ORIGIN AND HISTORY f^ **iv\ ia Itademg far th? llind, DOCUMENTS FROM THE BEGINNING, 1S51 to 1887. AND OIF TH3S WITH: DOCUMENTS FROM THE BEGINNING, 1851, TO 1SS7, J. W. BURKE & CO., PRINTERS AND BEfDERS, MACOS, GA. INDEX. 1. History prepared by JOHN C. BCTLEB, Esq.........-.......---Page 5 2. First Annual Report--(Reprinted)...............--...................... 33 3. Act of Incorporation--(Reprinted).....................--...--.......... 42 4. Second Annual Report--(Reprinted)........--.......--.............. 45 5. Substitute for Third Annual Report--................................... 51 6. Fourth Annual Report--(Reprinted)...--................................ 64 7. Substitute for the Fifth Annual Report.........--.----............. 68 8. Sixth Annual Report--(Reprinted)........--........................... 71 9. Seventh Annual Report-- (Reprinted).................................... 81 10. Eighth Annual Report........................ ............................... 94 11. Ninth Annual Report--(Reprinted)..--................................ 116 12. Tenth Annual Report--(Reprinted)--.................................... 134 13. Eleventh Annual Report--(Reprinted)..........................--..... 147 14. Twelfth Annual Report-- (Reprinted)........--......................... 160 16. Thirteenth Annual Report--(Reprinted)..--.......................... 175 ! 16. Fourteenth Annual Report--(Reprinted)--............................ 187 , 17. Fifteenth Annual Report-- (Reprinted)--............................... 200 j 18. Sixteenth Annual Report--(First Print)............................... 212 j 19. Notes and Correspondence and Report to Gen. T. H. Ruger, , Provisional Governor-- (First Print).................................. 222 | 20. Seventeenth Annual Report--(Reprinted).............-.--......... 229 ! 21. Eighteenth Annual Report-- (Reprinted).............................. 243 | 22. Report for Nineteenth and Twentieth years--(Reprinted)..... 252 ! 23. The remaining Reports, as originally printed, follow in regular order | according to their number and date. PREFACE. [HIS collection of papers and reports had its origin in a desire on the part of the Trustees to have collected and bound in book form the several Annual Reports of the Academy. It was found, however, on examination, that a full series had never been printed; that of those printed but a few copies of them for several years were on hand, and that Reports embracing the Calendar years of 1854 and 1856--the third and fifth of the series--had probably never been submitted to the Executive Department. It was then concluded to have a brief History of the Academy written, and annex to it the Reports and other documents sent the Executive Department. The Board requested me to write the history, but my other duties so filled up my time that I had not the leisure to do the work, and, besides, I felt very reluctant to engage in it. The President of the Board secured the services of JOHN C, BUTLER, Esq., to do this part of the work, and he was given full access to the Minutes of the Board and other documents of the Academy, as sources of information. The missing Reports I prepared from the Records, so as to render the series of the Annual Reports complete; and thus this volume was prepared. W. D. WILLIAMS, Principal, and Secretary of the Board. GEORGIA. ACADEMY FOR THE BLIKD, MACON, March 20th, 1887. GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. Early in 1851, Mr. W. S. Fortescue, of Philadelphia, visited the city of Macon. He brought with him letters of introduction from Dr. Robley Dunglisou, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind, to Drs. James Mercer and H. K. Green, who had attended the Jefferson Medical College, in which Dr. Dunglison was a professor, and a tutor of the Drs. Green. Mr. Fortescue was cordially received and was introduced by Dr. James Mercer Green, who immediately espoused the philan thropic object of his visit to many of the citizens, among whom were Robert A. Smith, Nathan C. Munroe, John B. Lamar, L. N. Whittle and other gentlemen, who were active participants in all of our benevolent and educational enterprises. The press of the city was also enlisted in the cause, and on the 5th of April the following editorial was published in the Georgia Citizen, which was followed by others in the Macon Telegraph, and the Messenger: " THE BLIJTD OF GEORGIA. " We are happy to learn that an effort is now making for the commence ment of an Institution for the education of the blind youth of onr State, and that a meeting for the purpose of encouraging and sustaining this effort, will be held on Monday evening next, at half-past seven o'clock, at the Methodist Church. An .address will be delivered on this occasion by Walter S. Fortescue, a graduate of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind, and more recently a graduate of the University of that State, at the close of which, preparatory measures for the establishment of an institution of this character will doubtless be taken by the citizens. When it is remembered that the Legislatures of more than two-thirds of the States have already made ample arrangements for the education of their blind, it is to us a matter of surprise that Georgia, occupying so prominent a position in the Union as she does, should have so long remained indifferent to the educational interests of this class of her GEORGIA ACADEMY FOE THE youth. The period has now certainly come, if we would redeem our character, to unite our aid, sympathy and influence in the .furtherance of so benevolent an object Our citizens, it is hoped, will therefore come forward, on Monday evening, and give their warmest support to a cause, upon whose success are depending the welfare and happiness of the blind youth of our State. We will add that Mr. Fortescue is himself though blind, a highly educated getleman, and comes among us bearing the most decided testimonials of character and qualifications for the importsar work of educating those whoare, like himself, deprived of the blessing of sight. The number of blind in Georgia is over two hundred as ascertained by the late census returns, of whom one-fourth are of that age to receive a proper intellectual training. Let Georgia then add to her existing institutions for the Deaf and Dumb and the Insane, another for that equally interesting and equally unfortunate class, the Blind, lhat her beneficence may be dispensed impartially to all her unfortunate children, according to their respective need." On the 15th of April the first public meeting of the citizens took place, and the following report of the proceedings was pub lished in all of the city papers : " THE CAUSE OF THE BLIXD. "MACOJI, April 15,1851. " At a meeting held at the City Council room for the purpose of taking some action in regard'to the education of the blind children of the State of Georgia, the Honorable E. A. Nisbet was called to the chair, and A. E. Freeman was requested to act as Secretary. " It wtu resolved, That the Chairman appoint a committee of five, whose duty it shall be to solicit subscriptions from the citizens of this State for the purpose of enabling Mr. W. S. Fortescne to educate four blind child ren until the meeting of the next Legislature. " The committee appointed were: W. S. Fortescue, Dr. J. M. Green, Eobert Smith, Esq., Dr. W. S. Lightfoot, Mr. E. Graves. ' On motion, the committee of five were authorized to call a meeting of the subscribers at such time as they thought proper. "On motion, the gazettes of the city were respectfully requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting. "E. A. NISBET, Chairman. " A. E. FREEMAN, Secretary." This report is the first record that appears on tie minutes of the meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Academy for the Blind. It was recorded by Robert A. Smith, who at the organiza tion of the institution was made Secretary of the Board. As $650.00 had been subscribed, a meeting oi the subscribers was ORIGIN AND HISTORY. called, and the following is the recorded report of that meeting, also in Mr. Smith's legible writing: "MACON, July 4, 1851. "At a meeting of the subscribers to the fond for the education of the blind, the Rev. Richard Hooker was called to the chair, and Mr. Heman Mead requested to act as Secretary. " The Chairman, having announced the meeting as ready for business, the following report was read by Dr. James M. Green: "The undersigned, a committee appointed at a public meeting, held in the City of Macon on the loth of April last, to collect .subscription* and to take such other preliminary measures as might be necessary, pre vious to the organization of an institution for the education of the blind, having performed such of these duties as seemed advisable, beg leave to make the following report: " That in pursuance of the instructions received from the previous meeting, they have succeeded in raising $650.00 by subscription fiom the citizens of Macon, in aid of this benevolent and philanthropic object, and have reasonable expec'ations of securing a requisite amount in this way to meet the current expenses of the institution until the assembling of the Legislature, when it is contemplated to make an application to that body for an appropriation sufficient to place the enterprise on a perma nent footing. They have also authorized the purchase of the necessary school apparatus--books in raised characters, slates, such as are used by the blind, musical instruments, etc ; rented a commodious suite of rooms, and purchased and furnished such furniture as was necessary. Applica tion has also been made to the American Bible Society for a copy of the sacred volume in raised characters. They have also engaged the services of a lady as matron of the establishment, who it is believed is highly competent to fulfill the responsible duties of that department. The pur chase of apparatus was made principally in Philadelphia by Mr. Fortescue, one of the committee, who was very kindly assisted by gentlemen connected with the Pennsylvania Institute for the Education of the Blind. A piano has also been purchased for the use of the school. " The committee having proceeded thus far with their duties cannot take leave of the subject without expressing their deep conviction of the great importance of the enterprise in a moral and intellectual as well as economic view. There are between two hundred and twenty and two hundred and thirty blind persons in the State of Georgia, the larger part of whom have not even the rudiments of a mental education, while the cultivation of their moral natures has been in many instances equally neglected. And in consequence of as great a disregard having been paid to their industrial instruction, they are, as a class, the most absolute drones in society. The experience of other Slates and countries has conclusively proven that this is not necessarily the case, and that their minds can be cultivated to the highest degree of refinement; that GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. they are just as capable of enjoying all the pleasures of society as the seeing, except those that depend on the sense of sight, and that from being troublesome and expensive non-producers, it is easy to ele vate them into active and happy agents. Some of the best musicians,. mnsical teachers, pianists and organists in this country are from the class of the educated blind, while many others have enjoyed a remunerating success in various handicraft pursuits and mechanical arts. ' With these brief remarks the committee again commend the sub ject to the subscribers and the community at large. " Respectfully submitted, E. GRAVES, "R. A. SMITH, " W. S. FORTE>CUE, " J. M- GREEST." "On motion of Col. John B. Lamar, the report was received and adopted. " The committee then submitted the following preamble and articles organizing the Georgia Academy for the Education of the Blind: " We, the subscribers, desirous of laying the foundation of an Institu tion for the education of blind persons, in intellectual knowledge, and tbeir instruction in the mechanical arts, associate for that purpose under -the follow-ng articles: " ART. 1. It shall be known by the name and style of the ' GEORGIA ACADEMY FOB THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND ;' and shall be located in the city of Macon. " ART. 2. The Academy shall be supported by donations, by legacies, by such aid as the Legislature may be pleased to afford, by payments for the education and support of the children by the parents or others why may be willing to make them, and by annual or by lifetubecriptions of the members. " ART. 3. Any person, may become a member, who shall agree to this constitution, and pay in advance a sum of not lees than five dollars per annum, or in lieu thereof, a gross sum of not less than fifty dollars, which shall constitute him a life member. " ART. 4. The Academy shall be, for the present, under the manage ment of a Board of Trustees, consisting of seven members, who shall have a general control over the Institution, and shall be empowered to elect ^.principal matron, and such other officers ae they may deem nec essary, to make a code of by-Uws, and to adopt such measures as they may suppose calculated to advance the interests of the Institution, and are not inconsistent with these articles. " Which on motion of O. W. Massey, were read and adopted. "The meeting then proceeded to the election of seven Trustees. On motion of J. A. Uisbet, Esq., the following gentlemen were elected : " E. B. Weed, Col. J. B. Lamar, J. M. Gieen, Hon. A. H. Chappell, E. Graves, N. C. Mnnroe, R. A- Smith. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. "Tbe Trustees present as anthorized by the fourth article, elected Mr. W. S. Fortesene Principal of the Institution. "On motion of Mr. W. S. Fortescue, the city papers, and all others friendly to tbe cause of philanthropy, were rejpectfnlly requested to publish these proceedings. "On motion of Dr. H. K. Green, the meetins then artjonrnert. "RICHARD HOOKER, President. " H. MEAD, Secretary." LIST OP SUBSCRIBERS AXD AMOCNT PAID. E. B. Weed.........................$50 00 Rev. S. L. Stephens.-.........$ 500 J. B. Lamar........................ 60 00 B. E. Styles...................... 10 00 E. Graves............................ 60 00 Mrs M. N. Clarke............. o 00 M. 8. Thompson.................. 50 00 Dr. E. L Sirohecker.... ..... o 00 H. K. & J. M. Green............ 35 00 Rev. R. Hooker................ 5 00 Joseph Bond....................... 25 00 N. Bass............................. 5 00 N- C. Munroe...................... 30 00 S. Rasp.............................. ' 5 00 Miss E. F. PrinceTM............... 25 00 J. A. Nisbet_..................... 5 00 Mrs. Hill............................ 20 00 J. Ere (Angnsta)................ 5 00 J. H. R Washington............ 15 00 Mrs. Gary.......................... 5 00 R. A. Smith........................ 20 00 D.Walker......................... b 00 A. H. Chappell................... 20 00 T. Mason...... .................... 5 00 A. C. Morehonse................. 10 00 Wm. Dibble...................... 5 00 R. Collins........................... 10 00 M. L. Graybill................... 5 00 P. Soloman......................... 10 00 J. H. Damour..................... 5 00 T. Wood.. .......................... 10 00 J, DeLoache...................... 5 00 J. D. Carnsrt............_......... 10 00 G. Wood........................... 5 00 Dr. G. Harriso:-!.................. 10 00 E. J. Johnston................... 5 00 Dr. M. A. Franklin............. 10 00 Dr. M. T. Nisbet................. 5 00 Rev. S. Landrum................. 10 00 Geo. Payne........................ 5 00 L. N. Whittle..................... 10 00 Dr. Nottingham.................. . 6 00 C. Campbell........................ 10 00 J. A. Virgin...................... 5 00 T. H. Plant......................... 