The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-05-02
Ghe Oiroiuia State cSuurnal
FRIDAY EVEVENING, MAY 2, 1873,
The Model Hired Man Indoors.

The Model Hired Man Indoors.
Inmy last article made some remarks
Interference to the outdoor duties ola model
hired man. In this, my last one on the sub
ject, your indulgence, editors and readers,
is desired while have my say about some
Of the indoor duties of this important per-
sonage. The writer having been hired
man, may therefore reasonably be expect
ed to be able to tell what he actually
knows about the subject, and perhaps be
able to make some suggestions that will
be worth considering.
There is great disposition among those
who work for living, to find fault with
their occupation and to be continually long
ing for social position beyond their imme-
men do, that merit, tact, skill and indus
try, are never at discount. IF the same
auxicty and energy to fill some coveted
position in society, that is manifested by
this class Of fault-fnders, were expended in
making a more thorough preparation for the
position they covet, their ambition in this
respect would not long remain unsatisfied.
Better, by far, actual merit and ability
than the influence of wealthy relatives OF
superabundance of check. r.. -,
Many of the complaints of our working
men are as unjust as others are Just and
proper. The hired man who is boorish in his
habits, and who has no sympathetic re-
gard for his social surroundings, has no
right to expect the same courtesy and at
tention that would otherwise properly be-
long to him. He often complains because
he is not admitted into the family circle Of
his employer. He has not the slightest
idea that his personal hebits have anything
to do with the matter; on the con-
trary, he attributes it to the aris-
tocratic tendencies of the family.
The writer of this is firm believer
in the influences of association, and is
therefore strongly in favor of taking the
young laborer into the family circle--a
custom which has long prevailed invariably
in nearly all the states. 1t is better for the
laborer, for by the time be has acquired
sufficient property to buy farm of his
own, he will, by reason Of his social sur.
soundings, in the majority of cases, pos
sess sufficient culture and refinement tC
fit him for almost any position in our Amer
lean social structure. 1t must be remem
bered, however, that many things nov
common in every well regulated farm
house, would before the introduction o
railroads, have been denounced as savorinI
of the aristocratic order of things. AS GU
general civilization advances, new want
arise and with them certain degree O
contempt of many old habits and customs
Habits of uncleanliness, which were ono,
permitted, now offend. The hired MAJ
who is an inveterate tobacco chewer ant
expectatorator, or one who marches direct,
from the stable to the table having OF
his dirt-covered coat or uncleaned boots
should not be at all surprised at the apparen
GOODNESS of the reception he meets, which
is to be mainly attributed to the careless
ness which has rendered his person odor
Gus. Attached to every farmhouse ther,
should be an outer kitchen or Mushroom
where the overshirt worn il the stabl,
could be put off and pair Of slippers sub
stituted while breakfasting.
The laborer to be valuable must be intel
ligerS. If intelligent, he is sensitive, ant
feels that he is the equal of his employs
and his family and any act on their par
that tends to make him feel that he il
sighted, induces him to make change il
the hope Of lettering his condition, arc
the thrifty. well-to-do farmer loses the ser
vice of just such man as he needs tn
most.
1t must be admitted that very man,
hired men are careless in regard to thei
clothing and personal cleanliness; this j
too often true Of the employer himself
who. while working his way up from tn
position of hired man, has no doubt &C
quired some habits that his cultured chill
dren--who have the advantage of NOR
refined society-regret. Among thes
may be mentioned one of frescoing tn,
butter with various kinds of food which
adhere to his unwiped knife, which, in tn,
inexcusable absence ola butter knife, SHOULD
becltaned on piece of bread before bein,
thrust into the butter, salt or other dish
Others have habit, while eating liquit
from spoon, of making such nose tina
you are reminded of one made by leaky
suction pump. The habit of using thu
tooth brush daily would be duly appreciated
by all with whom one comes in contact
The neglect of this precaution may accoun
for the apparent lnattentiveness of you
listener, who with averted face, gazes int
space while you vociferously press you
argument. -R,aol World.