The Wichita daily eagle., 1901-06-01
HE PREACHED R|GHI
But Failed to Practice What
He Preached.
TOPEKA SERVANT MAID
Thought Sheldon Meant Ex-
aCtIy What He Wrote.
TOPEKA SERVANT MAID

Topeka Kan, May a.-The Rev.
Charles NJ Sheldon. in his novel, Born
to Serve" takes the position that a serv-
ant should be treated as a member of the
family. but according TO gossip among
the women in the neighborhood. this the
ory is not carried out in the home of the
famous author and divine.
In the novel. aIr. SheIdon's heroine IS a
hired girl, and she eats at the table with
the family and has other privileges not
usually enjoyed by servants. The novel
has been generally read by servants in
Topeka. and as 2 result several house
holds have been disturbed by demands
for privileges along the lines suggested.
For five years the domestic in 8Ir. Shell
don's home has been a negress who be-
longs 10 the best Of ner class in Topeka,
but she has never sat az table with the
family. This caused no comment, be-
cause the woman has long resided in the
neighborhood and was on record as say
ing that she was too proud Of her race TO
mingle socially with white folks.
But this week Mrs. Sheldon had coca
sion to change servants. and it was then
that she became convinced of the power
Of her husbands pen, if she ever had
any doubt about it. She advertised for
help in the local papers. and on the fol-
lowing day an experienced white girl
was employed. Mrs. Sheldon gave direc-
tions for dinner and went calling. Upon
returning home she found that the table
had been set for three. Thinking that
the girl had misunderstood directions.
Mrs Sheldon explained that Mr.. Sheldon
and herself were the only members of
the family to eat.
The girl is said to have replied: 'T
didn't make any mistake. The extra
place is for me"
Mrs. Sheldon Informed the girl that she
would be expected to wait upon the table
and in order TO do that satisfactorily
would have to devote all her time to it.
At least, that is the story as it is being
told
The girl said she had read Mr. Shell
don's book, and supposed that if she
found employment at his house she would
be treated as a member of the family,
which would include a place in the fam
ily circle at meal time.
Mrs. Sheldon did not enter into a dis
cussion on the merits of Born 10 Serve
but. it is said by the gossips. gave the
girl TO understand that the privilege she
wanted would not be granted.
Then I can not work here" said the
girl. and packing her grip. she left the
house.
Mrs. Sheldon has advertised for an
other girl
This is the gossip Of the neighborhood,
and it is supposed that the story was
started by the girl who left the Sheldon
home telling her friends, and their tell
ing the women for whom they worked. 4
whist club composed of prominent women
quit playing cards yesterday TO discuss
the story and today it is the talk Of the
town.
Owing to the ticl1lishness Of the hired
girl question none Of the reporters has
had the courage TO seek an interview
with Mrs. Sheldon, but NJ. Sheldon said
today that while he had not taken the
pains to ascertain any of the details of
any disagreement his wife might have
had with servant. he was sure the
neighborhood story was an exaggeraion.