The Elk Mountain pilot., 1918-09-12
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different sections of the United States are 10 De
used as reconstruction hospitals, where the
maimed may be restored to their fullest uselu'-
ness To each will be attached workshops, where
at least the rudiments of different trades may be
prncticed; gardens and farm land Tor outaoor
work, and every possible facility for encouraging
the cripple do his utmost toward seif-restor1l-
ton. Here. too. will be centered the work OF the
Reconstruction Gids." corps of instructors IN
physical training. specially trained for the work
of drilling crippled in the fullest use 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 Il leg may
become mobile and useful has been carefully chi
c,iluted .as II result of French experience; 1t Is
surprising sound man to discover how usetui
half II forearm for instance. may become. The
corps of reconst .uction aids is being recruited
from among men and women instructors In gym
nastics under the direction OF Miss Marguerite
Sanderson of Boston.
The fitting of artificial members to replace miss
ing Lands and legs has become almost science
I'm itself. Wonderful results have been achieved
In Europe with marvellous and complicated hanu
mechnnsms that enable their wearers to perform
almost miraculous feats For most crippled SOL
diers, h"wever. the simpler forms. variations OF
the plain hook or the various forms OF clamps Ior
-holding tools nre much serviceable as work
ing hands. A specialized body of surgeons Is
studying the whole subject under the direction OF
Surgeon General GOrgas with view to hitting
every American soldier who may need such arti-
civilian needs.
The general plan of reconstruction work con-
templates caring for each disabled soldier or
sailor in the reconstruction hospital nearest his
former home The plan of vocational rehabiita-
ton contemplates training him to do something
as nearly like his former occupation as possible
For instance journeymnn carpenter who mas
lost an arm may be trained into a good superin-
:endent of construction If this can be done by
pucing him in a school where he will have an
opportunity learn how to read blueprints and
understand specifications, such a school Will be
found. So far possible. existing schools are to
be utilized most of the large industrial organZa-
tions already maintain technical schools for their
employees. and these and other similar institu-
tions will be opened to the discharged crippled
soldier And while the soldier or sailor Is under
going such re-education he will continue to re-
ceive the disability compensation to which he Is
entitled under the risk insurance act. If the
advice of THESE who have studied European ex-
perience is taken, any pension to which he may
be entitled Is to he 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 he open to civilian employees of the govern
ment injured in the discharge of their duty, and
under certain restrictions the vocational re-
Mobilization may he made available for any per-
injured Iii any civil employment, under cOndi-
tions be established by the rehabilitation board.
Out of the emergency of therefore. there will
thus develop permanent asset for peace. a long
step towDvd solving the problem OF putting the
industrial cripple well ss the war cripple back
Gu the pay roll