The appropriation made by the Nineteenth General Assembly, for the purpose of building an iron fence in front of the College grounds, has been expended, and we now have in position a substantial iron fence, costing in the aggregate $4,089.00. This fence adds greatly to the appearance of the College grounds, and is creditable to the State. The balance of the appropriation for this purpose, viz.: $411, has been conveyed back into the State Treasury. The one thousand dollars appropriated by the Nineteenth General Assembly for the purpose of employing an expert occulist to examine the eyes of the pupils and operate on such as were likely to be benefited thereby, has been wholly expended in the employment of Drs. C. M. Hobby, of Iowa City, and E. H. Hazen, of Davenport, both eminent in their specialties, and well known to, and indorsed by, the profession of the State. These gentlemen made operations on pupils with varying results, but all more or less favorable to the patients. For a more detailed statement, you are respectfully referred to the report of the experts, hereto attached and made a part of this report. The Board are unanimous in the opinion that the success attending this first experiment of the kind, will warrant another appropriation for the same purpose. The Board would further suggest that in the event of another appropriation being made for this purpose, that they be allowed discretionary power as to having the operations performed within or without the Institution, as may best subserve the interests of both the Institution and patients. The official reports of the Principal and Treasurer are herewith submitted, to which your attention is invited, as showing in detail the educational and financial condition of the Institution. The pianos belonging to the Institution have been in constant use from ten to twenty years, and are nearly worn out. They should be replaced by new instruments. The College needs for the Musical Department at least six new pianos, two organs, and several new horns for the use of the orchestra. We ask you for an appropriation of three thousand dollars for the purpose of purchasing musical instruments and music for use of College. For the purchase of bedsteads, bedding, and furniture, we ask for an appropriation of three thousand dollars. Constant repairs are needed to properly protect the buildings and heating apparatus of the Institution; and contingencies are likely to arise making necessary expenditures that cannot properly be charged to the general expenses of the College. We ask an appropriation of twenty-five hundred dollars for contingent expenses and general repair fund. We ask for an appropriation of $500 for making needful additions to the library, and for providing the necessary school apparatus. Respectfully submitted, M. H. WESTBROOK, C. O. HARRINGTON, S. H. WATSON, J. F. BARCLAY, J. F. WHITE. REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL. To his Excellency, BUREN R. SHERMAN, Governor of Iowa: SIR-I have the honor to submit the following report of the Iowa College for the Blind, for the period beginning September 30, 1881, and ending June 30, 1883. RRV. ROBERT CAROTHERS. The Principal by whom the last report was prepared, Rev. Robert Carothers, after a long and painful illness, passed to his eternal home on the 17th day of March, 1882. I would be wanting in gratitude, as well as in duty, if I did not take the first opportunity to put upon record the high admiration of myself and colleagues for this noble man. It was my privilege to be his assistant for five years, during which time, without an exception, our relations were of the most pleasant character. In his death the State has lost a servant, scholarly in his attainments, elevated in his sentiments, wise and loving in the government of those committed to his care. OFFICERS AND TEACHERS. The Trustees, at their annual meeting, June 15, 1882, decided that the interests of the Institution would be subserved by the release of the Principal from all financial care. Accordingly Mr. Jas. A. Brown, of Vinton, was elected Steward and general business manager, to receive his trust from the members of the Board, and be held responsible by them alone. This plan has been highly satisfactory to Mr. Brown and myself, and is, I believe, the only true one on which larger educational institutions may be conducted. It is with a feeling of thankfulness that I acknowledge the faithful and efficient work of the officers and teachers of the Institution, the spirit of unity and harmony that has prevailed among them, their hearty co-operation and loyalty in carryng out all plans proposed. Whatever prosperity the school has enjoyed during the period, is mainly due to their activity and zeal. NUMBER OF PUPILS. At the close, June 14, 1882, of the school term commencing September 7, 1881, The number of male pupils enrolled was..... The number of female pupils enrolled was.. 42 52 The whole number of pupils instructed during the term was.... 94 At the close, June 6, 1883, of the school term commencing September 6, 1882, The number of male pupils enrolled was. 60 81 The whole number of pupils instructed during the term was....141 As will be seen, the greatest number of pupils enrolled within the two school terms embraced in this report was 141. During the first term of this period, The number of male pupils admitted was.. The number of female pupils admitted was... The whole number of pupils admitted was. During the second term of this period 7 8 ....15 .13 ..35 The number of male pupils admitted was. The number of female pupils admitted was. The whole number of pupils admitted was.. The whole number of pupils admitted during the period embraced in this report was fifty. NATIVITY OF PUPILS ADMITTED DURING THE PERIOD. Iowa. Wisconsin.. Indiana. Nebraska.. Illinois.. Maryland. Ireland.. Missouri.. Scotland.. New York... Norway. 27 4 2 1 4 1 3 2 1 |