10 00 A. Mix.............................. 5 00 B. Rogers........................... 10 00 A. G. Bostick...._............... 5 00 Dr. 0. Thompson................. 10 00 E. Winship....................... 5 00 Wm. A. Ross...................... 10 00 Mrs. Norman............--...... 5 00 J. J. Gresham..................... 10 00 Mrs. W. Poe...................... 5 00 Rev. J. A. Shanklin............. 5 00 S. F. Dickinson.................. 5 00 W.H. Bray........................ 5 00 Freeman & Roberts............ 5 00 Hill & Pound...................... 5 00 Dr. A. Pye........................ 5 00 O. W. Massey..................... 25 00 B. T. English.................... 5 00 E. Bond.............................. 5 00 Dr. M. S. Thompson............ 25 00 M. Taylor........................... 5 00 Sams under $5.................. 700 Total...... ...................................................................5802 00 10 GEORGIA A.CADEMY FOR THE BLIND. At this meeting the amount subscribed was increased from 8650.00 to 8802.00. This appears but an humble beginning, but it was suffi cient to demonstrate the purposes of the founders of the institution. The school was opened with only four pupils and such appliances as were necessary at that time. The names of the four unfortunates who were first admitted into the school are: Mr. F. M. Hodges, Misses Mary E. Wimberley, Mary A. Farmer and Mary J. Woolen. The first meeting of the Board took place a few days after the subscribers' meeting, and the following is recorded on the minutes : Minutes of tlie Board of Trustees--First Session. GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND, MACON, July 10,1851. The Board convened at the temporary Academy. Present: N. C. Munroe, J. B. Lamar, J. M. Green, E. B. Weed, R. A. Smith, E. Graves and W. S. Fortescue. The Board was organized by the election of N. C. Munroe, President, and R. A. Smith, Secretary. W. S. Fortescue was requested to act as Secretary pro tern. The Principal thereupon presented his first report, which, being read, was approved and ordered to be filed. Mrs. J. M. (Jriswold was then elected Matron of the Academy, and her salary fixed at two hundred dollars per annum. The Board authorized the Principal to collect and disburse, in defraying the expenses of the Institution, the several suras of money subscribed to the Academy, requiring him to account for the same in his reports. The Board also authorized the Principal to visit immediately the upper counties of the State to obtain proper pupils of the Academy. On motion, it was resolved that the Bonrd meet monthly, on the first Thursday of each month, to transact business of the Academy. The Principal submitted a statement of the receipts and current expenses of the Academy, which, being examined, was approved. Copied from the minutes kept by Mr. W. S. Fortescue, Secretary pro tern,; Robert A. Smith, Secretary. The school being dependent upon the charitable contributions of the citizens of Macon and the surrounding country, the Board con.- ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 11 eluded to apply to the State for assistance, and took the following action, nothing of importance occurring until the meeting of the fifth session, November 6th, 1851. The Board met. Present: N. C. Munroe, J. M. Green, E. Graves, J. B. Lamar, R. A. Smith and W. S. Fortescue. The Principal presented his monthly report, winch, being read, was approved and ordered to be filed. The Board then considered the policy of applying to the Georgia Legislature for a charter to incorporate, and an appropriation to endow the Academy. After some discussion, the following resolu tion was, on motion, adopted : "Jleeohed, That a ccmmittee of two Ve appointed, who shall frame a memorial to the next General Assembly of the Slate, and draft a bill for enactment to incorporate and endow the Academy." The President appointed J. B. Lamar and. R. A. Smith that committee. On motion, the Principal was authorized to visit Milledgeville during the session of the next Legislature, and to bive an exhibi tion of the pupils showing their proficiency in education. * * * APPENDIX TO THE FIFTH SESSION. In pursuance of the foregoing resolution, relative to the subjectmatter hereinafter mentioned, R. A. Smith presented from J. P. Lamar and himself, as committee, the following memorial and bill for the action therecn of the Georgia Legislature. The same were approved and adopted by the Board, and the committee were requested to visit Milledgeville in order to secure the passage of the bill by the Legislature: MEMORIAL. " To the Honorable the General Auembly of the State of Georgia : "The undereigmd memorialiEis respectfully solicit (he attention of your honorable body to the subject of providing for the education of blind persons residing within tbe State of Georgia, " According to the census of 1840, there were one hundred and thirtysix of this unfortunate clats in tbe State. By tbe census of 1850, their number has increased to two hundred and thirty. " From reliable information, we are assured there is in each counly an average of more than one not returned in the State census. This numbef, at the present time, would be properly estimated as above three 12 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. hundred. This estimate is warranted, not only by authentic reports, but by its accordance with the census tables of other States and the author ity of Physiologists which confirms the apparent rapid increase of blindness. "It becomes, therefore, a matter of serious inquiry, Vbetheror not the hitherto neglected and increasing portion t f our population shall remain without education and the means of maintenance. The mass of them have not received even the rudiments of mental education, ccnseqnently they have been and are EtiJl growing up in the darkness of dependent ignorance. Their moral natures have been equally neglected, hence many of them have learned only the If EEons of vice and tie evils of crime in the scbool of real adversity. Having been the objects of commiseration, they have received no industrial instruction and are living in idleness as useless drones, without the disposition or the still to be usefully emp'oyed. While some few of Ihtm, from the advantages of wealth .and of oral instruction, or from temarkable talent and virlue, have become respectable hd honorable members of society, the largest part of them are snprorted by charily and subjected to the evils of pov erty. Private beneficence has elevated stme of these sightless beings to independence; a ftw others, by tleir CMn merit, have risen to useful ness and distinction in the State, l,ut ihe large totjority are still without knowledge, without employment, without virtue and * itbout haj pinesF. The neglected children of misfortune, they are at once a shame to thenrselves and a reproach to the State. The experience of other States and countries has proved conclusively that tLis is tot necessarily the con dition of this class. It has been demonstrated that their minds can be cultivated to tbe highest degree of refinement, that they are capable of learning as well the abstruse sciences as tbe mechanic arts, that their mor als are equally suteeptible of improvement, and that, they can enjoy almost every social pleasure. It has been shown, too, that from being indigent and expensive non-producers and consumers, they can be elevated to the condition of active and happy industrial agents. Seme of the bebt musicians, musical teachers, pianists and organists in this country are from among the educated blind. Many others enjoy a remunerating success in various other handicraft pursuits, and it is tbe just pride of Institutions for the Blind that they have elevated their pupils from the necessity of charity, to honorable and independent avocations in society. " These results have been seen in those States which have provided liberally for the instruction of this class. Twenty-five States of the Union have made legislative provision for their education, chiefly by endowing institutions established through private enterprise and benev olence. It is respectfully submitted that the most successful institutions for their benefit are those private corporations founded in tbe charity of a community, governed by elective trustees, and sustained by aid from, the State. ORIGIN AST) HISTORY. 13 "Georgia has lavished her treasures to educate and enlighten her sons. She has not only founded and fostered a State College, but she baa endowed academies in every county, and schools for the poor in every town. The same wisdom, iostice and humanity which prompted gen erous legislation to meet the intellectual wants of her rising generations, dictated the establishment of an Asylum for her unfortunate deaf routes. The blind alone seem to have been forgotten, or, if remembered, they have been entirely neglected, because of their number, by previous Leg islatures of the State. No portion of the community have had stronger claims to educational advantages, and no portion have received less than these. Their claims to legislative aid are as reasonable as they are just, founded not only in their misfortunp, their ignorance and their neces sities, but in the public policy of their elevation and future usefulness. They are now the objects of pity; they may become the objects of admiration and an ornament to their native State. " Your memorialists respectfully represent, that on the 4th of July, 1851, they and their associates organized an ' Academy for the Education of Blind Persons in Intellectual Knowledge, and for their Instruction in the Mechanic Arts, in the City of Macoh.' After 'adopting a constitu tion for its government, they raised, a fund for its support. To take charge of the Academy they secured the services of a blind teacher, emi nently qualified for his vocation, and of a matron equally competent to disci arge the duties of her department. They purchased the necessary school apparatus, such as books in raised characters, slates used by the blind, musical instruments, etc.; rented a commodious suite of rooms, and supplied the same with necessary furniture. They also obtained from the American Bible Society a copy of the sacred volume in raised* letters for the use of the pupils. With these limited, bnt expensive preparation?, the school was opened, and has been in progress for several months, with two indigent and two other blind pupils under course of tuition. The progress of the students in mental and moral improvement during this brief period is as creditable to their teachers as to themselves. It is enough to say of them that they have advanced further in studies than is common for children who have their sight during the same length of time. An opportunity will be afforded your honorable body, if agreeable with your pleasure, to witness an examination of these students. It is the desire and design of your me morialists and their associates to have' THE GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND ' placed on a- permanent basis, with liberal advantages as well for indigent as for paying pupils. To this end we pray that your honorable body will pass the bill to incorporate and endow the Academy. With the appropriation asked for fioin the State, and other private sources of revenue, the undersigned confidently hope and believe that the institu tion will soon afford the means of education and maintenance to the blind children of Georgia. The policy of fostering an Academy, founded in private charity for the benefit of an unfortunate class of our fellow- 14 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. citizens, is thus briefly and resp?ctfiilly commended to the wisdom, jus tice and humanity of the Georgia Legislature. , December 15th, 18-51." "ABSALOM H. CHAPPELL, "JOHN B. LAMAR, , " NATHAN 0. MUNROE, "JAMES M. GREEN, "EDWIN B. WEED, "EDWIN GRAVES, " ROBERT A. SMITH. " ACT OF INCORPORATION. " AN ACT to incorporate and endow the Georgia Academy for the Blind. SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and Houte of Rrpretentativet of the Stale of Georgia in General Atscmily met, and it ig hertl/y enar.lt d by the authority of the same. That Nathan C. Munroe, Absalom H. Chappell, John B. Lamar, Edwin B. Weed, James M. Green, Edwin Graves, and Robert A. Smith, Trustees of the Georgia Academy for the Blind, and all who according to the constitution and laws are, or shall become members thereof, be and they are hereby declared to be a body corpor ate, by the name and style of'THE GEORGIA ACADEMY ron THE BLIND,' and by the same corporate name thall have perpetual succession, be capable to buy, hold and sell real and personal estate, make contracts, sue and be sued, to use a common seal, or to break and renew the same at pleasure. " SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the said Academy Bhall be governed by euch constitution and laws as are now in existence, until the same be altered by the members thereof, and that the members of said Academy shall be empowered to receive all gifts, grants, legacies, privileges and immunities, which now belong to said Academy, or which hereafter may be made or bequeathed to it, and no misnomer of the corporation, or other technical error shall prevent i(s right from vesting wherever it may appear, or shall be ascertained, that it was the intention of the party or parties to give, grant or bequeath any property, real or personal, or any right or interest to the said corporation. "SEC. 4. And be V-farther enacted, That the Trustees aforesaid shall have the power of appointing such officers, teachers and matrons as may be necessary for said Academy, to fix their salaries and prescribe their duties, and the same, or any of the same, to remove or discontinne when they may think proper. " SEC. 5. And be ti farther enacted, That the Trustees aforesaid shall have a general supervision and control over the affairs of said Academy, shall prescribe the course of studies, establish the rates of tuition, adjust ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 15 the expenses, and adopt such regulations, not otherwise provided for, as the interests of the Academy may require. " SEC. 6. And be it further ennctei, That the Trustees aforesaid shall select indigent blind persons from different counties of the State, be tween the ages of twelve and twenty, and main'atn and educate them gratuitously so far as the funds of the said Academy will'admit; the said Treasurer shall present an annual report to his Excellency the Gov ernor, containing (he number of such indigent pupils, with their names and places of residence; also a detailed report of the condition of said Academy, and of the number of papils therein, accompanied with a statement of all its receipts and expenditures during the preceding year. " SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That to aid the funds and defray the expenses of the Academy, his Excellency, the Governor, is hereby authorized and required to draw his warrant on the State Treasurer, in favor of the Trustees aforesaid, for the sum of $5,000.00, to be paid in the year 1852, and shall draw his warrant on the State Treasurer, in favor of said Trustees, for the further sum of $5,000.00, to be paid in the year 1853.' At a meeting of the Board, Sixth Session, January 22d, 1852, the coinmittee, consisting of Lamar and Smith, reported that the Leg islature had enacted the bill to incorporate and endow the Georgia Academy for the Blind, etc., and the :ane had been s'gned by the Executive of the State on January 19th, 1852. The Board was then reorganized under the charter granted, by the election of the following officers: James M. Green, President; Nathan C. Munroe, Treasurer; Robert A. Smith, Secretary. \V. S. Fortescue was then elected Principal of the Academy; Mr. M. B. Clark, Musical Instructor; Miss Hannah Guillan, Female Teacher, and Mrs. J. Griswold, Matron. The