Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-11-16
NEW SCHOOL FOR THE Blind.
A Proposition to Give This City a
State Institution,
By Separating the Two Schools at
Romney-A Former Citizen Calls
Attention to an Opportunity Of
Which the People Of Wheeling
Should Avail Themselves.

Attention TO an Opportunity or
Which the People Of Wheeling
Should Avail Themselves.
At the last regular meeting of the
Board of Regents of the State institu
ton for the deaf, dumb and blind, at
Romney, it was resolved to ask the
next Legislature to separate the two
schools, by removing the blind to other
quarters. The rapid increase of the
number of students at Romney will
soon make the separation of the
schools, or new buildings, necessary.
Other states find it the best course, for
many reasons. to separate the schools.
If this course is decided upon by the
next Legislature, the new institution
for the blind should be established in
Wheeling. A Register correspondent
gives sound reasons for this, in his let
ter, which follows:
San Francisco, Calf, Nov. S, SO.
To the Wheeling Register
Mr. EditOr:-In behalf Of the propOs-
ed separation OF the Deaf and Blind
Schools of your State, / should like to
say few words, if space will permit.
In recent issue of the Hampshire
Review, l noticed the glad tidings that
at last the Board of Regents of the
West Virginia School for the Deaf and
the Blind, at their last meeting decid
ed to ask the Legislature for authority
to remove the blind to other quarters.
This matter has been brought up be-
fore, but was lost, or the petition tabled,
simply because both classes could be
fed and cared for cheaper under one
roof. But owing to the crowded con-
dition Of the buildings for some two
or three terms, some step must be
taken; and it is hoped that this i'm
portant change may be set before the
Legislature this winter, that it might
be carried by unanimous vote. Also
make ample appropriations to erect
suitable buildings in Wheeling or some
other large city that will be a credit to
the State and comfortably accommO-
date the blind for many years to come.
I therefore appeal to the benevolent
people of my native city to act, and act
promptly, and offer some inducement
in the shape of a suitable site for the
new school for the Blind.
To my mind it should be in Wheel
ing. it being the metropolis of the
State, and as such could give the ad-
vanced pupils what they are seeking
and striving for; an avenue TO enlarge
their IDEAS and knowledge of the outer
world, which sooner or later they must
face.
l have reference to the benefit and
advantage derived from hearing lee
lures and speeches by our best orators,
as we'll as the very best articles IN
musical and theatrical performances,
which are not often heard, except in
large cities. Where such schools are
found the pupils give weekly enter
tainments open to the public, for which
an admission fee of a few pennies is
charged, which go toward a fund TO
purchase outfits for the graduates when
they have completed their course.
The dual schools are rapidly decreas-
ing. and the majority OF the states
have already moved their schools for
the blind to the larger cities; where
ware-room or store is open TO the pub
lie for the sale of such articles that
are made by the pupils, and the pro-
ceeds therefrom placed in the treasury
of the school. The reason why 1t re-
duires more exertiOn to procure the at
tendance of a blind child than the deaf
at dual schools, is simply this: the deaf
are more active and in times of recre-
alton are given TO all sorts of mischief,
and tricks are often played upon the
Younger blind. that cause breach OF
confidence and results in more or less
friction between the two departments;
and frequently does not come to the
notice of the superintendent, until 1t
has reached the ears of the parents OF
the child. | have every reason to be-
lieve that before the close of the first
wear. the number in attendance will be
doubled.
In conclusion I would say to the
Board of Regents, that in its search for
a head for the new school | hope the
members will not entirely overlook
one. who for upwards of forty years
has faithfully labored in season and
ont of season for the advancement or
the blind. and who was also instru-
mental in the founding of the present
school. After travelling for several
months from town to town through
the State. seeking information of all
blind children, and from the number so
obtained. selecting few to accompany
him. to appear before the Legislature
and show the members of that body
that these, too, were entitled to some
assistance from the State.
I need not mention his name here,
nor have | authority TO do so, but you
have no doubt met him personally and
know full we'll his value as an instruct
or of the blind. | can speak PERSONAL
" that don't think YOU will find him
lacking as an executive officer of such
a school.
In view of his many years Of toll it
would be at least a compliment to give
him the refusal of being its first Super
intendent.
Yours truly,
8 4 ECKHARDT.