The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-10-28
From Answers.

From Answers.
 r ONDON now boasts possession of the most silent club in the world. It A is called the National Deaf ciup' and the moving spirit and president IS A ]. Wilson, a gentleman who, despite the handicap of being deaf and dumb, conducts most successful business in the city.
 Of course, the National Deaf club Is unique institution. There are no talkative walters. no electric bells no large print notices, calling upon members to be si-. lent in this or that room.
 Nearly POO members use the premises, in which they can dine and wine, or play cards and billiards whenever they nKe. Ladies are admitted, and at present form more than third of the roll.
 Bells being unnecessary, signs are re- sorted to- Thus, when someone presses the bell of the hall door red light appears over the doorway, and brings the attendant at once. A similar arrange ment notifies the waiter when his ser vices are required.
 Those fortunate persons who can speak and near, and who have been privileged to watch a game of billiards declare that 1t is more than a relief to see contest where neither party voices his srleV- ances as he goes along. There are no criticisms of the table, the balls or the cue Everything is peaceful and quiet.
 There are some remarkable men belong ing to the National Deaf club. One gem for mn is head of 1nl portant railway firm in Smyrna, and has under his control hundreds of men of all nationalities Of course, he has been very successful A deaf and dumb man who could rise to such a position argues that he is more than ordinarily gifted This gentleman speaks by signs to his men, and he sees to 1t that they obey him.
 Another member has travelled over the world record number of times, always unaccompanied, and although he has been in many unciviized lands, has always been able to look after himself. Then there are the members who earn their own livings in various professions One actually teaches music, another is a nurse.
 There Is an annual banquet for deaf and dumb persons, which is usually presided over by some eminent mute. And mutes. have their sense of humor very well de- veloped.
 One one occasion, for example, two English noblemen. neither of them deaf nor dumb, happened to be amongst the guests. They wished to make the ac- ouaintance of Sir Arthur F'airbairn, Bart. a deaf and dumb gentleman who has done much for his poorer brethren similarly in- flicted
 Some wag, thereupon. introduced the two guests to each other, giving the inn pression that the other was deaf mute. Consequently. the two men, although well able to listen or speak. began long con- versation on their fingers, until friend of both turned up, and, after duly ex- pressing his amazement, introduced his friends to each other in the conventional maner. They never again saw the wag responsible for the little comedy of err TOTS.
 Another good story of these annual re- unions of the deaf and dumb was told by Sir Arthur Fairbairn when president of the banquet.
 
 dinner a telegram arrived for one of the diners, and it was necessary to send for him.
 How shall identify him?" asked the waiter. who was, by the way. unaware of the peculiar banquet.
 "Oh, you'll easily know who it is.' anspered the manager. after deep refiec- tion. Take a look round. and you'll soon spot him-hes quite deaft'
 Science is doing lot for the deaf. and many notable men have been saved from that terrible inf1iction, which well known army officer described as the most terrible of afflictions. because it made its victims so lonely. The new head of the Salvation Army. .Bramwell Booth, was condemned to deafness many years ago by the doctors. but science came to his aid. and he Is abb to hear quite we'll to- day.
 | The late Algernon Charles Swinburne was deaf during the last few years of his life. but would never admit it. and vis-