cause of the blind had also a warm advocate in Governor Howell Cobb, who in an el.oquent lecture before the Milledgeville Lyceum, proposed that, " One-third of the large revenue of the State Road shall be devoted to the maintenance of the three great objects of the State's charity: the Lunatic Asylum, the Deaf and Dumb, and the School for the Blind." Until October, 1852, the Institution occupied a dwelling on the corner of Third and Mulberry streets, Macon, but there being a necessity for better accomodatiuns, a removal was made to a build ing erected by the city for a hospital, beyond the southwestern portion of the city. The first vacancy in the Board occurred in 16 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. March, .1852, by the resignation of Hon. A. H. Chappell. He was succeeded by the election of Hon. Nathan Bass. In January, 1854, Mr. E. B. Weed died. An appropriate tribute was passed by the Board in appreciation of his zeal in benevolent enterprises and his general Christian worth and excellence. In May, 1854, Hon. L. N. Whittle was elected successor to Mr. Weed. In December, 1853, the Principal was authorized by the Board to go to Milledgeville with the teachers and pupils, and instructed to give an exhibition of the pupils, showing their progress in edu cation, the exhibition to take place while the Legislature was in session. The Principal was also requested to call the attention of His Excellency and the General Assembly to the great importance of having a suitable building erected as an Academy for the Blind, and to ask an appropriation of the General Assembly for that object, and the usual appropriation of $5,000-00. February 4th, 1854. The Secretary reporter] that he had visited Milledgeville and attended two exhibitions of the pupils of the Academy, one given to the General Assembly one alternoon and . another to the public at night; that both exhibitions were highly creditable to the teachers and pupils and had been well received by the General Assembly and the public. He also reported that the Legislature would probably make an annual appropriation for the next two years to the Academy of $5,000.00, and an appropriation of $10,000.00 for the erection of a building. On June 9th the Board authorized the President and Secretary to draw on the State treasury for $10,000 00 in favor of K C. Munroe, President, and at the meeting on October 9th, it was resolved that the Board purchase for the Academy the late resi dence of Mr. Charles Cotton, decaased, the lot being two acres, Lot seven, iii the city of Macon. The residence on the lot was then occupied for the Academy several years until a new building could be erected. February 7th, 1856.--B. A. Smith, Secretary, stated to the Board that he had visited Milledgeville and seen the Committee appointed by the General Assembly on the Georgia Academy for the Blind, and that the Committee of the House would present a bill appropriating $20,000.00 to the Academy for the erection of a new building, etc. On March 6th, the Secretary reported the pas sage of the Act making the appropriation. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 17 Various places for a new building were proposed and considered. The appropriation remained untouched, aa the Board had in view the securing from the State a larger appropriation. At a meeting on November 10, 1857, the Secretary stated that he had received from the Clerk of the House of Representatives a copy of a resolu tion inviting the Principal of the Academy for the Blind to bring into the House of Representatives on Thursday next, at 2:30 o'clock, p. M., his pupils, that they may be examined touching their studies and progress therein, and that they be requested to give a concert in the Hall on the evening of the same day at 7 P. M. The Secre tary stated that by authority of the Board the Principal carried fourteen'of the pupils, accompanied by the teachers, to Milledgeville, and held an examination before the members of the General Assembly on Thursday, December 3rd, and gave a concert in the evening; also another concert on the 4th, and that on all occasions the pupils acquitted themselves in a manner which won general commendation. The Secretary also stated that he accompanied the pupils, and that he had drawn up a bill and presented it to the Committee of the House of Representatives on the Academy for the Blind, and that the same was introduced into the House by the Chairman, of the Committee, and that the same was unanimously passed by the House--to appropriate, in addition to the $20,000.00 by the last Legislature, the further sum of $35,000.00, to erect a new building to accommodate the pupils of the Academy, etc. On January 27,1858, the Secretary received a letter from Governor Joseph E. Brown, stating that he would accept a bond in the sum of $75,000-00 to be given by the Trustees of the Academy, for the faithful disbursement of the amount appropriated by the General Assembly to erect a new building for the pupils of the Academy. The Secretary then presented to the Board a form for the required bond. The members of the Board present at the next meeting, February 6th, 1858: J. M. Green. N. C. Munroe, R. A. Smith, N. Bass and L. N. Whittle, signed the bond, and the other members afterwards also signed. On April 2d, 1858, Mr. N. C. Munroe submitted to the Board the elevation and specifications which had been presented by archi tects, for the proposed new buiiding. The Board considered the same and adopted those drawn by Mr. D. B. Woodruff, according to the plan heretofore adopted by the Board. Sealed proposals 18 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. were duly advertised for, which may include the entire construc tion of the building, embracing all the work and materials, the work separately, and the materials separately, or any branch of the work--stone, wood, brick, plumbers and painters--with gas, water and heating pipes and furnaces complete. Bond with approved security required for faithful performance of contracts. Payments to be made from time to time as the work progressed, etc. . After due consideration of the various proposals, on May 4th, 1858, the Board agreed that the proposal of Messrs Daniel T. Driggers and William C. Wilson was the most acceptable. Mr. D. B. Woodruff was employed as architect to superintend the erection of the new building, he having drafted the elevations and specifications for the same. On the 26th of May, 1858, the contract was duly signed, the Trustees of the Board agreeing to pay the builders the sum of $49.745.00 in full and final and entire payment, according to the terms of said contract. In accordance with a resolution passed by the Board, " Messrs. J. M. Green, N. C. Munroe and R. A Smith were appointed a Com mittee with authority to prepare the ceremonies for laying the corner-stone with appropriate inscriptions at the proper corner of the new building, on the 5th day of July, and a box containing appropri ate documents and memorials deposited iu the same." On the appointed day the ceremony of laying the stone was conducted, with imposing effect, in the presence of two thousand .spectators. Hon. Thomas Hardeman was the orator on the occasion. After the usual deposit of coin, records and other memorials, the stone was laid by D. G. M., William S. Rockwell, of the Masonic Order, upon which a praiseworthy Institution stands, and which is also a proud monu ment to the benevolent, gentlemen whose untiring labors were devo ted to its origin and establishment. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 19 INSCRIPTIONS ON THE CORNER STONE. FROXT SOCTH-EAST SIDE: GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLISD. INCORPORATED JAXTLYRY 19, 1852. ERECTED BY THE MUNIFICENCE OF THE STATE, A. D. 1858. TRUSTEES: JAMES MERCER GREEX, President; NATHAN C. MUXROE, Treasurer; ROBERT A. SMITH, Secretary ; NATHAN BASS, LEWIS N. WHITTLE, WATHD.-GTOJ: FOB, JACKSOX DELOACHE. OTHER SIDE : D. B. WOODRUFF, ARCHITECT. W. C. WILSON, D. F. DRIGGEKS, Builders. LAID BY THE MASONIC ORDER, JULY 5,1S58. W. S. ROCEWELL, D. G. M. 20 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BUND. On January 7th, 1860, the new Academy was sufficiently .fin ished for occupancy by the teachers and pupils, and the whole household joyfully moved into it. The length of the building is one hundred and eight feet; depth of center, fifty feet; two wings, eighty by thirty feet; four stories, containing sixty-three rooms, all supplied with gas, wide halls and a chapel. There are nine hundred lineal feet of halls and corridors, and the best ventilated building in the State. The characteristic of the entire edifice is its compact ness and solidity of construction. Since 1882, under the administra tion of President Whittle, and on his recommendation, an enlarged and adequate system of sewerage has been added ; also a complete and highly satisfactory steam apparatus for heating the whole building. Also an abundant water supply from the City Water works ; a cistern in the yard, and tanks under the roof of the building. On November 1st, 1860, the last record of the minutes of the Board in the handwriting of Robt. A. Smith, Secretary, was made. It was recorded the one hundred and forty-seventh session of the Board, as it was the custom of the accomplished Secretary to record the number of each, session of the Board, as well as the date. The dear and legible writing of Mr Jewett appears on the minutes at the next meeting, December 6th, I860, and continues until October 3d, 1862, when he was elected Secretary, Col. R. A. Smith having been killed in battle in Virginia in June, 1862. During his absence in Confederate service, the several members of the Board and the Principal acted as Secretary pro tern., and from their memoranda of the meetings Mr. Jewett compiled and recorded their action in the name of his illustrious predecessor. Mr. Jewett was elected Secre tary in October, 1862, and the minutes of the Board appear under his official signature until April llth, 1868, when he was elected Treasurer, and Mr. W. D. Williams, Secretary. TRIALS AND VICISSITUDES--WAR PERIOD. The greatest trial of the Institution was during the war and the reconstruction period which followed. So crowded were all of the buildings in Macon with hospitals, army stores and refugees, that it was found necessary to convert the Academy building, with its beautiful grounds, into a hospital lor our wounded soldiers. On the 27th November, 1863, at a meeting of the Board, the Sec- ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 21 ! retary reports: "The answer of his Excellency, Governor Brown, in regard to the application of the Surgeon of the Poet for the use of the Academy building for a hospital, was received, suggesting if the Board can procure another building in Macon or elsewhere in which the Board can accommodate the blind pupils, that we yield the use of the building as requested. The Principal was requested to proceed at once to Cuthbert to ascertain what arrangements he could there make to accommodate the pupils of the Academy, and Messrs. Jewett and DeLoache were appointed to ascertain if any arrangements for a building could be made in Macon. At the next meeting, December 3d, 1863, Messrs. Jewett and DeLoache were appointed a committee to confer with the Post Quartermaster at Macon and learn what he would allow the Board for the use of the Academy building for a hospital, and to make an arrangement with him for the transfer of the building, provided Mr. Williams suc ceeded in obtaining a suitable building in Fort Valley, and in case he succeeds, the Board agree to pay him $1,50000 per annum for the use thereof, and to remove the pupils thither. [Here the minutes of the Board for several meetings were lost by the confusion of the war, and the absence of the Secretary. The omissions were supplied by a summary taken from the records of the Principal and other sources, and recorded.] At a meeting in February, 1864, it having been reported to the Board that a portion of the furniture of the Academy, which had been stored in a reserved room in the building, had been taken out without permission, and was being used by some of the employees of the hospital, the Principal was directed to inquire into the matter; to remove all perishable parts thereof; to sell the same at auction, and invest the proceeds in bonds for the purpose of replen ishing the Academy when the pupils shall return to it. At a meeting in April, the Principal reported as the net sale of the furniture disposed of under order of the Board, $5,163.68, and that the same had been invested in Confederate States seven per cent, bonds, all of which had been *.urned over into the hands of the Treasurer. The Academy, in December, 1863, was removed to Fort Valley, the Principal, Mr. "W. D. Williams, having almost exclusive charge, reporting monthly to the Trustees at Macon. The Board having been notified by the Principal that a number 22 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. of military hospitals had been located immediately adjacent and around the lot in Port Valley on which the Academy was situated, it was therefore ordered that the Principal be required, ior the greater security of the household, to remove his family into the Institution and reside there, and that his salary be made henceforth the support of himself and family. At a meeting of the Board, May 11, 1865, present: Dr. James Mercer Green, President; L. N. Whittle, W. Poe, N. C. Munroe and W. D. Williams, Secretary; the following is extracted from the Minutes: " The fact being'recognized that the entire support of the Institution derived from the State bad been cut off by recent political changes, and also that the Academy building which bad been in use as a military hospital under the Confederate authorities, had been occupied in that use by the Federals: On motion, the President of the Board and the Principal were appointed to confer immediately with the medical officer of the Federal army in order to ascertain whether they would be willing to pay rent for the same. After a short absence the committee returned and reported that they were unable to make any arrangements by which rent might be derived for the use of the Academy, and therefore it was ordered that the Principal should send the pupils home as scon as practicable and close the school. It was furthermore ordered that the provisions now on band should be turned over to the Principal to be disposed of or used in part payment of officers' salaries. An appropria tion of 2,000.00, Confederate money, was granted him to pay for sup plies purchased before this date." At another meeting, May 18th, the Principal having informed the Board that he had obtained an order from Major General Wilson to the Commissary of the Post to furnish the Institution with rations, it was therefore " Resolved, That the orders issued at the last meeting of the Board ia hereby revoked, and that the school be continued." At a meeting of the Board, September 5th, 1865, the Principal having reported that the Academy building in Macon had been abandoned as a military hospital, and that he, as an officer of the Institution, had taken possession of it, and also that the same was in a very bad condition and greatly needing a new roof; and also hav ing reported that the military officers had ceased to supply the Institu tion with rations, and that he had failed to get them to renew the orders to that effect, and that in consequence of this failure, without ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 23 some other resource it would be impossible for him to re-open the school, it was therefore " Setolved, That the Principal, Mr. W. D. Williams, is authorized to bor row a sufficient amount to re-cover the building, provided the sum does not exceed $2,000.000, and that it be borrowed on the credit of the Academy. " Resolved, That