New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-07-14
Red Cross Institution Turns Victims From,
Objects of Pity or Derision Into Self-Sup-
porting, Self-Respecting Men


to fit the man who wears one of these
magic limbs I shall have to continue
to call him cripple. He is, however.
most highly specialized laborcr, seen
at work in the room where he is taught
the art of making his own limbs and
necessary appllances-a room fully
equipped with facilities for the hand
work of following, shaping and finish
ing; with gas forge and anvil, nickel
plating equipment, leather department
with special sewing machines, fitting
room where plaster casts of stumps
are taken and finished limbs adjusted,
lathe equipment for metal and wood
working, a drill press, grinding and
polishing heads, a band saw, and a
sanding machine. On the benches were
displayed every type of limb-legs,
arms and hands perfect in their imi-
.dOioH OIL nature. AneSe are USED TO-
day, however, almost wholly for "dress"
wear
AT work a cripple now uses the ap-
planes which will assist him in his
particular job. Some of the devices
are fitted with chucks into which vari-
o1o l.
be adjusted, thereby adequately taking
the place of mans hand. | followed
my inspiring guide about, failing in
many instances to note that the men
employed were themselves crippled.
From this room visited the other
classrooms. The institute already has
equipment for the instruction of five
high class trades this one of artih-
cial limb making, mechanical drafting,
printing, notion picture operating and
oxy-acetylene welding. The large
growth of this latter occupations
process comparatively new-has result
ed in a scarcity of welders and cutters.
The prospects are good for the en-
ployment of trained men, not only in
the shipbuilding industry and in gen
eral repair work, but in many manu-
featuring processes. Wages are high,
and the cripples can capably do the
work required.
Already, crippled pupils of the insti-
tute have mastered the difficulties Of
these various trades with surprising
dexterity and success, under the tute-
lage OF men who are masters of their
profession. In addition to these trades,
the institute is considering teaching
dental mechanics, automobile repair
ing. Photographic technique and COM
merclal training for office employment.
And what of the men after this
course of training is completed? The
institute foresaw this difficulty and
established an employment bureau,
which already has placed many Grip
pies. A most efficient staff of work
ers spend their time and energy in
this quiet, businesslike room with the
usual stern oak desks and uncompro-
missing straight backed chairs-a room
unique only in the signs upon it's walls.
One bade cripple not to take a
blind alloy job" Another urged him
to "stay in a position, once satisfac-
torily placed, for the man who con-
tinually shifts his job hurts himself
and reflects on the institution"
Cripples were constantly coming and
going. either to apply for positions, or
to acknowledge their gratitude for Jobs
tried and found satisfactory.
But enough for the institution. 1t
saw the great need that was coming to
this country with the first transport
bringing home crippled soldiers-saw,
and Immediately started to prepare for
this need, so that these men would not
land here and find nothing done. The
institute is doing all it can; but it can't
accomplish anything if the employer is
not going to back it. We are giving
royalty of our money and it is doing
much good, but the country needs more.
1t needs our industrial cooperation to
back the work of this institute. What
India, Canada, France, England Bel
GUM. Australia, Italy and Germany are
doing we can do. But we've got to
buckle down to business and do it now.