The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-07-05
CONVENTION OF THE kUTES.
In Interesting Session IN The House Of
Delegates
4 POEM In The SIGN LANGUAGE.
The Address Of welcome by Mayor EIJsop'
Nearly Hundred In the Assembly,
A PetitIon-Thc Banquet.

perhaps no stranger assembly ever met IN
Richmond than that Of the deaf mu'es winch
gathered yesterday in the hall OF the House Ok
Delegates. All OF the proceedings wero con-
duc,ed in the sign language. and queer
silence peryaded the hall. When the address
was made by the Mayor, or when any one
smoke At all the words had obe spelled out on
the hands OF an interpreter OF slgheu. Inc
following report was written entirely 10y
n deaf mute who is directly connected with
THE TIAsss. and will serve somewhat rs an in
sight into the mysteries by their wonderful
sign language, with which they converse
almost as Hucntly as do those more abund-
antly blessed.
THE REPORT.
There was nearly hundred deaf mutes at
the meeting in the hall of the House OF
DELEGATES Yesterday. They had come from
ali portions Of the State TO have reunion
and form State association. and while
some were old men with gray hair large
portion of the entire number were young. ana
many were ladies' Everything passed on
happily. and altogether II was very pretty
affair and most promising 70 the ala anu
general welfare Of the deaf of Virginia =,
At the opening time the galleries we're well
filled with spectators. and throughout It's ses-
sions some occupied them. There we're very
few on the floor who were not deaf mutes, and
the most honorei was Mayor j. Taylor Ely
son. who had come 10 welcome them ana 1or
whom every deaf mute now r. warm place
in his heart
Mir. John w. Mchaels called the meeting
70 order and was made temporary chairman.
Rev job Turner missionary OF the IrOtoSt-
ant Episcopal Church 10 the deaf IN the
Southern States. was then called on 70 lead IN
PRAYER. his signs being interpreted orally by
Professor Gullford ID. Enrltt. a teacher OF the
State school. Mr.. w. G.. Ritter was chosen
temporary secretary and Joseph Lauoe, OF
this city. sergeant at arms.
THE OBJECTS.
Mr.. Michaels then explained the object Of
the meeting. which has for It's main points
liberal education and their general advance
ment. and then introduced Mr.. Ellyson, who
made most pleasant speech Of half hour,
telling the mutes they were welcome IN Rich
mOnd, and had her peoples best wishes. lie
himself WAS often called upon 10 say something
concerning those generally called unfortunate.
and he gave them plain words of advice. and
expressed much hope for their betterment and
encouraged them greatly. He congratulated
them on their great progress and prosperity
during the past half century, and wished
them God-speed The Mayor was interpreted
by Professor Eurtt and at the close OF his
speech was heartily applauded.
THE RESPONSE.
Mr.. William C. Ritter Of Louisa, responded
in behalf of the deaf. thanking the Mayor for
his kind words and assurances and the good
people of the city.
Regret was expressed at the absence of Cap
tain Thomas S. Doyle principal of the State
school, now quite sick at Virginia Beach.
Professor Thomas f. Fox. of the New York
Institution. being present was called on for
speech. He spoke of conventions Of the deaf
in the North. which he had been connected
with, and many important ideas were sugges-
ted
After matters pertaining to membership and
the membership fee. which was fixed at 81,
honorary membership was taken up and the
names of Mr.. Edwin Allen HodgsOn editor Of
the Deaf Mute journal, New York City Pro-
lessor Thomas Francis Fox, OF New York
Mr.. Alexander l.. Pach, of Pennsylvania;
Mr.. George +. Porter. of Arkansas Captain
Thomas Doyle. of stanton, and Professor
Isaac Humbert. of stanton. and Mr.. Nc
Creery, of West Virginia. were enrolled IN con-
sideration of their deep interest 50 kindly
aid given towards the meeting
Next followed feature OF the mornings
proceedings. A pretty girl Of about eighteen
recited in signs the following, lending to the
words beauty and lmpressiyeness that spoken
language will not convey. The young lady
was Miss Sarah Allen. one OF the recent grad
yates of the State school. Professor Lurltt
read the words for the benefit of those who
could hear