Mr. Williams is also authorized to borrow on the credit of the Academy any necessary sum not exceeding $2,000.00, with which to pay the expenses of the Institution until the Legislature can make some permanent provision." In the annual report of the Board, under date October 14th, 1865, the President shows a balance on hand of $10,200.46, with this explanation : ' Of this balance, $9,400.00 is an investment in Confederate securities, which has been explained in previous reports, and which is now, of course, worthless. The remainder, $800. JH, is in Georgia State Treasury notes, now out of circulation, and their value problematical. * * * "It will be seen from this, that the Trustees have, for the first time in the history of the Institution, incurred a debt, but it is believed that the necessities of the case will justify a departure from their established rule. The alternatives presented, were either a debt to sustain the Insti tution or a suspension, which, at the time, seemed, as has been stated by the Principal, both an impossible and an undesirable event. As he has provided the means for keeping up the Institutution, assited by Miss Guillan, the literary teacher associated with him, it is to them the debt is due, and the Trustees respectfully ask an appropriation to reimburse them, as near as may be practicable, to the State Treasury." At a meeting of the Board, February 1st, 1866, the Principal sub- ' mitted his report with his statement of accounts, etc. "It was moved, seconded and passed, that bis accounts be approved as they stand stated, and that the Board acknowledge itself indebted to the Principal in the sum of $3,724.70 in said account." This amount was advanced to the Institution by Mr. Williams and his worthy assistant, Miss Guillan, out of their respective resources. They continued the operations of the Institution until in May, 1866, on their own responsibility, when the debt to them amounted to $5,686.79. It was gradually reduced by the State Treasury, and in Januray, 1869, the Institution was entirely out of debt in every respect. The following letter from Governor Jenkins is in character of that 24 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOB THE BLIlfD. benevolent and patriotic gentleman. It was written at the time he was about to be deposed by United States military authority. " MILLEDGEVILLE, 13th December, 1868. "Col. L. N. miittie: " MY DEAB SIR : Enclosed I send yon an executive order providing means to carry on the Academy for the Blind, and (he form in which they are to be reached. I wish your Board to keep their own counsels about this matter. Say nothing, but communicate quietly with the Super intendent W. & A. Railroad. My belief is, however, that in a very short time, perhaps before the middle of the week, the military will have sent me adrift and taken things into their own hand?. The crisis with our own Government has crrtainly arrived. " I say to you. and beg you will say to Mr. J. A.- Butts, that I have referred the petition of yourselves and others to the Surveyor-General for a report. My impression is that there will be a great deal of labor, requiring much time, to make out a paper, and probably before it can be fairly entered upon, the machine will be run by other hands. " I trouble you to see Mr. Butts and bear excuse. . I am terribly hard run just now. Very truly your friend, " CHARLES J. JENKINS." The following order from the Executive Department was issued -. "EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, " MILLEDGEVILLB, 10th January, 1868. " WHEREAS, By reason of the interference of the Congress of the United States, with the Administration of the Government of the State of Georgia, the meeting of the General Assembly at the time appointed for the year 1867 has been prevented, whereby the usual appropriations for the support, during the year 1868, of the Lunatic Asylum, the Academy for the Blind, the Academy for the Deaf and Dumb, and the , Penitentiary have not been made; and whereas, by the Constitution of said State it is ordained that "no money shall be drawn from the Treasury of this State, except by appropriation made by law; now, therefore, for the purpose of avoiding the serious consequences, which must result from the closing of those Institutions: It is ordered that the Superintendent of the Western & Atlantic Railroad, advance to each of said Institutions, in each quarter of the year last aforesaid, com mencing on the first instant, the following sums, viz: to the Treasurer of the Lunatic Asylum, upon the order of the Trustees thereof, the sum of $15,000.00 dollars for the support of pauper patients--to the Treasurer of the Academy for the Blind, upon the order of the Trustees, for the maintenance of pupils, salaries of officers, and incidental expenses the sum of $2,750.00; to the Treasurer of the Academy for the Deaf and Dumb, upon the order of the Trustees, the sum of f2,000.00; and to the ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 25 book-keeper of the Penitentiary, upon the order of the Principal Keeper, for the support of the Penitentiary, the sum of $5,000.00. And it is farther ordered that said Superintendent of the "Western & Atlantic Railroad, upon each payment to the Trustees of each Institution, as hereinbefore provided, take from said Trustees of the three first-named, and fro-n the Principal Keeper of the Penitentiary, acknowledgments of such advances, as a loan, to be refunded when an appropriation shall be made for that purpose by the Legislature, unless by Act of the Legisla ture said obligations be canceled. CHARLES J. JENKINS, " EmCDTTfE DKPAHTMHNT, " Governor." " Milledgeville, January llth, 1868. " I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of an Executive order placed upon the minutes of this department " Given under my hand and the seal of the Executive Department the day and year above written. R. L. HUXTER, " [L. 8.] Secretary Executive Department." The advancement referred to in the foregoing order was not made by the Superintendent. He turned over the funds according to law to the Military Governor, T. H. Ruger. The annual reports for the years 1867 and 1868 fully explain these matters, and the vexations the officers of the Board so frequently encountered during the period of reconstruction. As the annual reports have ail been found, and will follow this sketch, reference to them will give any details. In 1870 the Board, in their annual report; makes mention of many improvements made, such as the erection of a substantial and appropriate enclosure, and the erection of other buildings on the lot, which add much to the general appearance of the establish ment and greatly enhance the convenience of its arrangements. The building has ample accommodations, not only for the blind persons now within its walls, but adequate, perhaps, for all others of like qualifications in the State. It is maintained in good condition, and the property is kept insured to the amount of $30,000. The location has proven to be exceedingly healthy, and is in that part of the city which secures it a good neighborhood. The school is supplied with the necessary books and apparatus for the education of the blind. In this connection it is not inapplicable to quote a paragraph from the twentieth annual report by the Principal, in reference to the name of the Institution: ' 26 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. 'It is well to keep definitely and distinctly in view, in all of our opera tions, the object of this Institution. It is the educational training of the blind. Its chartered name " Academy " would seem enough to indicate this much; yet, in the face of this name, and notwithstanding our reit erated assertion, there seems to be now and then developing misappre hensions and consequent mistakes on this point. The Academy is not an infirmary for the treatment of the diseases of the eye, or for operations) surgical or medicinal, for the purpose of the restoration or improvement of vision. No less is it an Asylum, in the sense of a refuge and a home for any or all classes of the indigent blind. It claims to be merely a school--like other schools, in many respects, having its course of study, its system of discipline, its departments of literature and music--but unlike other schools generally, in the fact that it embraces .1 mechanical department for the training of its pupils in industrial work, and into which it sometimes receives, under special circumstances, blind adults as apprentices." The industrial department of the Institution was organized in 1866, a number of the pupils being actively engaged as operatives, when not otherwise occupied in their classes, the object being to afford the pupils an opportunity and means of t/aining in the various branches of industrial work suited to their circumstances, and of becoming thereby enabled to contribute by their own industry to their own support. The annual report of the year 1868 mentions that " of thirty-eight pupils, five have been employed exclusively in the department of handicrafts; six in the same, and also in the other departments, and the remainder entirely in the school. Eight of them have left the Institution to enter upon the business of life. The department of handicrafts has been found to be self-sustaining, and one of the pupils, a graduate of the department, is the foreman of the shop. Female pupils are taught to do plain sewing, crochet ing and fancy bead work." In many instances the blind have the same natural tastes as the seeing. Some develop mechanical skill, some a literary talent, some excel in mathematics, and others have a superior musical ear. It affords no little gratification to state that the experience of eighteen years in the progress of the handicraft department justifies the reports of 1866 and 1868. All of the brooms, mattresses used by the Academy, and repairs tocanechairs, etc., are the work of pupils trained in the department of handi crafts. In 1882 Dr. William F. Holt was appointed the physician of the Academy, and is endorsed by the Board for his intelligent and ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 27 efficient attention. In 1883 Dr. A. W. Calhoun, of Atlanta, an eminent surgeon and oculist, was appointed Oculist of the Institu tion. He has benevolently treated four cases, a girl and three boys, refusing to receive any compensation for his valuable time and ser vices. One of the boys, totally blind before, has now been blessed with sight, and the two other boys have been greatly benefited. They can walk about unattended, and their sight continues to improve. The number of pupils who have been admitted into the Academy since its origin, and received the benefits of its training, is not less than four hundred, of which about two hundred have been gradu ated and prepared to assume such duties in life as to make their own support. June 16, 1883.--After the usual business, the Secretary was requsted to retire, and in his absence the following paper was adopted and ordered to be recorded in the minutes: " WHEREAS, At the close of the present term of this Academy, now near at hand, William D. Williams, Esq., the Principal, will have filled that office continuously for twenty-five years, "Resolved, That the Trustees are well satisfied with the work he has done and the point of efficiency and usefulness to which he has raised the Institution, and that the Trustees confidently commend the Institution and its Principal and teachers to the confidence of the people of Georgia. " Resolved, That in the enlarged sphere in which Mr. Williams is now called to act, the care of a new Academy for the Colored Blind, having been added to his duties, the Trustees can only hope that the Principal may be as successful and useful in the future as he has been in the past. "L. N. WHITTLE, Passed unanimously. "President Board of Trustees." Through all of the Annual Reports from the organization of the Institution in 1852, deservedly complimentary notices are made of Miss Hannah Guillan, Instructress of the Department of Litera ture. An orphan at an early age, and alone in a foreign land, and almost totally blind, she has made a name that shall abide forever in the hearts of those for whom she has labored so earnestly and so faithfully. Professor Czurda has also been with the Institution since 1860, pre siding over the musical department with efficiency and receiving the affections of his pupils. The entire household has ever lived 28 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. together in perfect harmony and the kindest feelings prevailing among officers and pupils. It may not be inappropriate to state that the State of Georgia, through its Executive and Legislative departments, has ever mani fested a commendable interest in the maintenance of the Georgia Academy for the Blind, and a readiness to do all that was proper to be done in aid of its success and efficiency. Of the first Board of Trustees who organized the Academy in July, 1851, and who were also charter members under the Act of Incorporation by the Legislature in January, 1852, four of them (Edwin B. Weed, R. A. Smith, N. C. Munroeand James M. Green) died while members of the Board. John B. Lamar, Edwin Graves and Absalom H. Chappell died after their resignation. The vacancies that occurred in the Board, and the successors elected, are as follows: March, 1852, Mr. Chappell resigned, and was succeeded by Hon. Nathan Bass. January, 1854, Mr. Weed died, and was succeeded in May of that year by Hon. L. N. Whittle. April, 1855, Hon. J. B. Lamar resigned, and was succeeded by Hon. Washington Poe. May, 1857, Edwin Graves resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. JDeLoache. September, 1862, Col. R. A. Smith died, and was succeeded both as Trustee and Secretary by Henry L. Jewett. Mr. Nathan C. Munroe, the provisional President of the Board before its incorporation, and a charter member, died in 1868. Mr. Munroe was succeeded by Mr. A. J. White, and as Treas urer by Mr. Henry L. Jewett. In January, 1870, Mr. Bass resigned, and was succeeded in Feb ruary by Mr. Peter Solomon. In 1872 Mr. J. DeLoache died, and was succeeded by Mr. Vir gil Powers on May 12. In 1873 Mr. A. J. White resigned, and was succeeded in May by Mr. C. A. Nutting. In October, 1876, Hon. Washington Poe died. A handsome tribute was written to his memory. Mr. Poe was succeeded by Mr. T. G. Holt. On June 24, 1881, Dr. James M. Green, President, and the oldest ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 29 member in service of the Board, died. Resolutions were passed in reverence of his long and faithful services, and a memorial tablet, with appropriate inscription, placed in the walls of the Acad emy. Dr. Green wsfc succeeded by Hon. L. N. Whittle, the senior member of the Board by service, he having been elected a Trustee in 1854, was now elected to succeed Dr. Green as President, and Mr. John P. Fort was elected to fill the vacancy of Trustee. In January, 1882, Mr. C. A. Nutting died, and was succeeded by Mr. B. C. Smith. The usual resolutions were adopted to the memory of the deceased member. In November, 1884, Mr. Peter Solomon died. Handsome resolu tions were adopted in honor of his worth and memory. He was suc ceeded by Mr. H. J. Lamar in March, 1885. In November, 1884, Mr. J. Madison Jones was elected to succeed Mr. J. P. Port, who had resigned. Members of the Board, 1885: Trustees, L.-N. Whittle, Presi dent; Henry L. Jewett, Treasurer; T. G. Holt, Ben. C. Smith, Virgil Powers, H. J. Lamar, J. M. Jones, W. D. Williams, Secre tary. Auditing Committee: H. L. Jewett, J. M. Jones. B. C. Smith. OFFICERS AND TUTORS. PRINCIPALS. 1851. W. S. Fortescue, 1855. May Horn, 1853. Henry Dutton, 1856. W. N. Cbaudoin. 1857-'58. Vacancy during which the Academy was under the management of Miss Guillan. 1858. W. D. Williams, the present incumbent. . FEMALE INSTRUCTRESS. 