THE DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTE.
The majority and minority reports of the House Committee to investigate the affairs of the Deaf and Dumb Institute were read. The majority report, signed by Messrs. Mason, Gilman and Steward, says the buildings and grounds are in a fair condition. There is need of some repairs nd the capacity of the buildings are not equal to the demand. If the General Assembly should wish to erect additional building, a larger appropriation must be made. There is a cause for grave dissatisfacation in the management. That the food is poor in quality is established by abundant evidence. It might seem that a desire to make a report of economical management has led the managers to a sacrifice of the welfare of the pupils, and there is much justifiable complaint in consequence. The price paid for food is sufficient to have furnished a first-class quality, but the inmates have failed to receive full benefit. The Superintendent is clearly disqualified by law--see act of 1879, page 8, Section 7. He may possess all intellectual and moral qualifications, but he is not "skilled and qualified by education and practice" to take charge of such an Institution. He has never before been employed in such an Institution, and was wholly ignorant of the sign language when he took charge, and is unable even now to converse intelligently in the sign language with the pupils. He can neither instruct them, nor is he able to judge whether they are properly taught. The selection of such a Superintendent was in clear violation of law, and will result disastrously to the Institution. The Committee is of opinion that this wrong should be righted as once, and that the Executive of the State should apply the proper remedy.
The minority report, signed by Messrs. Teter and Hargrave, states that the Superintendent is not required by law or otherwise to act as teacher, nor is he required by law to hold intercourse with the pupils in the sign language. The Superintendent is a College graduate, and he had control of educational institutions. The corps of teachers at the Institute are efficient. The school is properly graded and classified. The subordinate officers are faithful and efficient. The accounts are in good condition. The dormitories are neat and clean. Good care is taken of the property of the State. Sufficient provisions, of good quality, are furnished. The progress of the schools is equal to that of any previous year. The Superintendent is highly esteemed by pupils and parents. The law has been compiled with by the Trustees in selecting the Superintendent. The Committee recommends an appropriation for an additional building.
On motion by Mr. THOMPSON, the disposition of the reports was made a special order for April 8 at 10 a. m.
