1896~1901
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TEE H. BRADFORD New York, February 4, 1896.What I say which will make you uand how much Teacher and I appreciate your thoughtful kindness in sending us those little souvenirs of the dear room where we first met the best and ki of friends? Indeed, you ever know all the fort you have given us. ut the dear picture on the mantel-pie our room where we see it every day, and I often go and touch it, and somehow I ot help feeling that our beloved friend is very o me.... It was very hard to take up our school wain, as if nothing had happened; but I am sure it is well that we have duties which must be done, and which take our minds away for a time at least from our sorrow....
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBY New York, Mard, 1896. ...We miss dear King John sadly. It was so hard to lose him, he was the best and ki of friends, and I do not know what we shall do without him....
We went to a poultry-show... and the man there kindly permitted us to feel of the birds. They were so tame,
they stood perfectly still when I hahem. I saw great big turkeys, geese, guineas, ducks and many others.
Almost two weeks ago we called at Mr. Huttons and had a delightful time. We always do! We met Mr.
Warhe writer, Mr. Mabie, the editor of the Outlook and other pleasant people. I am sure you would like to know Mr. and Mrs. Hutton, they are so kind and iing. I ever tell you how much pleasure they have given us.
Mr. Warner and Mr. Burroughs, the great lover of nature, came to see us a few days after, and we had a delightful talk with them. They were both very, very dear! Mr. Burroughs told me about his home he Hudson, and what a happy place it must be! I hope we shall visit it some day. Teacher has read me his lively stories about his boyhood, and I ehem greatly. Have you read the beautiful poem, "Waiting"? I know it, and it makes me feel so happy, it has such sweet thoughts. Mr. Warner showed me a scarf-pin with a beetle on it which was made i fifteen hundred years before Christ, and told me that the beetle meant immortality to the Egyptians because it ed itself up ao sleep and came out again in a new form, thus renewing itself.
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBY New York, April 25, 1896. ...My studies are the same as they were when I saw you, except that I have taken up French with a French teacher who es three times a week. I read her lips almost exclusively, (she does not know the manual alphabet) a on quite well. I have read "Le Mede Malgre Lui," a very good Frenedy by Moliere, with pleasure; and they say I speak French pretty well now, and German also. Anyway, Frend German people uand what I am trying to say, and that is very encing. In voice-training I have still the same old difficulties to tend against; and the fulfilment of my wish to speak well seems O, so far away! Sometimes I feel sure that I catch a faint glimpse of the goal I am striving for, but in another minute a bend in the road hides it from my view, and I am agai wandering in the dark! But I try hard not to be disced. Surely we shall all find at last the ideals we are seeking....
TO MR. JOHN HITZ Brewster, Mass. July 15, 1896. ...As to the book, I am sure I shall enjoy it very much when I am admitted, by the magic of Teachers dear fingers, into the panionship of the two sisters who went to the Immortal Fountain.
As I sit by the window writing to you, it is so lovely to have the soft, cool breezes fan my cheek and to feel that the hard work of last year is over! Teacher seems to feel beed by the ge too; for she is already beginning to look like her dear old self. We only need you, dear Mr. Hitz, to plete our happiness. Teacher and Mrs. Hopkins both say you must e as soon as you ! We will try to make you fortable.
Teacher and I spent nine days at Philadelphia. Have you ever been at Dr. Crouters Institution? Mr. Howes has probably given you a full at of our doings. We were busy all the time; we attehe meetings and talked with hundreds of people, among whom were dear Dr. Bell, Mr. Banerji of Calcutta, Monsieur Magnat of Paris with whom I versed in French exclusbbr>..</abbr>ively, and many other distinguished persons. We had looked forward to seeing you there, and so we were greatly disappoihat you did not e. We think of you so, so often! and our hearts go out to you in te sympathy; and you know better than this poor letter tell you hoy we always are to have you with us! I made a "speech" on July eighth, telling the members of the Association what an unspeakable blessing speech has been to me, and urging them to give every little deaf child an opportunity to learn to speak. Every one said I spoke very well and intelligibly. After my little "speech," we attended a reception at which over six hundred people were present. I must fess I do not like such large receptions; the people crowd so, and we have to do so much talking; a is at receptions like the one in Philadelphia that we ofte friends whom we learn to love afterwards. We left the city last Thursday night, and arrived ier Friday afternoon. We missed the Cape Cod train Friday m, and so we came down to Proviown ieamer Longfellow. I am glad we did so; for it was lovely and cool oer, and Boston Harbor is always iing.
We spent about three weeks in Boston, after leaving New York, and I need not tell you we had a most delightful time. We visited<tt></tt> ood friends, Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin, at Wrentham, out in the try, where they have a lovely home. Their house stands near a charming lake where we went boating and oeing, which was great fun. We also went in bathing several times. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin celebrated the 17th of June by giving a piic to their literary friends. There were about forty persons present, all of whom were writers and publishers. Our friend, Mr. Alden, the editor of Harpers was there, and of course we enjoyed his society very much....
TO CHARLES DUDLEY WARNER Brewster, Mass., September 3, 1896. ...I have been meaning to write to you all summer; there were many things I wao tell you, and I thought perhaps you would like to hear about our vacation by the seaside, and our plans for year; but the happy, idle days slipped away so quickly, and there were so many pleasant things to do every moment, that I never found time to clothe my thought in words, ahem to you. I wonder what bees of lost opportunities. Perhaps uardian angel gathers them up as we drop them, and will give them back to us in the beautiful sometime when we have grown wiser, and learned how to use them rightly. But, however this may be, I ot now write the letter which has lain in my thought for you so long. My heart is too full of sado dwell upon the happihe summer has brought me. My father is dead. He died last Saturday at my home in Tuscumbia, and I was not there. My own dear loving father! Oh, dear friend, how shall I ever bear it!...
On the first of October Miss Keller ehe Cambridge School for Young Ladies, of which Mr. Arthur Gilman is Principal. The "examinations" mentioned in this letter were merely tests given in the school, but as they were old Harvard papers, it is evident that in some subjects Miss Keller was already fairly well prepared for Radcliffe.
TO MRS. LAURETON 37 cord Avenue, Cambridge, Mass. October 8, 1896. ...I got up early this m, so that I could write you a few lines. I know you want to hear how I like my school. I do wish you could e and see for yourself what a beautiful school it is! There are about a hundred girls, and they are all sht and happy; it is a joy to be with them.
You will be glad to hear that I passed my examinations successfully. I have been examined in English, German, French, and Greek and Roman history. They were the entrance examinations for Harvard College; so I feel pleased to think I could pass them. This year is going to be a very busy one for Teacher and myself. I am studying Arithmetiglish Literature, English Histerman, Latin, and advanced geography; there is a great deal of preparatory reading required, and, as few of the books are in raised print, poor Teacher has to spell them all out to me; and that means hard work.
