Omaha daily bee., 1888-06-13
SILENT BUT THOUGHTFUL.
Graduating Exercises of the Deaf
and Dumb Institute.
A CHAT WITH UNCLE ABEL.
A wife Beatcr Thumped by an Indig-
nant woman-A Scab Knocks
Down n School Boy-A Rum
away-Personals,
The Silent Children.


The closing exercises of the Iowa institu-
ton for the education of the deaf were held
Yesterday afternoon. There was n goodly
attendance of citizens and parents of pupils,
so that with the pupils themselves the chapel
was well filled. The exercises were of par
tcularly interesting character to those who
have had but little opportunity TO see the
methods of instruction and to observe the
rapidity Of development. Rev. G. w. Crofts
offered the opening prayer, after which came
an address of welcome from Superintendent
Rothert. This address was very practical,
and while the welcome extended to visitors
was cordial one, it was accompanied by
chiding of those who had been so apparently
Indifferent during the year as not to even
call at the institution. Mr.. Rothert said they
had no visitors days, or rather every day
was one. Visitors were welcome at all times
and were urged to inspect the institution, TO
give encouragement and help and to show
their interest in any and every way. The
superintendent also urged his hearers TO help
do away with the practice so common of call
ing the institution an asylum. They had IA
school, not an asylum, and the members were
pupils and not inmates, for they were not
paupers nor insane. He also gave the pa
rents some wholesome advice in regard TO
fault-fndng, and urged them to try to com
prehend the magnitude of the work being
done and to be helpers rather than lsickers
Miss Ollie Tracy, one of the brightest OF
the older pupils, rendered in the sign Ian
guage 1.-The Bride" She long ago became
a favorite with those who have visited the
institution, even as u little girl recitlng Sc
lections very pleasingly. Her rendition OF
the well known poem OF Longfellow was
really wonderful.
The primary work was very happily shown
by little boy and two little girls who had
been but nine months in the school. The
little boy and one of the little girls played
at housekeeping, while the actions were told
in plain sentences written on the board by
the other little girl with rapdity and clear
ness. 1t illustrated well how by object
teaching the children are given full vocab-
ulary and made conversant with language
Their progress is evidently more rapid in
language than speaking pupils.
Frank Ellis, young man, son of DR.. Ellis,
rendered with thrilling effect Sheridan's
ride. His facial expressions and gestures
were more vivid than the tones of an elo-
cutionist.
A class of pupils gave an interesting exhi-
bition of articulation. 1t was amazing to
hear these pupils, not one of whom could
hear word, speak so clearly and read the
lips of others so readily.
Newton Wymer gave some very humorous
picturings of words, illustrating how boy
picked gooseberries, cherries, etc, and in
closing gave as a pantomime the story of the
preacher in whose pantaloons the hornets
built nest. He is remarkable comedian
and mimic.
Some of the older pupils gave showing of
work in grammar and history. The eXer-
cises were conducted by questionings, the pu-
pills answering ON the board with rapidity and
accuracy.
There was also a showing of the calisthenic
exercises. The boys swung clubs, the girls
bells, and pleasing fan drill closed this
feature of the programme.
The graduating class numbered four. One
of them, David Ryan, was suffering from Il
base ball sprain, and was unable to present
his essay Another, Elias Genwick was
sick, and obliged to go home. The two others
gave their essays which were very credita-
BILE, the thought being excellent and the Ian.
| guage clear. One, Patrick O'Bren, treated
| of the past and the present, calling attention
| to the wonderful changes which time had
wrought Edwin Pyle spoke of Heroes"
| and gave illustrations of several classes OF
| those whom the world worships Moral
| heroism was placed beyond mere physical
bravery, and the essay was thoughtful and
| logical.
The exercises closed with the pronouncing
| of the bcnediction by Rev. DR.. Cooley.