1852. Miss Hannah Guillan; transferred to Literary Department in 1857. MUSICAL INSTRUCTORS. 1852. M. B. Clark, 1858. Mr. B. Hyde, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mack, 1859. Charles H. Loehr, 1855. Ezra A. Hill, 1860. V. Czurda. 30 GEORGIA. ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. MATRONS. 1852. Mrs. J. Griswold, 1858. Mrs. W. D. Williams, 1855. Mrs. May Horn, 1860. Mrs. A. E. Hunt. 1856. Mrs. W. N. Chaudoin. INSTRUCTRESS IN.WORK. 1860. Miss A. E. Zachry. At the conclusion of the war the minhtes and annual reports show but three officers: W. D. Williams, Principal; Miss H. Guillan, literary department; V. Czurda, music department; and in 1867 Miss Zachry was assistant to Miss Guillan until 1874. In the year 1876 several assistants were added in the musical depart ment. The officers of the Academy for the. year 1885, and the date of their first appointment: 1858--W. D. Williams, ............ Principal. 1852--Miss Hannah Guillan, . . . Department of Literature. 1860--V. Czurda, ........... Director of Music. 1883--W. J. Self, ......... Master of Workshop. 18S1--W. F. Holt, M. D., ....... Medical Director. 1882--A. W. Calhoun, M. D., ...... . . Oculist. Dr. J. M. Green was Medical Director from the organization of the Academy to the time of his death. ACADEMY FOB THE COLORED BLIND. In concluding his twenty-fourth annual report for the year 1875, Dr. Green, the President of the Board, remarks: " It is now time to take into consideration the interests of the blind of the colored population of this State. The existence of blind colored children has in no instance been reported to Ihe authorities of the Insti tution, and it is probable tbat they are not very numerous in the State. . . . Should there arise a necessity for opening a school for colored youths, as time will develop, the Board would be in a condition to take into consideration provisions for that purpose in a separate insti tution, under the present organization, and with no great amount of additional expense." On November 1st, 1880, the following resolution was offered by L. N. Whittle at a meeting of the Board, and adopted : " Retolved, That the President is requested, in his annual report, to call the attention of the Legislature to the colored blind youths of the ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 31 State, and should they determine to enter upon their education, that he ask for an appropriation of f 10,000.00 to purchase or rent necessary build ings and provide for the support and education of such pupils as may offer." The suggestion was complied with. The Principal was also requested to prepare a report on the subject, with which request he complied, and the report, after receiving the consideration of the Board, was, by resolution, made supplementary to the President's annual report. The lamented death of Dr. Green occurred on the llth of June, 1881, and Mr. L. N. Whittle, having been elected his successor as President,"made the annual report for that year. Mr. Whittle announced the appropriation of $10,000.00 by the Legislature lately adjourned, for the establishment of an Institu tion for the education of the blind colored children of the State in connection with the Georgia Academy for the Blind and under the management of its Trustees; but that no part of it had been drawn from the Treasury in consequence of delay in selecting a suitable location for the Academy to be erected. At a meeting of the Board, Messrs. H. L. Jewett and W. D. Williams were appointed a committee to purchase a lot, and finally succeeded, in the early part of 1882, in securing one containing three and a half acres for less than $3,000-00. The contract for building wasawarded to Mr. W. C. Wilson. It was resolved to have a corner-stone erected, and the Lodges of Colored Free and Accepted Masons, of Macon, were invited to perform the ceremony. The 25th of April was selected as the day, and in the presence of a large attendance, and all the orders of the colored citizens and their military companies, the Grand Master of the State and Grand Officers of the State Organi zation of Colored Masons, with the usual ceremonies, laid the stone> which bears the following inscription: GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. TRUSTEES: / L. N. "WHITTLE, President; H. L. JEWJETT, Treasurer; P. SOLOMAN, V. POWERS, T. G. HOLT, J. P. FORT, B. C. SMITH, W. D. WILLIAMS, Principal; W. C. WILSON, Builder. . ERECTED--APHIL, 1882. 32 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. Among the names of the Trustees on the corner-stone of the Academy, laid in 1858, that of L. N. Whittle only appears on the corner-stone of the Academy of 1882, all having died except Nathan Bass, who removed from Macon in 1870. The building is made of brick and stone, is covered with metal and is strongly built. Dimensions fifty feet front, sixty in depth '> three stories, including basement; contains eighteen rooms, with capacity for forty pupils, and all necessary apartments. It is a creditable State building. Total cost, $13,547.36, including the lot. OFFICERS: W. D. WILLIAMS, A. M., ............. Principal. S. A. W. COLEY ....... Teacher of Literature and Music. W. J. SELF ............. Teacher of Handicrafts. LEWIS WILLIAMS and wife ........ Prefect and Matron. The Principal's report for the present, 1885, states there are eleven pupils in the school, all males. They are making commendable progress in the several departments. The school was opened on November 1st, 1885, with six pupils. [EEPKINT.] FIRST AOTUAL EEPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND, JANUARY, 1853. OFFICERS OF THE ACADEMY. TRUSTEES. JAMES M. GREEN, PRESIDENT. NATHAN C. MUNROE, TRKASURKR. ROBERT A. SMITH, SECRETARY EDWIN B. WEED. EDWIN GRAVES. JOHN B. LAMAR. NATHAN BASS. TEACHERS. W. S. FORTESCUE, Principal. MISS HANNAH GTJILLAN, Teacher of Female Classes. MRS. J. GRISWOLD, Matron. ..................--.., Teacher of Music. LIST OF PUPILS. NAMES. AGE. Hodges, Francis M....12 years. Reed, George.............15 years. Wilkins, Wm............l4 years. Boyd, Blender............31 years. Farmer, Mary..........-13 years. Hall, Eliza.................13 years. Lane, Harriet............13 years. Overby, Rhoda...........11 years. Steadman, Eliza.........13 years. Zachary, Eliza............19 years. Mary Wimberly........l7 years. fMartha Wootten......26 years. tJohn M. Aiken.........19 years. RESIDENCE. ENTERED SCHOOL. Carroll County. Jnly, 1851. Cass County. October, 1852. Campbell County. Sept, 1852. Carroll County. January, 1853. Newton County. August, 1851. Cass County. March, 1852. Oglethorpe County. March, 1852. Walker County. May, 1852. Walker County. October, 1852. Harris County. Sept., 1853. Bibb County. July, 1851. Baldwin County. July, 1851. Butts County. October, 1852. Left October, 1851. fLeft January, 1852. JLefl December, 1852-- Withdrawn by their friends. TRUSTEES' REPORT. To His Excellency, the Governor of Georgia: In conformity with the requisitions of an Act, passed at the last session of the General Assembly of Georgia, " To Incorporate and Endow the Georgia Academy for the Blind," the Trustees respect fully present their FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. The Trustees, shortly after the passage of the Act referred to, organized the Board by the election of a President, Treasurer and . Secretary, and proceeded to appoint Mr. W. S. Fortescue, Princi pal ; Mr. M. B. dark, Musical Instructor; Miss Hannah Guillan, Female Teacher, and Mrs. J. Griswold, Matron. Until last October the Institution occupied a dwelling on the corner of Third and Sassafras streets, Macon, but there being a necessity of more spacious accommodations, a removal was then made to a building erected by the city for an Hospital, about half a mile southwest of the Southwestern Railroad Depot. The present location is regarded only as temporary, being in many respects undesirable. It is gratifying to be able to state, that though this infant Insti tution has had to contend with difficulties incident to new and untried enterprises, its progress has, to a good degree, realized the expectations of its friends. As is common at the commencement of similar Institutions, one of the most serious obstacles has been the almost insurmountable difficulty of inducing those who most need the facilities we offer to come forward and improve.them. Although there is a large number of blind children in our State, and although no means have been left untried to place the advan tages of the Institution before their parents and guardians, we have as yet been able to obtain but very few pupils. Advertisements, circulars and letters have been addressed, not only to the persons immediately interested, but to clergymen and other gentlemen who are supposed to take an interest in such matters; also to every Ordinary in the State, besides which, at much expense, personal visits have been made by our intelligent Principal, and during the OBIGIN AND HISTORY. 35 past summer a party of pupils under his charge have exhibited, in several places of resort, the encouraging proficiency already attained. These statements are but the common history of the earlier years of similar undertaking, and are here made merely to show that the officers of this Academy have not failed in every propsr effort. The causes of this great backwardness of parents to have their blind children educated from home are not only the general ignor ance of what can be accomplished for their good, as well as the illiterate condition of many parents and friends of these unfor tunates but the natural, though often extreme tenderness, with which they are regarded. This excessive feeling induces appre hensions lest blind children, in their helpless condition, should not be treated kindly and trained carefully, when committed to the hands of strangers. Only those who have made the attempt can properly appreciate the difficulty of overcoming these prejudices so unfounded. The danger is rather, that the teacher partake too much in the indulged commiseration so commonly exhibited towards the blind, and thus neglect the duty of thorough instruction and discipline. One of the most important lessons to be impressed upon the blind is that they must do everything possible to help them selves ; modest self-reliance, invaluable aid to the seeing in the struggle of life, is, if it may be said, still more important for the success of the blind. The true policy in the treatment of the blind is thus well expressed by one of the best authorities on the subject in the country, William Chapin, Esq., Principal of the Pennsylvania Institute for the Blind : " Blind children at home are rarely trained wisely. They mingle seldom with seeing children, and when they do, they are looked upon--as blind children usually are--as unable to help themselves. And, worse than all, among strangers they are treated with a mor bid sympathy, whose tones of pity seldom fail to mortify and repel them; and thus they grow up with a depressing sense of misfortune and helpless dependence. The moment such a child enters an Institution for instruction his treatment and all the influences around him are of a different character. Amidst cheerful voices and active footsteps, the sweet tones of music and the busy sounds of industry, everywhere about him, awaken him to new life, and he is not a mere passive spectator of the animating scene; he immedi- 36 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOB THE BLIND. ately forma a part of it. He exchanges his habits of listlessness and idleness for a life of physical and mental action. New moral feel ings and responsibilities spring up, and he is now treated--perhaps for the first time--like a rational being; the language of pity is never heard except from an occasional inconsiderate visitor, who represents the world, from which he baa just emerged. His instruc tors scarcely recognize his blindness as an infirmity. On the con trary, the moral of their teaching and of all the influences around him is, that there is no difficulty with him who faithfully perse veres. " We assume then, as true, that a blind person brought up with his fellows in an Institution will always be more like seeing persons in habit and feeling than one trained up at home." We trust that the marked success met with by the instructors in our Academy will win, as it becomes better known, the deserved confidence of the friends and relations of the blind--and that we may shortly expect large accessions to the number of our pupils. The improvement of the pupils during the past year in common branches of education, especially arithmetic, has been very satisfac tory, owing to the indefatigable exertions of the" Principal, Mr. Fortescue, aud his assistant, Miss Guillan. In music, under the instruction of Mr. M. B. Clark, their p'rogress has, in general, been highly encouraging--some of the pupils evinc ing much musical talent. In the purchase of books and school apparatus peculiar to the blind, we have received the very kind and useful assistance of Mr. William Chapin, Principal of the Pennsylvania Institute for the Blind. During the preliminary steps for the organization of the Acad emy, valuable counsel and aid was rendered by the distinguished philanthropist, Prof. Robley Dunglison, of Philadelphia. It seems proper to include a few remarks upon the objects aimed at and the means employed in other schools for the blind, where their education bas longest and most successfully been pursued; the peculiar impediments in the instruction of this class; the causes of its unusual expensiveness, and some of the average results, in order to show what must be done to attain all the benevolent pur poses possible and desirable, with what success, and with what result. