The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-05-27

shall reap of the benefits of his ad-
miniStratiOn. | verify believe that
his shall be the most prosperous adj
mfnistration this State has ever had
1t has been said that the loss OF
one faculty emphasizes the others
Some of the greatest achievements
have been made by totally blind men,
The greatest epic ever read was writ
ten thousands of years before the
Christ was born, and thousand read
1t then, millions read it now. Some
of the most glorious works of litera-
ture and art in all times and in all
countries come from the enlightened
minds of blind men. The bars of
prohibition are not raised against you.
North Carolina wishes to give you
light, to enlighten you, to enable you
to work, to make a success. to go
to the top in your chosen professions,
and to win success. The man in
North Carolina who holds the most
distinguished honor in music is Mr..
William Simpson, who has just been
made Doctor of Music, and this
honor is a laurel on the brow of DIR.
Simpson, Prof. Ray and this institu-
ton. There are scores of graduates
from the school who are at the top
most round in their chosen profess
sions, and they are still advancing.
IlliS IllSJIlulIOIl Is NOGltl CdIOIllltI y
greatest monument. A civilization is
measured by its humanity, and meas
ured by that standard North Caro-
llna's civilization is not surpassed in
the world. In proportion to its popu-
lation this State is caring for more
deaf, dumb and blind children than
any State in the Union or any country
in the world.
Here is a greater work being done
h.K
You have the best medical treatment
and educational facilities possible.
Your future is glorious.
North Carolina is doing much for
it's white children, but it is doing
as much for it's colored blind deaf
and dumb. 1t was established in this
city in 1862 the first in the world.
and now the most efficient, and its
success is due much to the capable
assistance and direction of Prof. Ray.
In conclusion / urge you to take
advantage of the opportunities the
State gives you. Strive to learn: the
light of day may not shine in your
eyes, but the light of knowledge,
which will enable you to become of
the greatest value to the State and
country, will be put in your minds.
You must do your duty, and, the
State of North Carolina will do its
duty"
After music by the band Prof
Ray announced that the diplomas
would be presented by Hon. Joseph
%. Pogue, chairman of the Board of
of the Institution for the
Blind.
In addressing the graduates Mr..
Pogue said that it gave him eminent
pleasure to perform the duty and he
warmly congratulated the two grad
yates upon their fine records as stu
dents and scholars, and he hoped that
they would go out into the big world,
blind themselves yet be
lights to other people, striving to be
Of benefit to mankind, and live lives
of spotless integrity, Christian gen
tlemen and honest citizens.
Prof. John e. Ray, principal for
the State School for the Blind, said
that the graduates, Messrs. Crook and
Joyner, were both of the class Of
students designated as semi-blind, or
whose vision is only partially, not
totally impaired. He explained that
no one would be retained in the
school upon whose eyes the doctors
unless they had been declared to be
proper subjects. Every student is
examined by specialists upon the first
day of his arrival, and if there is the
least sight, however badly defective
efforts are made and frequently hopes
for the full recovery of
the use of the eyes. The two young
men mad completed the full literary
and they are now prepared,
said Prof Ray, Ito teach in any pub
lie school in North Carolina. as there
are many graduates from this institu-
ton now teaching in the public
schools of this State
Prof Ray said that several dis
tinctions would be conferred in the
Industrial or Handiwork Departments,
and declared that to be able to use
the hand as well as the mind and the