No. 200.
IN ASSE�iBLY, MAR. 4, l 856.
TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT
Of the Managers of the N. Y. Institution for the Blind.
STATE OF NEW-YORK. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, {.lllbany, :March 4, 1856. � To the Speaker of the .11.ssembly:
Srn-I herewith transmit to the Legislature the Twentieth Annual Report of the Managers of the New-York Institution for the Ulind.
Very respectfully,
rAssembly, No. 200,l
Your obedient servant,
1
V. M. RICE, Supt.
of
Public Instruction.REPORT.
I To tlve Honorable the Legistature of the State of New-York:
The Managers of the New-York Institution for the Blind, pre sent this, their
TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT.
It is now more than a quarter of a century since this Institu tion was founded. Beginning with three bHnd children who had lost their sight by opthalmia, in the almshouse, it now num"' hers one hundred and sixty-three pupils, and is daily incteasing in usefulness.
Adequate experience has now demonstrated the fact that the Institution is something more than an asylum for an afflicted class; something more than the means of gratifying the feelings of the humane, and of administering comfort to those whom Providence has visited with a great privation. It is more than this; it is an ins�rumentality of great practical utility; its sup port is an economy to the State; its pupils ru:e taken out of the class of recipients of public and private charity; and are con� verted into self-supporting and 1;1-seful members of society; and the claims of the Institution tQ. public support can be based upon considerations arising out of the public interest alone, apart from the strong appeal which biindness makes
to
the charities of our nature.It is a peculiar satisfaction to those who have long labored in the cause of the blind, to find this result constantly showing itself more and mo!e clearly. It gives the strongest assurance of the permanence and prosperity of the Institution, to find it producing fruits of real practical utility.
4 [AssEMBLY In our educational department, the course of studies is sub stantially the same as has been reported to your honorable bodies
during past years. The great object aimed at is to give each pupil, in connection with a good common school education, some trade or business which wiil enable him to support himself when he leaves our walls; and the history of our graduates shows that those efforts have been remarkably successful.
It will be observed in the annexed report of the Superinten dent, that the principle of having our teachers selected from the blind themselves, has been considerably extended during the past year. The instructors in our schools are now, with one exception, blind graduates of our own institution, and it is grati fying to be able to state that the schools are most satisfactorily conducted under their care. It is the wish of the board to ex tend the use of blind teachers as far as possible throughout all departments of the Institution, and thus enlarge the career open to the blinq, and at the same time giv� to the institution a class of officers inuch more likely to remain permanently connected with it, than those who have previously filled those positions.
Of the manufacturing department the managers regret that it is nof in their power to present so favorable a picture. Their efforts to provide permanent employment for the adult blind, have not been crowned with success; and e;'{perience has shown that all such efforts must fail unless sustained by most extensive pecuniary resources. When their last annual report was sub mitted to your honorable bodies, the managers believed that the then existing embarrassment of their manufacturing department was owi;ng solely to the recent· commercial distress which per vaded all classes of the community. In this they were in a certain sense right, but were not right in supposing that a com mercial crisis was necessary to produce such a result. Further experience and reflection have shown that such a result i& un avoidable without the devotion of very considerablf means to sustain the enterprise. An establishment in which blind work people are employed in making various articles which the insti tution undertakes to sell for them, is neither more nor less than a manufactory. It has to compete with other manufacturers of
No. 200.J 5
the same articles; its management as a facto,ry is necessarily In ferior to that of those which are managed by their own pro prietors, and its work-people can sustain but a most unequal competition with, seeing ,,·orkmen. More than this; no manu facturing establishment can sustain itself without some capital and an institution having no capital is in no position to meet the embarrassing effects of a constantly accumulating stock of goods which cannot be sold fast enough to keep an overwhelming load of debt from accumulating.
Another circumstance increased the difficulties of our position . . The fact that the institution afforded an opportunity for the blind to support themselves by their own work, attracted to this city many of them who were very naturally and very properly desirous of availing themselves of the means thus afforded of securing an independent livelihood-so that the number of those dependent upon the institution was increasing in an increasing ratio. The laws of trade brought the ,vhole matters to a stand, and necessity compelled the institution to discontinue, to a great extent, its operations in this direction; and it is entirely; obvious that they cannot be renewed without the appropriation of a very large-fund to enable them to carry them on. This result is a source of great regret to the managers, and has been a real affliction to many worthy blind_ persons, whom it is painful to us not to be able to provide for in the comfortable and respecta ble way we had expected to. We had hoped that the interest felt for the industrious blind by the community at large would have been sufficient to secure a sale for the products of their in dustry; but experience has shown that this feeling can be relied on only to a very limited extent, and that to effect sales of the great bulk of our prodncts we could only rely upon the common laws of trade. To meet the requirements of these laws a con biderable capital is necessary, and the absence
ot
that indis pensttble requisite puts it out of the power of the institution to continue its operations in this direction.The subject is one of great difficulty; the Board have it still under consideration, and trust that some plan may yet be de vised to meet this important and pressing want.
6 [AssEMBLY To relieve the institution from the embarrassment mainly caused by the debt incurred for its manufacturing department, your lwnorable bodies at their last session appropriated the sum ·of seven thousand dollars, on. condition that the institution
should raise a corresponding sum; and the managers are happy to report, that an appeal to the citizens of New-York in this be half was met in the same spirit which has always actuated them towards- this institution. The l'equired amount was raised, and the institution l'elieved from a large portion of debt which was a source of great anxiety to its friends.
During the year that has passed, the institution has been blessed with remarkably good health. Death has not visited us. Our sick rooms have been used less than usual, and the general appearance of the inmates indicates great improvement in their physical condition.
Since our last· report was submitted the blind have lost two ·highly val�ed friends. For several years Dr. James C. Bliss, one
of"the consulting physicians of the institution, rendered his pro fessional sevi.ces to th� institution gratuitously, always. finding time in the midst of a very extensive practice, to meet any call , from our inmates. When the cholera was raging in th� city;, and finding victims within our own walls, Dr. Bliss never miss ed a day in visiting the blind. Without the expectation of the slightest remuneration, prompted by that sense of duty which was the guiding principle of his life, and armed by christian charity, he walked fearless amid the pestilence, rendering his professional aid to the sick and administering religious consola tions to �he dying. It is a comfort to those who regret his loss, to know, that long before he left this world, he had made his preparation for the next.
During the past year, also, Mr. Nicholas Dean, for several years a manager of this institution and always its active friend, crowned a life of public usefulness and private worth by a death worthy of such a life. In him the blind have lost a constant benefactor, one tver alive to their wants, sympathizing with their sorrows and prompt and efficient in everything calculated
No. 200.J 7
fo promote their--<velfare. Among the many' mourners who 'met : to·pa:y their last sad respects to the remains of Nicholas
De'a�,
none were morn sincere than those blind friends of his, who had learned to respect an9- love him when he was a member of this board.
For detailed information in reg'ard to the institution, the maii agers respectfully refer to the annexed reports.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
ISAAO WOOD, M.D;,, Presideni'::
CITY. AND CouN'r'Y OF NEw-YoRK, ss: �
Isaac Wood, being duly affirmed, saith,that tlie above report subscribed by him, is in all respects' true to the best of liis knowledge, information and belief.
Affirmed befo1·� me, this t"".enty- � ninth day of Feo;ruary, 1856, S
ISAAC WOOD, M.D. THOMAS MACF ARLAN;
Commissioner of Deeds. To the Board of M�nagei-s:
Gentlemen--The undersigned begs leave to present his report f�r the year 1855 .
.At the close of the preceding year, toe number of pupils· hi the Institution was one hundred and for'ty-twd. Since then s-f£
teen have left by graduation or otherwise, and thirty-six'
uew
puplls have been received, making the present number one hundred' and sixty-two.
