Steenrod of Tennessee. W. II.
Weeks of Connecticut, and w. Houston
Of Pennsylvania corresponding score
tary. H. White of Massachusetts, re-
cording secretary, r. F. Fox Of New
York treasurer. ID. W. George Of ILL
nois
In the evening the members had a
social gathering in Lyric HIi.