Library Collections: Document: Full Text

P. H. NAPIER,
Chairman Senate Committee.
JNO. L. MILTON,
Chairman House Committee.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTE.

JACKSON, October 21, 1865.

To His Excellency B. G. HUMPHREYS, Governor of Mississippi:

Having received from you a note enquiring if we had a report to offer, and also asking us for any suggestions we might be able to make in regard to a future policy, we promptly proceed to the discharge of the duty assigned us.

The Institution of the Deaf and Dumb had been, under its former managers, justly a matter of pride to the State. It had clearly been conducted to a success, and stood a proud exemplification of the generosity of the State and the energy and capacity of her citizens. In this condition war found this benevolent Institution.

Soon the thunder of artillery was heard in our land; battles were fought and blood flowed as a great river. Our mangled soldiers came pouring into our city, and every house that could be used for a hospital was demanded, and these poor God-stricken creatures were turned from their comfortable home to make room for the bleeding soldier. This was done cheerfully by the managers; the soldier must be cared for, and the deaf-mute, for a time, turned over to his former friends. It was war, inexorable war, which demanded this sacrifice there was no help for it, no avoiding it. As time rolled on, our advancing foe reached our city, carrying the torch in one hand, the sword in the other. Black desolation marked his march, and our noble Institution did not escape. It was levelled to the ground and left a smouldering mass. Apparatus, implements, fences, and every appurtenance shared the fate of the buildings, and all that we have left is the land.

This is the brief history of the Institution of the Deaf and Dumb. * * * We must begin humbly, and perseveringly push on until, by energy and prudence, prosperity shall again dawn upon us. In the meantime we propose (as the law now allows) to send the orphans to the cheapest and best Institution in our reach. * * * The above is most respectfully submitted.

A. B. CABANISS,
GEO. L. POTTER,
W. Q. POINDEXTER,
Trustees of Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb.

The provisions made in a part of an act quoted above continued till February 13, 1869. Up to this date the Institution was entirely dependent upon the whims of the legislature, as that body could have abolished it at any time. Fortunately for the deaf, when the constitution of Mississippi, which was adopted in 1869, was drawn up, some friend was thoughtful enough to secure their interest by the enactment of the following clause, viz:

It shall be the duty of the legislature to provide by law for the support of institutions for the education of the deaf, dumb, and blind.

This provision was re-enacted in the constitution of 1890; consequently the education of the deaf of Mississippi is an assured fact until this part of her organic law is repealed.

In obedience to this provision, the legislature of 1871 re-organized and rebuilt the Institution, and its history has been one of continual progress from that day to this. Under the act authorizing the rebuilding of the Institution, Gov. Alcorn appointed a board of trustees, which proceeded at once to purchase grounds and buildings.

After visiting various sites in Jackson and other cities, the property now occupied, and at that time owned by Mrs. Edward Yerger, and some adjoining, was secured for $26,000 in State warrants.

The board met July 8, 1871, and elected Dr. J. L. Carter, then a member of the board, as principal. The school was opened on December 1, 1871, and in his first report, December 31, Dr. Carter gives the names of nine pupils who had entered, and stated there were thirty-five applications on file. His second annual report shows that forty-five had been received. In this report, December, 1872, the principal recommends the introduction of articulation teaching, but the fact is noticeable that it was just ten years till this department was inaugurated. The next report of Dr. Carter gives the names of fifty pupils received, and in 1875 forty-three.

Before the next annual report was made, Dr. Carter resigned, and in referring to that subject the board said: "The Institution continued under the efficient management of its former principal, Dr. J. L. Carter, until October 23, 1876, at which time, very much to the regret of all interested in its prosperity, he tendered his resignation and removed to another State." Dr. M. S. Craft, a member of the board of trustees, was put in charge of the Institution during the interim. On the 16th of November following, Mr. Charles H. Talbot, for many years a successful teacher in the Kentucky Institution, was appointed to fill this vacancy.