REPLY OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM, TO RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE. The Trustees of the Ohio Asylum for the education of the Deaf and Dumb, have the honor to present their answer to the resolution adopted by the Senate of Ohio, requiring them to report respecting the number of pupils of a suitable age to learn mechanical trades, the facilities now furnished for that purpose, and what may further be done in this respect, for the future usefulness of the pupils who are educated in the Assylum. The female pupils are under the care and instruction of a Matron and an Assistant Matron, and receive all the instruction which circumstances of age, condition, and attention to the regular system of education will allow, in needle work of various kinds, and household affairs. It is, therefore, not deemed important to attempt any thing further for their advantage. A large proportion of the male pupils are, during the whole, or the greater part of their time of continuance in the Institution, too young to receive material advantage from any efforts that might be made to train them to any business of this kind; and besides, they are young enough to learn a trade after their education here is completed. And they can then pursue the business selected for them, as apprentices, so as to become thorough workmen. This could not be expected in case of most of them, while under a partial training for three or four hours in the day, during the term of the school, which is ten months in each year. The number who are of a suitable age to learn a trade, may be estimated at twenty-six out of sixty-nine boys now in the Asylum. It would, doubtless, be an advantage to many of these to learn a useful trade, practically, while they receive a literary education. From this number, however, some deduction ought to be made, because many are the sons of farmers, who are designed to be employed in agriculture when they return to their homes. Still there may be about twenty who might derive much advantage from employment of this kind. Perhaps few, or none, would become master workmen, or be capable of employment as journeymen, with any instruction which could be given them during the five years to which their continuance in the Asylum is limited. For this purpose it would be necessary to allow two or three years in addition to the regular course, to be appropriated chiefly, or entirely, to the learning of their trades. Or, they must pass through an apprenticeship of longer or shorter duration, according to the nature of the business, after leaving the Asylum. This subject obtained much of the attention of the Trustees in former years. Various efforts were made, and several different kinds of mechanical business were tried; but the result was, on the whole, a decided failure. Shoe making succeeded best, and was continued for seve ral years, both by hiring a mechanic to manage the business, and by giving the labor of the boys to a master workman, and furnishing him a shop, tools, and allowance of money for waste of materials. fair view of expense and difficulty in comparison with the results which were obtained, it was reluctantly determined to abandon the whole plan. And the older boys are now only partially employed, out of school hours, in horticulture, some labor on the gounds, and in the house. On a When it is remembered that now, and probably hereafter, a large proportion of the pupils are discharged at the age of 16 to 18, it is obviously of less importance that they should learn a trade, while in the Asylum. They have, afterwards, an ample opportunity of doing so, and to much better purpose. Formerly, a majority of the male pupils were from 15 to 20 years old when received; now, a great part of them are 10, 12 or 14, and in a short time, few will be offered who exceed the age of 12 years. The reason of this difference is found in the number of the older class, who have been educated, and the extension of the knowledge of the Institution, and of its advantages, among the people in every part of the State. Should it be deemed advisable to adopt the plan of training in this way those pupils who are of a suitable age, it will become necessary to erect several workshops, or one on a somewhat extensive scale, divided into different departments; as several trades must be selected, on account of the different capacities and dispositions of the pupils. For this purpose it is estimated that an appropriation of two thousand dollars for building, and not less than one thousand for the hire of workmen and the purchase of materials will be needed during the present year. Nothing of any considerable amount can be expected from the sale of manufactured articles during the year. And it may be expected that in future years, an expenditure of one thousand or two thousand dollars will be incurred in carrying on the business, if twenty or thirty boys are employed. The kinds of business to be selected, will probably be those which are most common, and generally needed, such as blacksmithing, cabinet-making, chair-making, saddle and harness making. However favorable to the object the Board may be, they deem it necessary to suggest the enquiry, whether the advantage would balance the expenditure. There is, indeed, one method of obtaining the instruction of those 29-PUB. DOC. boys in mechanical business, who are of sufficient age and strength, without incurring much expense, which