Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-03-28

New York, March 21.-It is known
that there are three thousand crippled
children in the tenements of this
great city. How many little cripples
there are who have been overlooked
by the authorities nobody knows 1t
is not a cheerful picture, this of the
suffering children of the poor, but it
has its bright side, for there is moth
ing that gives a better idea of the
growth of philanthropy than the care
bestowed by the medical and educa-
tional forces of the city upon the
manned and misshapen little unfortu-
mates Whereas, in the old days such
children were often left to grow up as
best they could, today they are given
the benefits not alone of the scientific
treatment that in many cases cures
their ailments, but also of the special
schooling that enables them, when
partly or wholly cured, 10 go ahead in
the world on even terms with their
more fortunate brothers and sisters
There are in this city a dozen
schools for crippled children, where
the handicapped little ones may catch
up with their normal brethren, or, at
least, acquire the rudiments of a
sound education and some trade. Usu.
middle of the day, and crackers and
milk in the morning and again in the
afternoon. Carriages bring back and
forth those who are not able to walk.
Some of these schools are auXil-
iaries of the guild for crippled chill
professor of orthopedics in the post
graduate medical school This guild
was founded in 1898 ito secure the
cooperation of congregations of all
denominations, and OF societies and
individuals, in helping the poor to an
Intelligent care for their crippled chill
dren who are not otherwise provided
for" There is, besides, another Or
ganization which was founded thir-
teen years ago. Known as the visiting
guild for crippled children, which is
connected with DR.. Felix Adler's soci.
ETY. of ethical culture.
Nor do those who cannot go to
school, and who for a time must re-
main in the hospitals lack anything
that would ease their sufferings and
improve their minds at the post
graduate hospital-the pioneer in the
movement to relieve the little ones
suffering from tuberculosis of the
bone-the crippled children's ward is
as attractive as any metropolitan nur-
sery. Pretty pictures, plants, flowers,
piano and a big music box furnish
the young patients with good cheer
and amusement; and on the roof of
the hospital is a garden where those
who are able to indulge in such en-
joyments make use of miniature rock
ing chairs and swings, and, when the
fresh air has sharpened their appe-
tites, take lunch at regular nursery
tables. Twelve young women provide
kindergarten instruction for the chill
dren and amuse them in various ways.
and in the spring and summer months
those who can be moved without in
jury are treated to drives.
In the basement of the hospital
building is a great work room where
half dozen men are engaged in max
ing braces and supports, foot and chin
plates, and the famous aluminium cor.
sets devised by DR.. Arson NJ Phelps,
who at the time of his death ia 1908
was accounted the greatest orthope-
dist in America. The orthopedic ward
of the post graduate has been in ex-
istence twenty years. With one ex-
ception, it is the only separate ward
of its kind in a general hospital in
New York city It's TWEEN weight beds
are always occupied.
Fresh air and country life do their
part in helping the misshapen chill
dren of the tenements. The work done
at the post graduate hospital is sup
plemented by that carried on at the
Daisy Fields home, in Englewood,
New Jersey, and at a place in South
amDton, on the shore of Long island.
These homes. which accommodate two
score children, are ideally situated.
and besides, with their attractive in
teriors and wide verandas and large
grounds, they are so pleasant that the
very sight Of them would do a child
good.
When the little convalescent reaches
Daisy Fields or Southampton he is
continued on his nourishing hospital
diet, and if tuberculously affected,
continues to make speciality of eggs,
milk and digestible fats. He receives
the education proper to his grade of
mental attainment, and for the rest
he plays in the open air all the day
and sleeps at night in a room with