Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-08-10
SCHOOLS FOR BLIND SOLDIERS

| To tho Editor Of the Evening Ledger:
Sir--Every reader Of your paper who has
contributed to the American British Bel
gian blind relief war fund will be glad to
learn how the members Of the executive
committee OF the A. B. F. b., now in Europe
Tor the purpose, are carrying out the plans
to salvage these pitiful wrecks Of the war.
They have opened at 80 Rue du Chateau,
Neuilly just outside the gates OF Paris a
knitting school for married men. This house,
which Is surrounded by large and shady
garden, has been placed at the disposal Of
the A. b. +. B. rent free for the duration of
the war and six months thereafter BY
which time the last OF tho blinded inmates
will have been trained and started in busi-
ness for himself. The place will accommo-
date twelve men at a time. 1t Is in charge
OF Doctor Cosse the eminent surgeon, who
Is also head OF the military school for the
blinded at Chartres He contributes his
services
The inmates are picked men, whose in.
dustry and discipline are guaranteed, They
are taught to make, by means of a special
knitting machine, sweaters, socks and other
woolen articles which are in great demand,
and therefore command ready sale. The
period OF instruction lasts three months
During the last two weeks the mans wife
IL allowed to come for instruction as a day
pupil, SO that she can learn to aid her
husband. A machine is given to each pupil
when he has completed his course. So far
twenty machines have been purchased They
cost $3.50 each.
The peculiar advantage of this institution
Is that 1t teaches trade that can be carried
on by husband and wife at home with the
greatest facility. Together they easily can
earn 800 francs (S60) q month. which in
France enables them to maintain themselves
and their children in comfort.
The A B. F. p, has also leased in NeuiIlv
a large property at 27 Boulevard Victor
Hugo. where blinded officers and others op
superior education who In private life wers
doctors lawyers. magistrates, professors
etc. and whose intellectual attainments
take them out OF tho category of the brush
and mat makers and other adopts at COM
mon manual labor, will be re-educated to AZ
them TO return to their former professona
or to start afresh as stenographers. TWISTS
commercial representatives Insurance.
agents. interpreters, telephone Operators
teachers In primary, secondary and high
schools. engineers. etc.
Experience has disclosed that this inst,,u-
tion will fll q very special want ana 4.
urgently needed. In recognition Of this fact
some Of the greatest professors In France
have volunteered their services as teachers
The rent Is being paid out Of the private
means OF one of the officers of the A. n n
b., so that the fund will be relieved OF this
expense - 'iS
A"o efeat uouuio III france has been that
means have been lacking with which 10 nro
vide the re-educated man with the tools or
machinery or materials he must have In
order to earn his living This lack our f,,na
is commencing to, make good and we hone
some day. to be in a position to see tbat
every man blinded In this war will at Las,
have the possibility given him Of becom,nv
useful and self-supporting.
Among the devices invented IN hall,
blinded men help themselves is a Rra;,Is p
machine Of stenography, by means of whioS
the operator can take dictation at gra..
speed and Is able later to transcribe n wi,h
an ordinary typewriter. Then a nsw "u ans
very interesting trade Is being taush. u
crystal carving and glass cutting Th,-
Is not only most adaptable to sghtiss. LIE ,s
but is also very lucrative. 'e''
The two institutions mentior.s
which, because of their essentially nrao.,.o,
purpose Of Transforming once hons,sss ,sucai
helpless heroes into 'self-supportins c,s,.an anu
with morale restored. we feel aura nens n,,e
contributor to the fund will approve 1sery
been established by tire A. B. FB Mnave pr. .
opening OF them 10 not all. Thev bav. .ne
TO oe maintained. and for this AZ, shN 1Sve Sot
upbsiidsps work ths fsAnd ~ SpSs,.ass s%s osnsr
sss.'s ~ ~ s q l1|lS SSS'