The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1919-04-23

They Come to Evergreen Downhearted
Weary Lads and In Short Time Be-
come Cheerful and Hopefu-Pass
Through Period Of Mental Readjust-
ment and Physical Adaptation Be
fore They Can Weigh Plans for
Future.
Every now and then one meets q
young soldier on the streets of Balt-
more stepping along briskly, his arm
interiocked with that Of a bright
young woman The overseas stripes
on the soldiers left sleeve attract at
tentiOn, which Is intensified by one or
two wound stripes on his right sleeve.
His step Is buoyant, and a persistent
smile lights up his face. One looks
again and again to be convinced that
the soldier Is sightless.
He is one Of the boys from Ever
green, known officially as General Hos
pital No. z for Blinded Soldiers, and Is
out for exercise with one of the young
ONE who are giving their efforts
to bring new sight to the lads who
have sacrificed their eyes for the
worlds safety. There are many such
sightless, but all are cheerful and
hopeful, In marked contrast to the
down-hearted, weary lads who came to
Evergreen a month or 30 ago. These
blind have been recreated at Ever
green, for they have been rendered
self-dependent, efficient and hopeful.
Lauded by Sir Arthur Pearson.
This is the result of the training at
Evergreen, which Sir Arthur Pearson,
the famous English expert, himself
blind, on a recent visit here, declared
to be equal to that at his own st.
Dunstan's hospital in England.
Evergreen was donated to the gov
eminent by Mrs. T. Harrison Garrett,
daughter-in-law of the late John w.
Garrett.
Mrs. ]. Mayhem Wainwright, who
has made her home In New York for
many years, but whom Maryland con-
siders her own, is the hostess at
v ANO" lAiut liz WOuuuCu aIC
being returned to our shores the num-
Der of her guests increases daily.
During their first days they are Ill
at ease and uncomfortable In their
surroundings, but a few days make
a wonderful change in their lives.
Their steps become surer and they
gain confidence In themselves that is
good to see.
The patients are either totally blind
or have such defective vision that
they are precluded from re-entrance
into usual occupations, or even nor
NAL life, without some training. So
completely will their lives be changed
that 1t Is necessary for them to pass
through a period of mental readjust-
ment and physical adaptation before
they can th~oughtfully weigh plans for
the future.
The difficulties confronting the in
structors can be appreciated only when
1t is understood that the blind have to
be taught eve the simplest conven
tons of life, such as walking with
freedom, handling their food and dress
ing. There are courses to teach the
men "how to be blind" to teach them
that, though blind, they are still nor
nal men,.
The school authorities have provid-
ed courses in w%age-earning occupa-
tions. Among the courses are physical
training, fundamental handtraining.
reading and writing Of Braille. and
typewriting. Physical training includes
personal hygiene, swimming, bowling,
outdoor sports and gymnasium exer-
cises. There are courses in basketry,
weaving, netting, ~chair-caning and car
pentry. No trade Is considered that
has not economic advantages for both
employer and blind employee. Eff
cheney is the watchword.
Business and Office TRAINING.
1t appears quite probable that COM
mercial work will have to be the most
serious occupational effort, and with
this idea comprehensive courses In
business economics, craftsmanship, Of
flee management, use Of mechanical
office equipment and the principles Of
accounting and bookkeeping, are being
developed.
Agricultural courses are to be es-
tablished for those who have rural
homes. Not only are the men trained.
but positions are found for them.
A recreatiOnal leader provides en-
tertainment for the men durinp their
free time. Dances, music, theatricals
and musicales are important.