The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-10
FRENCH HOSPITALS.
Conditions and Needs Of the Blinded
Soldiers.

10 THE EDITOR OF THE SuN-Sir. The
following official report on one of the
hospitals for the blind in France has
been sent by Miss Holling sworth OF the
American Girls Aid Organization
Last week ! visited the hospital for
the blind. under the direction Of Mr.. Val
lery-Radot. This institution is supported
BY private subscriptions. n although
80 far the donations hav been very
generous. nearly all the money collected
has to be used for food and running
expenses. They are in great need OF
all kinds of clothing, especially socks.
bedroom slippers, shoes n shirts as
well as handkerchiefs The building
hic has been given to this committee
wa an old school, situated In the centre
Of a beautiful garden. so that on nice
days the blind soldiers are able to be
out in the air.
ION entering the building we were
first shown into a large room, which
must ave been a recitation hall. as
there was a platform at one end where
a piano had been placed. and one Of the
nurses was giving a singing lesson to a
poor fellow who had lost both legs be-
sides his eyesight. 1t was terribly sad to
see him, but any kind Of occupation that
takes their mind away from their afiiic-
ton helps them. At both sides Of this
room were soldiers making macrame
lace. They hope by selling their work
to become sel%f-supporting. but as lace
Of this kin can be bought for almost
nothing ] cannot see how they will ever
be able to make a living out of It. I
promised to take their work to New York
and try to dispose Of II there. They
were very much encouraged when I said
this, and n poor fellow. a Of
iicer who has lost all his family and Is
now pennilees. said thai he would work
night and day. He was one OF the most
interesting men I talked to. as he seemed
to be very intelligent and on inquiring
what he had lone before the wal he said
that he had been a reporter for some
newspaper.
''They have zoo blind soldiers in this
Institution. The soldiers arc sent TO
them after they leave the hospitals and
are not able to return to their families.
Some OF the men have no families and
consequently will be dependent for life.
II IL astonishing what courage these men
show: one never hears them complain
and they are all eager TO learn SOM
trade. We visited the various depart
ments where they are taught to make
brushes. cane chairs. basket making,
blind and various kinds Of furniture re-
pairing.
Some Of the men had their bare feet
in their shoes. there being a lack Of
socks. and they must have been cold In
going back and forth to the different
buildings, especially as the ground was
particularly muddy and their shoes were
very poor. One poor fellow who had lost
both legs and his eyesight timidly asked
me II ] thought 1t would be possible for
some of my friends to give him an old
mandolin. as he has been very fond OF
music and felt sure that with a littl,
practice he would be able to earn his
living in this way. They ask for all
sorts OF musical Instruments flutes, vio-
Inns. mandolins. '&c., and l am sure that
IL We asked some of our committees to
try to get US n few Instruments We
would bring a great deal Of happiness TO
these men who have lost 40 much. The
pitiful part was that they were so very
young. Some were boys of nineteen who
seemed strong and we'll in every other
way, but whose faces were 80 terribly
d%isfEured that Il WAS repulsive to talk
TO them
Contributions of clothing, musical in
struments. &c. ear he sent to the Amsrl
| can Girls Aid. Pier 81, North River.
Marcel. PRovESCHER.
New YORK. December 2.