ossible to raise funds in Manchester for a
London institution; people would feel that the many indigent blind in
Lancashire and Cheshire had a stronger claim upon them. He wishes her
success, and informs her that they are busily engaged in erecting a
large addition to the Blind Asylum in Manchester to enable them to carry
out the system of teaching trades to, and finding regular employment
for, non-resident blind. "The success of your Association," he adds, "in
establishing and carrying out such a system, has been one main cause of
inducing us to take such steps as will enable us, although at a very
heavy cost, to give the plan a fair trial in Manchester, and I feel very
sanguine as to its success."

This information would give as much pleasure in its own way as the
announcement of a donation of L500.

In addition to her autograph letters, a circular asking for custom for
the Institution, and signed by the Rev. W. Champneys, Sir John Anson,
and the Rev. Pelham Dale, was issued in 1860. These earnest, patient,
importunate appeals went steadily on; they were written by herself or by
any friend whose sympathy she could enlist, and sent to any and every
newspaper that would consent to insert them. But in spite of all efforts
stock was increasing, sales diminishing, and an augmented number of
blind applicants clamouring for admission. The boarding-house began to
be a source of anxiety, not only on account of the expense connected
with it, but by reason of the character of many of the inmates. Blind
men were sent to the London boarding-house at the suggestion and with
the warm approval of persons interested in them; and in the belief that
they would learn a trade and earn their own living. But in many cases
the man only looked upon London as a happy hunting ground. The last
thing he intended to do when he got there was to work. He wanted a
comfortable home, a small and certain allowance, and to beg in the
London streets. Tied up together are letters warmly recommending a man
to the benefits of the Institution, detailing his many virtues as well
as his needs, followed by others from the same writer sorrowfully
recognising failure, and very frequently acknowledging that the man was
"at his old tricks again."

Bessie's faith in her cause was unshaken even by these painful
experiences. She showed infinite pity and tenderness to all blind
applicants, and gave to each one who was admitted a fair opportunity to
improve and reform