The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-08-12


| ucation, but finally an arrangement was
made by which she was allowed to do as
she wished.
Being endowed with a wonderful
amount Of energy, she entered enthusiast
tically on the course that was especially
prepared for her. Soon after this, the sad
| condition OF the Wausau girl was brought
to the notice Of the superintendent, and
he at once decided TO take her in ard
place her in the care Of hiss Boyd
This was in February, 1902. At the time
that she entered the institution the girl
knew only eight signs that 20 her yelled
mind indicated anything. To Illustrate, the
blowing Of the breath over the back Of
her hand was taken TO mean that she
was about to take a railway trip and
this was but one OF several unique meth
DDS adopted to reach her mind
The chiId's education began BY the use
OF the manuals alphabet generally but
particularly by means BY which II was
thought best TO convey the meaning of
words and things. From the first the
child seemed 20 be strangely drawn to
her teacher. who would take her delicate
hand in her own. and by e arrangement
of her fingers, sundry patting and clap
ping. signs were spelled into her mind
4 box OF objects would be spread out on
the table. The blind girl would take up
one OF them and be allowed TO feel il over
and over again. Then Miss Boyd would
spell the name of the object into the
hand of her charge. Several other objects
would be similarly treated, when the girl
would commence over again and spell
back the signs, showing that she under
stood what she held in her hand
By articles of her own. Miss Boyd
was able to impart the rudiments Of an
education. For instance, the child was
taught to understand that the touch of
the hand on the cheek signifed good. g"
and by raising the arm Of the pupil and
pulling II forward with several up and
down motions the idea Of running was
conveyed. She has a sign TO indicate the
presence of certain other girls. the sense
of touch and smell aiding her in Jnis
respect.
Practically all Of this work was accom-
piished in the first four months that she
remained in the institution. Speaking Of
Il can never forget the beautiful change
that came TO her countenance when she
was freed from her prison. At first her
thoughts, as reflected in her face were Of
an indescTibably sad and pathetic nature,
but from the day that [ taught her her
first word she began to look out on the
world with an affection, an intelligence.
and even a keen sense Of Joy that did
ones heart good TO see. And in this ard
other things that convince me that Eva
has a mission TO fulfill in this world.
In a way that I cannot find words u
describe she awakens all that is sweet
and noble to human nature. and gives
TO those who come in contact with her
a strength and courage productive of
much good. especially in overcoming OBJ
stacles and difficulties. Her happiness
never leaves her I believe she is the
happiest child that I have ever seen.
It is a real pleasure to see her day after
day enter my school room and feel
around until she finds her teacher, and
then, throwing her hands about my neck.
cling to me in the way that brings tears
to the eyes"
An element in the better fortune of the
girl IS that she has enlisted the earnest
of a VII known and wealthy
Pennsylvania, whose work for the deaf
and dumb has spread to many fields. This
is DR.. William Wade. Of
Oakmont DR.. Wade sent her a watch,
by which she was able TO read the time.
and also provided her with Braille
writer. the use Of which she has thor
cughly mastered. He also presented her
with a tandem bickle. on which teacher
and pupil have spent hours in exercise and
rare enjoyment.
Miss Boyd has on several occasions TAX
en- the child to Milwaukee, and once when
they were on the train returning to Della
van the pupil surprised her teacher By
telling her of her experience before she
had known a teacher.
She writes on an ordinary typewriting
machine finding the keys by the touch,
doing good work in spelling and forming
sentences. She has also learned how to
operate a sewing machine and to do a
variety Of needIework. She goes walking
and shopping. and IS able 10 identify
many Of the attaches of the institution
by feeling a button, a finger ring, by the