The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-02
COTERIES OF THE Blind
Gatherings of the sightless in the
National Capital Library.
Communion of Feeling Among These
Seekers After Knowledge Their
Proficiency I'm Acquiring n Prac-
teal Sense of Music, Art. and the
AvOeatiOns of Men and Women.

The blind at the Congressional Library
form quite social, musical. and literary
clique among themselves. 1t is pleasant
sight to notice hy sympathetic they are
with one another's tastes and how solicit
tous each is for the general comfort and
happiness.
AS an illustration OF this. one may wit
ness the meeting for the first time of two
blind women. AS they are introduced,
how their faces light up with that truly
feminine spirit of diyination. One cannot
help fancying that each is trying to form,
from the tone of the others voice, a men
tai picture of her personal appearance,
fashioning instinctively each feature and
even specializing upon the dress she
wears, it's color and material.
AS the voice is. perhaps, the truest
index to character and emotion, repre-
senting, in it's infinite variety and in
fexion, every phase OF temperament and
feeling. il must be acknowledged that the
blind, who are exquisitely sensitive to
sound. have most consoling compensa-
ton granted them for their affection.
Another sense, which seems very poign-
ant with the sightless, is that of touch
Hence 1t Is that. not content with purely
visionary portraits of each other they
frequently. upon closer acquaintance pass
their hands lightly over each others
faces, thus forming each in her minds
eye tangible reality, in place of mere
fantasy.
The delights of social intercourse among
these blind women are manifold. Thanks
TO the raised point system of lettering,
they are able to read both literature and
muaic with wonderful facility. They COM
pare NOES as to their impressions of va
rious authors and composers, and after
one OF the delightful readings or mu-
sicales given at the reading room daily,
their criticism upon the entertainment is
wonderfully keen and appreciative.
They frequently get up little schemes
for their diversion which are all the more
delightful for their carrying with them
mental profit as well as innocent pleasure
Thus, at the present time. there is plan
on foot among the girls" as they call
themselves, having for its object the
showing of their appreciation of the COM
poser Chopin. Mr.. Messer, the distin-
guished artist-poet, has accordingly been
importuned to write some verses upon the
eminent musician. whose works have af-
forded such delight to his, sightless ad-
inspiration for his theme, he was asked
to attend n Chopin recital given at to
reading room. after which charming eff
fusion from his muse Is aIXiously and
confidently expected.
Such pursuits as typewriting. telegra-
ply, point writing, fancy sewing, etc,
have long been in vogue among the blind
girls Their cheerfulnss is as remark
able as it is delightful. As Miss Gitfn,
IN, rha of he lipu
says LAS long as they are not reminded
of their affection, and treated in the same
manner as other people who are not
blind. they are as happy as the day is
long. Ii is probably owing TO Il want of
tact" continued Miss Gifen, that inquis-
tive persons are inclined to wound the
feelings OF the sightless by number of
questions having for their object the
eliciting of graphic description of how
cripple is not continually reminded of his
alilction by his friends or acquaintance
if the latter possess. themselves any
and refinement and the same
should apply with equal force to the
treatment of those who are so cruelty de-
prived of many OF the joys of existence.
Miss Campbell one OF the blind eoterie
has distinguished herself in literature and
music. She has been a faithful attendant
at the Marine Band concerts in the White
Lot for years. and has doubtless been fire.
quently noticed sitting upon chair, al
ways in the same position and always with
the same intent and appreciative air. She
has composed several numbers which have
been played at these concerts. and which
are highly valued as musical works.
Miss Campbell, like very many of her
is intensely interested in all
that goes on in the world about her. and
says that she has far more concern in the
happenings of today. together with those