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Their meager educational advantages before blindness give us a reasonable explanation for their utter helplessness, and in many cases for their inability to take advantage of any opportunity offered to better their social and economic conditions. There are unquestionably many more blind in Hamilton County in the higher walks of life, living in affluence and following business and professional careers, contented and happy and able to care for themselves, who did not come under our observation, and these must be left out of consideration in looking at this somber picture. Those who are born blind, or become so shortly thereafter, attend school and are apt pupils, but those who become afflicted later in life are so overpowered by their misfortune that they lose hope and ambition and often refuse to be comforted, and this is especially true after middle life.

62 had become blind prior to the 10th year
24 between the 10th and 20th year,

making a total of 86 becoming blind during the years when the mind and senses are most pliable and the pupil most apt to learn.

51 became blind between the 20th and 40th year, whereas
50 became blind between the 40th and 50th year.
100 became blind subsequent to the 50th year.

Inquiry among the 287 applicants disclosed that 66 had no education whatever before blindness set in, and never could read or write.

Two hundred and nineteen had had a common school education, which in many cases did not mean very much.

Two had had a high school education.

Since the occurrence of blindness, but 77 had attended a school for the blind:

Of these 77, but 40 had learned a trade at the blind school which was of any value to them in making themselves self-sustaining, and in but a few instances can they do more than earn one or two dollars per week.

There are

Inquiry develops that but two of the broom makers can make a living, and they only because they receive institutional aid in buying and disposing of their product. All the remainder say they can only do occasional work, and cannot support themselves. Piano tuners are not trusted, and except here and there blind musicians are only engaged as curiosities or as a charity which is not often aroused.

Could one ask for a more convincing argument as to the necessity of workshops in the larger centers of population in the state, where these people could be assembled under one roof during the daytime, and under proper supervision and aid follow the various occupations which they had been taught? (The plan could even be extended to teaching the blind at these workshops.) In this way the materials they work with could be bought cheaper, and by disposing of the product for them in large quantities better prices could be obtained, and the blind receive a living wage for their services. It has been told me repeatedly that until they buy their material and afterwards go from door to door trying to dispose of their finished ware they find that they lose money. In the meantime they also lose heart and become mendicant.

The practical results as here shown do not speak well for the institutions for the blind. There is a defect somewhere. Could they not be taught something more remunerative than making brooms or baskets?

Of the 77 blind who have learned to use the raised letters,

Before blindness, of the 153 males, 39 had never had an occupation; the remaining 114 were engaged in a variety of 39 occupations and trades. Subsequent to blindness, we find 95 with nothing to do because "they cannot" or are too old or infirm, with 5 attending school; the remaining 58 are engaged in but 15 occupations.

Among the women, before blindness 29 had no occupations, 85 engaged in 13 occupations; subsequent to blindness, 90 had no occupation and 24 had a variety of 4 occupations. Observe how their usefulness to the community and their ability to help themselves have become restricted.

Is it a wonder that they become destitute and objects of public charity?

Forty families had at various times been forced to ask for outdoor relief of groceries, coal, etc., from various charities, and many others have suffered in silence want and privation, too proud to ask for aid. Sixteen applicants have no family connections whatever; 12 are living alone, earning from $1 to $6 per week; 4 with friends, and have no income whatever.

Just a few words regarding blindness and its causes, for it must be evident to every one that just in proportion as we eliminate the causes will the number of the blind and the entire train of misfortunes which follow in its wake disappear.

The frightful ravages of accident and disease had disfigured the features of many of these unfortunates, and it cannot be denied that the appearance of even a blind individual has much to do with human prejudice and in giving them employment.