may be practicable. They may, under the care of one of the teachers, be taken to one or more of the principal manufactories of this city, and be there employed in work of various kinds, during three or four hours of each day, which will be useful and profitable. Should this method be approved, and the opportunity be offered, it will be at once embraced. A resolution was adopted by the General Assembly two years ago, to enquire, respecting the propriety and expediency of authorizing the trustees to take charge of indigent male pupils, as their guardians, and after a suitable coure of instruction in the school, bind them out for a term of years to learn some useful trade. It is believed, that the enquiry was not prosecuted, and at least, no practical result was secured. If this authority were given it might be useful in some cases. There are some pupils who have no parents, or if any they have, they are too careless or ignorant to provide for their future welfare. Two other subjects seem to be worthy of attention for the advancement of the institution, which we beg leave to make a part of this report. The first is, the reception of pupils at the expense of the State, on the ground of indigence. This, by existing laws, is the only condition on which any can be admitted without paying $100 00 per annum. By this condition, respectable persons who are in tolerable circumstances and can support their families at home, in decency and comfort, but are unable to pay one hundred dollars yearly, besides the cost of clothing and travelling expenses, are reduced to the necessity of keeping at home an unfortunate child, (and sometimes more than one,) or they must resort to the mortifying expedient of applying to their respectable neighbors, or the associate judges of the county, for a certificate of indigence. This is generally done, and thus, the original purpose of the law is evaded, and very few paying pupils are received. The distinction is in itself odious and unjust, and ought to be abolished in Ohio, as well as elsewhere, and all who are proposed, ought to be received without distinction. The other subject is the urgent need of additional building for the establishment. It was foreseen two years ago, that the proposed North wing would soon be needed; but the General Assembly did not think proper to make an appropriation to provide for a prospective want. The building is now full and crowded, and no increase of pupils can be made until further accommodation is provided. It is recommended, therefore, that seven thousand dollars be appropriated for the purpose of erecting another wing, and making such alterations and repairs, as will be immediately necessary. All which is respectfully submitted, by order of the Board. JAMES HOGE, President, SPECIAL REPORT OF THE AUDITOR OF STATE. To the Speaker of the Senate: AUDITOR OF STATE'S OFFICE, SIR-In obedience to the several resolutions of the Senate, passed on the 22d ultimo and the 8th instant, I herewith submit the tabular statements numbered 1, 2, and 3. The first table, in answer to the resolution passed January 22, requesting the Auditor to furnish the Senate with a tabular statement of the condition of the Banks of Ohic, exhibits the condition of the several banks on the first Monday of November, 1849, as reported to this office, in accordance with the requirements of the fifty-ninth section of the act to incorporate the State Bank of Ohio and other banking companies. The second table exhibits the facts and results of the calculations required by the resolution of the 22d January. The corporation taxes in all the towns and cities of the State, except Toledo, are required by law to be placed on the duplicate and reported to this office. The corporation taxes in Chillicothe were not placed on the duplicate last year. It is not known whether any other town or city levied a corporation tax which has not been reported to this office. Chillicothe and Toledo are the only places which are known to have levied corporation taxes which are not reported and included in the calculations herewith presented. The third table contains a statement of the amount of stock paid in each bank during the years 1847, 1848, and 1849. The rate of taxation paid by each bank, for the years aforesaid, taking the amount of stock paid as the basis; the amount of taxes paid by each bank during the years aforesaid; the average rate of taxation for all purposes in this State for the same years, including State, county, township, school, road, and all other taxes; and the amount which the several banks would have paid for said years, if taxed upon their capital stock paid in at the average rate of taxation aforesaid. The average rate of taxation, for all purposes, assessed upon all the taxable property in this State, including State, county, township, school, road, and all other taxes, is shown by the following statement: The answer to the first and second inquiries of the second resolution, passed on the 22d January, will be found in the tabular statements appended. In answer to the third inquiry of said resolution. the undersigned states, that it appears, by reference to the original charters of the old banks, which were in existence before the passage of the act to incorporate the State Bank of Ohio and other banking companies, that the charters of the several old banks, with the exception of the Trust Company, which has a perpetual charter, will expire as follows: |