You must tell Mr. Howells when you see him, that we are living in his house....
TO MRS. WILLIAM THAW 37 cord Avenue, Cambridge, Mass., December 2, 1896. ...It takes me a long time to prepare my lessons, because I have to have every word of them spelled out in my hand. Not one of the textbooks which I am obliged to use is in raised print; so of course my work is harder than it would be if I could read my lessons over by myself. But it is harder for Teacher than it is for me because the strain on her poor eyes is so great, and I ot help w about them. Sometimes it really seems as if the task which we have set ourselves were more than we aplish; but at other times I enjoy my work more than I say.
It is such a delight to be with the irls, and do everything that they do. I study Latin, German, Arithmetid English History, all of which I enjoy except Arithmetic. I am afraid I have not a mathematical mind; for my figures always mao get into the wrong places!...
TO MRS. LAURETON Cambridge, Mass., May 3, 1897. ...You know I am trying very hard to get through with the reading for the examinations in June, and this, in addition to my regular schoolwork keeps
me awfully busy. But Johnson, and "The Plague" and everything else must wait a few mihis afternoon, while I say, thank you, my dear Mrs. Hutton....
...What a splendid time we had at the "Players Club." I always thought clubs were dull, smoky places, where men talked politics, and told endless stories, all about themselves and their wonderful exploits: but now I see, I must have been quite wrong....
TO MR. JOHN HITZ Wrentham, Mass. July 9, 1897. ...Teacher and I are going to spend the summer at Wrentham, Mass. with our friends, the Chamberlins. I think you remember Mr. Chamberlin, the "Listener" in the Boston Transcript. They are dear, kind people....
But I know you want to hear about my examinations. I know that you will be glad to hear that I passed all of them successfully. The subjects I offered were elementary and advanced German, French, Latin, English, and Greek and Roman History. It seems almost too good to be true, does it not? All the time I reparing for the great ordeal, I could not suppress an inward fear and trembli I should fail, and now it is an unspeakable relief to know that I have passed the examinations with credit. But what I sider my of success is the happiness and pleasure that my victory has brought dear Teacher. Indeed, I feel that the success is hers more than mine; for she is my stant inspiration....
At the end of September Miss Sullivan and Miss Keller returo the Cambridge School, where they remained until early in December. Theerferenr. Gilmaed in Mrs. Kellers withdrawing Miss Helen and her sister, Miss Mildred, from the siss Sullivan and her pupil went to Wrentham, where they worked under Mr. Merton S. Keith, ahusiastid skilful teacher.
TO MRS. LAURETOham, February 20, 1898. ...I resumed my studies soon after your departure, and in a very little while we were w as merrily as if the dreadful experience of a month ago had been but a dream. I ot tell you how much I enjoy the try. It is so fresh, and peaceful and free! I do think I could work all day long without feeling tired if they would let me. There are so many pleasant things to do--not always very easy things,--muy work in Algebra ary is hard: but I love it all, especially Greek. Just think, I shall soon finish my grammar! Then es the "Iliad." What an inexpressible joy it will be to read about Achilles, and Ulysses, and Andromache and Athene, and the rest of my old friends in their own glorious language! I think Greek is the loveliest language that I know anything about. If it is true that the violin is the most perfeusical instruments, then Greek is the violin of human thought.
We have had some splendid toboganning this month. Every m, before lesson-time, we all go out to the steep hill on the northern shore of the lake he house, and coast for an hour or so. Some one balahe toboggan on the very crest of the hill, while we get on, and when we are ready, off we dash down the side of the hill in a headlong rush, and, leaping a proje, pluo a snow-drift and go swimming far across the pond at a tremendous rate!...
TO MRS. LAURETON [Wrentham] April 12, 1898. ...I am glad Mr. Keith is so well pleased with my progress. It is true that Algebra ary are growing easier all the time, especially algebra; and I have just received books in raised print which will greatly facilitate my work....
I find I get on faster, and do better work with Mr. Keith than I did in the classes at the Cambridge School, and I think it was well that I gave up that kind of work. At any rate, I have not been idle since I left school; I have aplished more, and been happier than I could have been there....
TO MRS. LAURETON [Wrentham] May 29, 1898. ...My woes on bravely. Each day is filled to the brim with hard study; for I am anxious to aplish as much as possible before I put away my books for the summer vacation. You will be pleased to hear that I did three problems iry yesterday without
assistance. Mr. Keith and Teacher were quite enthusiastic over the achievement, and I must fess, I felt somewhat elated myself. Now I feel as if I should succeed in doing something in mathematics, although I ot see why it is so very important to know that the lines drawn from the extremities of the base of an isosceles triao the middle points of the opposite sides are equal! The knowledge doesnt make life any sweeter or happier, does it? Oher hand, when we learn a new word, it is the key to untold treasures....
TO CHARLES DUDLEY WARNER Wrentham, Mass., June 7, 1898. I am afraid you will clude that I am not very anxious for a tandem after all, since I have let nearly a week pass without answering your letter in regard to the kind of wheel I should like. But really, I have been so stantly occupied with my studies since we returned from New York, that I have not had time even to think of the fun it would be to have a bicycle!
You see, I am anxious to aplish as much as possible before the long summer vacation begins. I am glad, though, that it is nearly time to put away my books; for the sunshine and flowers, and the lovely lake in front of our house are doing their best to tempt me away from my Greek and Mathematics, especially from the latter! I am sure the daisies and buttercups have as little use for the sce of Geometry as I, in spite of the fact that they so beautifully illustrate its principles.
But bless me, I mustnt fet the tahe truth is, I know very little about bicycles. I have only ridden a "sociable," which is very different from the ordinary tahe "sociable" is safer, perhaps, thaandem; but it is very heavy and awkward, and has a way of taking up the greater part of the road. Besides, I have been told that "sociables" ore than other kinds of bicycles. My teacher and other friends think I could ride a bia tandem in the try with perfect safety. They also think ygestion about a fixed handlebar a good one. I ride with a divided skirt, and so does my teacher; but it would be easier for her to mount a mans wheel than for me; so, if it could be arrao have the ladies seat behind, I think it would be better....
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBY Wrentham, September 11, 1898. ...I am out of doors all the time, rowing, swimming, riding and doing a multitude of other pleasant things. This m I rode over twelve miles on my tandem! I rode on a rough road, and fell off three or four times, and am now awfully lame! But the weather and the sery were so beautiful, and it was such fun to go scooting over the smoother part of the road, I didnt mind the mishaps in the least.
I have really learo swim and dive--after a fashion! I swim a little under water, and do almost anything I like, without fear of getting drowned! Isnt that fi is almost no effort for me to row around the lake, no matter how heavy the load may be. So you well imagine how strong and brown I am....
