on. If the government could commandeer this
line of work for its blind civilians, I am sure there would be fewer
itinerant street musicians, gum or pencil venders. Of course, after a
while, the blind man reduced to playing on the streets, becomes
accustomed to the excitement, the roar of traffic, and covers, I will
not say earns, more money than he could by canvassing, piano tuning, or
making brooms. And so, once started on this road, once accustomed to the
acceptance of public charity, it is almost impossible to induce the
street vender or musician to try a more legitimate means of livelihood.
He invariably says, in answer to the protest of those who have the
interest and advancement of the blind at heart, "When you can find me a
job where I can earn as much as I do right here, I'll take it, but until
then, I must live, and I must help to support my family." Meanwhile
these street merchants are creating an erroneous impression in the minds
of the unthinking, but ever sympathetic public, leading it to believe
that begging is all that the blind can do; and so, when asked to employ
a blind person, even in the smallest capacity, people mention the blind
of the street, and say they will gladly contribute to the support of the
sightless either in institutions, or by private charity, but they do not
believe in their ability to perform work of any kind. Of course, this is
not the answer given in every case, but it is the reply generally made
to all such requests. This is the sad state of affairs here and in many
of the large cities throughout the country, and this is why the State
Library is conducting a campaign for the enlightenment of the public.
Whenever possible, I raise my voice in this cause, before clubs and
organizations, high schools and colleges, in order to change this
mistaken attitude, in order to urge a saner point of view. In presenting
this gospel of work for the blind, I put the matter very plainly, prove
to the public that it is to blame for many of the conditions I deplore,
laugh at its incredulity, score its misconception, urge a broader, more
comprehensive sympathy, and usually leave the platform with the
assurance that I have won many recruits in this campaign so dear to my
heart.

As I said in my last lecture, the government has a well-defined plan for
the re-education of its blinded soldiers. But suppose this plan is
carried out, and the men are returned to their home cities, qualified to
pursue a cert