The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-12-18
A MODEL INSTITUTION.


1t has been our pleasure to examine
carefully the last annual report of DR..
Frank Rainey, superintendent of the
state institution for the blind, and we
lay aside the little pamphlet fully con-
WINGED that the right man has been
controlling for over ten years the des-
tiny of this splendid institution of
learning. 1t is known as one OF the
state asylums, and SO it is. Here is an
asylum for the unfortunate child that
can not see; here such un-
fortunate finds a pleasureable retreat,
where the lights of life are freely
shed, even in utter darkness, upon the
young mind, until developing body
and mind unfold into perfect man
hood or womanhood, lacking one
thing alone-the inestimable gift of
sight. The child who grows up in
this institution, under its present man
agement, may not see the light of day;
may not look upon the grand beauties
of nature, clustering as they do about
the comfortable and beautiful home
provided for them; may not take in by
absolute vision the magnificent pro-
portions of an infinite creation, but
within the soul shines the light of an
Intelligence as comprehensive as that
acquired through the agency of per-
feet vision. Here comes the little I'M
fortunate, untutored in all respects,
scarcely above the dumb brute
in intellect, and Immediately expert
enced teachers take control Of body
and mind and heart. At the end OF a
month the change is wonderful; train
ing progresses, intellect unfolds, and
the awkward, unframed child in time
becomes graceful in carriage, refined
in manners, and soon takes to book
and other useful learniHg with avid
ity. 1t is wonderful how the children
progress. Refined and highly educat-
ed young men and women are every
year turned out of this institution,
prepared not only to ornament homes
but to be"ome active and useful men,
bers of society. The absence Of
one faculty seems to sharpen
others, aud progress and attainments
are absolutely wonderful. This blind
asylum is in truth grand institution
of learning, of which every Texan
should feel very proud. As said, DR.
Rainey is the right man in the right
place. He was appointed to the SUI
perintendency soon after Richard
Coke was first elected governor. He
was a member of the legislature from
eastern Texas, and when the regular
session of the legislature, which
inaugurated Governor Coke, was
ended, he was appointed to
this position, and he has ever since
filed it with honor to himself and in
finite credit to the state. When he
took charge of the institution there
were only twenty-four pupils in at
tendance; now there are ever one
hundred, and, because Of certain in
crease in the early future, application
will be made for additional accommo-
dations for pupils. The character Of
this institution may be pointed to
with pride in more respects than in
an educational sense. Its entire ma
chinery is perfect, and it is administer
ed on an exalted plan of decency and
morality in all its relations. The dis
graceful wrangles that have affected
and continue to affect other state in
situations, to their disgrace, have been
unknown in this one. While changes
have repeatedly occurred in the
others, after charges and counter
! charges among those controlling them
have become public scandals, it gives
one pleasure to contemplate the con
duct of the blind institution
With the influence OF an able and devot-
ed superintendent, and undtr chaste
and refined teachers, results are pleas
ing in the highest degree. We commend
the reading of Dr. Rainey's report. It
is delightful essay, rejecting capa-
bility and goodness and refinement
in every depart ment-among teachers
pupils and attendants.