Middletown transcript., 1918-12-28

Der the mutile learns to attach score
Of hooks and clasps, each designed to
perform a particular function. With
these attachments he can hold a pen
and write, hold a book for reading
white with a knife, sweep with q
broom, use his knife at the table for
cutting his food.
An artificial thumb, wonderfully
constructed to replace the lost natural
member, enables him to grasp objects
between thumb and forefinger.
Farm work is VIGOROUSLY hard
work, calling for skill as well as for a
strong, active body behind it. France
Is returning her wounded soldiers to
the soil at rate little short of miracu-
lOus.
A Poilu, leaving the hospital after
amputati0ns, enters one of the Red
Cross or French re-educational schools.
Let us say he has lost both legs and
that he was originally a worker in
vineyards In the south of France.
Naturally he wants to go back to his
home section when he has been dis
charged, and the great hope in his
heart is that he will in some way be
able to re-enter the old life
'But have lost both legs" he tells
the official who is making preliminary
study of his case. these new ones
are excellent, monsieur, but I cannot
prune vines again"
Quite so, but you can be taught
to do useful work sitting down."
But, monsieur, one cannot prune
vines that way"
Exactly. But I have something
else in mind. Your grape harvest is
gathered in baskets, is it not? How
would you like to learn basket-weav.
ing? There is need for such work in
your home section"
Desires Are Consulted.
It goes that way. No mutile Is set
to work at new task without having
his natural desires consulted. If he
wants work in agriculture, there is
something which he can be taught to
do. II it is a factory he longs for, his
artificial hand will be trained for the
factory.
have seen French mutiles from
the farming sections of France, who
before the war plowed behind a pair |
Of oxen. being taught the intricacies
of the mechanical tractor. And have |
seen these same men going out to |
pillow once more-not as peasants be-
hind oxen, but as skilled tractor opera
tors. whose false arms or legs equipped
them to compete successfully with
highly trained men who have lost I
neither. And have seen a mutile
who had lost both arms In battle climb
nimbly to his seat on a farm cart and
drive of.
Illustrations might be multiplied,
but would be superfuous. The re-edu-
system in operation abroad
and in America holds deeper signif-
canoe and interest than its application
Of advanced surgery and mechanics In
men for the tasks of
peace.
The significant feature Of it in
France, for instance. is that these men
emerge from the weller Of hell, minus
arms and legs, sometimes blind, to
return to civil life better equipped
hen in prewar days.
The education of the French peas
mt in the past has been largely a mat
.er Of utilizing ancient methods. Men
lave plowed with oxen because their
;randfathers did; neither had the adj .
7antage Of training in advanced agri- !
culture. But the peasant who leaves :
! re-educational school and returns to :
he soil is no longer content to farm
n the old way.
The Great Awakening.
He has learned the economy Of trao- {
or blowing and Of seed drills and of
manure spreaders. He has learned !
he principles aud practical side Of !