The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-09
PLEA FOR THE BLIND.
Institute should Not BE RemOved-A
MiIIersviIIc Site.

commenting on recommendation from
Francis T. Roots, chairman of the legislative
commission that is visiting the state insti-
tutions, citizen who is an enthusiast about
preserving natural beauties about the city
said yesterday:
Il observe that Mr.. Roots thinks it would
be we'll for the State to sell the Institute for
the Blind, on North Pennsylvania street,
and the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, on
East Washington street. i think there is a
question as to the advisability of selling the
Blind Institute. If that were done and a
home selected remote from the city, the
blind would be deprived of many privileges
they now enjoy. Any Sunday morning YOU
will observe them in groups, some escorted
and others feeling their way along, en- route
to the churches. The church music is their
chief delight. That is d privilege they
should enjoy, as well as those of the the
alters, lectures, etc. On the other hand, [
heartily agree that the Institution for the
Deaf and Dumb ought to be removed from
It's present vicinity to the tracks, where a
number have been killed by trains. The
deaf and dumb cannot be kept from the
tracks. Many of them stray into the city
ing influences.
But if it is decided best to sell both in
sulutlons, why not buy a large beautiful
tract OF fifteen hundred acres on Fall creek
out toward MiIlersville? The sale of the
present buildings would bring 100000 or
$eOV,UVU About 100000 would purchase the
entire tract l mention, leaving 100000 for
should not be discharged from the Institute
as soon as they are educated. Some of them
gre pound to so through life practically
helpless. such ought to be given a perma-
nent home. 1t is distressing and degrading.
to see blind men and women eking out 4
living by species of beggary on the public
streets. This morning l saw a blind fiddler
seantily clad, his hands blue and cold, fid-
dIinS away and trying to sing, all for the
sake OF few pennies. Such things should
not be tolerated. Those who cannot care
Tor themselves should be regarded as wards
OF the state and comfortably housed-if l
nave correct ideas of modern civilization.
IN the event the Blind Institute is sold,
/, thlnk that would be an excellent site for
the University of Indianapolis. 1t is CEN
t1aIy located and there is sufficient room
II the idea of Yale is followed and the build
lngS are grouped close together as | think
they should be- such a pile of buildings be-
ing Impressive and an educational factor in
ltselr Go not imagine that the people re-
sizing around the Institute for the Blind
would want to see 1t remOVed--irdeed, that
they would petition to have it left there.
There IS nothing obnoxious about the pres
ence of such an institution.
Commenting further on the proposition TO
buy the Fall creek tract, in case of a sale
OF the present sites, the speaker said that
after the street-car question is settled it will
be but short time until the lines will run
as TAR as Millersville, giving free access to
any institutions that might be built in that
direction. Besides, he argues that the city
needs to have the natural topography and
beautiful surroundings preserved. If a large
tract were purchased this would be posi-
bic. There would be a large farm for the
use of the institutions and enough money left
on hapd to build and equip buildings on mod
ern ideas