The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-26
SOME HAPPY BLIND MEN
From the Chicago Journal.

From the Chicago Journal.
 A blind man. well dressed and prosper ous In appearance. was slowly making his way along North Clark street, north of Belmont avenue and not far from Graceland cemetery. Another, who was more fortunate and whose eyes were clear and bright, gazed sympathetically after the sightless one and murmured: r Poor fellow! l wonder what joy such as he can find in this world? I'd rather be dead than like he. It must be terrible to be like that"
 And the man with good, clear eyes gazed after the sightless man until the latter disappeared into a saloon at 1919 Clark street.
 Walking into a cigar store at 1SA Clark street the stranger called for cigar There was a barber shop attached and in the rear number of sporty-looking young men were playing pool and bil- lizards. The stranger laid $5 bill on the showcase, and for the first time noticed that the man behind the show case was also blind.
  stranger, T did not know that you could not see. Here, I will pay you in silver, as I do not suppose you can distinguish one bill from another.'
 "Oh, that's all right" replied the store keeper, who said his name was Gus Grau I'm blind sure enough, but I know what the bill Is. It is $5.''
 The stranger was surprised and ques- tioned the sightless man behind.
 T have been in business number of years and have always done remarkably well. 1 own the barber business together with the billiard hall in the rear
 At this point three young men wearing light spring overcoats and flashing dia- monds entered the store, greeting the pro- prietor merrily.
 We have come out to have a game of cards with you, Gus, and have framed 1t up to beat you or bust" announced one of the new arrivals.
 ''All right, boys. replied Gus in a cheery tone. "Ill be with you In few minutes. Then he turned to the stranger, who asked:
 Where do all these bind men come from, and how is it they all seem to head for this particular neighborhood?'
 'tOh, that's all very natural" replied the storekeeper as he made change for a s10 bill, while the stranger gazed in amazement, and wondered how 1t was possible. "You see we blind men keep pretty well together, and as 1 am in busi- ness up here in Lake View, my friends know where I can always be fuond. and so they come here.'
 F'But l saw several go into the saloon next door, suggested the stranger
 "Oh, yes, replied Gus, who insisted on being called by his first name, that IS where the good fellowship prevails
 What! do you mean to tell me that you blind men go in for good fellowshipT' asked the surprised stranger.
 Well I should rather guess so," re- plies Gus. "There ain't anything too good for us Most of us are in some business or other and doing better than some of our so-called more fortunate brethren, although we are unable to see. Why, in the place next door we are sur rounded by fixtures that one time were the finest in this country. They cost a fortune and won the f1rst prize at the Centennial exposition In Philadelphia in 1876. Oh, we're just as particular as you fellows, even if we can't see with our eyes,
 At this point Gus invited the stranger to join himself and friends in the place next door. He half expected to find the keeper there-a blind man. too. but Frank Swan- son, the proprietor, greeted him with wide open eyes.
 However, in one corner of the place was grouped dozen or more blind men about a long table. Not a single one of them could see but in spite of this they spent several hours playing cards and other games. They filled the place with their Jokes and laughter. partook of lunch and refreshments. and then retired to their clubroom In the rear, where one of the blind men played piano. another vio- lin, and third cornet.
 Others sang told stories, or recited pieces, and before the evening was over the stranger went away convinced that there is fun even for the blind.