Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-06-03
4 STIR IN fHE KITCHEN.

EInulOuS Oh the example Of0er Cale00-
nian sister, the English female domestic
servant is about to initiate . movement TO
better herself. and to form an association
to protect her interests against that worst
Of all tyrants, despots, enemies, oppres-
sors. and down-treaGers-..M Missis % Pre-
liminary conferences have already been
held in halls and Kitchens Of the first re-
spectability. and as soon as the weather Il
finally settled, a great open air nBeeting
will be called at an hour eonvenient to
whom hard fate eompels to dish up
late dinner, at which the following pro-
gramme Will be recommended for adoption.
as essential to the comfort, happiness,
self-respect. and independence Of all those
whom .suckumstances" oblige to resort
to domestic service for their livelihood
No servant to accept an engagement
until she has first received satisfactory
character OF the mistress who is, anxious
to secure her assistance. sfs ~ =.
Public waiting-rOoms to be established,
at which the mistresses shall attend tat
their own cost, to be inspected and ques-
toned by their intending employees. oe
No servant to permit, on any pretext,
the slightest difference in the quality or
quantity of the provisions supplied to the
parlor and kitchen. The best tea always
to be provided. and an absolute prohibi-
ton to be placed upon the use OF moist
sugar.
No mistress to enter her own kitchen,
without giving previous notice of her in
tention tu its occupants. tM
No cupboards, sideboards, store-rooms,
or cellars to be kept locked.
Free access to the beer-barrel So
No servant to be rung up in the morn
ing, or expected to retire to rest at GER
tain hour at night. ess s,s a,g+ ri,
No interference to be allowed with
servants dress, of which she is to be con-
sidered the best and only Judge Artifi-
cial flowers, wells, jewelry, parasols, CHG
mons, and high heeled boots to pass un-
questioned and unnoticed.
No restriction to be placed on kitchen
company. Male friends to have the e,stsee
to that apartment whenever it may be
agreeable to them. This last stipulation
to be a sine quay n0n.
Cold meat to be eaten only at breakfast,
luncheon tea and supper. gn
Charwomen to be engaged to undertake
such onerous and disagreeable duties as
washing, scrubbing, black-leading crates,
lighting fires, preparing the rooms for the
reception of the family in the morning,
making beds, cleaning boots and knives,
SC. f s,
Servants with musical tastes and ac-
quirements to be allowed the use Of the
piano.
A supply Of newspapers, magazines.
and reviews, and a subscription to circu-
lating library for the exclusive accommo-
dation of the kitchen.
The total abolition of the irksome and
barbarous custom of washing at home.
All such degrading terms as place" :"
"wages," character" and "maid-of-all-
work, to be forbidden; and in their stead
situation" or engagement, ''salary, "
testimonials" and general domestic .
to be employed. The word Kitchen" to
be gradually discontinued in favor of
Servants Apartments.
Two hali-holidays a week. Vacations
ut Christmas, Easter. and Whitsnntide,
and months leave of absence in the
summer, (wiihout any deduction from sal
ary,) for the seaside, the Continent, &c.
An evening party once month.
The Sunday question to be a matter oil
special negotiation; but all leave OF abb
sence on that day to be considered to APP
ply to the whole of it. and no hour fixed
for the return OF domestics to their duties
at night.
All salaries to be paid in advance, and
Servants to be allowed to draw as much
money as they please on account.
servants are not to be required to give
warning. but all existing customs, as re-
CARDS notice, wages, &C., on the part o
employers, to remain in iull force.
The extension of the franchise to Do
mestic Servants.
No caps.-London Punch.