St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1893-08-26
THE INSTITUTE FOEs THE BLIND

DR.. ". II. n. Magrlder, the proficient super
| intendent of the Louisiana Institute for the
/ Blind. has just issued the following circular
which should find place in the columns Of
| every paper in Louisiana, that the parents and
| guardians Of blind children may be made aware
| of the great benefits conferred on this unfortu
nate class OF our population by the Institution
above named.
To the Parents and Guardians of the blind:
This is school for the blind. 1t is neither q
hospital nor all asylum. If a blind boy or girl
is admitted into the Institution, it must be for
the express purpose of attending school.
No blind persons are allowed to remain in the
institution after they have completed the pre-
scribed course of studies. All the pupils go
home during the summer vacation, except
those who are homeless.
No blind person over twenty-oue will be adj
mitted to attend school; but any blind man not
under twenty,one nor over thirty tive years Of
age, will re admitted to learn trade.
Any one applying for the admission of blind
person, must write to the principal and send "a
certificate of responsible persons stating that
the name e Of the blind person is -, age =
character, and cannot see well enough to attend
the ordinary schools.
The session begins on the first Monday in
October with a full corps Of teachers, and in-
proved opportunities, in every department
Persons are admitted at any time during the
session.
Every thngis free OF charge-board, washing
tuition, books, instruments, medical attendance
etc. If the person is unable to pay travelling
expenses or furnish clothing, the certificate
should state the facts. But in all cases. pupils
are expected to be neatly and comfortably
clothed when they first enter, and their cloth
ing marked with the owners name.
The teaching is careful and thorough, en-
bracing all the branches of a first class high
school.
Parents should hot allow their blind boys to
smoke or chew tobacco. They should encour-
age them from infancy to move about the house
and grounds without a guide should teach and
require them to dress themselves and to comb
and arrange their own hair; to eat with knife
and fork and to sit and walk erect. The OBJ
Ject OF the school is to render the blind self.re-
liant, se!f-helpful and self-supporting, and pa
rents should begin the work at home.
The Institute is pleasantly situated. The
grounds are extensive and beautiful, the build
iDgs elegant, convenient and comfortable and
easily accessible by street cars running i1nme.
diately by the doors. The discipline is parental
and every care Is taken to secure the comfort
and health and happiness of the inmates.
1t is the earnest desire of the School and of
the State to extend its benefits to every blind
person in the State, and lis earnestly requested
not only of parents, but Of parish officers ply
slclans, ministers of the gospel and others, to
notify us Of anJ eligible blind persons they
may hear of.
All communications or inquiries will receive
prompt attention when addressed to
W. II. n. MAGRUDER, PRINCIPAL,
If any who are able prefer it, they may pay
Rsfa oh.