Eleven blind persons are employed as instructors.
The expenses of instruction and support have been materi�l. The high price of all the necessaries of life, and the necessity for repairs and alteration to accommodate the increase of our in mates, have added to the expenditm:e, already large. But the benefits to the blind have been so manifest, that the outlay must be considered both humane and in every respect profitable.
8 [.AssEMBLY To the pupils, the past has bee": a prosperous year. Thero has been little sickness and no death, for the last eighteen months. In the department of instruction, the zeal and pl'oficiency of
I '
the pupils is encouraging. The thoughtful habits of the blind,
and their fondness for abstract· speculation, seeming to fit them for a higher range of studies than those heretofore pursued, new branches h&ve been introduced with success. With the excep tion of a single assistant, whose services �re engaged for a por tion of the day, all of the teachers now employed in the literary department, have been reared within our own walls. In thus testing the value of our sy8tem by the employment of the blind, there has been found no cause for regret. The new teachers work with enthusiasm, and the pupils sympathise with them and as�ist their efforts. .At the weekly examinations in the chapel of the Institute, the exercises are most animated. The answers are exact and intelligent, and the proportion of pupils shewing acquaintance with the subject, the true standard of a teacher's diligence, unusually large. .And there is every reason to anti cipate success in this profession for our graduates, not merely in !'lchools for the blind, but in ordinary academies. It is true that /the mode of instruction used for the �lind is adapted to their needs, and different from that in other schools. As not all of _our pupils have the requisite delicacy of touch to read-with facility the raised print, the system of specified tasks carefully
prepared by the student for examination by the instructor, is not available. The teacher of the blind is compelled to expound orally and by his own method. The thorough knowledge of the subject, the habit of clear and analytic statement, and the fluent speech acquired in this way, are well known to those that have taught the blind, as an advantageous preparation for other pro fessions or for employment in academies that have ample means of rewarding talent. The benefits of this intellectual training will now be extended to the graduates of the Institution.
The difficulty, at first sight great, 0f a blind instructor con ducting the recitations of a class of seeing youth from their own text books, is obviated by ·a very simple method. .A system of dots or raised points is adopted in place of the ordinary letters
No. 200.j 9
of the alphabet.· By means of a sharp instrument a sheet of thick paper is punctured from right to left. By reversing the paper the corresponding elevations on the opposite surface are traced by the fingers in the usual way, from left to right, with even more ease than the ordinary raised print. The invention bel?ngs to the Institut des Jeunes Aveugles at Paris.* A modi fication of it has been brought into use by a graduate of this In stitution. A blind man can thus, by the aid of a reader and a , moderate amount of labor, render his own the pages of any work necessary in his profession. Three modes of writing are in practical operation in this establishment. The teachers make their daily reports in pencil mark to the superintendent, teach and read to their classes from the raised print, and by means of the raised points bring into use new and improved text-books.
Doubts may be felt as to the ability of a blind person to pre serve order and habits of subordination in a class of students, since this is as necessary to form the perfect teacher as power of illustration and skill to give facts and ideas in place of words. The blind instructor is not confined to a desk and text-book, but is at liberty to move about the lecture room, while his watchful ness of hearing quickly detects the slightest breach of discipline. It is believed that where the natural capacity exists, no difficul ty will arise by reason of blindness. The undersigned can offer very strong testimony on this point. Since the posts of teachers in the Institution have been filled by its graduates, the deport ment of the pupils and their attention to their duties have been unexceptionable, and the whole intercourse w1th the inmates is of the-most pleasant and cordial nature.
Not only in this profession has the education of the blind borne good fruit, but in other walks of life; as mechanics, as manufacturers, in commercial pursuits, as musicians, and in literature, individuals have turned their early advantages to good account. Not many days pass ·without visits from· former in mates, who describe with pride their prosperrty, and from their histories and suggestions new encouragement is taken for
perse-• For the introduction of this system we are indebted to Dr. John G. -:Adams, who pur chaeed a writing apparatus at the Institute in Paris and presented it to this Institution.
10 [ .A.ssEMBL Y verance in a good work. Children redeemed from the Alms house, helpless, bli-nd and friendless, are at this moment well known citizens, receiving constant and honorable employment, and supporting their young families· in comfort and r�spectability. Few educational institutions can point to such practical re sults. The objection so often urged to a long academic course, that it improves the general intelligence at the expense of tb.e special knowledge which yields subsistence, fails here, for our inmates a,re trained assiduously in practical arts. Our graduating classes present yearly to th� community a body of practical mechanics, well trained in their respective trades, as well as with minds enlarg.ed and manners softened by acadenrical discipline.
E\cen in literature, the ornament, of an accomplished educa tion, the success of the blind has been by no means inconsidera ble. The 'poetical works of the Misses Crosby, Bullock and Holmes are well known to the public. The letters of Mrs. De Croypt have a pleasing style and much intrinsic merit. .A. work entitled " Beauties and Achievements of the Blind," the join_t production of Messrs. Artmann and Hall, is a judicious compila tion from the writings of various authors, deprived, like them selves, of sight. The original matter is written with ability and vigor of diction, and could only proceed from men of cultivated minds. The success of t11is book would justify renewed literary enterprise by its authors.
In divinity, one graduate, .A.dam McClelland, gives promise of usefulness. This young gentleman wag allowed, by the liber ality of,the Union Theological Seminary of this city, to attend its course of lectures, and has since passed a very creditable ex� amination before the presbytery of his own church. Testimo nials have been received from his pastor, and other clergymen, . expressing very high hopes_ from his remarkable talent .
. In the application of their musical acquirements the results are often immediate. Situations as choristers and organists are secured, and where musical skill is united with general intelli gence, � sure means of support is found. Some of our own best talent i� drawn into the new schools for the blind springing� up
Nq. 200.] 11
throughout the United States; others find profitable employ ment as music teachers in private families, earning in a few instances from one thousand to fifteen hundred dollars yearly. One of the graduating class of last year received at once employ ment yielding a yearly i1;1come of six hundred dollars. With such, blindness almost ceases to be an evil, It is pleasant to put on record the success of our young peeple, and the efficiency of the Institute. What parent, whatever his circumstances, would not think'his sons most fortunate with such a resource, and how many public or pl"ivate academies can show students stepping from their school rooms into a lucrative pursuit? Tuning pianos, for some time taught in the Institution at Paris, and lately introduced here, has already been found a profitable occu pation. Ten or twelve young men support themselves in part, a few wholly, in this way. They follow the business chiefly in country neighborhoods or villages, establishing a ci'rcuit, and visiting at regular periods the houses of their employers. This occupation is so suited to their characteristic nicety of ear, that a single experiment proves their capability, and they readHy find abundant employment.