TO MRS. LAURETON 12 Newbury Street, Boston, October 23, 1898. This is the first opportunity I have had to write to you since we came here last Monday. We have been in such a whirl ever since we decided to e to Boston; it seemed as if we should never get settled. Poor Teacher has had her hands full, attending to movers, and express-men, and all sorts of people. I wish it were not such a bother to move, especially as we have to do it so often!...
...Mr. Keith es here at half past three every day except Saturday. He says he prefers to e here for the present. I am reading the "Iliad," and the "Aeneid" and Cicero, besides doing a lot iry and Algebra.
The "Iliad" is beautiful with all the truth, and grad simplicity of a wonderfully childlike people while the "Aeneid" is more stately and reserved. It is like a beautiful maiden, who always lived in a palace, surrounded by a magnifit court; while the "Iliad" is like a splendid youth, who has had the earth for his playground.
The weather has been awfully dismal all the week; but to-day is beautiful, and our room floor is flooded with sunlight. By and by we shall take a little walk in the Public Gardens. I wish the Wrentham woods were round the er! But alas! they are not, and I shall have to tent myself with a stroll in the Gardens. Somehow, after the great fields and pastures and lofty pine-groves of the try, they seem shut-in and ventional.
Everees seem citified and self-scious. Indeed, I doubt if they are on speaking terms with their
try cousins! Do you know, I ot help feeling sorry for these trees with all their fashionable airs? They are like the people whom they see every day, who prefer the crowded, noisy city to the quiet and freedom of the try. They do not even suspect how circumscribed their lives are. They look down pityingly on the try-folk, who have never had an opportunity "to see the great world." Oh my! if they only realized their limitations, they would flee for their lives to the woods and fields. But what nonsense is this! You will think Im pining away for my beloved Wrentham, which is true in one sense and not in another. I do miss Red Farm and the dear ohere dreadfully; but I am not unhappy. I have Teacher and my books, and I have the certainty that something sweet and good will e to me in this great city, where human beings struggle so bravely all their lives t happiness from cruel circumstances. Anyway, I am glad to have my share in life, whether it be bright or sad....
TO MRS. WILLIAM THAW Boston, December 6th, 1898. My teacher and I had a good laugh over the girls frolic. How funny they must have looked in their &quh-rider" es, mounted upon their fiery steeds!
"Slim" would describe them, if they were anything like the saw-horses I have seen. What jolly times they must have at --! I ot help wishing sometimes that I could have some of the fun that irls have. How quickly I should lock up all these mighty warriors, and hoary sages, and impossible heroes, who are now almost my only panions; and dand sing and frolic like irls! But I must not waste my time wishing idle wishes; and after all my a friends are very wise and iing, and I usually enjoy their society very mudeed. It is only on a great while that I feel distented, and allow myself to wish for things I ot hope for in this life. But, as you know, my heart is usually brimful of happiness. The thought that my dear Heavenly Father is always near, giving me abundantly of all those things, which truly enrich life and make it sweet aiful, makes every deprivation seem of little moment pared with the tless blessings I enjoy.
TO MRS. WILLIAM THAW 12 Newbury Street, Boston, December 19th, 1898. ...I realize now what a selfish, greedy girl I was to ask that my cup of happiness should be filled to overflowing, without stopping to think how many other peoples cups were quite empty. I feel heartily ashamed of my thoughtlessness. One of the childish illusions, which it has been hardest for me to get rid of, is that we have only to make our wishes known in order to have them granted. But I am slowly learning that there is not happiness enough in the world for everyoo have all that he wants; and it grieves me to think that I should have fotten, even for a moment, that I already have more than my share, and that like poor little Oliver Twist I should have asked for "more."...
TO MRS. LAURETON 12 Newberry Street, Boston. December 22, [1898] ...I suppose Mr. Keith writes you the work-a-day news. If so, you know that I have finished all the geometry, and nearly all the Algebra required for the Harvard examinations, and after Christmas I shall begin a very careful review of both subjects. You will be glad to hear that I enjoy Mathematiow. Why, I do long, plicated quadratic equations in my head quite easily, and it is great fun! I think Mr. Keith is a wonderful teacher, and I feel very grateful to him for having made me see the beauty of Mathematiext to my oweacher, he has done more than any one else to enrid broaden my mind.
TO MRS. LAURETON 12 Newbury Street, Boston, January 17, 1899. ...Have you seen Kiplings "Dreaming True," or "Kiters School?" It is a very strong poem a me dreaming too. Of course you have read about the "Gordon Memorial College," which the English people are to erect at Khartoum. While I was thinking over the blessings that would e to the people of Egypt through this college, aually to England herself, there came into my heart the strong desire that my own dear try should in a similar way vert the terrible loss of her brave sons on the "Maine" into a like blessing to the people of Cuba. Would a college at Havana not be the and most enduring mohat could be raised to the brave men of the "Maine," as well as a source of infinite good to all ed? Imagiering the Havana harbor, and having the pier, where the "Maine" was anchored on that dreadful night, when she was so mysteriously destroyed, pointed out to you, and being told that the great, beautiful building overlooking the spot was the "Maine Memorial College," erected by the Ameri people, and having for its object the education both of
s and Spaniards! What a glorious triumph such a mo would be of the best and highest instincts of a Christian nation! In it there would be no suggestion of hatred or revenge, nor a trace of the old-time belief that might makes right. Oher hand, it would be a pledge to the world that we io stand by our declaration of war, and give Cuba to the s, as soon as we have fitted them to assume the duties and responsibilities of a self-g people....
TO MR. JOHN HITZ 12 Newbury Street, Boston, February 3, 1899. ...I had an exceedingly iing experience last Monday. A kind friend took me over in the m to the Boston Art Museum. She had previously obtained permissieneral L, Supt. of the Museum, for me to touch the statues, especially those which represented my old friends in the "Iliad" and "Aeneid." Was that not lovely? While I was there, General L himself came in, and showed me some of the most beautiful statues, among which were the Venus of Medici, the Minerva of the Parthenon, Diana, in her hunting e, with her hand on the quiver and a doe by her side, and the unfortunate Lao and his two little sons, struggling in the fearful coils of two huge serpents, and stretg their arms to the skies with heart-rending cries. I also saollo Belvidere. He had just slaihon and was standing by a great pillar of rock, extending his graceful hand in triumph over the terrible snake. Oh, he was simply beautiful! Veranced me. She looked as if she had just risen from the foam of the sea, and her loveliness was like a strain of heavenly music. I also saw poor h her you child ging close to her while she implored the cruel goddess not to kill her last darling. I almost cried, it was all so real and tragic. General L kindly showed me a copy of one of the wonderful bronze doors of the Baptistry of Florence, and I felt of the graceful pillars, resting on the backs of fierce lions. So you see, I had a foretaste of the pleasure which I hope some day to have of visiting Florence.