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 37 Besides the objects of all well conducted boarding schools--the intellectual, moral and physical training of pupils preparatory to entering upon the pursuits of life--institutions for the blind in our country, and especially those at Boston, New York and Philadel phia, have included two other parts of education as most important-- the teaching of work and music; a mechanical employment to accustom the early habits of industry, as a preventive from the indolence and listlessness to which those would be peculiarly liable who are deprived of usual powers of activity, as well as for a means of support; a knowledge of vocal and instrumental music, for such as have capacity, as an Innocent, cheerful recreation to those deprived of many common pleasures; but especially as affording to those endowed with particular taste and talent for music the most agreeable and independent way of livelihood that the blind can pursue. The blind pupil when first brought under instruction is usually hindered by more than the mere fact of not seeing. Whether born blind or early deprived of sight by disease or accident, the body has generally been enfeebled by want of the constant activity natural to youth--the mental development checked by lack of instruction--the disposition impaired by the insulting pity of stran gers and the mistaken tenderness of friends, and energy of character is deficient from the habit of yielding to, rather than overcoming difficulties. These mental and moral impediments yield to the influences of a well ordered school and the congenial society of school-masters; but the physical infirmity continues, in many cases, a serious check to progress. Where blindness is the result of general disease, the constitution is usually shattered. Therefore, in the physical training, there is needed unusual care of the health, nourishing and varied diet, every facility for fresh air and exercise, spacious halls and piazzas, broad smooth walks for promenading, and large level sandy plots for play grounds, lofty, well ventilated apartments, and ample conveniences for frequent bathing, warm and cold. In mental cultivation, more than the common degree of time, patience and expense is needed; it is mostly oral; the duty of the teacher in the class being to convey all that knowledge which in other schools is imparted, in a great measure, through books, leaving 38 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOE THE BLIND. only recitations and explanations in the class. Hence, there is required a larger number of Instructors, and the progress, upon the whole, is slower; though not necessarily less thorough and accurate, except in natural science. The books in raised print are few in number, and from their expensiveness and bulk, will remain so; yet, reading them, ia important to the blind; not so much as a means of acquiring gene ral knowledge, as in learning orthography, and above all, in ena bling them to search the Scriptures for themselves. Maps and globes constructed for the blind, are costly--yet without them, no satisfactory acquaintance with geography can be gained. Reading raised print, writing on grooved boards, geography, grammar, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and natural philosophy, (with some superficial general information- on natural sciences) are all the branches usually attempted. In these, especially mathe matics, the proficiency of the blind pupil compares favorably with that of the seeing, except in reading and writing. Much time should be spent by teachers in conveying general information by reading aloud, books, papers and periodicals. Great benefit will result to the blind from giving to them that general intelligence and refinement of mind, which by enabling them to converse with wisdom and grace, will entitle them to the society, which will farther elevate and secure from sensual pleasures. Con versation must always be their chief solace and amusement, the most innocent and beneficial, if rightly conducted--the most at command. In the older Institutions for the blind of our country, all of the pupils capable are taught singing and playing on the piano ; the males also acquire the practice of various instruments; those who have most talent are fitted for organists in churches and teachers of vocal and instrumental music. A full choir and orches tra are formed among the pupils, which add to the interest of worship in the school, and in exhibitions and concerts, give to the public pleasing proofs of the benefits of the course of education. The workshops are never a. source of much, profit to the Institu tion ; but, on the contrary, require a liberal expenditure, and much care in selecting such simple manufactures as can most nearly, be completed by the blind, and will bring the most return for handlabor. Assistance in preparing the materials and giving them art, ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 39 and in finishing the articles, is always indispensable; even after the pupil is well instructed in his handicraft. Scarcely any are fitted to go out into the world and support themselves, either as journey men or masters, by their trade exposed to general competition. Yet, when engaged in work departments established in connec tion with the school, and so administered as to favor the efforts of graduate pupils, they may maintain themselves in comfort. Among the branches of handicraft taught in different institutions are the making of brushes, baskets, brooms and band-boxes, and the weaving of mats and rag-carpets. For the full course of instruction, eight years ia none too much ; and even then, unless the pupil enters at a later age than is, in many cases advisable, the term of tuition will expire before suffi cient maturity of mind and character is reached. According to the census of 1840, there were one hundred and thirty-six blind in this State; by the census of 1850, their number had increassd to two hundred and thirty. From reliable informa tion, we are assured that this last return is too small, and three hundred is nearer the right number. It becomes a matter deserving serious inquiry, whether or not, this hitherto neglected and increasing portion of our population shall remain without education and the means of maintenance. The mass of them have not received even the rudiments of education, and are growing up to ignorance and helplessness. Many have only learned the lessons of vice. Shall these neglected children of mis fortune remain only a reproach and useless burden to the commu nity? mere objects of commiseration? The experience of other States has conclusively shown that this is not their necesary condition. Their minds can be cultivated to the highest degree of refinement; they are capable of learning abstruse sciences and mechanic arts; their morals are equally susceptible of improvement; they can be fitted for the purest social pleasures. It has been shown, too, that from being indigent and burdensome, non-producers and consumers only, they can be elevated to the sphere of active, and happy co-laborers in the common pursuits of life. It is the just pride of Institutions for the blind that they have thus raised their pupils from the dependent and degraded conditions, which too long seemed their fate, to honorable and profitable avocations. These results have been seen in those States that have provided 40 GEOKGIA ACADEMY FOB THE BLIND. liberally for the instruction of this class. Twenty-five States of the Union have made legislative provisions for their education, chiefly by endowing Institutions established by private enterprise and beneficence. Georgia has liberally provided for the education of her rising generations. No portion of the community have stronger claims to educational aid than the blind. Surely we may trust that the encouragement so lately given to this cause is but an earnest of complete and permanent support soon to be established. To show how the importance of educating the blind is estimated in some of the most intelligent States in the Union, we append the following table of expenditures made for this purpose: New York - For Buildings...................................$150,000 00 New York--Annual Appropriation........................ 30,000 00 Pennsylvania--Buildings.................... ................. 80,000 00 Pennsylvania--Burch Legacy..........;..................... 180,000 00 Pennsylvania--Annual Appropriation..................... 12,000 00 Massachusetts--Annual Income............................. 25,000 00 Ohio--Buildings............ ................................... 50,000 00 Ohio--Annual Appropriation................................ 15,000 00 Indiana--Buildings ............................................ 70,000 00 Indiana--Annual Appropriation........................... 19,000 00 Missouri--Buildings (to begin with)........................ 20,000 00 Missouri--Annual Appropriation........................... 5,000 00 This Institution has labored under much embarrassment from the want of a suitable building, and the necessity of occupying temporarily inconvenient tenements. The Trustees beg leave to urge upon the Legislature and the benevolent and public spirited citizens of our State the vital im portance to their undertaking of speedily procuring the erection of a permanent and well-constructed edifice. Until this is done, the proper system of educating the blind cannot have its full and effectual development. Sufficient space should be provided for the largest number of-pupils that may be expected for several yean. The plan of the building can then be adapted to the peculiar and ample arrangements indispensable in schools for the blind, where the two sexes are to partake the benefits of one complete organiza- ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 41 tioD of every branch, with a united corps of teachers under one settled policy and efficient superintendence, yet with the strict sep aration demanded by prudence and propriety. The addition of music, in its several varieties and different kinds of handicraft, to literary studies, demands an increase of room and its peculiar adaptation. Provision for air and exercise for those whose infirmity restricts them almost entirely to the limits of the institution (whilst it lessens the impulse to healthful activity) still farther extends the requirements for space within and out of doors. Common prudence and humanity would determine that in build ings where a large number of blind children are to be assembled, especial security from fire should be provided, although at much increase of expense.. From all these considerations it is evident that the wise economy, which is careful not to sacrifice great utility to small savings, com pels to a larger outlay in erecting buildings suitable for the educa tion of the blind than would be needed for other classes. 42 GEORGIA. ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. ACT OF INCORPORATION. AN A CT to incorporate and endow the Georgia Academy for the Blind. SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa tives of the State of Georgia in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That Nathan C. Munroe, Absalom H. Cliappell, John B. Lamar, Edwin B. Weed, James M. Green, Edwin Graves, and Robert A. Smith, Trustees of the Georgia Academy for the Blind, and all who, according to the constitution and laws are, or shall, become members thereof, be and they are hereby declared to be a body corporate, by the name and style of " The Georgia Academy for the Blind," and by the same corporate name shall have perpetual succession, be capable to buy, hold and sell real and personal estate, make contracts, sue and be sued, to use a common seal, or to break or renew the same at pleasure. SEC. 2 And be it further enacted, That the said Academy shall be governed by such constitution and laws as are now in existence, until the same be altered by the members thereof, and that the members of said Academy shall have power to make, alter, or repeal their constitution and laws in such manner as they shall deem expedient: Provided, That nothing in the same be contrary to the constitution and laws of this State, or of the United States. SEC. 3. And beitfurther enacted, That the Trustees ofsaid Academy shall be empowered to receive all gifts, grants, legacies, privileges and immunities, which now belong to said Academy, or which here after may be made or bequeathed to it. and no misnomer of the corporation, or other technical error, shall prevent its right from vesting wherever it may appear, or shall be ascertained, that it waa the intention of the party or parties to give, grant or bequeath any property, real or personal, or any right or interest to the said corpo ration. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That the Trustees aforesaid shall have the power of appointing such officers, teachers and ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 43 matrons, as may be necessary for said Academy, to fix their sala ries, and prescribe their duties, and the same, or any of the same, to remove or discontinue when they may think proper. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That the Trustees aforesaid shall have a general supervision and control over the affairs of said Academy, shall prescribe the course of studies, establish the rates of tuition, adjust the expenses, and adopt such regulations, not otherwise provided for, as the interest of the Academy may require. SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That the Trustees aforesaid shall select indigent blind persons from different counties of the State, between the ages of twelve and twenty, and maintain and educate them gratuitously so far as the funds of the said Academy will admit; the said Trustees shall present an annual report to his Excellency, the Governor, containing the number of such indigent pupils, with their names and places of residence; also a detailed report of the condition of said Academy, and of the number of pupils therein, accompanied with a statement of all its receipts and expenditures during the preceding year. SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That to aid the funds, and defray the expenses of the said Academy, his Excellency, the Governor, is hereby authorized and required to draw his warrant on the State Treasurer, in favor of the Trustees aforesaid, for the sum of five thousand dollars, to be paid in the year eighteen hundred and fiftytwo, and shall draw his warrant on the State Treasurer, in favor of the said Trustees, for the further sum of five thousand dollars, to be paid in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-three. TREASURERS STATEMENT. GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND, IN ACCOUNT WITH NATHAN C. MUNROE. 1852. February 7th March 12th.... April 2d......... April 20th..... May 13th...... June 4th..... .. June 6th........ September 1st September 1st September 3d October 8th... October 18th.. November 23 December 3d.. To apaid ii ii ii ii ii it ii ii ii ii H ii drtat ft it ii ii ii if i> 11 (i ii 11 DR. J. Mii . 11 11 ii ii 11 i i i i i i Green, Priies..... No. 1 2 8 4 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 $ 830 148 22 976 125 90 310 265 60 250 205 .400 100 160 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 1852. January 13th.. April 19th...... August 27th... October llth... Bythis ii ff am'itt ' ii it rec'd OB. fitrom State Aipproep,- ii it a ii $1,00000 1,60000 1,000 00 50000 $4,000 00 (4,000 00 BALANCE SHEET, GEOKGIA ACADEMY FOK THE BLIND, AT MACON, JANUAKY 18T, 1853. To amount expenditures, aa per statement... ...-- $5,323 79 By receipts Individual Subscriptions...... ................... $ " Tuition Miss Wootten.... ......................... 802 00 5000 " Sale manufactured articles...................... 87 60 " State Appropriation .............................. 4,000 00 By accounts unpaid...... ........................................... 434 29 $5,323 79 $5,323 70 CLASSIFICATION OF EXPENDITUBES. 4.9 ftA Servant Hire....................... ...... 248 25 Miscellaneous Expenses....*...... 149 54 Music......................... ........... Rente......................... ........... 299 11 Groceries and Provisions...... ...... 1,262 43 450 00 Furniture............................ ...... 617 60 $5.323 79 [RKPRINT.] SECOND AMUAL REPORT . OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND, JANUARY, 1854. OFFICERS OF THE ACADEMY. TRUSTEES. JAMES M. GREEN, PRESIDENT. NATHAN O. MUNROE, TREASURER. ROBERT A. SMITH, SECRETARY. EDWIN GRAVES. NATHAN BASS. JOHN B. LAMAR. INSTRUCTORS. HENRY BUTTON,.................... Principal. I Mias H. GUILLAN,............. Teacher and Governess. | MBS. S. J. GRISWOLD, .................. Matron, i EDWARD MACK,................. Teacher of Music. MBS. S. A. MACK,. Teacher of Music and Handicraft to Female Pupils, j LIST OF PUPILS. I NAMES. AGE. RESIDENCE. ENTERED SCHOOL. t Hodges, F. M...............13 years. Carroll county. July, 1851. j Reid, George...............l6 years. Case county. October, 1852. j Wilkins, "Wm...............15 years. Campbell county. September, 1852. \ Boyd, Nancy E.............32 years. Carroll county. January, 1853. Farmer, Mary......-.....13 years. Newton county. August, 1851. ( Hall, Eliza J_................12 years. Cass county. March, 1852. Lane, Harriet..............14 years. Oglethorpe county. March, 1852. Overby, Rhoda.........