Supported by such repeated proofs that the blind can be trai:g. ed to usefulness and independence, the under�igned deplores the almost universal weakness, amounting to culpability, of the parents of blind children, in neg1ecting the advantages here held out. At this moment there ar� ·numbers of blind youth inJhe State, who are losing their best years for receiving instruction. The �ge of twenty-five is fixed by law as the l_imit for admission, for the reason that the instruction of the blind requires time, and all of the docility and impressibility of youth. That so many loose the opportunity cannot be owing to want oflrnowl edge of the objects of the Instittition. No efforts are spared in this respect; circulars are sent to all parts of the State. The , census tables ate consulted, and ·information sought of. strangers a-nd visitors; and wherever a case of blindness is made known, a corre�pondence is at once opened. The result is in a degree favorable, for our numbers are increasing. But many remain, growing up in ignorance. and uttn helplessness, the extreme
•
12 [ .A.ssEMBL Y
parental affection that nature inspires for unfortunate offspring, in this case standing in the way of their lasting good. Often too, this solicitude is against the wishes of the blind themselves . .A.s an instance, a young man who had but lately lost his sight, was hindered by the anxiety of his family from obtaining an ap pointment. But a resolute spirit prevailed over the melancholy of his recent blindness, and the weakness of his friends. He was received as a pupil, and now, with new aims and hopes, is turning to the best account his advantages. During hls first
va
catio·n, taking home a quantity of osier, he earned without diffi culty a clear profit of one dollar for each day's work.Nor would we speak unkindly of the tender feelings between blind children and their parents. Too much is seen in our daily experience not to feel the utmost sympathy for it. One case among many, may be mentioned, where a pupil in ill health was returned to the charge of his friends; he had entirely recovered, when, his father dying sudden1y, the blind boy lost his spirits, again.sickened, pined away, and soon followed his parent to the grave. Strong natural feelings should always be respected, and all proper facilities are offered for the intercourse of pupils and their friends. Their visits are received at almost every hour of the day, and in the summer vacation parties of the inmates are sent off to their homes throughout the State under the �barge of officers of the Institution. But their true happiness is best con sulted and best witnessed within the walls of this establish ment. Here, with companions of their own class, and with con stant occupation, they are no longer gloomy, inert or morose. • I When in the afternoon and evening the inrr,ates swarm into the halls out of their school-rooms and workshops, laughing, talking, singing, it is a sight that must always be viewed with pleasure.
·
Every indulgence is allowed, consistent with habits of order and , � the necessity for economy in our expenditures. .A.s far as practi cable, kindness is made the rule of government, and so seldom are punishments of any kind resorted to, that we may truly say we have none. Invitations are freely given by the conductors of public concerts and musical soirees. Occasional tea-parties at the Institute under the supervision of their officers are the
No. 200.] 13
scenes of great enjoyment, and each winter a sleighing party, where the music of the bells, their own songs and merriment, prove that blindness is not alwaY._s melancholy. The intellectual tuition ,of the blind has little that is peculiar; it is their moral treatment where the labor lies. The undersigned has always extended to the inmates greater freedom in their association than is usual in academies for the young. The term of pnpilage, seven years, is not a small portion of a life-time, and complete seclusion during so long a period would hardly be wholesome for the seeing, certainly not for the blind. Greater responsibility and watchfulness are necessary, but there seems no doubt about the principle. Experience ha� shown that the blind need the stimulus of incessant occupation, whether amusement or work, and that those are happiest that ply their trades, that sing at pub lic concerts, that teach, or visit, among their friends, or make long journeys to distant parts of the country, finding at every step assistance, and friendly hands, and sympathy. For this the foundation is laid in their industrial and intellectual education. In the manufacturing department the anxieties caused by the financial troubles of the year 1854, have in no respect diminished. The necessity of keeping the workpeople in constant employ ment, whatever may be the t\xigencies of trade-of buying raw material, however high the price, and of selling the manu factured goods sometimes at the lowest rates, render commercial success impossible. Thus, at one time when, the raw materials used in the shops-hemp and jute-could only be bought at the most ex0rbitant prices, and on the other hand the demand foi:_ these goods in their manufactured shape had almost entirely ceased, dealers reduced their stocks, dismissed their workmen, and manufactured only to the extent of actual orders. The Institution for the Bliiid; desirous of performing its whoJe duty, made no change in its scale of operations. It could not, without injustice, dismiss the inferior workmen, retainfng only the more skilful, for all were equally entitled to its good offices. It could not willingly reduce the rates of la?or, for these were already placed at a bare support. The shops were kept open, the workmen were employed arid fed, and the goods remained unsold. The consequences_ were ruinous.
14
l
AssEMBL Y The sales, on the contrary, it was necessary to ·conduct on strict mercantile principles. While purchasers might pay the full cost of production for a single mat or basket, without regard to its temporary market value, wholesale orders allow,edno
such deviation. The merchant must of cours� buy where induce ments are offered.The embarrassment was increased by the fact that a large proportion of the operatives had lost their sight in mature life, had families, and could not receive instruction as pupils. The graduates employed their labor on the goods most in demand, changing their work to snit the sales; but the former class were too old to learn or to be employed in any but the simplest and lea�t remunerative trades, which soon became overstocked.
To dismiss those for whom in strictness the Instituti<.m was not responsible, but whom it had gll!,dly assisted, would remove the difficulty only for a time and in part, for the increase of our pupils and graduates would soon raise the list of workpeople to its present numbers. To provide work solely for those destitute of means and friends would give no relief. The whole body of our graduates, with few exceptions, would at once claim assist ance. A guaranty of work and support would be an allurement even to those able and willing to help themselves. Every blind person whose friends chose to renounce their duties would become entitled to aid. Families in poor circumstances, and who would feel their blind relatives a tax upon them, might be led to shift their charge upon the public, and even people of means and respectability have been known to withdraw their protection from those of their own blood. Why tax the public and burthen the Institution where kindly domestic ties answe:r a better purpose ?
These causes, adde1 to the attractions of a large city, the social freedom, alld the irresponsibility of a manufacturing life1 have served to vitiate the original principle of the Institution; namely, to render the blind self-dependent and self-supporting collectively. A small number of blind has burthened the insti t-ute •wip1 debt, while ir.idividually and scattered their labors has yielded them every comfort.
No. 200.J 15
'The following pJ�r:i of o:rgl:l,niiation is .therefore laid ,before the board.
The prices of work obtained by the <;>peratives is from five shillings to one dollar a day at wholesale rates, and twice that amount at retajl prices. This is about the average of hire for ordinary laborers throughout the United States. In giving its graq.uates the capacity to accomplish this, -surely the Institution :performs much of its duty to the public. 'fhe difficulty i� t� place the blind in situations where they can find a steady sale for their wares. A large manufactory in a great city is of all places the worst for this purpose, for the sales must be at whole sale, and conducted strictly on business principles, with litt'le assistance from philanthropy or sympathising feelings; and even where made individually by the blind, our citizens cannot dis tinguish between the claims of their legitimate labor and the crowds of medicants that besiege their doors. But in small towns 011 villages the toil of the educated blind will be known and rewa11ded. Every village througliout the country has its basket maker, its loom for rag carpeting, and often its mat maker. These are the opportunities of the blind man.
Rag-carpet we. .aving is peculiarl:y suited to our needs, and shquld be taught to �11 the pupils, There is not a farmer's hous� in the country without its rag carpet. The old cloth clothing of the f.:pnily is cut up by the women into strips, sewed together,
•• ' t
�:qd sent to so:rne neighboring loom to be woven. It was
pre-cisely in this way thl:J,t one gradqate supported ·4imi;;elf and fa mily in comfort. When " custom work" failed, he bought the lQll� of clot4 ,strips, ll,lld sold them. i:µ tl;le. �bape of carpeting.
Brush making and broom making are means of support for blind persons, graduates of other institutions, and ha_ve been taught in this.
Jlei,e, then,1 are fQl.].:r or :five good trl:l,qes, by :µieans of whic4 9,\I.f y9ung me� can, Pt} c<wtai:r;i, of the n;i.eans of subsistence; and, t4ey shpµlq �sk f91; nq :more,, except to l;>e fail'ly started in their !!Vocation�. To do thil'l, a sum of money on graduati�g �vill be P.f:lcessary. 'fhe P4il11iqelpb,.t1J, Institu�i9n Uberally gives its gr&-.
16 L.AssEMBLY duates $150. .A better plan would be, to allow our pupils to 1 earn their outfit from the proceeds of their own labor.
The undersigned stated to the board some three years since, that the pupils appeared to spend too much time at their studies, and that they were in danger of acquiring with their knowledge the indolent habits of students. Experience confirms this opm10n. Our inmates are appointed for seven years. Four hours a day in the classes for five years will giye them a better education than falls generally to the lot even of American youth.
