Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-05-17
BOOK REVIEW.
The Fair PhilanthrOpists.

Since the publishing of the book by
Mr.. Sheldon entitled "In His Steps,"
none has fallen under the eye of the
critic which so perfectly blends fact with
fiction as that of Alice M. Muzzy, which
bears the title "Three Fair Philanthro-
pists." In these days of humanitarianism
the announcement of such title is suf-
ticient to arouse a deep interest in the
mind of those given to the welfare of
humanity but especially is this so when
coming from an author whose early life
and training not only were conducive to
vivid Imagination, but also to an ac-
tual experience of the things concerning
which she writes.
The book is made up of thirty-seven
chapters, covering nearly four hundred
pages. The introduction is brief and
concise, and presents to the reader the
part the author is to play in the drama of
life, and it has moral well adapted to
the welfare of the rising generation.
The plot is well laid, and the characters
well selected. The natural makeup of
the characters introduced into the story
is such as to make it real to life, and
they enter at once into the feelings and
hold evidences of scholarship, Ingenuity
and skill on the part of the author to set
forth a most helpful and desirable pro-
duction, which certainly appeals to the
higher motives of all interested in elevat-
ing the masses.
The story is that of three young ladies,
inexperienced, should say, but who
felt impelled to open "Working Girls
Club" and the author was assigned the
position of matron In the new enterprise.
The author appears to have performed
well her part; but much interest is mani
| fest on the part of the reader with refer
ence to those at the head of the club.
| At intervals of time other characters are
introduced, who assume prominent
position and who render the story both
interesting and fascinating. The ex-
congressman and rector of an Episcopal
church, both of whom figure largely in
the story, appear to have laid siege to
one of the orginators of the club, and
their conduct and course of action tai
lies very closely to human experience,
and this renders the part they have to
play very graphic and inspiring. The
witticism and schemes introduced by GER
tain other characters to ward of the
ones already alluded to, renders the story
even more attractive and real. Those
chapters which treat of the history of the
Episcopal church, together with that of
the rector and wardens, while they APP
pear little overdrawn, are after all nee
essary for the final summing up and
setting forth of the real lessons to be
learned.
The doings at the "Working Girls
Club" were such as would naturally flow
from the surroundings and environments
of the three who constituted its head.
There is more of truth than poetry In
the general outcome of the enterprise.
While one might criticlse the doings of
the club at times, there is after all much
to commend and much thought for med
itation. That part which treats of a GER
tain character early introduced into the
story, and who was called to suffer veX-
alton of spirit and loss of fortune for a
season as we'll as to be kidnapped, though
finally brought to great estate, touches
very tender chord in human nature and
brings out much music which adds to
the symphony of the soul of those given
to noble deeds of philanthropy. The plot
to carry of the poor girls father, and to
kidnap herself, in order to wrest from
her grasp her rlghtful belongings, was
well laid, and carries in it a lesson which
thrills the heart of every earnest worker
in the interests of humanity. Finally,
he winding up of the story in which,
before the curtain falls, the young kid
mapped girl is brought into permanent
relation with one who was held most
dear by the author, and herself establish
ed in beautiful home, renders the whole
book full of charm and interest and
worthy place in the homes and libra
ries of all good works of truth and fic-
ton, because it is so in accord with
actual life as to prove most helpful and
inspiring to all into whose hands it may
fall.
Census returns In England show that,