The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-06-07
EDUCATION OF THE BLIND
THE INDIANA ASSOCIATION IN SES-
SION AT THE INSTITUTION.
Papers of Interest Read and Dis
The Night Meeting.

The Indiana Association for thI Progress
sive Education of the Blind will >lose its
second biennial session tonight. Yesterday
was a busy day and resulted i'm rounding
out and advancing the plans formulated
for carrying out the purposes Of the organi-
zation- All subjects discussed were prac-
tical Charles McGiffin, manager of the
Industrial Institution for the Blind. ex
planned the manner in which it is conduct
ed. The institution furnishes employment
TO blind men who are skilled in some
branch OF handicraft, and the product or
their labor is sold in competition with the
products OF seeing operatives, the former
generally having the advantage IN price on
account of the high grade of the material
and workmanship. The blind operatives
have no connection with the institution,
except as employees. their places of abode
their social aud domestic relations being
subjects over which the management has
no control. Ever since Mr. McGitfin took
charge Of the institution il has been self
sustaining. but only a limited number can
have employment on account of the lack of
workshops and machinery. To obtain these
more money Is needed, and how 10 obtain IL
VIII be one or the subjects yet 10 be cOnSid-
cred before the convention adjourns
Mrs. Agnes Christy followed with paper
on the subject, shall the Institution BE
fer Both Sexcs?' There was entire unan-
unity on the negative of the proposition
and the necessity for the establishment of
a separate institution for women as soon a.
possible was the united opinion of the as
ISOLATION. but the hard work is yet 20 be
done In that direction. Workshops will
have 10 be built or bought and machinery
must be had. Shall the money be raised by
voluntary subscription. by legislative ap-
preparation or by forming "a stock COM
pany? Some discussion has been INDUCED
on these questions, but no definite action
has been taken.
President James A. Johnson gave a his
tory Of his experience as teacher in town
ship schools. lie taught four years In sue
ceSSiOn in one school and three in another
demonstrating the ability OF the blind to
compete with those who can see II afforded
equal educational advantages The State
affor0s means of education for those that
can see. endoWing its universities and
broadening the field Of usefulness OF those
who have the progressive spirit The blind
he continued. should have greater advan-
tages than those now afforded them With
equal facilities they will be prepared TO
take front rank in the army of educators
artisans. lawyers and doctors.
Mr.. VIII Il. Shannon gave a comprehen-
sive history of the several systems OF en-
bossed printing and writing and Miss Jen-
ME Schofeld led the discussion. which was
participated Ia by superintendent George
W. Wilson. OF the Institute for the Blind
Officers as follows were elected by the
association. Luke WalpOle. Of this city
president. Alice Dunlevy Smith Terre
Haute. vice president. Lizzie Winter Brink
man. city, recording secretary; Jennie
Schofeld, New Albany. corresponding sec
IeldINs FRANK smith, CITY, treasurer.
The evening session was devoted exclu-
slvely 10 the rendering OF A musical and
literary programme OF an informal nature.
ErOf. Charles Hansen gave an organ
prelude. followed by "A piano solo by Prof
George Hebble. Several other members OF
the association rendered instrumental and
vocal numbers. making the evenings enter
tainment an enjoyable one. Mr.. n +.
Beard was announced 70 address the meet
ing, but. owing 20 pressure Of business mat
tiers. he se.d he was forced 10 decline
The meeting OF the association will be
brought p a close with the remaining SEES
sions to-day