It is, therefore, recommended, that the two remammg years of pupilage be passed entirely in the shops, and that the profits of their labor be reserved as a graduating fund. The pupils now receive one-sixth of the avails of their work. This is paid over to them on demand, and spent fn personal gratification. The whole profits of their labor when they have fully learned their tl'ades, for two years at eight or ten hours per day, would amount to one hundred or on..e hundred and fifty dollars, and should be rigidly kept for the purpose of sending them to their homes throughout the State, and provia.ing them with imple ments of labor and a stock of ra� material._ This system would give the pupils what they now want', a motive for industry would for�e upon them what they now do not acquire, habits of continuous daily labor, such as every laboring man should have; and would place them in a position where the Institution might fairly feel discharged of its duty towards them.
The adult blind now employed could have looms fitted up at their homes at the expense of the Institution, with a small stock of raw material. Their manufactures could be received to a limited extent in the sales-room, and sold for their benefit with out chargs or commission; raw material to be sold to them at cost price. Orders received by our agents should be distributed among the wor�men,. In order that the change may be gradual, the shops should remain open for the present, and the operatives be allo,yed to use the looms not needed by the pupils, working up their own material, and hawking their own wares. One of
No .. 200.] 17'
the blind supports himself, in this way solely; hiring a small boy to lead him, and peddling the mam1factures of his fel10.w workmen. Adult blind, past the age of pupilage, oould be .re ceived precisely as at present, boarding themselves, and workt� in the mat shop without charge for waste and attendance1; on
acquiring the trade to receive a donation of a loom and a small supply of material.
'
In this way alone, it is believed, can the 0bjects of the iiisti-1intion be accomplished with our male gradua,'tes.
With the females much can be done, but with less certainty of profit. For male mechanics there are a small number of ori ginal and complete trades, where the workman produces f'rom the raw material some simple but finished article, needed in all localities and in every stage of society, and the basketmaker and m:atmaker, equally with the shoemaker, tailor and blacksmith, supply the humble but unfailing wants of mankind. But women, have no such sure resource, and must always depend somewhat upon circumstances for a livelihood. Their labor is often avail able in manufactories, but the manufacturing system has been tried and found full of difficulties. In needlework our pupils can master none but the coarser sorts. To support themselves by dress making or shirt making is simply out of the question.
But the institution should not be expected to cure the evils which the inevitable laws of supply and demand create for t1ie inferior labor of the sex. With the exception of the manufac turing sections, the majority of women in this country are not self-supporting. They assist in domestic cares, repiying ihus in · part, and in part only, the support derived from the labor of' tho head of the family.
Family ties are a legitimate source of support for blind females1 as· well as for others, and the kindest., cheapest and most effec tual aid for them will be found in the sympathies of relation-, sh�p, provided that no artificial system destroys or weakens the
natural claim. Most of tµe female pupiis of this institute have already taken part in. househo-ld occupations, such as washing, sweeping, and care of younger children. Their hands near
18 [AssEMBLY marks of labor. To give them greater means of usefulness in , this sphere, to educate and teach them to read, so as to share their knowledge with others1 to give them even accomplish ments for a comfort to thems'elves and friends, is no small thing. They thus can be fitted for the duties of domestic life; and, al though it is more difficult to furnish them with trades than the other sex, yet in many instances they are able to provide for themselves; and their friends, by taki:r;ig advantage of circum stances, may do much towards their self-support. Thus, in one instance, a female graduate is employed as governess, and many teach music with more or less success. One young blind woman makes a very good living by fancy bead work-another earns from two to three dollars weekly by sewing buckskin mittens a third blin1 'person makes carpet-bags. A number of blind women support themselves comfortably by sewing ticking for mattresses. There is abundance of coarse sewing, suitable for the blind, if pains were taken to secure it; for example, the sacking used in comm_erce. Rag-carpet weaving is a trade· given oyer to women in some districts, and one case is known where a blind female supports herself and child by the loom. ··It might be taught with advantage to the larger sized young
women.
It seems necessary that the blind, their friends and the public ; should understand the limits of responsibility on the part of the institution; that it is not an asylum, and cannot be, even for a - I few, except at the cost of princjple and of the ultimate advan-tage of the blind; and that t�1e small number that cannot, or wil� not, provide for themselves, may be as well cared for, and more cheaply, in alms-houses.
The number driven to this resource will be found extremely limited. The repugnance felt for the degraded social position · of the pauper is a powerful stimulus to exertion, and the blind,
like other unfortunates, would �train every nerve to avoid so dishonorable a support. Recourse will not be had to such a relief, until friends, means, bodily and mental capacity entirely • fail.. The dread of the poorhouse is in this way a hard but salu tary element of society. But an asylum for the blind, with
in-No. 200.J 19
mates refined and educated, the victims of inevitable calamity and not of improvidence or vice, would possess the attraction of respectability ,as well as of support, and· would be a positive evil to society in providing for persons whose cultivated powers ' should be made the means of their independent support. Most unfortunate would be such a conclusion of the hopes once formed for the blind.
It is not denied that without some partial provision occasional cases of hardship would arise. The immigration setting through this State leaves behind waifs of every form of misery. Blind children are brought to us who can call no living creature kins man; others, whose friends haye brutally abandoned them. One child was found when an infant lying, for the third day, beside its dead mother, blind, moaning, and almost lifeJess. She is now a healthy and merry little girl. Such as these we cannot willingly consign to the last resort of the poor.
Frequently the otherwise salutary influence of the schools adds to this evil. We receive pupils from the least cultivated classes, mix them with others of a higher grade, give them habits of refinement and delicacy by a long course of education, and when their pupilage expires, they feel l'J, very natural repugnance to their former mode of life. As an instance, a young girl
' graduated not long since, who showed the utmost horror at the
prospect of returning to her friends, to a degree that could not at the time be understood, as the latter were willing to receive
her. It after\vards appeared that they were,of the lowest order
of emigrants, while the girl was an educated, refined, and really lady-like person. Provision �as since been made for her in the workshop.
The subject is full of di�culties : on one side the baneful asylum, making absolutely null the vigorous education of the Institute; on the other, the sacrifice of a small but certain por tion for the good of the many.
The correct principle would appear to be that while the blind child should receive as its right a public education and the temporary support incidental thereto, the adult blind without
�o
friends or resource� should depend 11::pon the exertions of thfl �haritable. 'fhe claim for instruction is a natural right; all :t;urther ll,id shquld l;>e privl),te bene{actio.p.. The school should t>e universaJ, supported by ta�ation, and should seek to exten� its.b1mefits to all that can p,rofit by it; while the refuge sho�ld be limited in nuII+bers to the most necessitous, and in its lll!:;Wl,�, by the private nature of, its support. · This opulent city h,1}� more than one institution for the relief of victims of some special calamity, supported ent.irely .by the contributions of individuals. In fact, tlie Institution for the Blind was founded, built up and sustained in. practical operation for many years, by the liberality of the citizens o;f New-York.
A hqw,e of, q1is sortl for friendless blind females, fostered in
its 9�ts,et by {qe p:µ-ent i:µs.tit1,1te, }:rqt witl1 \listinct orgi;tnization !\nd Ulll,qagyllj\e.J?ih frllgally cond1,icted so as to, present no undue attraction, could ibe m�intaine\l �. � the most trifling expens.�.
The undersigned, living among the blind, and cognizant of their histories, claims and capabilities, can at this moment present barely a half-dozen who would be entitled to this special•protec tion. · How disproportionate to the present false system, with i-ts heavy outlay, that taxes the public, draws upon the private means .of the managers of the institution, and infringes on the
rights of the pupils!
