The Washington times., 1901-12-22
Blind People in
th8 Professions

--L-LLL-Ll llLIJ
choirs because 1t was currently believed
that they could not keep up in the learn
ing OF new music with tine other members.
but this is happily proved. along with a
number Of other old beliefs regarding tho
helplessness Of the sightless. to be an err
roneous impression. Would you like to
hear the two ladies sing. accompanied by
Mr. Miles on the piano."
The visitor at once expressed his de-
sire to hear the blind performers. Tho
ladies'. Miss A. c. Murray and Miss @.
Louise Patterson. were. at the time,
working in the printing ONCE Ot the In
stitute. the one folding and the other
binding with great neatness and des-
patch. They were engaged In this em-
ployment in the absence Of pupils. for
they give music lessons. and. though thoy
are blind. they are able and accom-
plished instructors. They Responded smil-
ingly to the request of Mr.. Cleayeland to
sing something for a stranger. and Mr..
Miles. the blind orsanist. showed like
cheerfully courteous acquieseence.
The little apartment in which the con-
cert took place was. as Mr.. Cleaveland ex-
piaiHsd. used for lack OF space, as both
dining and music room, which accounted
for the very savory and substantial noon
day repast upon the table. The plano was
not especially new. nor Of surprising tone
qualities, but the best that could be got
tea cut Of II was achieved by Mr.. Miles.
and the voices Of the two women blended
in beautiful harmony.
canary. that hung in cage in the
room, lent its sweet. warblIng notes to
the song. which had for its subject tho
beauty OF the morning, and the Joyful
music OF birds
The Printing ONCE.
Mr.. Miles Is an expert typewriter, and,
at the suggestion OF Mr.. Cleaveland. he
mounted the stairs to an upper room, and
sitting down to machine. ratified of a
note with remarkable rapidity and accu-
racy Dir. Miles. it may be mentioned,
lately conducted concert tour through
the country, the performers being all
blind people.
All the printing accessory to this con-
cert tour. in the shape OF advertisements,
dodgers" programs. ETC.. was executed
in the printing Office of the institute,
which is located in the basement OF the
building This Is the principal Industrial
venture which has, thus far. been devel-
oped. 1t employs steadily the labor os
FIVE or six blind people with one excep-
tion. women who are paid wages suff-
cient to enable them to support them
selves in comfort. In case OF an unusual
amount Of work other blind hands are en-
ployed.
monthly magazine Of general litera-
ture is in course OF publication. and the
Spanish War Journal i weekly, has.
for some time been printed at the Office.
Besides the blind hands. there IA the FORE
man and a young man who operates the
large power press. The patronage ex-
tended to the ofice by professional and
business people throughout the city is as
encouraging as it is merited by the neat
ness and accuracy OF the work. Other
lines OF industry. from broom making to
higher pursuits. are in contemplation at
the Institute.
Aims OF the Institute.
There are at present about forty schools
for the blind established throughout this
country. but, unfortunately. while they
teach the pupils trades and occupations.
in addition to furnishing them with a COM
mon school education, they do not provide
for their future conduct in the world when
they have left the precincts OF the school
to fight the battle Of life. The pupils are
discharged from these schools when they
have reached the age Of eighteen. and ap-
plieants over that age are refused admis-
sion.
What is desired by those who have at
heart the interests Of the blind is an in
stitution which will afford the afflicted ap-
plicant for help the means OF pursuing
an avocation in conformity with his or
her talents and aspirations. 1t is designed
to make the Columbia Polytechnic Insti-
tute one Of many institutions of this na-
ture.
The incorporators Of the Institute are
Rev. II. N. Couden. the blind chaplain OF
the House OF Representatives: Senator
Joseph r. Hawley, Mr. Justice Brewer.
DIR. ]. w Bischoff. Right Rev. Henry Y.
F. E. Cleaveland, President OF
the American Association of the Blind;
Rev j. F. Mackin, rector o. St. Paul's
Catholic Church. E. s. Parker, the late
Judge J. S Wilson: Lieutenant Com
mander Fred A. Miller. United States
Navy. retired; H. r. W. Miles. s II. Kauff-
mann. Beriah Wilkins. Myron NJ. Parker.
Rev. Richard P. Williams. rector Of Trim
ity Church: Rev. Alexander Mackay-
Smith. rector Of st. Johns Church; Col
F. S. Cotton. United States Army. retired.
and Dr. S o. Richey.
The Institute has. even at this early
stage of its career. received liberal sup
port from various sources, and larger
from Congress and more
widely extended scope, may. it is said,
be confidently looked forward to in the
near future.