nse of the Association that stringent
laws should be enacted, making it a penal offense to ask pecuniary
aid on account of deafness or on pretense of being "deaf and dumb."

Only very rarely, however, has legal cognizance been taken of this evil,
though it may sometimes be included under the general charge of
"vagrancy" or "imposture." In a few states there have been special
enactments, as in New York[111] and Minnesota,[112] in the former the
impersonation of a deaf man being expressly added to the offenses that
constitute imposture, and in the latter to those that constitute
vagrancy.

HOMES FOR THE DEAF

Homes for the deaf in America have never been organized on other than a
small scale, and in the main they may be said to serve a purpose similar
to that of homes for the aged and infirm generally. Though there is
little call for such establishments to a wide extent, and though the
proportion of the deaf to be benefited by them is small,[113] yet for a
number of the deaf there is a peculiar need. These are deaf persons,
usually the old and decrepit, who are without means to support
themselves, and have no family or friends to look to for help. To them a
special retreat in association with others in similar condition proves
an immeasurable blessing, and in such their last years may be spent in
tranquillity and comparative happiness.

The object of a home for the deaf is thus given for one of them.[114]

To take care of such of the deaf of the state as are incapacitated
by reason of old age or other infirmity from taking care of
themselves, to the end that they may have the comforts of a home,
where they can associate with each other, and have the consolation
of religious services in their own language of signs, instead of
being sent to a county infirmary.

The purpose of another home is thus described:[115]

This home is unique, being the only institution of its kind in the
state, owned and controlled by the deaf, who have formed themselves
into an association, known as the Pennsylvania Society for the
Advancement of the Deaf. Like our Ohio cousins, who have already
established a similar home, we pride ourselves upon our ability to
own and control such a responsible institution. The home owes its
existence entirely to the charitable impulse of the deaf themselves,
aided by the generosity of their hearing friends. It exists because
of the desi