A single i111:1_stratjon will ma,ke �)lain the real difficulty., 'J'hose that h�;v,f s,een the. blind on public occasions must �ave i;iotice1 the strange serenity with, which �liey stand in the midst o,f crowds, i'.1 �hy public h�lls whete our exhibitions are held, on tRi� �}de-';Valk.s of {he city with their endless currents of human life, having no fear, for they have never moved a step without the aid of some fellow creature's arm. Now every head of a family knows how difficult it is to :µiake the young feel that they must at last look to themselves for subsistence, to say nothing of success and repute; and that the sons of wealthy men are rarely prosperous, from the impossibility o.f reali�ing this responsibility to t\ thems,J �lves1 • , � cept by dire experience. The blind should not l , J • f, , ., b�come th� �p�i,leq cpildr�n of lj, \Y,e�)thy public. Their co:r:ifi-�ence in th.et! fellow-1?�ing�7 bea:utiful. as it is, nevertheless inj,
u-,,
;No.
200'.J 21rious, we would replace in our young· niM l5y a betfer trust
in
themselves. To effect this the responsibi1ity must be real, and not false and nominal, exp'etieiice arid indubitable facfs being conclusive on this head. Their faculties have been developed by the parental care of the public, and with our own sons they must be driven by necessity, and labor and strive fo good earnest.The young blin'd women we return to their natural guardianS"j improved in bodily health, in intelligence; hi everything- that a:dd's tb tl1e- in""flTiefice and usefulness of women in the family circle. The few w�thout homes or kindred must not de�pair, tor friends will b'e at hand when most needed.
All of which is" respectfully submitted.
T. COLDEN COOPER.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE., The committee on finance respectfully report:
'
'.Dhat the amount received into your t�easury during the year ending 31st ul-t., from various sources, is $67,691.60.
The treasurer has disbursed during tlnryear, $61',046·:SO, leav ing a balance ih his har\.i:hr of $6,64'5.8'0, l5nt th� outstanding qebts1 due fr'oin the Institution· are more than· enougli to absorb this balance.
For details of the items and disbursements for the past year,
I , ,
your committee refer to the following memoranda, and to the treasurer's accoun-t here annexed.
ExpeWs'eiij the committee dn S'itpjlWek
for
1'855. Grocbrle's arid.-provisfons,. . . • • • • . . . • $10 ,800 43 -Dry goods and,c-I<;>thing, , ... ,'.... . . 3,089 42 Wages of matron and servants,.... . . 2,523 54 H_ouseh-old, articles; .,.,,,.,, ... . • . • . • . . • • 878 62 Hospital'ex:.penses, . • • • • • . . . • . . . • 222 75 Postage and stationery, . • • • • • . . • . . . • • 70 66· Fuel, ... . 1,770 5122 Stable expenses, ..••••• ..••••..••...• Stage and traveling expenses, ... . Gas expenses, ...••...••... Mattresses, bedding, &c., ... .
Committee on manufactures. Materials, ..••...•...•....•
Wages to blind and some seeing, ... . Salaries and sundries, ...•...••
Covnmittee on music.
Instructors' salaries, ....•...•. Music and repairs, ... ...•.. , ...•.
Committee on instruction.
Instructors' salaries, ...•... Books, stationery, &c., ..••••. ...
[ASSEMBLY 243 80 144 50 494 45 962 00 ----$21,200 68 $11,724 83 4,445 75 4,609 33 ---- 20,779 94 $1,667 37 202 20 $872 84 1,869 57 340 44 --- 1,213 28 Committee on repairs and improvements,
General repairs 1. • • • • • • • • . . • • • • . . . . • • $779 39 Alterations of new buildings, . . . . • . . . • 303 16
Committee on finance.
For 13 months' salary for superintendent, For clerk's salary, ... . Insurance, ...•... ..••••...
Amount paid on principal of loan, ... Int. on loanfrom Bowery Savings bank,
Law expenses,: ... .... · ... . Taxes and Croton water, ...•....•..•• Stage hire on visit of Legislature, ....•
Respectfully submitted. $1,083 33 ,147 51 705 74· 1,000 00 4,200 00 14 50 1,251 76 36 00 ROBERT GRACIE, ROBT. L. CASE, 1,082 55 ; 8,438 84 GEO. 'TALBOT OLYPHANT,
,
No. 200.] 23
New-York Institution for the Blind in account with
Silas Brown, Treasurer.
1855.
Jan. 1. Balance due treasurer, ...•.•.•... Dec. 31. To cash paid committees, as viz:
Committe·e on supplies. For groceries and provisions, ...•....
dry goods and clothing, ... .
wages of matron and servants, .•. household articles, ...•
hospital expenses, ... . fuel, ...•... • stable expenses, ... . postage and stationery, ...• stage and traveling expenses, ....
gas expenses, ...•
mattrasses, bedding, &c., ... . Committee on Manufactures. For materials, ...•
wages to _blind, and some seeing, , salaries, and sundry expenses, . : •
Committee on Music. $10,800 43 3,089 42 2,523 54 878 62 222 75 · 1,770 51 243 80 70 66 144 50 494 45 962 00 $11,724 80 4,445 75 4,609 39 For instructors' salaries, . . . • • . . $1 , 667 37
music and repairs, . . . • • • • . . . 202 20
Committee on Instruction. For instructors' salaries, ...•
books, etationery, &c., ... . $872 84 340 44 Committee on Repairs and Improvements. For general repairs, . . . • . • $779 39
alterations of new building, . . . • • 303 16 Committee en Finance.
For 13 months' salary for Superin't, •• clerk salary, •... : •..••...• insurance, ... . amount paid on principal of loan,
$1,083 33 147 51 705 74 1,000 00 DR. $6,125 07 21,200 68 20,779 94 1,869 57 1,213 28 1,os2 55
24
Intenest 0n 'l'oa'll :from Bowery·Savings Bank, ... .••• ,,, .. $41,200 00 14 50 1,251 76 36 00 law expenses, ... .
taxes and t:Jroton water, ....••... stage hire on visit of Legislature,.
To balance ofiniterest1 due treasurer, ... . . Balance to new account, ... . 1855.
Dec. 31. By cash, State pupils, ... . db· sales of- manufactures, ... .
do donations, ... ... ... .
d'o State appropriations, ...•... do· for rents, ...•...••.... do hoard and tuition, ... . do from co.'s for clothing, ... ·. do. New Jersey pupils, ... . do- Commissioners of Emigration, .. . do, f,rom annual exhibition, ..••.. , . do. inter.�st on Frizzle fund, ... . do sales of sundrfos) ...•.... dt>, , c�ntribution bo;x;, ... . [AssEMBLY 8,438 84 335 87 6,645 80 $67,691 60 CR. $19,531 59 20,282 42 · 8,307 00 7,000 00 8,153 06 1,247 58 1,467 15 979 45 233 32 149 94 , 101 89 178 69 59 51 $67,691 60 1856, Jan. I. Bx-balance from old account,... $6,645 80
Examined and' found correct,
ROBERT GRACIE, ROBERT L. CASE,
GEO. TXLBO"T OLYPHANT,
Committee on Finance.
The above account shows the receipts and payments by the treasurer, and'does not, of 'course, includt unpaid accounts due first of January,rwhich amount to more than the-sum ($6,6'45.80) appearing bY, the above report in the hands oftlie treas_urer.
SILXS BROWN; Tieasurer.
