The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-06-04
INTERESTING AND DELIGHTFUL
CLOSING EXERCISES OF THE
TERN LAST NIGHT.
Poetry OF MOTION md SIGNS.
An Interesting Program Most Success
fully Carried Out in the Presence of
n Crowded Hall-Songs in the
Beautiful Sign Language.

The closing exercises of the Texas
school for the deaf and dumb took place
last night in the chapel of the institute
before a very large assembly.
The exercises were intensely interest
ing, the recitations and songs in the sign
language being delightful to the eye and
wonderfully impressive. To many pres
ent last night the sweet harmony of the
signs and the graceful movements of the
pupils was a revelation.
No more pleasing and interesting ex-
ercises took place anywhere than at the
those who missed them missed delight
full entertainment.
The first number on the program last
night was recitation. THE Busy Mart
and the Grassy Way" by Miss Matte
l.. Boyer. Her Interpretation of the
words into the sign language was pre-
else and accurate. and one could easily
imagine that the roar of the busy mart
was in the atmosphere, while the grassy
ways sparkled with the dew of heaven.
This was followed by an essay, '"The
Companionship of Books" by Miss
Maude Terrell, and her rendition was
easy and graceful.
The next number on the program was
You Take for Me, Papa by
and Mable White, four cute little tots
1t is impossible to describe the beautiful
execution of these little girls. Their
translation of the words into the sweet,
silent signs was something wonderful
There was delightful melody in every
movement, and sweet cadence in every
sign, and the blessed little girls con-
tributed much to the pleasures of the
evening.
Miss Lettie r. Webster recited orally
an essay, '"The Beauties of Nature" and
her vocalization and pronunciation was
very fine. She Is totally deaf, but did
not become so until she had learned to
talk. She is member of the oral class
and her teachers are endeavoring to pre-
vent her losing her power to speak, and
they are wonderfully successful in their
efforts.
"The Building of the Ship" rccta-
ton by Miss Miranda ID. Kyle, was n
superb exhibition in sign manual and
provoked much applause.
work" by Thomas Il. Childress and
"The Gentle Boy" by Josiah w. Hall,
were very fine.
'rhe child's Wish in June" recita-
ton in sign language by Miss Katy p.
Payne, the only girl graduate this year,
was a delightful and most graceful pan
tomime. There was expression in every
movement that was felt by all who
watched and followed the graceful and
prepossessing young lady. Miss Payne's
parents are deaf and dumb and so is an
uncle and an aunt of hers. She was
born deaf and dumb, but is unusually
bright and intelligent
Her sister. Miss Lizzie NJ. Payne, is
also bright and intelligent young lady
and last night she recited: "Home and
Its Pleasures" with most pleasing effect
The song: Gam Soldier of the
Cross" was charmingly rendered, after
which DR.. Smoot made brief, but
happy little address and presented di-
plomas to Miss. Kate =. Payne and to
Mr.. Thomas Il, Childress the two
graduates.
The exercises reflected great credit
upon both pupils and teachers. and they
were greatly enjoyed by the large crowd
that filed the hall to overlooking.
The institution has had very prosper
our year, and its high standard of excel
lence is fully maintained. There is no
better managed and more efficient school
of the kind in the United States.