Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1897-08-26
Reunion of Deaf-Mutes.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, Aug. 14th, 1897.
l. DEAR EDITOR:-The Fourth Bien-
NAL Reunion of the Deaf that was in
session on the 18th and 18th, at Mid
way Hall in this city, was a success in
every respect except in number; never
theless quality was preferred to quanti-
ty. It is very gratifying to note that
not one untoward incident marred it's
harmony. Though thing of the past,
it is ever to be remembered with pleas
| ure by every one who took part in it.
| Among those in attendance were Mrs.
Vance, Miss Vance, Mr.. and Mrs. King.
Professors Michaels, of Arkansas. Ker-
ney, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Chaplin,
of Romney. W. Va, and Messrs. Nichol-
son, of Louisiana, Whitlock. of Illinois,
Clarence Dowen, of Washington, d. c.,
to say nothing of the blooming damsels
who took the trouble to come from far
away, to grace the gathering with their
presence, which fact the gallants as
we'll as the widowers appreciated.
The convention convened at Midway
Hall, handsome modern structure at
s o'clock Tuesday evening, the 18th,
President w. c. Ritter sitting. a fer
vent prayer was offered to the Most
Merciful God by Rev. Mr.. Tribble, of
the Baptist church, Prof. Euritt. inter-
preting for the Deaf. Mayor Sam1
McCue made pretty speech extend
ing cordial welcome to the delega-
tion, and Mr.. Lee Chiles. of Richmond,
in response returned profound thanks
in graceful signs on behalf of the men,
bership for the reception SO warmly ac-
corded them. Then Hon. J. E. Massey
delivered an exceedingly interesting
address which time and space in your
paper forbid us to describe but suffice
it to say that it will be long remem-
bered. Supt. W. A. Bowles. of the Va. |
School for the Deaf was the last gen.
tleman who addressed them in signs. |
This was his first effort at haranguing |
in the sign language. He was no novice
in that kind of language and every one
present predicted that he would be an
adept in the very near future. To
which let us say Amen!
The next day, the 18th, the conven-
tion was called to order by President
W. e. Ritter. By the way Mr..
Ritter proved to be parliamentarian,
and he performed the onerous duties
of the office in a satisfactory manner
was in evidence; he was reelected to
the Office with a salary by acclamation
which circumstance was most gratify-
ing to him and his better half as we'll.
He deserves it. Mine host Gleason is a
to the manor born and knows
how to care for his guests. His hos
,elry is one of the finest in Va, modern
md equipped in every way.
In the afternoon the deaf visitors
we're given a complimentary tally-ho
1rive to Monticello. Within three miles
Of the city, Monticello is delightfully."-
situated on mountain overlooking
she city and University. their eyes|
swept over landscape that stretches
AWAY miles and miles with it's pictu-
-esque diversity of mountain range and
valley dotted with woods through
which the river Rivanna meanders.
The scenery is simply grand and sub
ime. 1t is therefore not to be wondered
1t that the sage of Monticello located
his residence on the top of that noun
;ain. It may not be out of place to state
hat Jefferson sat on this vast elevation, |
the hands building the Uni
versity through telescope, and would,
f any mistake was made mount his
ieetest nag and make it gallop down
1t a fearful rate of speed to correct the
In the evening the delega-
ion sat down at a banquet and many
If the elite from every part of the city
we're present on this occasion. Over a
lozen toasts were drank and afterwards
oall was INDUCED in till a very late
lour. The banquet was in every re-
pect an elegant affair. and mine host 6
wen said it was one of the best ever
leld in the city.
In conclusion the deaf return their =
hearty thanks to the railroad officers
md the people of Charlottesville in
,eneral for the courtsies shown them,
,ssuring them that they will remember =
With gratitude the many kindnesses
eceived at their hands. II. M. G..
=