36 Claims of the Deaf paramount to those of any other class. conquests of man's industry, and the treasuries of Divine revelation, are all alike hidden and useless as to him. His insulated history is his sole knowledge; his random observation alone forms his conception of experience; his solitary reflections are his only wisdom. Need we wonder, then, that, in spite of all that self-called philosophers, and the vain disputers of this world, say about natural religion, and the powers of the human mind to discover all essential religious truths, independent of revelation, the Deaf and Dumb prove, that, without its records, man is utterly ignorant of even the simplest truths of this pretended natural religion. When questioned after instruction, as to their ideas before they were admitted to the School, they assert universally, that they were ignorant of the existence of any God above them; unaware of their own possession of a soul; without any idea of a future state, after the death of the body; and had no conception of any law and sanction as to right, or threatening and judgment as to wrong, except the opinions and customs of their fellow-creatures. It is from such a state that we call on you to rescue your Deaf and Dumb fellow-creatures and fellow-countrymen. In reporting the proceedings of the past year, the Committee have various matters, to bring before the Subscribers. They have exerted themselves continually in extending the publicity of the Institution, by the circulation of Reports, and Election Lists, and various Circulars; but have not had the same facilities as formerly, in consequence of the Post-Office having withdrawn the privilege of sending any printed paper or Report, exceeding two sheets, free. As soon as they learned, that this regulation was adopted, the Committee sent a circular to all the country subscribers, informing them of it, and requesting them to excuse their inability to send them the Reports, as heretofore, and to point out some friends in town, at whose houses their Reports should be left for them. The names of the Earl of Roden; Joseph Goff, Esq. of Mountjoy-square; and James Molony, Esq. of Kiltanon, Tulla, County of Clare, have been added to the list of Vice-Patrons. The Committee have recently adopted a resolution to appoint a number of honorary members of Committee, in various parts of Ireland, with whom the Committee could keep up a constant correspondence, as to the objects of the Institution; through whom, also, they could circulate papers among the gentry in their neighbourhoods; and who would act besides as local treasurers, to receive and transmit the subscriptions of such contributors, as may reside near them: they will also, when in town, have the privilege of attending the meetings of Committee. None have been appointed, but such as either have already proved their interest about the Institution, by their exertions, or who, there is good reason to know, will contribute to promote its utility. The following persons have been already elected Samuel Elly, Esq. New Ross, County of Waterford." John Abell, Esq. Rutland-street, Limerick. D Rev. Cæsar Otway, Lucan. John Hewetson, Esq. Castlecomer. Dr. Gibbons, Moate. Rev. Wm. Smyth Guinness, Rathdrum. Major Frood, Dundalk. Richard Alex. Pope, Esq. John's Hill, Waterford. Joshua Wm. Strangman, Esq. Waterford. Captain Elliott, Woodview, Ferns. Joseph Sparrow, Esq. Hollymount Cloneely. Rev. James Henderson, Tuam. As to the income of the Institution, the Committee are happy to mention, that though it is still in debt, the annual subscriptions are steadily increasing, from year to year. About forty new subscribers entered their names, since the presentation of the last Report. The Institution has also received some donations from individuals, that deserve mention: From the Trustees of Bishop Sterne's charities, (1826) Joseph Goff, Esq. (1826) Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. M.P. (1826) Captain Henry Gage Morris, (1826) Hon. G. L. Proby, M.P. (1826) 10 10 0 Executors of Dowager Lady Rossmore, (1826) 18 9 3 50 0 0 James Molony, Esq. (1827) His ROYAL HIGHNESS the Duke of Gloucester, Patron of the Institution, (1827) Her ROYAL HIGHNESS the Duchess 21 0 0 10 10 0 37 18 3 Many of these sums, however, have been received since the accounts for 1826, which will be presented with this Report were closed, and will, therefore, not be accounted for, until the next Report is presented. 40 Expenditure.-Day of Annual Meeting finally fixed. As to the expenditure, there is not any thing that requires particular notice, except that it was found necessary to remove the railing at the sides of the bridge in the demesne, and replace it by a wall: also, to place a new pump in the boys' yard; to alter some of the windows in the dwelling-house; and to place two stoves in the school rooms. The Committee also thought it right to raise the salary of Anne M'Cormick, the Deaf and Dumb girl, formerly a pupil, who is now employed as an assistant teacher of the females, from £8 Irish to £8 British money. In consequence of the inconveniencies which have resulted, at different times, from the time of the annual meeting not being fixed to the same day, or even month, every year, the Committee have determined, that in future it shall be always held on the Monday after the meetings of the Bible, Sunday School, Jews, and Church Missionary, Societies; at which time, Dublin is usually more full of persons from the country, than at any other period; and when the meeting also will have the advantage of the Rotundo-room being fitted up for the purpose. The Committee will also endeavour to have the annual charity sermon on a fixed day, so as to prevent other charitable institutions interfering with this, or being interfered with. At the election in November, 1826, the subscribers' choice was unavoidably confined, by the state of the funds, to one of the many candidates, male and female: 183 subscribers voted, having 347 votes, which were thas divided |