'
No. 200.J 25
' The subscri ber acknow ledges the receipt, during the year 1855, of the following donations1 viz
:-Phelps, Dodge&. Co., .. ;· ... :... $200
Edward Wood, .. -... · ... ; 100 @-. T. Olyphant,, ... : .. '... 100 W. Curtis No yes,. . . • . . . • . . . • . . . 100 Silas Bro,vn, ... ; ... -'... . . 100 · Thomas U. Smith, .... �... . . . • . . . • . . ... . . . • . . . . 100 St'ewart Brown, ...••... ·... . . 100 Jacob R. Le R oy, ...•..•...•.•... , 100
0lyph ants Sons,... . . . • . . . • . . . 100
T. H. Ne,vbold , ... . : . . .. . . . • . . . . .. . . .. . . 50
il. R. Walsh, ... ;.. . .. . . 50
Two frien ds of G. T. Olyphant, . . .. . . .. . . 20
Du n can, Sherman & Co:, . . . • . . . 100
A frien d, by G. T. O., . . . • • . . . 20
B. F. Daw son, ...• ; . . . • 100
J. Walte r Wood,... . . . . . . .. . . . .. . 100
N. L. & G. Griswo ld,... 100
Cash , by G. T. O.,... 100
Goodhue & Co.,.... . . . • . . . • 100
Grinnell, Minturn & Co.,.... . . • . • . . . l'O'O . Willi am E. Wilmerding;.... . .. • . • .. .. .. . . .. . .. .
mo
·
Geo. T. Trimb le,.' . . . • . . . 50J.M. Mackey, ...•.. '... 50
Richard Irvin,. . . • . . . 25·
A friend· of the Institution, by Robert Gracie,.... . . 250
Edwa rd Woolsey;... 250
How land & Aspi nwall,.... . . 100
Daniel Lord, . . . • . . . • . . . 100 James Donii-Idsc,n,... . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • 5'0 Wm. M� Halsted,.... . . • . . . • . . . • . . . 50 II. S. Tarbell, ... _.. . . • . . . • 50 Hen:r:y Young, . . . • . . . • . . . 50 A. R. Wetinore, ... ·...•... io J''. F. Augustus Wood,... 50 Jolin T. Johnston;.... . . • . . . 50
'26 [AssEMBLY
Tliomas Hunt,. . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . 50
E.G. & T. Faile, ...•...•... , .... :·. 50
John Cas,C\iell, . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • 25
A friend, by S. Brown, ...•• : . . . • . . . . 20
Cyrus W. Field, ...••... . t • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 20 Stokes & Brother, . . . • . . . 20
S. B. Bro,vnell,. ... . . • . . . 10 Mrs. Olivia Phelps, . . . 10 R. L. & A. Stuart,... ... 100 Nelson Robinson, ...•... '. . • . • . . . 100 A lady, per G. T. 0., . . . • . . . • . . . 50 Augustus Schell,. . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . 50 E. L. Beadle,. . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . • 50 Theodore Dehon, ... ,· ...•...•...•.. ,. • . . . . 50 S. C. Williams,. ... . . • . . . • . • • . . . • . . . • . . . . 25
J. H. Brower & Co.,.... . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . 25
J. Punnett, . . . • . . . 25 Abram S. He,vett,. . . • . . . 25 N. E. James, . . . • . . . • . . . 20 Francis Hall,... 10 ·Jam es Brown, . . . • . • . . . • . . . 250 JamesN.Cobb, ...• .... .... ...• .... ..•• .... ...• .... 100 John Oothout, ....•...•... .-. . . 50 S. H. & C. W. Foste1;, ... ... : . . . . • . . . . 50
Benkard & Hutton,. . . • . . . • . . • . . . 50
John and Hugh Aurhiencloss, . . . • . . . 25
A. C. Richards,.... . . . • . . . . . . 25
Babcock, Milno1' & Co., ....•... . . . • . . . • · 25
H. A. Smythe, . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . 25
W. C .. Langley & Co.,... 25
Haggerty, Jones & Co.,.... . . 25
Gordon & Talbot, . . . • . . . • . . . 20
JohnS. Bussing,... 20 Horace Holden, . . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . 10 Samuel D. Davis, . . . • . . . 5 ,vm. B. Crosby, . ...•. : . • . . . • . . . • . • . 100 W. W. De Forest,. . . • . . . • . . . • . . . 100 Joseph Sampson, ... � ... .,. . . • • • . . . 100
No. 200.J 27
Edwin Hoyt,.... . . . • . . . • • • . . . • . . • • 50
Maitland, Phelps & Co., ...•••... ,. 50
W. H. Russell, ... _... 50 Mrs. W. A. Spencer, . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. .. .. . . . • • . 50• John D. Wolfe,... . . . • . • . . . • 50 Francis Many, ....•... ; . . . • • 25 John P. Crosby,... 25 W. Allen Butler, . . . • . . . 25 Chas. Butler, ...• : ... : . . . • . . . 25 B. F. Butler,... .. .. . . . .. . . • . . . 25 W.R. Thurston,... ... 25 Abram Dubois, . . . • . . . • . . . . 25 Chas. E. Strong, . . . • . . . 25 C. F. Dambman, . .... . .. . .... . .. . .... ...• .••. ... 10 R. W. Rodman,... 10 W. E. Laight, ... : . . . . . . 10 Cash, J. B., Jr.,.... . . • . . • 10 Cash, J. G., . . . • . . • • . . . • . . . • • 5 B. F. Butler, Jr., . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . . 5 !. W. Hall, . . . • 5 Wm. B. Astor, . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . • • • . . . . 100 Stephen Whitney,: ... .'... 100 Geo. F. Jones, ...• ...•.... . . • . . . . · 50 Cornelia H. Smith,. . . • . . . 50 Hamilton ·Fish,... 50 Mrs. Isaac-Burr, ... :.... . .. . .. . . • . . . 50 Mrs. L., per J.P. Crosby,... 25
John Caswell, second donation, . . . • . . ... . . 25
A. A. Lo\V & Bros.,.... . . ... 25
C. H. Marshall,.... . . • . . . • . . • . 25
Wm. Sales,... 25
A member of Calvary church, by R. GraciP,. . . • . . . • . 15
A member of St. Thomas'. church, by R. Gracie, .. :. . . . • 15
A friend, by R. Gracie, ...•... , 10
J. W., by J.P. Crosby, . . . . • .. . . .. . . • .. . . 10
J. K. Woolsey,... .. . . .. • . . • . • . . . . IO B. N. Fox,... 10
28
l
.AssEMBLY Edmond Penfold, . . • • . . . • . . . • 50 C. V. S. Roosevelt, . . . . • . . • . . . • . . . 50 Benjamin Tatham, ...•... ·. . . • . . ·50 Samuel Marsh, . . . • . . . 25 Geo. W. Blunt, ... ... ... · 25 James Warren, ...•... . . . · 25 E. D. Morgan, . . . .. . .. . . 25Cash, from a stranger, . . . . . . 2
Warren Delano, . . . 50
Jas. T. Le,vis "& Co., ... : . . . . . . 25
It. W. P eck, . . . . . • . . . 10
Robert Dillon, . . . • . . . .. . . 5
J. S. Stevenson, . . . • . . . 2'!5 Mrs. M.A. C. Rogers,... 100
Edward Wood, annual subscription, . . . l'0 G� T. Olyphant, do . . . .. . . 10
W. Birdsall, J-.r., .•••••••..••....• -••.•.•••..••...•. � 5
S. B. Brownell, second donation, ... : . . . . 10
The following collected and paid by R. J. Murray: James Lenox, . . . 250
A· lady, ...•. .' ...•... '... 100
A lady $100, her niece $10,...
no
James R. Wood, . . . . . . 2'5 Edwin D. Morgan, ....•...•... ·. . . 25 Benj. Tatham, . . . .. . . 25 Wm. Mackay, ...•. �.. . . ... . . . .. . . . • 15 James I. Jones,. . . • . . . • . . . • 25 B. W: Rogers, . . . . • • • . . . .- .. • . . . . 25 Silas Holmes, . . . . • • . . . • . . . 25John David Wolfe,. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . 30
James D onaldson, ...• .. · ... , ... • . . . ' 25
Goodhue & Co., ... . . . .- . . . 25
Joseph Sampson, ... ..•... • . - 25
R. L. Kennedy, ... · ...•. : ...•... ,. . . .. 15
John Oothout, ...•...• .. .. _ 20 A. P. I-ialsey, ...•....•..••... .,,. 10
No. 200.j 29
Mr. Newbold, ....•.. :... 10 R. I. Murray, . . . • . . • . . . • . . . 200 Also received through R. I. Murray, particulars not
given, . . . • . . . • . . . . ... ; . . • . . . 415 The same, . . . 445 Total, ... '. 1 • • • 1 •.• • • � • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
---
---
$8,307SILAS BROWN, Treasurer.