~_12 years. Walker county. May, 1852. Steadman, Elizabeth.....13 years. Walker county. October, 1852. Zachary, A. Elizabeth..20 years. Harris county. September, 1852. Wimberly, Mary E.......18 years. Bibb county. October, 1853. Hall, Amanda.............13 years. Whitfield county. November, 1853. Addison, A. J..............18 years. Habersbam connty. Eecember, 1853. Donald, M. J...............18 years. Abbeville, S. C. October, 1853. Aikin, John................21 years. Butts county. January, 1854. TRUSTEES' REPORT. To His Excellency Hertchett V. Johnson: SIB : In obedience to the law establishing the " Georgia Acad emy for the Blind," the Board of Trustees respectfully communicate to the Executive Department the Second Annual Report of the affairs of the Institution. They are pleased to be able to state, that the number of pupils has increased, and that the Institution continues to grow in favor with the class it is intended to benefit, as well as the public at large. The pupils, with one exception, have enjoyed excellent health, and have submitted to the regulations of the Institution in their educational and industrial pursuits with meritorious diligence and docility. The exception here alluded to is the case of Andrew J. Addison, an excellent and promising youth who died very suddenly since tfce date of the Principal's Report. The Board of Trustees are also called upon to lament the loss of one of the moat valued members of their own body, the late E. B. Weed--a man not more remarkable for his zeal in benevolent enterprises than for his general Christian worth and excellence. He was a model of a good man and a good citizen. The Report of the Principal of the Academy to the Trustees, which accompanies and forms part of this paper, contains a full and correct statement of the disbursements of the Institution for the current year. From this statement, it will be seen that the aggre gate expenditures have reached the amount of $2,742.05, (including salaries due December 31st not reckoned, $3,067.05,) leaving unex pended of the year's appropriation $1,932.95. As, however, it is reasonable to expect a considerable increase in the number of pupils this year, and consequently an enlarged expendi ture for furniture, books, maps, globes, etc., this surplus will all be needed (in addition to the annual appropriation of $5,000.00) to carry on the operations of the Institution ; particularly as the Board propose to increase the corps of teachers by employing an instructor in handicraft and mechanical pursuits, and to purchase ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 47 the necessary raw material to be used in making brushes, mats,, baskets and other articles usually manufactured by the blind. The Board respectfully call your attention and that of the Gen eral Assembly to the suggestions contained in the Principal's Report in reference to the great importance of having a properly con structed edifice erected in some suitable place for a permanent loca tion of the Academy. The building now used is a rented one, and is too far from business and from the various places of public wor ship, subjecting the Institution to unnecessary expense and incon venience. In view of these and other considerations, the Board would respectfully ask from the legislative body the appropriation of an amount sufficient to purchase an eligible lot, and to erect on it buildings commensurate with the wants of the Institution; and also a continuance of the usual annual appropriation of Five Thou sand Dollars for the ensuing two political years. It is estimated that twe'nty thousand dollars would meet the first of these requisi tions, including the necessary out-building, fencings, etc.; all to be neatly and substantially constructed of brick or stone, for greater durability and greater safety from fire--the latter being a point of great importance in erections for the blind. The Trustees conclude this brief report by a cordial commenda tion of the whole subject to the liberal philanthropy of the General Assembly, being firmly convinced that no worthier object can be presented for their consideration and support. [Signed] JAMES M. GREEN, President. N. C. MUNROE, Treasurer. R. A. SMITH, Secretary. 48 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL. DECEMBER Slsx, 1853. To the Trusted of the Georgia Academy for the Blind: GENTLEMEN--In presenting this Second Annual Report of the ' Academy, at the close of the second year of its incorporation, I am happy to congratulate you on the present prosperous condition and apparently favorable prospects of this object of your care and effort. During the year just ended, the health of the family has been uninterrupted by serious illness; the pupils, cheerful and content, have made good progress; their number has increased from ten to fourteen. The classes in common English branches, under Miss Guillan's instructions chiefly, have made very satisfactory advances. By the female pupils, articles of sewing, plain and fancy knitting and ornamental bead-work have been made, which have been sold for $64.15. The music classes, which were interrupted from January to October, were resumed at the beginning of the present term under the instructions of Mr, Edward Mack and Mrs. Mack, both for merly pupils and afterwards assistant teachers of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind. Their success during the last three months has been most marked. The favor with which recent exhibitions of the pupils have been received was gratifying commendation of the results of our instruc tions thus far. It will be the endeavor of those engaged in the charge of the school to spare no efforts to secure the rapid and thorough improvement of their pupils. The government is mild but firm. The religious obligations of morality taught iq the Bible are regarded and used as the founda tion of sound education. The health of the pupils, often, from obvious causes, peculiarly liable to be impaired, is carefully watched and fortified by regular exercise in the open air. Attention is paid to manners and general behavior, and character out of school. It is intended that all shall have thorough knowledge of Spelling, Beading, Arithmetic,. ORIGIN AUD HISTORY. 49 Geography and Grammar,--while by oral instructions and daily readings of interesting and useful works, much general information will be acqmired. Writing is taught by means of a grooved writing board. Music is regarded not merely as an ornament and* enlivening pastime, but where the talent of the pupil suffices, it is cultivated as the most eligible means of livelihood by the business of teaching. Your attention is particularly requested to the prospect of an increase of the number of pupils during the coming year, in con nection with the present limited accommodation of the School in a building unfitted in many respects besides its size for the con-, venience and comfort of such an Institution as this. There are now sixteen or seventeen Institutions for the Education of the Blind in the United States. Most of them have received from their respective States liberal aid, not only by annual appro priations of Legislatures for their support, but in large grants of money or land for the erection of suitable edifices. For the loca tion of these, large towns, frequented by citizens from all parts of the State, with convenience of access by central position and rail road communication, have been preferred. On several of these buildings much money has been expended, not so much for beauty as for durability, security from fire, and ample provision, in the size of the rooms, the number and size of halls and piazzas, for health and convenience. Surely no public institution can better merit the patronage of any State of our Union than those for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, which remove, in a great measure, hindrances to the enjoy ment of Education, so generally regarded by Americans as their greatest national blessing, and by many as a citizen's birth-right. The future progress of our School will be seriously retarded, and probably many applicants for admission necessarily excluded, till the natural .period of pupilage is past, unless a way is found for the speedy erection of a building adapted for the use of the School. Respectfully submitted, H. DUTTON, Principal TREASURERS' STATEMENT. GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND, IN ACCOUNT WITH NATHAN C. MUNROE. 1853. DR. 1853. OR. Jan. 19... Paid draft J. M. Green, Pres., voucher No. 15 $ 400 00 Jan. 17... By amount received on State Appropriation $1,000 00 Jan. 19... Feb. 14... " " " No. 16 150 00; March 29 " No. 17 125 00, July 1..... (i a 500 00 500 00 March 17 " " " No. -18 100 00 Oct. 1.... By amount received from R. Latimer for April 1... " " " No. 19 300 00 100 00 April 1... " " " No. 20 125 00 Oct. 28. .. 500 00 May 7... " " " No. 21 126 00 Dec. 1C... State appropriation.... ............................... 1,000 00 May 17.. " " " No. 22 50 00 June 4.. " " " No. 23 1-25 00 $3,600 00 July 6... " ' " " No. 24 341 00 8,056 00 Aug. 18.. " ' " " No. 25 100 00 Oct. 22... " ' " ' No. 20 100 00 Oct. 31... " " " ' No. 27 190 00 Nov. 11... " " " ' No. 28 800 00 Dec. 6... " " " ' No. 29 69 00 Dec. 16... " " " ' No. 30 400 00 Dec. 29... " " " ' No. 31 50 00 $3,056 00 Balance Jan. 1st, 1864...... .................... $ 644 00 PRINCIPAL'S REPORT. GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR BLIND, IN ACCOUNT WITH PRINCIPAL. 1853. DR. 1853. OR. Jan. 19... To salaries paid, due Dec. 31, 11862.... ......... $ 400 00 Dec. 31... By amount received from N. C. Munroe, Dec. SI- Expenses paid in year 1853..... 2,726 20 Treasurer, during the year 1853.............. $3,056 00 Sales of work........................................... 61 15 $3,126 20 $3,120 15 RECAPITULATION OF EXPENDITURES. Salaries................................ $ 850 00 Work matei itilg......... .................I 5 17 School. ......... ....................... $ 4 70 Music ....,---- .--.----.-...- ... 1R 3fi Special....... 542 76 Sundries. .>............................ 213 10 Maintenanc*e.............. ............... 1,092 12 Total.................................... $2,726 20 [SUBSTITUTE.] THIRD AXNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND, JANUARY, 1855. OFFICERS OF THE ACADEMY. TRUSTEES. JAMES M. GREEN, PEESEDEST. NATHAN C. MUNROE, TREASURER. ROBERT A. SMITH, SECRETARY. EDWIN GRAVES. JOHN B. LAMAR. NATHAN BASS. INSTRUCTORS. HENRY BUTTON ........... :....... Principal. MISS H. GTJILLAN ............. Teacher and Governess. EDWARD MACK ................. Teacher of Music. MBS- S. A. MACK - Teacher of Music and Handicraft to Female Pupils. There is a gap in the series of the Annual Reports of the Acad emy for the Blind, sent to the Executive Department of the State, for the calendar year of 1854--number three of the series. It may be that none was made, but if it was made it was not printed in the usual form. At the date at which such report should have been made the Institution was without a Principal to gather up the sta tistics and report the internal affairs. The President of the Board was actively engaged in the practice of his profession, and may have omitted to make the report to the Governor. The minutes of the Board do not show that any report was ordered or made, and, on Examination, it will be found that in the report for the previous year the Trustees asked appropriations for the maintenance of the Acad emy for each of the next two ensuing years, which the Treasurer's 52 GEOEGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. books show were drawn and accounted for in due form. For these reasons I am inclined to think* no report was sent to the Governor. Be that as it may, the year was a very important one in the history of the Academy. It began with a school located in a hired house--the City Hospital--in the Southern limits of the city, near the swamp. The Trustees were James Mercer Green, President; Nathan C. Munroe, Treasurer ; Robert A. Smith, Secretary--(a vacancy caused by the death of E. B. Weed,) Edwin Graves, John B. Lamar, Nathan Bass. On May 4th, of this year, Lewis N. Whittle was elected to fill the place of Edwin B. Weed, deceased. There were at that time on the roll of pupils fifteen names as appears from Report of 1853, one of whom died during the year, viz: Eleanor Boyd, of Carroll county, and none admitted. The Legislature of this year--perhaps in February or March-- made an annual appropriation of five thousand dollars for the next two years, viz: 1854 and 1855, and besides, made an appropriation for the purchase of property and .the erection of buildings of ten thousand dollars. In the summer of this year the Trustees purchased for the Academy the late residence of Charles Cotton, the lot being two acres--lot seven in the city of Macon--paying therefor in November the sum of seven thousand dollars, to Edwin Graves, administrator of the estate of Charles Cotton, and taking his deed to the same, and in October the Academy was removed to it under the charge of Miss Hannah Guillan. Mr. Henry Dutton, the Principal, did not return to the work at the opening of the term, on account of ill health, and also Mr. and Mrs. Mack resigned their places. Then was Miss Guillan left alone in the work. In March of this year, Robert A. Smith, Secretary, received the sum of six hundred and eighty dollars from the two committees composed of Senators and Representatives, which amount had been generously given by members of the General Assembly, and he stated that he was instructed by the committee to appropriate the amount for the use and benefit of the pupils. The Trustees advised him to invest the sum of six hundred dollars of this donation as trustee of the fund, in the capital stock of the South-western Rail road. This is the origin of what is know as the Pupils Fund of the Georgia Academy for the Blind. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 53 In December of this year, the President, by authority of the Board, appointed May Horn Principal pro tempore. The following is an abstract taken from the book of Nathan C. Munroe, the Treasurer, showing receipts and disbursements for the year. W. D. WILLIAMS, . Secretary. GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. 1854. Jan. 1. By balance ...................$54400 Feb. 16. By State appropriation ............. 2,500 00 June 29. By board and tuition Miss Wimberly ....... 200 00 July 5. By board and tuition MissDavitt- ........ 10000 I Nov. 13. By State appropriation for building ..... . . 10,000 00 $13,344 00 1854. CONTRA. Jan. 13. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ......$ 544 00 Feb. 18. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 525 00 Mar. 3. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 250 00 ; Apr. 8. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft . ..... 72500 May. 9. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 200 00 June 9. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 250 00 July 1. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 350 00 July 1. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ...... 20 00 July 8. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 25 50 : Oct. 13. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 20 00 I Oct. 21. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 40 00 Nov. 4. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 30 00 j Nov. 7. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 25 00 Nov. 20. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ..... 7,000 00 ; Dec. 6. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ...... 18 00 | Dec. 7. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ...... JO 00 j Dec. 19. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ...... 3000 ; Dec. 23. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ...... 20 00 , 1855. | Jan. 3. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft ...... 25 00 Jan. 4. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft...... 18 00 ! Jan. 6. To paid J. Mercer Green, draft...... 228 08 ' To balance carried to new account..... 3,010 42 ; $13,344, 00 ! [REPRIXT.] FOURTH AMUAL BEPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND, JANUARY.. 