Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-07-11
Vocational Schools
For Disabled u. S.
Soldiers and Sailors

New York. July American SOL
diers and sailors crippled in the war
are to be given every opportunity. in
addition to war risk insurance indem-
nifty and pensions, to learn new trades
or professions in order that they may
resume their place of usefulness in
civil life without the handicaps that
ordinarily surround a man deprived rf
arms. legs. signt or hearing.
One of the most interesting institu-
tons that has been established here
as result of the war is the Red Cross
institute for crippled and disabled men
at 81 Fourth avenue, where four
schools, the nuclei Of other that are,
il is said, to be organized in Chicago
ST. Louis and other places, are now
under way teaching cripples the man
ufacttiire of artificial limbs. linotype
and monotype operating, mechanics!
drafting and oxyceteline welding
These four local schools have a teach
ing capacity Tor 300 men
The recent passage by congress Of
the Smith Sears bill providing an ap-
preparation of $4,000 600 to be used
in the discretion Of the federal board
OF vocational education contemplated.
it is said. the elaboration Of the plans
which are now being worked out in
this city. Soon. il is thought, there
viii be additional schools in many 9TH
er parts of the United States and
other studies and trades will be added
TO the list. The new law authorizes
the command sering Of private and
public institutions for the re-educa-
ton Of crippled soldiers and sailors
and, where necessary, the building Of
new schools.
Four trades were selected for the
New York school because they were
in fields that we're not overcrowded. A
soldier or sailor for instance. instead
of having to pay $3.50 TO 5000 for an
artificial limb may procure one for
$50 and, IL he desires, be taught how
to make 1t himself at the same time
acquiring a -rade that will pay him
81 to IS day.
Frank R. Bigler. cripple for thirty
enc years and minus \ leg and an
arm is the Industrial agent of the in
stitute which was founded about a
year ago by jeremiah Milbank with
ar initial endowment Of $4,000 and a
building in which 10 carry on its
work. Mr.. 3igler came from Kansas
City, No. his services being loaned
b" an industrial corporation there. to
instil optimism and good cheer into
the minds Of all returning war Grip
pies.
Douglas c. McMurtrie. director Of
the institute, a graduate Of the Massa-
chusetts Institute of Technology and
in charge Of the department of print
ing at Columbia University. has made
a study of the social and economic re-
construction Of cripples for more than
eight years.
Mr.. McMurtrie made il clear that
while the institute has no official ar
rangement with the government au-
thorities relative to the Utilization of
its facilities IN the rehabilitation of
war cripples. that department being in
charge OF Surgeon General William 6.
Gorgas, when soldiers and sailors are
discharged from army and navy hos
pitfalls then the institute will offer
them every chance to come back"
Positions will be found for the men
and. where they are unable 10 pay ex-
penses while earning their new trade,
funds will be advanced them as
loan to enable them to continue their
training until competent to take a
job.
The institute. however, is a national
activity Of the American Red Cross,
responsible to the war council thru
the director general of military relief
Jesse II. Jones 1t is the only non
commercial institution of the kind in
the United States. says Mr.. McMurtrie,
and its purpose is broadly humanitar-
ian, taking in civilian as well as mill
tary cripples. 1t is not charitable
institution but intended to be self-sup-
porting.
Already the national authorities
have gone on record" said Mr.. Nc
Murtrie, "as accepting without reser-
walton responsibility for the after-car
of men injured in the service. The
surgeon generals office of the war de-
partment is now preparing to provide
FOR wounded men, not only medical
and surgical care, but also the cura-
tive advances afforded ty the simpler
forms Of occupation The government
Is further nauguratins vocational
training having as its object rehabili-
tation for elf-support. The govern
I.ent, however. is disposed to make
use Of, under due supervision, such
private assistance as may be offered
and found Of value
AUSTRIAN FOOD MISERY,