“A SALUTATORY.

As we gather here to-day, at the close of several years of study and

work, we are most happy to welcome so many of our friends among

us; and thank you for .the kind interest you have taken in our school,

which brings you here. Although we have accomplished so little;

compared with all there is to be gained, we hope to be able to show

you that our kind teachers have not labored altogether vainly, for our

good. We are truly very glad to lay aside our books for the present;

but I think that we have all learned; since we have been members of

this family, to have a stronger desire, than ever before, to continue

our work. The many advantages which we have had here, and

which it would have been impossible for us to have had elsewhere; I

think we can never fully realize until we pass out into the world and

meet with those who; afflicted as we are; have been deprived of the

opportunities which have been placed at our disposal. If we fail to

give satisfaction in the few exercises of the morning, cast not the

blame upon those who have labored patiently all these years for our

good ; but upon us, who, have neglected to improve the opportunities

which, God put it into the heart of our kind benefactor; Mr. Clarke;

to place before us.

JOSEPHINE M. WARE. July 10th 1875.”

Reference Data:

Annual Report, Issues 1-13, Clarke School for the Deaf, 1868. page 34