The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-23


To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal
Although no serious action has been
taken toward removing the State Institution
for the Blind, the possibility of such a step
is of the utmost Importance to the blind
themselves, whose wishes should certainly
be paramount. But very little inquiry will
be necessary to establish the fact that the
present inmates and students, as well as
those who have emerged from this great in
stituton to battle with their more fortunate
brethren in an unequal struggle for exist
ence, are perfectly satisfied, and that in
every sense change would be detrimental
rather than beneficial. Some would-be
philanthropist suggests that the school be
removed to the outskirts of the city, where
such rural luxuries "babbling brooks
and rolling meadows" would be a source of
pleasure and edifcation to the blind. If our
much-interested friend would try the ex-
pertinent of a rambe through some of the
scenes he has in mind blindfolded, he could
more accurately judge the utter nonsense
of such an idea. BY the time he would have
fshed himself out of the brook and olsen
gagged himself from the horns of some
friendly cow the poetry Of rural environ
ments would be entirely dissipated.
Our life must of necessity be very prac-
teal; therefore every convenience and COM
fort with which we are surrounded adds to
our happiness. At present a visit to church
or the doctor, dentist music store, or any
other of our large downtown stores can be
accomplished with very little assistance.
frequently none whatever, and in a short
space of time without the use of street
cars. Permission for an hours absence is
easily obtained, and this usually suffices for
an ordinary trip. With the school at the
outskirts of town, this hour would be spent
On the street cars, with ali the VeXation of
forgetful conductors and transfers. The
newspapers suggest that the present site be
sold, part of the proceeds devoted TO pur-
chasing outlying territory adjacent to
street-Car and railroad facilities, and that
by building on the cottage plan net saw
ing Of 100000 would accrue TO the State.
If the State needs money SO badly, | would
recommend that the State realize on its
present vacant belongings. which could be
staked into lots and sold at d profit rather
than lose our beautiful home, to which we
are bound by every tie of happiness and
comfort, thankfully remembering also the
strenuous effort made by our benefactor,
the late w. II. Churchman, to secure the
present location.
A plea has been made that the school
and the State University a Bloomington
exchange places, on the ground that the
university needs the advantages of the cap
ital for lectures, concerts, etc: but the blind
also need these advantages and by all laws
of humanity should be entitled to first con-
ssderation The State owns sufficient
ground east or state street, between Mich
igan and English avenues, wherein to
build three universities and also have all
the necessary transportation facilities for
the students the Panhandle. c.. II. & d.
and Big -Four Railroads running through
| the grounds. Another important thing to
| be considered is the danger of fire. To the
blind nothing is so terrible as the thought
Of fire, and the nervous train which would
follow from a knowledge of a want of ade
quate protection would certainly result in
| sickness to many. At present all feel Sc
cure. for they know they are within reach
of a fire-fghting department that cannot be
excelled in the country. The fires of 1889
| $780, 1898 and May 49, 1898, prove this. The
| fire of Aug l. 1898, the most serious of all
in that 1t caused a loss Of $4,000, occurred at
| 10 o'clock in the forenoon. during vacation
and was not discovered in time. This fire
| with the start it had, would have destroyed
| the entire institution if it were located at
| the city limits. where we all know the fire
department Is at a disadvantage. Regarding
the removal of a school like ours from the
| heart of the city we have rs a precedent the
| Philadelphia institution, which opened its
| grand 100000 building on the LIST of January
| of the present year The manager of the in
stitutiOn sold the old building at Twentieth
| and Race streets. in the heart of the city
| and since the schools removal to it's new
| home there have already been found such
| inconvenience that none but those fnan-
| cially interested or able wish the sehao
! in Its present quarters They are now try