SUNDRY DONATIONS.
Courier \:1:Ud Enquirer, h�lf subscription, ... , ... .
Commercia+ Advertiser," " ...•....
Evening Post, " " ... .
New-York D!lilY," Tribune, gratis, ...•... , • " Evangelist, " ... • .... . $5 00 5 QQ 5 00 6 00 � 5Q " Recorder, " ' . . . • . . . 2 50 " Churchman, " .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . 2 50
" Christian Advocate, gratis,. . . • . . • . 2 50 Albany Semi-Weekly Argus, " ...•...•... , . . . . 4 0()
List of · ,ar;ticles made in the sewing room, by the female pUJ?.ils;
during the year 1855. · ·
128 sheets, 313 towels, 116 pillow-cases, 6 bed-sacks, 96 handkerchiefs, 30 shirts, 11 flannel wra13pers., 12 cravats, 36 skirts. 58 aprous, 14 table-cloths, 43 drawers, 39 night-gowns, 222 napkins, 10 night-eaps, 12 pair pantalets, 72 chemises.
LIST OF PUPILS.
MALES. Names. 4,-nthony, Terrence, ... . Ball, James, ... . Bennett, George, ...•. Biggs, John, ... . Brockway, Albert, ... . Bollerman, Charles, ...•...• Babcock, Stephen, ... . Burke, William, ....•... Beyer, David, ...•...•..•••• Balrar, Charles, ..••... Bannon, Thomas, ... . Bell, Nathaniel, ...•... Clarke, Darling, ... . Carroll, Francis, ... . Cigh, Edmund, ... . Cutler, George, ...•...• Corrigan, Owen, ... . Clinton, De Witt John, ... .Car II, Lewis, ...•... Camfield, Alvah, ....•... Dinan, John, ...•...•.. Dolston, Morris, ... . Doyle, Francis, ..••...•.... Devine, Thomas, ....•....•• - Town. New-York, Paris, ...•... Catherines, County. New-York. Oneida. Chemung. Suffolk. Wales, ... Erie. New-York, New-York.
"
"
"
"
"
"
Malone, New-York,"
Patterson, .... . Brooklyn, .... . Willett, ... ."
"
"
"
"
"
Franklin. New-York.''
Passaic, N. J. Kings. Cortland. Flushing, ... Kings. New-York, .... New-York. Ellicottville, . . Cattaraugus. Honeoye, Brooklyn,"
Monroe. Kings.Falls, John, . . .. . .. .. . .. . .. Morris, . .. .. .. Otsego. Finigan, James, ...• Ovid, ...• Seneca. Finigan, Eugene, ..•... -.. New-York, New-York.
Goodsell, Charles, ..•. r ••••• Tompkins, ...• Delaware.
No. 200.J Names. Graysman, Peter ... . Grady, William ... . Grady, J�hn... . ... . Gregory, Ibraham ..•.•. ...• Hanna, Alexander ... . Hickey, Robert ... .. Hoffman, William ...•... Hogan, V\!illiam ...• James, Benjamin ...•.. Kahoe, William ... ... . Kavanagh, James ... : ...•... Kennedy, Nicholas ...• Kopler, John ... . Lynch, Michael. ... . Lull, Aris ...•.•.... Littler, Samuel ... . Lanc1ster, John ... . Leary, John ....•...•... La Hain, Alexander ... . Miller, Richard ...• Mahoney, Cornelius ...• Morrison, Charles ... ....• Malone, Edmund ... . M . anmng, ew1s ...•...• L . I Matthews, John .. .-... ... . McArdle, Owen ... . Mc.Grath, Timothy ...• McKenna, Patrick ... . McClelland, Adam ....•...• McMeehan, Barney ....•.... McDermott, Michael ...• McFarlin, --... ... . Noyes, John ... � ... . Nugent, Peter ... . Otto, Charles ...•...•. , O'Donnell,John ... . O'Brien, James H ...•.•.• 31 Town. County. New-York, New-York. Albany, ... Albany. New-York, .... New-York. Lisbon, . . . St. Lawre,nce. · Eagle, ... Wyoming. New-York,
New-York, New-York. New-York.
Rochester,. . . Monroe. New-York, .... New-York. Williamsburg� . Kings. New-York, .... New-York. New-York, .... New-York. New Lisoon, ... Oswego.
Florence, . . . Oneida. Ancram, Columbia. New-York, .... New�¥ork. New-York, .... New-York. New-York, .... New-York. New-York, .... New-York. New-York, .... New-York. Albany, ... Albany. New-York, New-York. New-York, N:ew-York. New-York, New-York. Brooklyn,, ... Kings. New-York, .... New-York. Brooklyn, ... Kings. New-York, ...• New-York. New-York, ...• New-York. New-York, .... New-York. Lockport, ... Niagara.
Names. Purcell, Michael ...••. Pitcher, James ... . Remsen, George W ... . Roe, Thomas ... ... . Russell, .Alfred ... ..•... Roset, Joseph ...•.... Rouse, Nicholas ...•..••.... Rouse, Hiram ...•• Riley, Michael . ... ... . Ries, Edgar ... .. Shotwell, Theodore ...• Shulthies, Herman ... . Stranger, Leroy ... ... . Strong, Charles W ...•..
Van Houten, Crines ... .
Van Sorder, John ..•... Waumer, ·wallace ...•.•. Whittaker, John ... . Wood, Charles ... .' .... . Waddle, James ... .. Wood, Benjam�n ... . 32 Town. Troy, ... New-York, ...• Brooklyn, ... Schenectady,
. .
Scriba, ... New-York, .... Laurence, ...•. Laurence, ... Rahway, ... New-York, .... New-York, ...• New-York, .... Franklin, Franklin, Hempstead, Hempstead, Brooklyn, ... Johnburgh,.
. .
FEMALES . .Arnold, L1misa ... . Beattie, Charlotte ... . Bell; Susaa ...•... Bride, Mary ... . Bradley, Mary ... ... . Brien, Margaret A ..••... Brown, Margaret ...• Baker, Susan ...•... - Cox, .Ann ... . Curtiss, Dorinda ... . Cassidy, Catherine ...••• Casler, Laney E ... . Cahill, Margaret ...•.. New-York, Webster, ...•.. Lisbon, ... New-York, .... _New-York, .... New-York, .... New-York, .... Orange, ..•.... New-York, ...• New-York, .... New-York, New-:Y-ork, ...• [ .AssEM;BLY County. Rensselaer. New-York. Kings. Schenectady. Oswego. New-York. Otsego. Otsego. Essex, N. J. New-York. New-York. New-York. Delaware. Bergen1 N.Y. Wyoming. Queens. Kings. Warren . New-York. Monroe. St. Lawrence; New-York. New-York. New-York. New-York. Rockland. New-York. New-York. New-York. New-York.No. 200.J 33
Na.mes. Town. County.
Connor, Margaret .•••...••. New-York, ...• New-York. Callen, Emma ....•.••• ...•
DrakeJ Ann ...••..••.• .• � •
Deloss, 1Catherine .••• ..••••
Duffy, Mary Jane ..••..•...
