'Light and Shade', a Sequel to 'The Bitter Cry of Outcast London' [By A. Mearns]

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 edition. Excerpt: ... The gratifying result of this first distribution was made known through a further article in The Christian World entitled--A CHRISTMAS BOOT REVIEW. Well, we have often heard of naval reviews, and army reviews, and lesson reviews, and we have taken part in some of them; but never before have we been present at a Boot Review. We have been at one this evening, and our enjoyment has been beyond description. This Boot Review--but we must go back a little and explain how it came about. A short time ago an article appeared in The Christian World, headed "Little Deeds of Kindness." That simple story told of little boys and girls who had been seen in a large Board school in the North of London--many of them foodless and bootless. The facts brought to light touched the hearts of a great many kind friends, and in a short time free breakfasts, nourishing dinners, and strong boots gladdened the little people, and their parents, too. But so many more kind friends were in favour of the breakfasts and dinners than of the boots--not because they did not realise the need of boots for keeping those little feet warm in winter, and shielding them from the evils of saturated coverings--but because they felt that the pressure of poverty, or, possibly, a craving which meant something worse, might tempt some of the parents to "make away" with such easily-disposed-of things as boots. "Let us trust them," said Mr. Mearns; "put them upon their honour, and wait the result." The co-operation of the schoolmasters and mistresses and teachers was sought, and their aid so cheerfully, heartily given imparted tenfold additional enjoyment to the work of providing for the children. A meeting was held, at which about a hundred boys and girls were present to be supplied with...