The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1886-01-24
THE DEAF MUrEs.

The other day we saw letter from
deaf mute, alad of few years age, II
his late teacher, Prof. Henry White, o
fine Deseret University. The boy wa
III his home inthe country, and wrote
tn the professor that he was unable tt
return 10 school, owing to the poverty
of himself and his guardian, the
writer being an orphan and
charge upon a relative. 1t was g
p!aintive little letter, bubbling over with
grateful thanks to his teacher, and ex'
pressing regret that he would not be
able to resume his studies. There were
also letters from others, one from the
mother of a 12-year-old mute. The
latter had been attending Prof. Whites
class. and made rapid progress in his
studies, but poverty compelled the
parents to take the lad out of school,
the cost of living in this city being more
than they could pay.
We submit that there should be no
such doleful letters written, for there
should be no occasion for them. One of
the chief duties of society is the care for
such of its members as are unable 70
care for themselves; to provide for tn
wants of the needy, and make the lot OF
the afflicted and unfortunate as easy as
possible. The deaf and dumb are among
the most afflicted of humanity. Without
assistance from the more favored, they
are among the most helpless of Great
ures; with assistance their sad mis-
fortune is largely overcome, and they
are made helpful and happy, almost as
near independence as those who possess
all the faculties with which the race is
blessed.
Inquiry develops the fact that there
are between 100 and IFS deaf mutes in
the Territory. The census of 1880
showed lis, and the ratio throughout
the country at large is one to every
1,5OO of the population. OF those
here comparatively few have en-
ioyed the advantages of education,
while many of them are densely ignor-
ant of books. Until two years ago |
when the Legislature made small ap- |
preparation OF $4,000 year, we believe |
there was nothing likes public effort to |
aid the deaf mutes. The benefits from |
that small beginning are highly salts
factory. being all that could have been !
desired. The good has been so great |
as TO encourage the hope that more will
be attempted and accomplished. The
Territory has done MOLLY by another
afflicted class, the insane, providing for
them comfortable home and doing
what may be done for their restoration
to reason. It is suggested now that the
foundation be laid for an institution for
the deaf aud dumb. Through their
aftliction, these unfortunate people are
mostly poor. hence what is done for
them must based upon the principle |
OF charity, as well as upon that
of humanity. Not only must their
education be provided for without cost.
butin most instances their support as
well, until they are able to earn their
own living, and are placed in position
to battle with the world for an existence
AT best, the struggle on their part will
be an unequal one, as they must ever
be at disadvantage, yes the handicap
may be reduced to minimum.
TIE HERALD sincerely hopes the
Legislature viii provide well for these
sadly afflicted people. and remove every
obstacle in the way of their education.