• Fleming, Philena ...•...•. Foster, Mary J ...•...• Flanagan, Mary A ...••.••• Gaston, Araminta ...•. Goodrich, Eveline .•••..•... Gillet, Car,oline ...•.•• , .... Hastings, Mary C .•••.•..•• Hatchman, Alice ...•••.. Heath, Mary J .. ...• , •• Harney, Mary ...•• ...•..•. Helmer, Elizabeth, . ....•.••. IngalJs, Harriet, ...•.•••• Johnson, Ellen, ... .. Kerk, Gertrude, ....• .••••• Knowles, Mary, ..•... Long, Patience, .••....•.••• Leigh, Bridget, ... : Luxton, Charlotte A., ... .
Lent, Catha:rine, ... . Lent, Gertrude, .••••• .••••. Loungberg, Virginia, . ... . Lawson, Maria, ...•...•..• � Mogel, Margaretta, ....• ...• Marvin, Margaret, ...•••. � •• Malone, Ellen, ...••..••...• Malone, Elle:q., Jr., ....•.... McAuley', M�rgaret, ••••...• McGregor; Sus1;1,1;1, . '. ••.••.•• · McQuade, Eliza, ....••...•• McDowell, Catharine, ... Millard, Lydia, ...•..••..•• Millard', Sarah, ...••...•..•• [Assem. No. 200.] Stockholm, . . . . St. Lawrence. Herkimer, .. '\'. Herkimer. New�York, .•.. New-York. Geneva,. . . . • • . Ontario . Oneida, . . • • • . . Madison. New�York, ...• New-York. New Orleans, .• Louisiana.
New-York, .••• New-York. West Farms, .• . Little Falls, ... New-York, ..•• Dansville, ....• Buffalo, ..••••. New-¥ork, ..•• ·p.O Westchester. Herkimer. New-York. Steuben. Erie. New-Yo1·k. do .Brooklyn, . . . • • Kings-.· New-¥ork,-, ..•• Niskayuna, .... do New-York. Schenectady. do .Brooklyn, . . . . • Kings. Williamsburgh,. Wheatland, ..•• New-York, _do do do do do Catskill, do 3
....
I t I l do Monroe. New-Yo rk. do do do do do G;reene. CU}Names. Moore, Mary,.· ... ...•...• Murphy, Catharine, ...•..•• Nelson, Julia, ...• Burne,· Barbara, ... ... . O,Yen, Sarah, ...•... ." .... . Phillips, Margaret, ....•.... Powers, Bridget, ....•...•.• Pay, Sarah, ...• Pinney, Mary, ... ...• Quimby, Caroline,' ....•... Robinson, Eliza A., � •••....
Reeves, Mary A., ...•... -.
Rettberg, Amelia, ...• _ ...•.. Schrreder, Sarah, ...• Shaughnessy, Eliza, ...•..••
Smith, Margaret Ann,' ... .
Smith, Mary E., ... . Sweet, Sarah, ... . Squires, Jane, ...•..•••• Wood, Anna, ... . Watson, Eliza, . . . . • . . . • . .. Willard, Martha J., ....•..•. Wynn, Mary, ...••...• Wiswall, Louisa, ...•..• , Wait, Lydia, ... ... .. Wheeler, Hanna1!- ...• Whitman, Josephine, ...•.• 34 Town. Catskill, ... New-York, do do
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New-York, do do do do do New-York, do . do do Moravia, ...•.. New-Hartford, . New-Yo�k, .... Brooklyn, ....• Marlborough, .. New-York, do Covington, New-York,.
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[AssEllIBLY Cotmty. Greene. New-York. do do Cattaraugus . New-York. do do do do do do do do do Cayuga. Oneida. New-York. Kings. Ulster. New-York: do Wyoming . New-York.LIST OF STUDIES AND TEXT BOOKS.
1st Class. Astrbnomy, ... '... . . • . • • Smith.
Intellectual Philosophy, ...• Abercrombie. Moral Science, ...•....••.... Wayland. Chemistry, ., .••...•... Draper.
Arithmetic, . . . • . Thompson. and raised print.
No. 200.] 35
Political Economy,.... . . • . . . • . Say and Wayland. English Literature.
Physical Geography, . • . . . • . . • • Somerville.
Natural Theolo�y, ...•.... , Paley.
Evidences of Christianity,. . • • . • Paley & Alexan'r. Butler's Analogy.
Reading and writing.
2d Class. Natural Philosophy, ..•...•...• Olmstead. Outlines of Ancient History,. . . • Bloss. Grammar, . . . • . • • • • . Weld.
Natural History,. . . • . . . . Raised print. Reading and writing.
3d Class. Elementary Chemistry, ...•.. Brewer. Geography, . . . • • . . . • . . . . Smith.
Arithmetic, ...•...•... : ,Thompson.
Spelling and defining. Reading and writing.
4th Class. History, ...•... : • . . . • • Dickens.
Spelling,. . . . • . . . • . . . • Raised print. Arithmetic.
Geography.
Reading and writing.
TERMS OF ADMISSION.
Pupils are received at the charge of the State of New-York, when their parents are unable to meet the cost of board and tui tion. A: certificate to this effect should be obtained from t�e
.. overseers of the poor of the town where the pupil resides in the
following form :
County, {
New-York, 185 . S
We2 the undersigned, overseers of the· poor in the town of
, county of ' , State of New-York, do
hereby certify that , ; of said town, is blind.
36 [AssEMBLY last. His moral character is good. He is free from all diseases other than those of the eyes; his blindness is .permmient, and his faculties, other than those of sight, are goo'd.
The name of his fatl\er, (nearest rel�ti've or guardian,) is
, and the said is not of
sufficient pecuniary ability to pay either for the board, tuition, or clothing of the said as a pupil of the New-York Institution for the BHnd. ·
Overseers of the Poor. A small charge ($20) is collected from the county for cloth ing, unless it can be provided by the friends of the applicant, in
which case it should ·be so sta:ted in the certificate.
The certificate is to be forwarded. to Albany,, to the Superin
tendent of Public Instruction, from whom the appointment will proceed.
Applications for admission as State pupils-from ·New-Yo'rk or
New-Jersey,must;be ·between the ages of twelve and twenty-five
years.
Pay pupils may be received yo�nger q:r older, -b-y consent of the Board of Managers.
, The charge for pay pupils, exclusive of clothing, is $180 a year, to be paid quarterly ih 'a,dva;nce.
Ea�h
·
pay
pupil timst, oh'eri:terin:g the InstittlHoh, be supJjlied\ by his' 1fti�h<fs with a suitable oed, tpmow, twb p-air'·b-f•sheets,
three:bUink1ets, ·a counterpatie and.;fbur '�dw�ls.
. .
Beneficiaries from the State of New-Jersey are admitted on t];ie
order of the Governor, based upon a certificate of the board of
_chosen'f:teeliolders of the count:r where the pupil resides.
Th,e man!'lgers· of t�e ly.1stitutio� would respectfully but
�ar-. ne�tly call th� attentjon of the o:fficel's to whom· application is ma<le for c'1rtificapes Q� admission, to that part of the certificate. , relating to the moral character and me:p.tal capacity of 'the can didate, The reasons why none whose moral characters are not ·
,
No. 200.] 37good should be placed in an Institution like this, are too obvious to require comment; and as the Institution is a place of educa tion, and not an asylum, none should be placed-in it who are in capacitated, either physically or mentally, from receiving instruc tion.
FORM OF A BEQUES_T TO THE NEW-YORK INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.
I bequeath to my executors the sum of dollars, in
trust, to pay over the same i_n after my decease, to the
person who, when the same shall be payable, shall act as treas urer of the New-York Institution for the Blind, to be appHed to the charitable uses and' purposes of the said Institution, and
· under its direction.
