Evening star., 1886-11-30
Deaf Mute Education.

Mr.. GAIIAUDET's RETURN FROM ENGLAND
The New York Herald OF yesterday says: Mr.
E. NJ. Gallaudet, brother OF the Rev. DR.. Gallaudet
both well known as instructors OF deaf mutes ar
rived from Europe yesterday by the steamer
Etruria. In the afternoon Herald reporter had
a short conversation with Mfr. Gallaudet on the
work he had done in England. MI. Gallaudet
looked remarkably well after his voyage. royal
commission had been appointed to inquire into the
education OF the deaf and blind in the United King
dom, and Mr.. Gallaudet, as the greatest authority
in America on the subject was invited by the
British government to give his views to the COM
mission. An outline OF what the commission was
doing was specially cabled to the Herald some
weeks ago
81 found good many schools in England and on
the continent" said Mr. Gallaudet ~ observed
that there was great deal OF interest there In ad
vancing the education OF the deaf and blind. But
it Is still true that the system in America leads
everything OF the kind in Europe"
''The cable has told us that you were very warmly
received remarked the reporter
''One OF the most interesting incidents in my
visit to England" said MR. GalIaudet, sin connec-
tfOn with this commission seems to have been the
influence exercised in harmonzing many conflict
ing elements. There were differences OF opinion as
to the methods to be pursued by prominent teach
erS, and these differences had in time become ami
mOsities. My coming, however, appears to have
been seized as the opportunity to harmOniZe these
conflicting opinions and to make an approach to a
system not unlike that in America. The commits
sion before which appeared showed me every
courtesy and attention possible. l was invited to
visit the chairman, Lord EdgertOn, at Tappan
Park. / also received through one of the members
of the commission the very courteous regrets of
the queen that she had not been able to see me
while in England"
care the deaf mutes cared for in England to the
same extent as they are in American"
"Well, the schools have been sustained there al
t0gther by private charity. II IS the only country
In the world where such schools have been main
talned without the aid OF the government. A
strong sentiment had arisen in favor OF having
these establishments helped by the governments
and OF having more schools. Hence the appoint
ment or the commission. / observed great re-
spect for what we had done, and the English pro-
posed TO be guided by our school system. have
Deen assured that very earnest endeavor will be
made to incorporate the features q cur system,
''What is the present condition OF the education
of deaf muteS in England?"
''Ony elementary. They have no college like
our college at Washington
GLOW many OF this class of afflicted persons are
there in the British islands,"
''The proportion is about the same as with US
one in 500
"And to what class OF the population do they
belong?'
''Ihe majority belong to the lower class many
70 the middle class and not Il few to the higher.
These classes are separated. There is good deal
or private teaching and in special schools. Many
are received aS pdriOr boartierS in institutions
which are provided for the poor by the govern
ment."
81 was two days before the commission. One
DAY answered all sorts OF questions for five hours
and the next day had as hard work. M testimony,
which was subsequently submitted to me- covers
.o.y0 closely printed pages"