West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1906-11-08
BUILDING FOR THE BLIND.
Generous Offer Made by Morgan
town Man.
HOSPITAL AND PUBLISHING HOUSE
John Pinkus Has Taken Up tho
Wheeling End Of tho Proposition.
Project Is Ono That Deserves q
Great Deal Of Encouragement.

| WHEELING, w. VA, Nov. S.-A
movement is on foot by which a
library and publishing house for
the benefit of the blind of the
United States, has been placed on
foot by the National Literary society
for the blind OF which John Pinkus,
the well known blind musician of
this oity is chairman of the ex.
ecuuve committee, and Miss Emaline
Conrad, OF South Eoff street, Is
treasurer of the fund which is being
secured for that purpose, and the
indications are that the undertaking
will be success. MIR. Pinkus, who
has been out in the state for the
past few weeks in the interest Of
the project has returned to the city
and gives a very lattering report of
his work.
While out in the state Mr.. Pinkus
had the good fortune to meet Hon.
George c. Sturgiss, of Morgantown,
late candidate tor congress IN second
district, and after explaining just
what the national society desired
to do, he was rewarded by having
Mr.. Sturgss make an offer OF Is
acres of ground near Morgantown
for the use OF the society for the
purpose mentioned.
The members Of the society have
been informed of the generosity OF
Mr.. Sturgss and an effort is now
being made to raise the funds
necessary to construct the buildings
which will be necessary before the
undertaking can be made what the
members Of the society desire. In
outlining the intention of the society
Mr.. Pinkus stated that they desired
TO establish home for the blind,
where people who arc SO sorely
afflicted can be properly taken care
of where they Will have library
by which they can improve their
minds, and also where there will be
workshops in which they can be
employed in the manufacture Of
books of all kinds which the blind
can read in their own manner.
1t is the intention to publish
magazines and periodicals which
are to be distributed to the blind
throughout the country graIuitous-
ly and the work is TO be done by
the members IT the colony of blind
who are TO De taken care of at the
national home, as it will probably
be designated when completed. In
talking Of the troubles and obstacles
of the blind, in securing books
which they can read, Mr. Pinkus
pointed out that it took about IS
years before the blind people had
Bible which they could read and it
has been but short time since this
work was completed. There is at
the present time not a library in
the United States where they can
get books or periodicals printed in
the raised letters by which they can
read them, and It is the desire to
have home, u publishing house
and library where the wants Of
these sorely afflicted people can get
what they greatly desire.
In travelling over the state NJ.
Pinkus has come in contact with "a
large number Of very benevolent
people who have given him the
greatest encouragement and he is
Of the opinion that ultimately, al
though u may take considerable
time, his people will be able to
construct the buildings and install
a plant hich will be what they de
sire II is the intention 10 90 be-
fore the next session Of congress by
petition and ask for assistance TO do
the work they are now engaged in.
| Congress will be asked to make an
appropriation to assist in the work,
which will make the society a per
manent organization, and also to
assist by an annual appropriation
in helping the good work along, the
home and the distribution Of the
magazines and books which are 10
be printed at the institution. The
society desires that the work shall
all be done by the members OF the
blind society, thus giving them the
employment they crave.
Many Wheeling people have been
interested m the matter and if the
promises that have been made are
kept, Mr.. Pinkus believes that It