The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-10-22
BLIND SOLDIERS
BEING CARED FOR
Paris Institution Has Been Obliged to
Build Annex in Order to
Accommodate the
Number.

! Paris, October 22.-To accommodate
the increasing number of blind soldiers
the Quinze-Vingts institution for the
sightless, founded by Saint Louis, has
been enlarged by an annex, former
convent, which is called the Gonzales
cent home. There are at present las
inmates of the annex. They are sent
here from all parts of France, even be-
fore they are allowed to 90 home. Elk.
| perience has proven that at the
home surroundings and influence are
less depressing than elsewhere. A GER
tain mental training is necessary and
this can be best effected at this insti-
tuition. When this is accomplished they
are allowed to choose trade to their
liking or any work 70 which they may
be particularly adapted. Basket max
ing, manufacturing Of brushes, shoe
making, printing, stenography and type
writing are being taught, among other
things. Each of these victims of the
war is a willing student and an earnest
worker. Notwithstanding their afflic-
tion they are most cheerful lot, as
the bantering which may be heard in
a visit TO the various workrooms indi-
Gates.
Minister Of the Interior Malyy, ac-
companied by NJ. jules Brisac, OF the
public health service. and NJ. Paul Err
mard and a representative OF The As
ISOLATED Press visited the home recent
ly. Entering, and passing through "Jof-
fire. Hall" which is used for religious
services and entertainments. the visit
ors were treated TO an impromptu con-
cert. A singer in nurses costume WAS
on the stage before a piano. Beside
her were three blind soldiers with
a leg amputated and the military medal
and war cross pinned to his breast all
receiving musical instruction. Ignorant
Of the presence Of the visitors, the sing
er and her soldier pupils continued their |
lesson.
A tour Of the grounds and park with 1
which the buildings ore surrounded, fol- /
lowed. Seated on a bench in the open /
were half a dozen inmates learning the 1
making Of corded fringe for curtains. 4
Among these workers was the natural /
red American, Joseph Amar OF Wash
ngton, ID. C., who was al the Lyons
exposition when war was declared and i
who enlisted in the foreign legion soon
,ftcr. His skill and deNterity brought
'orth a compliment from Monsieur Nal.
W. Amar spends much Of his spare
lime perfccting his French while tax.
NC his promenade with some Of the
nurses a. guide and teacher.
At another spot IN the park a blind
music teacher-not = war victim WAS
irving a lesson IN conet playing 70 a
ightless young soldier. The latter.
'earer Of the military medal, had bat
ne arm. This instrument i bis sole
distinction. Many of them are fond of
music and several with violins or mando-
Inc on their arms were seen making
heir way b. secluded spots II the
rounds for practice and amusement.
Arriving ~ an outbuiidiuE where has
ets were being made. Minister Malyy
uestioned sons Of the workers uhose
su0hter vas interrupted BY introduc-
IONS. one Of the youuEest II the blind
acn. q soldier from the Noscss. vas here /
nd b. was the gsyest His afiiction he Z
ore lightly and smilinglr declared i E
b b. a souvenir 81 the Germans" then 4
8diuR Il have done my duty. / am
1nteuf
One II the large rooms ~ THE ingti-