1856. OFFICERS OF THE ACADEMY. BOARD OF TRUSTEES. JAMES MERCER GREEN, PRESIDENT. NATHAN C. MUXROE, TREASURER. ROBERT A. SMITH, SECRETARY. EDWIN GRAVES. NATHAN BASS. LEWIS N. WHITTLE, WASHINGTON POE. INSTRUCTORS MAY HORN", ... ... ... .... Principal. Miss H. GUILLAN, ........... Teacher and Governess. EZRA A. HALL, . ............. Teacher of Music. MRS. MAY HORN, ........... ......... Matron. LIST OF PUPILS. NAMES. AGK. RESIDENCE. ENTERED SCHOOL. Francis Hodges............15 years....Carrollcounty...................July, 3851. Mary E. Wimberly.......20 years....Bibb county.................October, 1853. Mary Farmer...............16 years....Newton county..............August, 1851. Eliza Hall....................14 years....Cass county....................March, 1852. Rboda Overby............~13 years.... Walker county.......... .........May, 1852. Elizabeth Zacbary*......21 years....Harris county...........September, 1852. John Aiben ..............23 years....Butts county.................October, 1852. Amanda A Hallf......-13 years....Whitfle!d county...........October, 1852. Susan Hudgins............ 6 years....Gordon county...........February, 1855. Mary A. Gunn.............l9 years....Muscogee county...........March, 1855. I Erasmus C. Wright*.....22 years....Walton county...............March, 1855. Sarah J. Toles*............14 years....Jones county...................April, 1855. Margaret Duncan.........l9 years....Newton county.........September, 1855. Martha Saye..... ..........13 years....H-ill county.............November, 1855. Leonard A. Hawkins...,15 years....Murray county.........December, 1855. William WilkinB.........17 years....Campbell county......September, 1852. George Read-.............. 17 years....Cass county..................October, 1852. Elizabeh Steadnaan.....l5 years ...Walker county............. October, 1852. *Not returned since vacation. TRUSTEES' REPORT. To His Excellency the Ooveraor of Georgia: The Trustees of the Georgia Academy for the Blind, in conform ity with the law, respectfully make their Fourth Annual Report to the Executive Department. \Ve are grateful to be able to state that the Institution has made some progress since our last annual report, there being a slight increase in the number of the class ; which, although still a small one, is almost as large as could be crowded into the present building. Although the past summer has been marked by the prevalence of fever and other dangerous diseases, yet there has been very little sickness in the Institution, except one violent attack of acute dysentery that terminated fatally. The unfortunate subject of this case was Miss Amanda Hall, from Whitfield county, who merited and received from her teacher, as well as the Board of Trustees, the highest meed of approbation for scholarship and deportment. She was one of the most prominent and intelligent pupils in the class. The number of blind in the State, from the best information in the hands of the Board, must approximate four hundred persons; of these at least sixty or seventy ought to be receiving the benefits of a methodical education at our Institution. But from the limited means placed at our disposal, the Institution has been necessarily contracted in such a manner that the children of those who could afford it have in many instances been sent to the North, where older, better endowed, and, consequently, better organized Institu tions, offered greater facilities for acquiring a thorough education, as well aa greater security from the dreadful danger of destruction by fire. The Trustees know that this latter reason has had its influence. From the ignorance and indigence of those from whom the great mass of our pupils spring, we meet with the greatest difficulty in increasing the number of pur class. These reasons, together with the newness of the subject of educating the blind in this State, and the inability of the Trustees, from want of means, to keep an 56 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOB THE BLIND. agent constantly in the field, hunting up pupils for the Institution, are the real causes of its slow progress. The Trustees have, how ever, thought it was best that in the infancy of the school we should feel our way cautiously until it was firmly established, and have not asked from the Legislature more than was necessary to accom plish the gradual progress that has been realized. We respectfully submit to your Excellency now, and through you to the General Assembly, that this period of our Institution has passed away, and that the time has arrived tor a more extended, effectual and liberal organization of the establishment. In this connection we would concur strongly in a suggestion that has been made in the legislative proceedings, for the appointment of a general agent, for the pur pose of seeking out and bringing forward pupils for the deaf mute and blind schools. We would also most respectfully suggest that it might be advisable to allow the Trustees to have some voice in the selection of the proposed- agent. By reference to the report of our Principal, which is appended, it will be seen that since the date of our last annual communication to the Executive Department, nine new pupils have been admitted ; two have been withdrawn by the advice of the Board; one deceased; three have not returned since vacation, and fourteen remain in the School, and two others are on file for admission. One of the latter is from Mobile, Alabama. These two will make our class sixteen, making an average whole number in attendance in 1855. The Institution should be credited with the maintenance of eighteen pupils for the year. Since its organization twenty-five pupils have been received into the Institution, of whom there were from the counties of Carroll, two; Newton,two; Clark,one; Cass,two; Whitfield,one; Walton, one; Bibb, one; Harris, two ; Baldwin, one ; Habersham, one ; Gordon, one; Jones, one; Hall, one; Muscogee, two ; Wilkes, two ; Campbell, one; Butts, one; Murray, one; South Carolina, one. It will be seen from this table that our pupils have been mainly derived from the upper portion of the State. Of the whole num ber, four were full pay pupils,, one half pay pupil, and the rest supported by tlie State appropriations. The fidelity and zeal of the various officers of the School have deserved the approbation of the Board of Trustees, particularly the meritorious services of Miss Guillan, who has been connected ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 57 with the Institution from its origin. The Trustees also concur in the Principal's report of the skillful and successful efforts of Mr. Hall, our teacher of music. The class of pupils, both in regard to their studies and deport ment, have deservedly received the commendation of the Board, as well as that of their teachers. It will be observed from .the report of the Principal, that during a portion of the year a handicraft teacher was employed in the Institution, and that his connection with it closed in the month of August. This office was discontinued by the Board on the ground that the results at this time would not justify the increased expense. In consequence of our first appropriation having been received from the State at the beginning of the year, our financial and busi ness record was made to commence on the 1st of January, when the business of the preceding 'year had been brought fully to a close. The Board intend at their next meeting to enact a by-law by which the business year of the Academy shall in future commence on the 1st of November and end on the last of October annually, in time for an exposition of its affairs, to be laid before the General Assem bly. It will be recollected that the first appropriation made by the Legislature was 85,000.00 a year, and for the last two political years $2,500.00 per annum. From the first two years enough has been saved to make up for the deficiency in the last two year's appro priation, and to leave still in our hands $1,483.00. The Legislature at its last session appropriated $10,000 for the purchase or erection of buildings. Of this sum, as stated in a previous report, $7,000 00 has been spent in the purchase of an eligi ble lot and building on College hill. Of the balance, $3,000.00^ $250.00 has been appropriated to the erection of a dining room attached to our present building, which was absolutely necessary for the accommodation of the pupils. The balance of the building fund, whenever it could be done, has been loaned out on good security and drawing legal interest, and in this way $120.00 have been realized. No use has been made of it iu extending our build ing, except the dining room before mentioned, because the Trustees had determined to propose to the Legislature the policy of making only permanent fire-proof improvements, believing it a wise and in the end a more really economical plan for the State. 58 GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND. The expenditures for the year 1855, as will be shown by the. report of the Principal, amount to $3,768.23. Of this sum $93.89 has been received from the sale of manufactured articles--all the rest from the State appropriation. It will require an appropriation of at least $4,000.00 a year for the next two political years to carry on the Institution, even in the present limited manner. To make it really and effectually pro gressive a large sum will be absolutely necessary. The Legislative Committee on the Academy for the Blind, when inspecting the Institution at their recent visit, invited the Board of Trustees to prepare a report including a plan and estimates from a competent architect for the erection of a brick or stone fire-proof building, commensurate with the probable wants of the blind popu lation of this State. The Board have confided this important task to Mr. Augustus Schwaab, one of the most competent civil engi neers in the State, (the architect of that beautiful building, the Macon passenger depot,) and we now present the result to your Excellency. From Mr. Schwaab's report we learn that a fire-proof brick building of a size sufficient for the accommodation of seventy-five pupils, warmed by furnaces and flues, with tanks in the upper part of the building and pipes arranged for the convenient distribution of water to every part of the establishment, lit with gas and con structed in a neat and substantial manner, with some reference to ornamentation, could not be erected for a less sum than $55,000.00. In connection with this part of our report, we beg leave to make one or two extracts from our first annual communication to the Executive Department. The first one will exhibit the large amounts that have been expended in other States on Institutions for the Blind: New York-For Buildings................................. ..$150,000 00 New York--Annual Appropriation......... .............. 30,000 00 Pennsylvania--Buildings.................... ................. 80,000 00 Pennsylvania--Burck Legacy................................ 180,000 00 Pennsylvania--Annual Appropriation..................... 12,000 00 Indiana--Buildings ........................................... 70,000 00 Indiana--Annual Appropriation .......................... 15,000 00 Missouri--Buildings (to begin with)........................ 20,000 00 Missouri--Annual Appropriation......!.................... 5,000 00 ORIGES AXD HISTORY. 59 The magnificently endowed and palatial structures appropriated to the reception and education of the blind in Europe have often excited the admiration of the philanthropist. We also make the following quotation from the same report: " This Institution has labored under much embarrassment from the want of a .suitable building, and the necessity of occupying tempo: rarily inconvenient tenements." The Trustees beg leave to urge upon the Legislature and the benevolent and public-spirited men of the State, the vital import ance to this undertaking of speedily procuring the erection of a permanent and well constructed edifice. Until this is done, the proper system of educating the blind cannot have its full and effectual development. Sufficient space should be provided for the . largest number of pupils that may be expected for several years. The plan of the building can then be adapted to the peculiar and ampler arrangements indispensable in schools for the blind, where the two sexes are to partake the benefits of one complete organiza tion of every branch, with an united corps of teachers, under one settled policy and efficient superintendence, yet with the strict sep aration demanded by prudence and propriety. The addition of music, in its several varieties and different kinds of- handicraft, to literary studies, demands an increase of room, and its peculiar adaptation, provision for air and exercise for those whose infirmity restrict them almost entirely to the limits of the Institu tion (whilst it lessens the impulse to healthful activity, still further extends the requirements for space within and out of doors). Common prudence and humanity would determine that in build ings where a large number of blind children are to be assembled, especial security from fire should be provided, although at much increase of expense. From all these considerations it is evident that the wise economy, which is careful not to sacrifice great utility to small savings, com pels to a larger outlay in" erecting buildings suitable for the educa tion of the blind than would be needed for other classes. In regard to the necessity of the Institution, and the importance of placing it on a firm and liberal foundation, the Board of Trus tees are happy to have the concurring opinions of the last, as well as the present Governor of the State, and also that of the Finance Committee. The distinguished statesman, Governor Cobb, in his 60 GEORGIA. ACADEMY FOR THE BLISD. message of 1853, says: "It he's encountered the difficulties which have attended all similar institutions, and iu view of the difficulties, its efforts haye been attended with as much success as could have been anticipated. It has shosvn itself worthy of the fostering care extended to it by your predecessors, and should continue to receive your patronage and encouragement. The appeal in behalf of the blind, like that made for the deaf and dumb, addresses closely our better feelings. The heart would be callous and hardened that could treat that appeal with indifference. Those of us who have been endowed by a kind Providence with all the attributes of man hood, unimpaired by disease or misfortune, have resting upon us an obligation in reference to our less favored brethren, which we cannot disregard, in establishing and maintaining these different institu tions. The people of Georgia have exhibited their high apprecia tion of this duty. The success which has attended these efforts should only stimulate us to increased exertion and more liberal contribution*." Tlje present head of the Executive Department, iu that part of his message to the present Legislature referring to this subject, observes in beautiful and appropriate language: "These sightless objects.are entitled to the sympathy and aid of every patriot and philanthropist. The succession of day and night, the changes of the season, clothing nature in the loveliness of infinitely variegated colors, are all unenjoyed, unappreciated by the blind. To these earthly existence is one long, dark, monotonous night, without a glimmering star to enliven its gloom. Let the Legislature take them under its fostering care, and raise this infant school into vigorous maturity and efficient usefulness." The able committee on the finances of the State in their last report to the Governor, after referring to the Lunatic Asylum and the Deaf and Mute Institution, says : "A kindred, a sister charity for the blind, has been established at Macon. Originating in private benevolence, it has at length commanded the notice of the Legislature, and been a small recipient of its b.ninty. The appropriation made by the State has been mostly absorbed in the purchase of the building occupied by it. " "Under the supervision of these highly intelligent gentlemen, * * * Trustees, whose disinterested devotion to this unhappy class of