Mr. Bright made an interesting speech on Wednesday at the
Royal Normal College and Academy of Music for the Blind, Upper Norwood, pointing out the great advantages which the College confers on its students ;—indeed, it enables four-fifths of them, in spite of their blindness, to win their bread by their own exertions, and to become far more independent than less educated people in full enjoyment of their sight. He remarked especially on the bodily exercises of the blind students, con- gratulating himself that he could not be compelled to attempt the feats which they so easily performed ; and he insitted that in opening a career to the blind, i.e., giving them courage and hope and self-confidence, the College at Norwood does more for the blind than a great many schools do for those who are not blind. As the College does often admit poor students, so far as the public generosity enables it to do so, Mr. Bright's speech may do something to open its advantages to those blind children or youths who could not otherwise command them, if it brings new subscriptions to this admirable institution.
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