Beale, Dorothea, 1831-1906; Cheltenham Ladies' College -- History; Teachers -- England -- Biography
Much happened to reconcile Miss Beale to the Settlement scheme. Miss
Catherine Newman, as her sister had done ten years before in aid of
poor students, volunteered to undertake the management of the work
gratuitously, and to pay her own expenses. Miss Newman was an old College
pupil and a member of the Guild. She was also a trained nurse, with
long experience of work among the poor. Miss Newman’s offer and the
appeal of her old friend, Mr. Bromby, had weight with Miss Beale. She
felt less anxious about the efforts of her ‘children’ if safe-guarded
by the experience of those she knew and trusted. Miss Newman could also
sympathise with Miss Beale’s own disappointment and anxiety, while
she was confident of her large-mindedness in this matter. This may be
gathered from a letter she wrote to her in the course of the proceedings
at this time:—
‘ ... It is very good of you to set aside your own wishes and
to throw yourself into this scheme. I have thought many times
since the corporate work was talked about, that the freedom
both teachers and old pupils felt in proposing schemes of work
spoke volumes for their confidence in your generosity. Several
members of the Guild who felt drawn towards the mission scheme
said to me, “If I thought Miss Beale would wish me to vote
for the Loan Fund because it was her scheme I would do so,
but I believe that she would prefer that we should think for
ourselves and vote for the scheme which most commends itself to
us individually.” This confidence in your generosity and sense
of justice struck me greatly; they knew you too well to fear
for an instant that you might resent their taking a different
line, and I felt sure from all I had ever known or seen of you
that their confidence was not misplaced. Had you been able to
unfold your scheme to them the result might have been very
different, but of course it is too late now. If we were to
renounce the idea of the Home for workers in the East-end, the
elementary school would certainly take its place, and I am sure
that you have realised ere now that it would be unjust both to
the workers and the parish in which the Settlement is made to
make it a temporary thing. Either it must be the corporate work
of the Guild or it must be given up altogether,—at least so
it seems to me. We could not expect enthusiasm either to work
or support if it might be withdrawn at any moment. As regards
your scheme, dear Miss Beale, I am truly sorry that it had
not really a fair chance from the accident of its not being
ripe yet for publicity. Two years hence might have been soon
enough, yet I need not remind you that the “corporate work” was
suggested by _yourself_. I am not afraid to say, however, that
your scheme is sure of support and success, and this I trust
while your powers are still unimpaired; but if, unfortunately,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account