MISS HELEN KELLER.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 22, 21 October 1907, Page 3

MISS HELEN KELLER.

Few persons can bo better fitted to suggest what may bq, and should be, done for the blind than Miss Helen Keller, whoso own lifo has been a continual triumph over her infirmity. In. the current number of tho "World's "Work" she pleads for a better .understanding by tho public of the needs, and oven more of. the powers, of the sightless. When n few years ago charitable people in New York established a bureau for the distribution to the blind of tickets for tho theatre, the opera, and other entertainments, they soon found that much of their kindness ' was" misdirected. Tho cry was, for work rather than for amusement, for something to do instead of sitting idle all day—above all for "that wondrous thing, interest in life." Tho heaviest burden upon tho blind was seen to be not blindness, but idleness, and the effort to provide them with pleasure has proved tho beginning of a new movement in Now York for their general welfare. Even after carnfnl training and Apprenticeship they still need help to find their place in the world of workers —a world which often dees not believe they can work. And it is this unbelief in their powers that must bo con-

quered before now and suitable occupations can bo opened up for them. Miss Keller urges that- suitable sites should bo found to build schools for tho blind where they could t practise willow weaving and bo trained to - plant and care for thn willows; also sho asks r why not lot tho blind raise poultry? and e strongly suggests that facilities should be o given thorn for an open-air life, s