My friend said, she would sometime show me the copies of the marbles brought away by Lord Elgin from the Parthenon. But somehow, I should prefer to see the inals in the place where Genius meant them to remain, not only as a hymn of praise to the gods, but also as a mo of the glory of Greece. It really seems wrong to snatch such sacred things away from the sanctuary of the Past where they belong....
TO MR. WILLIAM WADE Boston, February 19th, 1899. Why, bless you, I thought I wrote to you the day after the "Eclogues" arrived, and told you how glad I was to have them! Perhaps you never got that letter. At any rate, I thank you, dear friend, for taking such a world of trouble for me. You will be glad to hear that the books from England are ing now. I already have the seventh ah books of the "Aeneid" and one book of the "Iliad," all of which is most fortunate, as I have e almost to the end of my embossed text-books.
It gives me great pleasure to hear how much is being done for the deaf-blind. The more I learn of them, the more kindness I find. Why, only a little while ago people thought it quite impossible to teach the deaf-blind anything; but no sooner was it proved possible than hundreds of kind, sympathetic hearts were fired with the desire to help them, and now we see how many of those poor, unfortunate persons are being taught to see the beauty ay of life. Love always finds its way to an imprisoned soul, and leads it out into the world of freedom and intelligence!
As to the two-handed alphabet, I think it is much easier for those who have sight than the manual alphabet; for most of the letters look like the large capitals in books; but I think when it es to teag a deaf-blind person to spell, the manual alphabet is much more ve, and less spicuous....
TO MRS. LAURETON 12 Newbury Street, Boston, March 5, 1899. ...I am now sure that I shall be ready for my examinations in Juhere is but one cloud in my sky at present; but that is one which casts a dark shadow over my life, and makes me very anxious at times. My teachers eyes are er: indeed, I think they grow more troublesome, though she is very brave and patient, and will not give up. But it is most distressing to me to feel that she is sacrifig her sight for me. I feel as if I ought to give up the idea of going to college altogether: for not all the knowledge in the world could make me happy, if obtai such a cost. I do wish, Mrs. Hutton, you would try to persuade Teacher to take a rest, and have her eyes treated. She will not listen to me.
I have just had some pictures taken, and if they are good, I would like to send oo Mr. Rogers, if you think he would like to have it. I would like so much to show him in some way how deeply I appreciate all that he is doing for me, and I ot think of anythier to do.
Every one here is talking about the Sargent pictures. It is a wonderful exhibition of portraits, they say. How I wish I had eyes to see them! How I should delight in their beauty and color! However, I am glad that I am not debarred from all pleasure in the pictures. I have at least the satisfa of seeing them through the eyes of my friends, which is a real pleasure. I am so thankful that I rejoi the beauties, which my friends gather and put into my hands!
We are all so glad and thankful that Mr. Kipling did not die! I have his "Jungle-Book" in raised print, and what a splendid, refreshing book it is! I ot help feeling as if I ks gifted author. What a real, manly, lovable nature his must be!...
TO DR. DAVID H. GREER 12 Newbury Street, Boston, May 8, 1899. ...Each day brings me all that I possibly aplish, and eaight brings me rest, and the sweet thought that I am a little o my goal than ever before. My Greek progresses finely. I have fihe ninth book of the "Iliad" and am just beginning the "Odyssey." I am also reading the "Aeneid" and the "Eclogues." Some of my friends tell me that I am very foolish to give so much time to Greek and Latin; but I am sure they would not think so, if they realized what a wonderful world of experiend thought Homer and Virgil have opened up to me. I think I shall enjoy the "Odyssey" most of all. The "Iliad" tells of almost nothing but war, and one sometimes wearies of the clash of spears and the din of battle; but the "Odyssey" tells of nobler ce--the ce of a soul sore tried, but steadfast to the end. I often wonder, as I read these splendid poems why, at the same time that Homers songs of war fired the Greeks with valor, his songs of manly virtue did not have a stronger influence upon the spiritual life of the people. Perhaps the reason is, that thoughts truly great are like seeds cast into the human mind, aher lie there unnoticed, or are tossed about and played with, like toys, until, grown wise through suffering and experience, a race discovers and cultivates them. Then the world has advanced oep in its heavenward march.
I am w very hard just now. I io take my examinations in June, and there is a great deal to be done, before I shall feel ready to meet the ordeal....
You will be glad to hear that my mother, and little sister and brother are ing north to spend this summer with me. We shall all live together in a small cottage on one of the lakes at Wrentham, while my dear teacher takes a mueeded rest. She has not had a vacation for twelve years, think of it, and all that time she has been the sunshine of my life. Now her eyes are troubling her a great deal, and we all think she ought to be relieved, for a while, of every care and responsibility. But we shall not be quite separated; we shall see each other every day, I hope. And, when July es, you think of me as rowing my dear ones around the lovely lake itle boat you gave me, the happiest girl in the world!...
TO MRS. LAURETON [Boston] May 28th [1899]. ...We have had a hard day. Mr. Keith was here for three hours this afternoon, p a torrent of Latin and Greek into my poor bewildered brain. I really believe he knows more Latin and Greek Grammar than Cicero or Homer ever dreamed of! Cicero is splendid, but his orations are very difficult to translate. I feel ashamed sometimes, when I make that eloquent man say what sounds absurd or insipid; but how is a school-girl to interpret such genius? Why, I should have to be a Cicero to talk like a Cicero!...
Linnie Haguewood is a deaf-blind girl, one of the many whom Mr. William Wade has helped. She is being educated by Miss Dora Donald who, at the beginning of her work with her pupil, was supplied by Mr. Hitz, Superinte of the Volta Bureau, with copies of all dots relating to Miss Sullivans work with Miss Keller.
TO MR. WILLIAM WADE Wrentham, Mass., June 5, 1899. ...Linnie Haguewoods letter, which you sent me some weeks ago, ied me very much. It seemed to show spoy and great sweetness of character. I was a good deal amused by what she said about history. I am sorry she does not enjoy it; but I too feel sometimes how dark, and mysterious and even fearful the history of old peoples, ions and old forms of gover really is.
Well, I must fess, I do not like the sign-language, and I do not think it would be of much use to the deaf-blind. I find it very difficult to follow the rapid motions made by the deaf-mutes, and besides, signs seem a great hindrao them in acquiring the power of using language easily and freely. Why, I find it hard to uand 99ｌｉｂ.hem sometimes when they spell on their fingers. On the whole, if they ot be taught articulation, the manual alphabet seems the best and most ve means of unication. At any rate, I am sure the deaf-blind ot learn to use signs with any degree of facility.
The other day, I met a deaf Nialeman, who knnhild Kaata aeacher very well, and we had a very iing versation about her. He said she was very industrious and happy. She spins, and does a great deal of fancy work, and reads, and leads a pleasant, useful life. Just think, she ot use the manual alphabet! She reads the lips well, and if she ot uand a phrase, her friends write it in her hand, and in this way she verses with strangers. I ake out anything written in my hand, so you see, Ragnhild has got ahead of me in some things. I do hope I shall see her sometime...
