Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1918-09-19
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used reconstruction hospitals, where the
MANNED may be restored to their fullest usefui-
ness. To each will be attached workshops. where
at least the rudments of different trades may be
practiced: gardens and farm land for outdoor
work, and every possible facility for encouraging
the cripple do his utmost toward self-restora-
ton. Here, too, will be centered the work of the
reconstruction aids" corps OF instructors IN
physical training, specially trained for the work
of drilling crippled in the fullest of their
remaining muscles to the end that they may
exercise their faculties to the utmost. The de-
gree to which the stump of arm or leg may
become mobile and useful has been carefully cal
culated as a result of French experience; it is
surprising sound man to discover how useful
hale forearm, for instance, may become Inc
corps of reconstruction aids is being recruited
from among and women instructors in gym
nastics under the direction of Miss Marguerite
Sanderson of Boston.
The fitting of artificial members to replace miss
ing hands and legs has become almost science
in itself. Wonderful results have been achieved
in Europe with marvellous and complicated hand
,nechanisms that enable their wearers to perform
almost miraculous feats. For most crippled SOL
diers however, the simpler forms, variations OF
the plain hook or the various forms OF champs io1
holding tools, much more serviceable as works
ing hands. A specialized body of surgeons Is
studying the whole subject under the direction of
Surgeon General Gorgas, with view to fitting
every American soldier who may need such arti-
fetal aid with the type best adapted to hS
civilian needs.
The general plan of reconstruction work con-
sailor in the reconstruction hospital nearest his
former home The plan Of vocational rehabflita-
tion contemplates training him to do something
as nearly like his former occupation as possible
For instance jOurneyman carpenter who has
lost an may be trained into good superin-
:endent of construction. If this can be done by
placing him in school where he will have an
opportunity to learn how to read blueprints and
understand specifications, such school Will be
found. So as possible. existing schools are to
be utilized most of the large Industrial organiza-
tions already maintain technical schools for their
employees, and these and other similar nstitu-
lions will be opened to the discharged crippled
soldier. And while the soldier sailor is under
going such re-education he will continue to re-
ceive the disability compensation to which he is
entitled under the war risk insurance act If the
advice of those who have studied European ex-
perience is taken. any pension to which he may
be entitled is to be based upon the nature and
extent of his injuries and not upon his earning
capacity.
Both the reconstruction hospitals and the gen.
eral scheme of rehabilitation in all probability
will be open civilian employees of the govern
ment injured in the discharge of their duty and
under certain restrictions the vocational re-
injured in any civil employment. under condi-
lions established by the rehabilitation board
Out the emergency of war. therefore, there will
thus develop permanent asset for peace, long
step toward solving the problem of putting the
industrial cripple well the cripple back
the pay roll