Deafness is a hindrance to a great extent, but it is not such a
formidable barrier as has popularly been supposed.

4. The deaf workman usually has steady work. Those that do not
generally have only themselves to blame.

5. The deaf invariably get the same wages for the same class of work
as the hearing.

6. Employers and foremen are glad to have deaf workmen who can show
that they have the ability to do the work expected of them, and take
them on a basis equal to that of the hearing. If they are competent,
their services secure ready recognition.[106]

THE DEAF AS ALMS-SEEKERS

It might be thought that the deaf might sometimes find their infirmity a
useful means of soliciting alms from the public. But it is gratifying to
learn that very few of them ever try to make capital out of their
affliction. That a deaf man merely as such is in no wise to be
considered a special beneficiary of charity is a principle spiritedly
endorsed by nearly all the deaf themselves; and they are found to be the
last to lend encouragement to any appeals for aid from the charitably
disposed.[107]

On the other hand, it is a fact, perhaps not as widely known as it
should be, that there are persons able to hear who often pretend to be
deaf and dumb in order to work on the sensibilities of the public. To
such appeals a far more ready response is met with than should be the
case. The deaf themselves usually do what they can to prevent this, a
certain number indeed going to considerable lengths in this direction,
and not infrequently running such impostors down.[108] In nearly all the
state associations of the deaf as well as in the national organization
it is made a particular object to investigate and prosecute mendicants
simulating deafness, while in their papers a vigorous war is being
waged.[109] At the same time by many of the deaf a campaign of education
is being conducted for the enlightenment of the public. The following
resolutions, adopted by the National Association of the Deaf in 1910,
attest their feeling in the matter:[110]

_Whereas_, There is no necessity for an educated deaf person to beg
or solicit alms on account of deafness; and

_Whereas_, There are many cases of persons who are not really deaf,
but hearing people, who prey on the sympathy of the public to the
injury of the respectable and self-supporting deaf; therefore be it

_Resolved_, That it is the se