TO MRS. LAURETOham, July 29, 1899. ...I passed in all the subjects I offered, and with credit in advanced Latin.... But I must fess, I had a hard time on the sed day of my examinations. They would not allow Teacher to read any of the papers to me; so the papers were copied for me in braille. This arra worked very well in the languages, but not nearly so well ihematics. sequently, I did not do so well as I should have done, if Teacher had been allowed to read the Algebra ary to me. But you must not think I blame any one. Of course they did not realize how difficult and perplexing they were making the examinations for me. How could they--they see and hear, and I suppose they could not uand matters from my point of view....
Thus far my summer has beeer than anything I remember. My mother, and sister and little brother have been here five weeks, and our happiness knows no bounds. Not only do we enjoy being together; but we also find our little home most delightful. I do wish you could see the view of the beautiful lake from our piazza, the islands looking like little emerald peaks in the golden sunlight, and the oes flitting here and there, like autumn leaves in the gentle breeze, and breathe in the peculiarly delicious fragrance of the woods, whies like a murmur from an unknown clime. I ot help w if it is the same fragrahat greeted the Norsemen long ago, when, acc to tradition, they visited our shores--an odorous eauries of silent growth and decay in flower and tree....
TO MRS. SAMUEL RICHARD FULLER Wrentham, October 20, 1899. ...I suppose it is time for me to tell you something about our plans for the winter. You know it has long been my ambition to go to Radcliffe, and receive a degree, as many irls have done; but Dean Irwin of Radcliffe, has persuaded me to take a special course for the present. She said I had already shown the world that I could do the college work, by passing all my examinations successfully, in spite of many obstacles. She showed me how very foolish it would be for me to pursue a four years course of study at Radcliffe, simply to be like irls, when I might better be cultivating whatever ability I had for writing. She said she did not sider a degree of any real value, but thought it was much more desirable to do something inal than to waste ones energies only for a degree. Her arguments seemed so wise and practical, that I could not but yield. I found it hard, very hard, to give up the idea of going to college; it had been in my mind ever since I was a little girl; but there is no use doing a foolish thing, because one has wao do it a long time, is there?
But, while we were discussing plans for the winter, a suggestion which Dr. Hale had made long ago flashed across Teachers mind--that I might take courses somewhat like those offered at Radcliffe, uhe
instru of the professors in these courses. Miss Irwin seemed to have no obje to this proposal, and kindly offered to see the professors and find out if they would give me lessons. If they will be so good as to teach me and if we have money enough to do as lanned, my studies this year will be English, English Literature of the Elizabethan period, Latin and German....
TO MR. JOHN HITZ 138 Brattle St., Cambridge, Nov. 11, 1899. ...As to the braille question, I ot tell how deeply it distresses me to hear that my statement with regard to the examinations has been doubted.
Ignorance seems to be at the bottom of all these tradis. Why, you yourself seem to think that I taught you Ameri braille, when you do not know a siter in the system! I could not help laughing when you said you had been writing to me in Ameri braille--and there you were writing your letter in English braille!
The facts about the braille examinations are as follows: How I passed my Entrance Examinations for Radcliffe College.
Oh and 30th of June, 1899, I took my examinations for Radcliffe College. The first day I had elementary Greek and advanced Latin, and the sed day Geometry, Algebra and advanced Greek.
The college authorities would not permit Miss Sullivan to read the examination papers to me; so Mr. Eugene C. Vining, one of the instructors at the Perkins Institution for the Blind, was employed to copy the papers for me in braille. Mr. Vining erfect strao me, and could not unicate with me except by writing in braille. The Proctor also was a stranger, and did not attempt to unicate with me in any way; and, as they were both unfamiliar with my speech, they could not readily uand what I said to them.
However, the braille worked well enough in the languages; but when it came to Geometry and Algebra, it was different. I was sorely perplexed, a quite disced, and wasted much precious time, especially in Algebra. It is true that I am perfectly familiar with all literary braille--English, Ameri, and New York Point; but the method of writing the various signs used iry and Algebra ihree systems is very different, and two days before the examinations I knew only the English method. I had used it all through my school work, and never any other system.
Iry, my chief difficulty was, that I had always been aced to reading the propositions in Line Print, or having them spelled into my hand; and somehow, although the propositions were right before me, yet the braille fused me, and I could not fix in my mind clearly what I was reading. But, when I took up Algebra, I had a harder time still--I was terribly handicapped by my imperfeowledge of the notation. The signs, which I had learhe day before, and which I thought I knew perfectly, fused me. sequently my work ainfully slow, and I was obliged to read the examples over and over before I could form a clear idea what I was required to do. Indeed, I am not sure now that I read all the signs correctly, especially as I was much distressed, and found it very hard to keep my wits about me....
Now there is one more fact, which I wish to state very plainly, in regard to what Mr. Gilman wrote to you. I never received any direstru in the Gilman Siss Sullivan always sat beside me, and told me what the teachers said. I did teach Miss Hall, my teacher in Physics, how to write the Ameri braille, but she never gave me any instru by means of it, unless a few problems written for practice, which made me waste much precious time deciphering them, be called instru. Dear Frau Grote learhe manual alphabet, and used to teach me herself; but this was in private lessons, which were paid for by my friends. In the German class Miss Sullivan interpreted to me as well as she could what the teacher said.
Perhaps, if you would send a copy of this to the head of the Cambridge School, it might enlighten his mind on a few subjects, on which he seems to be in total darkness just now....
TO MISS MILDRED KELLER 138 Brattle Street, Cambridge, November 26, 1899. ...At last we are settled
for the winter, and our work is going smoothly. Mr. Keith es every afternoon at four oclock, and gives me a "friendly lift" over the rough stretches of road, over which every student must go. I am studying English history, English literature, Frend Latin, and by and by I shall take up German and English positio us groan! You know, I detest grammar as much as you do; but I suppose I must gh it if I am to write, just as we had to get ducked in the lake hundreds of times before we could swim! In French Teacher is reading "ba" to me. It is a delightful novel, full of piquant expressions and thrilling adventures, (dont dare to blame me for using big words, since you do the same!) and, if you ever read it, I think you will enjoy it immensely. You are studying English history, arent you. O but its exceedingly iing! Im making quite a thh study of the Elizabethan period--of the Reformation, and the Acts of Supremad ity, and the maritime discoveries, and all the big things, which the "deuce" seems to have ied to plague i youngsters like yourself!...
