West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1914-02-26
Another Letter 10 cssssos H.sr's's


a circular In reference to our Blind and
Deaf school at Romney. You and Gov
ernor Glasscock manifested considerable
interest in the matter until after this cir
cular was sent TO each of you. Copies
were also sent TO all the members OF the
Legislature at their homes, and quite a
number of senators and delegates were
outspoken in iavor OF the changes pro-
posed until they reached Charleston at
the session OF the Legislature. When
this circular got into the hands OF certain
| persons posted in such matters, was
told that the circular would not accom-
plish it's object, for one reason-it COM
mented somewhat on the Beard OF Con-
troll. There was no intent to reflect on
the personnel OF this board. but tried
to point out that the board had its hands
full in attending to the finances OF all
our State institutions and should not be
expected 10 look after the educational
part OF the Blind and Deaf, but that the
| superintendent and teachers should be
appointed by the Board of Regents like
| our normal schools. i did not then know
the president OF the Board OF Control
had been asked to drop his duties to the
State TO conduct political campaign for
the successful ticket. At any rate, IL seems
that chill struck all sentiment for the
betterment OF conditions for the Blind
| and Deaf on lines mentioned in the cir
! cular as soon as the atmosphere of the
capital was reached, and nothing came
OF the plan mentioned above, that the
Office OF the superintendent OF the Blind
| and Deaf be taken out Of the political
arena and be placed under the Board Of
Regents and that the Blind and Deaf be
separated; the Blind placed in a larger
town where the advanced scholars could
recite with seeing scholars and associate
with them, thus enlarging their world
and giving them inspiration. Every
educator with whom have talked on the
subject endorses this plan.) The word
that reached me was that the administra-
ton was opposed TO the bill and there
was no use TO try TO do anything.
The above lines are suggested by your
| arbitrary change Of superintendent at
Romney Git seems without even the cour-
tesy OF notifying Mr.. Montague before
the papers published IT'D as long going
far to prove the contention made that
the unfortunate wards of the State are
paying the price OF politics. 1t seems to
me that Mr.. Huidekoper deserves credit
for Drawing the "powers that be- with
a protest, and thanks to the kind of
reply you sent him will likely have his
wish, that it be published all over the
State. Whom the gods would destroy
they first make mad"
| Mr.. Huidekoper is practically on the
ground. and should know more about
the results accomplished by Mr.. Mon
tague than you and the Board OF Control
put together.
My son lost his sight four years ago al
the age of eighteen, and attended the
school three years. / visited the institu.
ton five or six times, talked with the
officers and some of the parents who
have children there, and learned much
through my son. 1 believe Mr.. MON
tague was doing good work, as we'll
probably, as could have been done under
the circumstances, and it was quite 6
satisfaction to me to have curteous anC
approachable official to deal with in try
iIg to do the best possible for an afflicted
son. He seemed also to have the Loyal
support of his help. / am sure thing
were run too economically for the bes
results, but as he was limited by tin,
appropriations and inherited deficiency
from his predecessor, 1t seems the blam,
for that condition should be charged I,
the indifference or ignorance of thos
higher up.
1t was supposed you would not max,
a change at Romney without good reasons
and have been noticing all correspon
dence, hoping to learn why it was done
but 80 far / am disappointed; and reall,
you can hardly blame those who say i
looks as il place was being made for
friend Of Mr.. Bakin and suggests to then
political or personal ring of very small
circumference.
do not know why it should be inn
proper to discuss Mr.. DeBerry's qualifi
cations for this very important place. /
you had appointed a man who had mad
a success of this kind of work somewher
there would not be 80 much surprise.
have not been able TO learn that Mr.
DeBerry has had any experience at all o
this kind. His business experience 81
far, i. seems, is no strong recommends
ton. One report says he is fifty-fiy,
another si1&S-fve. II either OF these ar,
correct, ordinarily his best days are past
and he will have to show extraordinary
talent TO make good.
am told by persons OF many years o.
experience that il takes four years for g
superintendent 10 master all the details
TO successfully run the school at Romney
and that il q man does not take il up
while young he never acquires proficiency
in the deaf language.
Calling people who protest low names
i'm a childish way does not prove any
thing against them, but IL rather proof
positive OF some things against the one
who calls names. You are the Governor
OF our State, and az one Of the voters al
the primary and regular election helped
to place you in that exalted position. /
would not detract from its dignity, but
your action as public servant is proper
subject for criticism by the public, and
az have been placed where ! learned