From all the circumstances of the case, and from the best information they have been able obtain, they have come to the conclusion to report favorably on the petition referred to them, and submit the case to the better judgment of the Senate,

They ask leave to introduce a bill,

IN SENATE,

March 2, 1833.

MEMORIAL

Of the Directors of the New-York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb.

To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of New-York.

The memorial of the Directors of the New-York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb,

RESPECTFULLY SHOWS:

That by the returns of the general census, taken in 1830, it appears that the number of deaf mutes within the limits of the State, was at that time, 883; a number greater than that of the same class of persons in 1825, by 238: That more than two years having elapsed since the enumeration took place, it is fair to presume that 900, or even 950 would be too low an estimate, at present, for this portion of our population: That, supposing the smaller of these estimates to represent the truth, and reasoning upon the results of long observation, as given by writers on population, onethirtieth of this number must annually become fit subjects of instruction; and as such, should be provided for: That five years being allowed to the deaf and dumb for this purpose, one-sixth of the whole number, or 150, should be constantly in a course of education: That this conclusion, the result of reasoning upon general principles, may be amply verified by an appeal to existing facts, so far as authentic documents place them within our reach.

Perhaps the ages between 12 and 17 are those at which instruction is most beneficial. Within these limits is embraced a period of five years, the time allotted as above mentioned, to the education of the deaf and dumb. The number, therefore, actually exist[Assem. No. 61.]

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ing between these extremes, is the number for which provision should be made. For as one generation of these passes away, another rises to supply its place: more numerous, too, than that which preceded it, since this portion of the community increases with the general increase of population in the State.

The census of 1830, shows a total of persons deaf and dumb below the age of 14 years, amounting to 293. One sixth of these, nearly, may be presumed to have completed their 12th year; which proportion may be stated at 50. The total from 14 to 25, is 323. We cannot presume a third of these to have been below 17, at the time the census was taken; yet the number was probably very little less, and may safely be put at about 100. This estimate is made, it is true, without sufficient data to insure its perfect accuracy; but it may be depended on so far as to prove that the number of deaf mutes immediately in need of instruction, is at least 150. For it must be borne in mind, that no account is here taken of these (of whom there are not a few) who have passed their 17th year without education, nor of the constant increase of this portion of our population.

Whatever may be the cause, it is unquestionably true, that the great majority of the deaf and dumb have need of aid from the public munificence to enable them to avail themselves of the blessings of education. During a term of 16 years at the American Asylum in Hartford, out of 355 pupils from the States of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New-Hampshire and Maine, only 64 have been supported by their friends; a number bearing to the whole a ratio but little greater than that of 1 to 6. It must be remembered that this period embraces the early years of that asylum, when there were collected at once within its walls, a number which had been accumulating for years. Those parents whose means enabled them to defray the expenses of their children's education, availed themselves without delay, of the facilities afforded by the new institution. Others, in less favorable circumstances, were compelled to wait for legislative aid. The consequence has been, that the ratio of pay-pupils to the whole number, (confining ourselves always within the States which patronize the Asylum) is at present, nearly that of 1 to 18. In the New-York Institution, this ratio is less than that of 1 to 12. It is indeed very possible, that some parents may be sufficiently selfish to deny to their children those advantages which they have it in their power to con

fer upon them. Your memorialists believe that ample allowance is made for this possibility, when they assume that not 1 in 6 of the deaf mutes in this State, is in circumstances to render it possible for him, without aid from public or private charity, to avail himself of the abundant facilities now afforded for his education.

The intention of the Legislature in enacting the laws which already exist, in reference to this subject, was undoubtedly to make provision equal to the wants of all the deaf and dumb who might reasonably expect their assistance. That generous and philanthropic spirit which prompted the erection of seminaries and the appropriation of moneys to the humane purpose of giving light to those that sit in darkness, could never have contemplated a partial accomplishment of an object which recommends itself so immediately to the best sympathies of our nature. Justice, humanity, rcligion, every argument which can plead in behalf of a single mute, extends itself equally to the whole unfortuate class of which he is an individual. Yet, while at least one hundred and twenty-five, and undoubtedly a greater number, of rational and immortal beings are growing up among us in a state of ignorance and wretchedness, from which they possess no means of deliverance; for only eighty of these does there exist any certain provision in the laws of this State. The humanity of individuals, associations or supervisors of counties, has provided for a few others; but many still remain destitute; and, as a necessary consequence, ignorant; and so they must remain until the Legislature shall extend to them relief. Thus has the benevolent design of this honorable body failed of its complete accomplishment; and thus have your memorialists felt themselves constrained once more, formally to exhibit the claims of this unhappy portion of our fellow beings upon the public munificence.

It is not a great thing which these children of sorrow ask at the hands of those who are so abundantly able to bestow. It is only that the same generosity, the same justice may extend itself to them, which has already restored so many of their companions in misfortune to society and enjoyment. Their numbers are comparatively few. They cannot, if they would, be burthensome to their benefactors: but even were it otherwise, the claim which has been acknowledged in behalf of a portion, in like circumstances, entitles them to expect that they too shall be provided for. Would it not be a noble act, one worthy the Legislature of an enlightened