Now we have a swell winter outfit--coats, hats, gowns, flannels and all. Weve just had four lovely dresses made by a French dressmaker. I have two, of whie has a black silk skirt, with a black laet over it, and a waist of white poplin, with turquoise velvet and chiffon, and cream lace over a satin yoke. The other is woollen, and of a very pretty green. The waist is trimmed with pink and green brocaded velvet, and white lace, I think, and has double reefers on the front, tucked and trimmed with velvet, and also a row of tiny white buttons. Teacher too has a silk dress. The skirt is black, while the waist is mostly yellow, trimmed with delicate lavender chiffon, and black velvet bows and lace. Her other dress is purple, trimmed with purple velvet, and the waist has a collar of cream lace. So you may imagihat we look quite like peacocks, only weve no trains....
A week ago yesterday there was [a] great football game between Harvard and Yale, and there was tremendous excitement here. We could hear the yells of the boys and the cheers of the lookers-on as plainly in our room as if we had been on the field. el Roosevelt was there, on Harvards side; but bless you, he wore a white sweater, and no crimson that we know of! There were about twenty-five thousand people at the game, and, when we went out, the noise was so terrific, we nearly jumped out of our skins, thinking it was the din of war, and not of a football game that we heard. But, in spite of all their wild efforts, her side was scored, and we all laughed and said, "Oh, well now the pot t call the kettle black!"...
TO MRS. LAURETON 559 Madison Avenue, New York, January 2, 1900. ...We have been here a week now, and are going to stay with Miss Rhoades until Saturday. We are enjoying every moment of our visit, every one is so good to us. We have seen many of our old friends, and made some new ones. We dined with the Rogers last Friday, and oh, they were so kind to us! The thought of their gentle courtesy and genuine kindness brings a warm glow of joy and gratitude to my heart. I have seen Dr. Greer too. He has such a ki! I love him more than ever. We went to St. Bartholomews Sunday, and I have not felt so much at home in a church since dear Bishop Brooks died. Dr. Greer read so slowly, that my teacher could tell me every word. His people must have wo his unusual deliberation. After the service he asked Mr. Warren, the anist to play for me. I stood in the middle of the church, where the vibrations from the great an were stro, and I felt the mighty waves of sou against me, as the great billows beat against a little ship at sea.
TO MR. JOHN HITZ 138 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Feb. 3, 1900. ...My studies are more iing than ever. In Latin, I am reading Horaces odes. Although I find them difficult to translate, yet I think they are the loveliest pieces of Latiry I have read or shall ever read. In French we have finished "ba," and I am reading "Horace" by eille and La Fontaines fables, both of which are in braille. I have not gone far iher; but I know I shall enjoy the fables, they are so delightfully written, and give such good lessons in a simple atractive way. I do not think I have told you that my dear teacher is reading "The Faery Queen" to me. I am afraid I find fault with the poem as much as I enjoy it. I do not care much for the allegories, indeed I often find them tiresome, and I ot help thinking that Spensers world of knights, paynims, fairies, dragons and all sorts of strange creatures is a somewhat grotesque and amusing world; but the poem itself is lovely and as musical as a running brook.
I am now the proud owner of about fifteen new books, bbr>?</abbr>which we ordered from Louisville. Among them are "Henry Esmond," "Bas Essays" aracts from "English Literature." Perhaps week I shall have some more books, "The Tempest," "A Midsummer Nights Dream" and possibly some seles from Greens history of England. Am I not very fortunate?
I am afraid this letter savors too much of books--but really they make up my whole life these days, and I scarcely see or hear of anything else! I do believe I sleep on books every night! You know a students life is of y somewhat circumscribed and narrow and crowds out almost everything that is not in books....
TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD OF RADCLIFFE COLLEGE 138 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Mass., May 5, 1900. Dear Sir: As an aid to me iermining my plans for study the ing year, I apply to you for information as to the possibility of my taking the regular courses in Radcliffe College.
Since receiving my certificate of admission to Radcliffe last July, I have been studying with a private tutor, Horace, Aeschylus, French, German, Rhetoriglish History, English Literature and Criticism, and English position.
In college I should wish to tinue most, if not all of these subjects. The ditions under which I work require the preseniss Sullivan, who has been my teacher and panion for thirteen years, as an interpreter of oral speed as a reader of examination papers. In college she, or possibly in some subjects some one else, would of y be with me in the lecture-room and at recitations. I should do all my written work on a typewriter, and if a Professor could not uand my speech, I could write out my ao his questions and hand them to him after the recitation.
Is it possible for the College to aodate itself to these unpreted ditions, so as to enable me to pursue my studies at Radcliffe? I realize that the obstacles in the way of my receiving a college education are very great--to others they may seem insurmountable; but, dear Sir, a true soldier does not aowledge defeat before the battle.
TO MRS. LAURETON 38 Brattle Street, Cambridge, June 9, 1900. ...I have not yet heard from the Academic Board in reply to my letter; but I sincerely hope they will answer favorably. My friends think it very strahat they should hesitate so long, especially when I have not asked them to simplify my work in the least, but only to modify it so as to meet the existing circumstances. ell has offered to make arras suited to the ditions under which I work, if I should decide to go to that college, and the Uy of Chicago has made a similar offer, but I am afraid if I went to any other college, it would be thought that I did not pass my examinations for Radcliffe satisfactorily....
In the fall Miss Keller entered Radcliffe College.
TO MR. JOHN HITZ 14 Coolidge Ave., Cambridge, Nov. 26, 1900. ...-- has already unicated with you in regard to her and my plan of establishing an institution for deaf and blind children. At first I was most enthusiasti its support, and I never dreamed that any grave objes could be raised except indeed by those who are hostile to Teacher, but now, after thinking most SERIOUSLY and sulting my friends, I have decided that --s plan is by no means feasible. In my eagero make it possible for deaf and blind children to have the same advahat I have had, I quite fot that there might be many obstacles in the way of my aplishing anything like what -- proposed.
My friends thought we might have one or two pupils in our own home, thereby seg to me the advantage of being helpful to others without any of the disadvantages of a large school. They were very kind; but I could not help feeling that they spoke more from a busihan a humanitarian point of view. I am sure they did not quite uand how passionately I desire that all who are afflicted like myself shall receive their rightful iance of thought, knowledge and love. Still I could not shut my eyes to the ford weight of their
arguments, and I saw plainly that I must abandon --s scheme as impracticable. They also said that I ought to appoint an advisory ittee to trol my affairs while I am at Radcliffe. I sidered this suggestion carefully, then I told Mr. Rhoades that I should be proud and glad to have wise friends to whom I could always turn for advi all important matters. For this ittee I chose six, my mother, Teacher, because she is like a mother to me, Mrs. Hutton, Mr. Rhoades, Dr. Greer and Mr. Rogers, because it is they who have supported me all these years and made it possible for me to enter college. Mrs. Hutton had already written to mother, askio telegraph if she was willing for me to have other advisers besides herself and Teacher.
This m we received word that mother had given her sent to this arra. Now it remains for me to write treer and Mr. Rogers....
We had a long talk with Dr. Bell. Finally he proposed a plan which delighted us all beyond words. He said that it was a gigantic bluo attempt to found a school for deaf and blind children, because then they would lose the most precious opportunities of entering into the fuller, richer, freer life of seeing and hearing children. I had had misgivings on this point; but I could not see hoere to help it. However Mr. Bell suggested that -- and all her friends who are ied in her scheme should anize an association for the promotion of the education of the deaf and blind, Teacher and myself being included of course. Under his plan they were to appoint Teacher to train others to instruct deaf and blind children in their own homes, just as she had taught me. Funds were to be raised for the teachers lodgings and also for their salaries. At the same time Dr. Bell added that I could rest tent and fight my way through Radcliffe in petition with seeing and hearing girls, while the great desire of my heart was being fulfilled. We clapped our hands and shouted; -- went away beaming with pleasure, and Teacher and I felt more light of heart than we had for sometime. Of course we do nothing just now; but the painful ay about my college work and the future welfare of the deaf and blind has been lifted from our minds. Do tell me what you think about Dr. Bells suggestion. It seems most practical and wise to me; but I must know all that there is to be known about it before I speak or a the matter....
TO MR. JOHN D. WRIGHT Cambridge, December 9, 1900. Do you think me a villain and--I t think of a word bad enough to express your opinion of me, unless indeed horse-thief will ahe purpose. Tell me truly, do you think me as bad as that? I hope not; for I have thought maers to you whiever got on paper, and I am delighted to get yood letter, yes, I really was, and I inteo a immediately, but the days slip by unnoticed when one is busy, and I have been VERY busy this fall. You must believe that.
Radcliffe girls are always up to their ears in work. If you doubt it, youd better e and see for yourself.
Yes, I am taking the regular college course for a degree. When I am a B.A., I suppose you will not dare call me a villain! I am studying English--Sophomore English, if you please, (though I t see that it is different from just plain English) German, Frend History. Im enjoying my work even more than I expected to, which is another way of saying that Im glad I came. It is hard, very hard at times; but it hasnt sed me yet. No, I am not studying Mathematics, reek or Latiher. The courses at Radcliffe are elective, only certain courses in English are prescribed. I passed off my English and advanced French before I entered college, and I choose the courses I like best. I dont however io give up Latin and Greek entirely.
Perhaps I shall take up these studies later; but Ive said goodbye to Mathematics forever, and I assure you, I was delighted to see the last of those hoblins! I hope to obtain my degree in four years; but Im not very particular about that. Theres no great hurry, and I want to get as much as possible out of my studies. Many of my friends would be well pleased if I would take two or even one course a year, but I rather object to spending the rest of my life in college....
TO MR. WILLIAM WADE 14 Coolidge Avenue, Cambridge, December 9, 1900. ...Since you are so muterested in the deaf and blind, I will begin by telling you of several cases I have e across lately. Last October I heard of an unusually bright little girl in Texas. Her name is Ruby Rice, and she is thirteen years old, I think. She has never been taught; but they say she sew and likes to help others in this sort of work.
Her sense of smell is wonderful. Why, wheers a store, she will ght to the showcases, and she also distinguish her own things. Her parents are very anxious io find a teacher for her. They have
also written to Mr. Hitz about her.
I also know a child at the Institution for the Deaf in Mississippi. Her name is Maud Scott, and she is six years old. Miss Watkins, the lady who has charge of her wrote me a most iier. She said that Maud was born deaf and lost her sight when she was only three months old, and that when she went to the Institution a few weeks ago, she was quite helpless. She could not even walk and had very little use of her hands. Wheried to teach her t beads, her little hands fell to her side. Evidently her sense of touch has not been developed, and as yet she walk only when she holds some ones hand; but she seems to be an exceedingly bright child. Miss Watkins adds that she is very pretty. I have written to her that when Maud learns to read, I shall have many stories to sehe dear, sweet little girl, it makes my heart ache to think how utterly she is cut off from all that is good and desirable in life. But Miss Watkins seems to be just the kind of teacher she needs.
I was in New York not long ago and I saw Miss Rhoades, who told me that she had seen Katie McGirr. She said the poor young girl talked and acted exactly like a little child. Katie played with Miss Rhoadess rings and took them away, saying with a merry laugh, "You shall not have them again!" She could only uand Miss Rhoades whealked about the simplest things. The latter wished to send her some books; but she could not find anything simple enough for her! She said Katie was very sweet indeed, but sadly in need of proper instru. I was much surprised to hear all this; for I judged from your letters that Katie was a very precocious girl....
A few days ago I met Tommy Stringer in the railroad station at Wrentham. He is a great, strong boy now, and he will soon need a man to take care of him; he is really too big for a lady to manage. He goes to the public school, I hear, and his progress is astonishing, they say; but it doesnt show as yet in his versation, which is limited to "Yes" and "No."...
TO MR. CHARLES T. COPELAND December 20, 1900. My dear Mr. Copeland; I veo write to you because I am afraid that if I do not explain why I have stopped writing themes, you will think I have bee disced, or perhaps that to escape criticism I have beat a cowardly retreat from your class. Please do not thiher of these very unpleasant thoughts. I am not disced, nor am I afraid. I am fident that I could go on writing themes like those I have written, and I suppose I should get through the course with fairly good marks; but this sort of literary patch-work has lost all i for me. I have never been satisfied with my work; but I never knew what my difficulty was until you poi out to me. When I came to your class last October, I was trying with all my might to be like everybody else, tet as entirely as possible my limitations and peculiar enviro. Now, however, I see the folly of attempting to hites wagon to a star with harhat does not belong to it.
I have always accepted other peoples experiences and observations as a matter of course. It never occurred to me that it might be worth while to make my own observations and describe the experiences peculiarly my own. Heh I am resolved to be myself, to live my own life and write my own thoughts when I have any.
When I have written something that seems to be fresh and spontaneous and worthy of your criticisms, I will bring it to you, if I may, and if you think it good, I shall be happy; but if your verdict is unfavorable, I shall try again a again until I have succeeded in pleasing you...
TO MRS. LAURETON 14 Coolidge Avenue, Cambridge, December 27, 1900. ...So you read about our class lun in the papers? How in the world do the papers find out everything, I wonder. I am sure er resent. I had a splendid time; the toasts and speeches were great fun. I only spoke a few words, as I did not know I was expected to speak until a few minutes before I was called upon. I think I wrote you that I had beeed Vice-President of the Freshman Class of Radcliffe.
Did I tell you in my last letter that I had a new dress, a real party dress with low ned short sleeves and quite a train? It is pale blue, trimmed with chiffon of the same color. I have worn it only once, but then I felt
that Solomon in all his glory was not to be pared with me! Anyway, he certainly never had a dress like mine!...
A gentleman in Philadelphia has just written to my teacher about a deaf and blind child in Paris, whose parents are Poles. The mother is a physi and a brilliant woman, he says. This little boy could speak two or three languages before he lost his hearing through siess, and he is now only about five years old. Poor little fellow, I wish I could do something for him; but he is so young, my teacher thinks it would be too bad to separate him from his mother. I have had a letter from Mrs. Thaw with regard to the possibility of doing something for these children. Dr. Bell thinks the present sus will show that there are more than a thousand in the Uates alohe number of deaf-blind young enough to be beed by education is not se as this; but the education of this class of defectives has been ed.]; and Mrs. Thaw thinks if all my friends were to uheir efforts, "it would be an easy matter to establish at the beginning of this new tury a new line upon which mercy might travel," and the rescue of these unfortunate children could be aplished....
TO MR. WILLIAM WADE Cambridge, February 2, 1901. ...By the way, have you any spes of English braille especially printed for those who have lost their sight late in life or have fingers hardened by long toil, so that their touch is less sensitive than that of other blind people? I read an at of such a system in one of my English magazines, and I am anxious to know more about it. If it is as effit as they say, I see no reason why English braille should not be adopted by the blind of all tries. Why, it is the print that be most readily adapted to many different languages. Even Greek be embossed in it, as you know. Then, too, it will be reill more effit by the "interpointing system," which will save an immense amount of spad paper. There is nothing more absurd, I think, than to have five or six different prints for the blind....
This letter was written in respoo a tentative offer from the editor of The Great Round World to have the magazine published in raised type for the blind, if enough were willing to subscribe. It is evident that the blind should have a good magazine, not a special magazine for the blind, but one of our best monthlies, printed in embossed letters. The blind alone could not support it, but it would not take very much moo make up the additional expense.
To THE GREAT ROUND WORLD Cambridge, Feb. 16, 1901. The Great Round World, New York City.
Gentlemen: I have only to-day found time to reply to your iier. A little bird had already sung the good news in my ear; but it was doubly pleasant to have it straight from you.
It would be splendid to have The Great Round World printed in "language that be felt." I doubt if any one who enjoys the wondrous privilege of seeing have any ception of the boon such a publication as you plate would be to the sightless. To be able to read for ones self what is being willed, thought and done in the world--the world in whose joys and sorrows, failures and successes one feels the kee i--that would indeed be a happioo deep for words. I trust that the effort of The Great Round World t light to those who sit in darkness will receive the encement and support it so richly deserves.
I doubt, however, if the number of subscribers to an embossed edition of The Great Round World would ever be large; for I am told that the blind as a class are poor. But why should not the friends of the blind assist The Great Round World, if necessary? Surely there are hearts and hands ever ready to make it possible fenerous iions to be wrought into noble deeds.
Wishing you godspeed in an uaking that is very dear to my heart, I am, etc.
TO MISS NINA RHOADES Cambridge, Sept. 25, 1901. ...We remained in Halifax until about the middle of August.... Day after day the Harbor, the warships, and the park kept us busy thinking and feeling and enjoying.... When the Indiana visited Halifax, we were io go on board, and she sent her own launch for us. I touched the immense on, read with my fingers several of the names of the Spanish ships that were
captured at Santiago, ahe places where she had been pierced with shells. The Indiana was the largest and fi ship in the Harbor, and we felt very proud of her.
After we left Halifax, we visited Dr. Bell at Cape Breton. He has a charming, romantic house on a mountain called Beinn Bhreagh, which overlooks the Bras dOr Lake....
Dr. Bell told me many iing things about his work. He had just structed a boat that could be propelled by a kite with the wind in its favor, and one day he tried experiments to see if he could steer the kite against the wind. I was there and really helped him fly the kites. On one of them I noticed that the strings were of wire, and having had some experien bead work, I said I thought they would break. Dr. Bell said "No!”
with great fidence, and the kite was sent up. It began to pull and tug, and lo, the wires broke, and off went the great red dragon, and poor Dr. Bell stood looking forlornly after it. After that he asked me if the strings were all right and ged them at once when I answered in the ive. Altogether we had great fun....
TO DR. EDWARD EVERETT HALE [Read by Dr. Hale at the celebration of the tenary of Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, at Tremont Temple, Boston, Nov. 11, 1901.] Cambridge, Nov. 10, 1901. My teacher and I expect to be present at the meeting tomorrow in oration of the one huh anniversary of Dr.
Howes birth; but I very much doubt if we shall have an opportunity to speak with you; so I am writing now to tell you how delighted I am that you are to speak at the meeting, because I feel that you, better than any one I know will express the heartfelt gratitude of those who owe their education, their opportuheir happio him who opehe eyes of the blind and gave the dumb lip language.
Sitting here in my study, surrounded by my books, enjoying the sweet and intimate panionship of the great and the wise, I am trying to realize what my life might have been, if Dr. Howe had failed in the great task God>9９ｌiｂ?</a> gave him to perform. If he had not taken upon himself the responsibility of Laura Bridgmans education and led her out of the pit of Acheron back to her human iance, should I be a sophomore at Radcliffe College to-day--who say? But it is idle to speculate about what might have been in e with Dr. Howes great achievement.
I think only those who have escaped that death-in-life existence, from which Laura Bridgman was rescued, realize how isolated, how shrouded in darkness, hoed by its own impotence is a soul without thought or faith or hope. Words are powerless to describe the desolation of that prison-house, or the joy of the soul that is delivered out of its captivity. When we pare the needs and helplessness of the blind before Dr.
Howe began his work, with their present usefulness and independence, we realize that great things have been done in our midst. What if physical ditions have built up high walls about us? Thanks to our friend and helper, our world lies upward; the length and breadth and sweep of the heavens are ours!
It is pleasant to think that Dr. Howes noble deeds will receive their due tribute of affe and gratitude, iy, which was the se of his great labors and splendid victories for humanity.
With kind greetings, in which my teacher joins me, I am Affeately your friend, HELEN KELLER.
TO THE HON. GEE FRISBIE HOAR Cambridge, Mass., November 25, 1901. My Dear Senator Hoar:-- I am glad you liked my letter about Dr. Howe. It was written out of my heart, and perhaps that is why it met a sympathetic response in other hearts. I will ask Dr. Hale to lehe letter, so that I make a copy of it for you.
You see, I use a typewriter--it is my right hand man, so to speak. Without it I do not see how I could go to college. I write all my themes and examinations on it, even Greek. Indeed, it has only one drawback, and that probably is regarded as an advantage by the professors; it is that ones mistakes may be detected at a glance; for there is no ce to hide them in illegible writing.
I know you will be amused when I tell you that I am deeply ied in politics. I like to have the papers read to me, and I try to uand the great questions of the day; but I am afraid my knowledge is very unstable; for I ge my opinions with every new book I read. I used to think that when I studied Civil Gover and Eics, all my difficulties and perplexities would blossom into beautiful certainties; but alas, I find that there are more tares tha in these fertile fields of knowledge....
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