Morning journal and courier., 1885-06-02
Domestic Life in Germany.

vocate.l
 The domestic machinery of the Germans is much simpler than ours, and in many re- spects more economical and practical. One truth is soon made apparent to 8 stranger, and that is that economy is 8 necessity in Germany. In family of seven there is usu- ally but one servant. She rises at 5, makes the kitchen fire, washes the floor, and puts her own room in order. At the baker comes, then the man with milk and butter the Germans never put salt in their butter, so they buy it fresh every morning). The children are awakened, and the maid helps them to dress, then makes the coffee and serves it, first to the older children who are obliged to be off for school at half-past six in summer and seven in winter. This done, in our family, the maid puts my sitting-room in order, washing the floor, dusting the fur niture and shaking the rugs. At seven we have coffee and by half-past I am ready to begin my work After the rest of the family are served with coffee and rolls, the sleeping and other rooms put in order, each floor being washed or waxed and rugs thoroughly beaten; then the maid goes to market to buy the dinner. There are no supplies in the larder in Germany as at home. If cold boiled ham or any cold meat is needed for supper the maid goes to the butcher and buys just enough for the meal.
 A custom that struck me curious1y was that of having shops in the basements of even the handsomest houses on the most fashionable streets-butchers, bakers, shoe makers, notion stores, jewellers, all who can be found within radius of block from any given point. It is, undoubtedly, convenient for people, but it mars the beauty of the streets very much. My maid had gone to market, I believe, so by this time she has returned and is preparing the second break fast, which is served at eleven, and consists of 8 couple of eggs and slice of brown bread, and, perhaps, glass of milk, for boarder; but for the children and the rest of the fami- ly, it is usually only slice of brown bread an inch and half thick, with a little cold meat. Occasionally cup of chocolate varies the monotony. Then comes the dinner at 9 soup, meat, and vegetables, and dessert; the latter the children are only allowed to have on Sundays. After the soup has been served the lady of the house puts what she intends for the maid in dish, and on no account would servant be allowed to take more than had been given her. The same plan is followed with the meat and vege- tables After the dinner-dishes are washed, and the kitchen put in order, the maid dress and takes the children out for walk in the park, returning in time for five o'clock coffee, which even the little three-years-old boy of my landlady drank every day. It was a problem to me how these children kept their health with coffee in the morning and afternoon and night I am sure American children could not endure it.
 At eight supper is eaten cold meats, tea, milk, or beer, and bread and butter, compose the meal. The laundry work is always done out of the house, so that lessens the work of the one maid very materially. All breads, cakes, pies, and even buildings are bought ready made, as we say of clothes. The bread is much better than ours, because it is always thoroughly done.
 A good maid is not paid more that $20 year, and in many families only $12. They are allowed one Sunday evening out in two weeks, and if they should come home later than they have promised they do not go out again for month All disputes tied by the police. In one house I was in, the quarrels were so frequent that one policeman, at least, was there most of the time!
 German women are much interested in their housekeeping; they obey their husbands very fond of fancy work and-gossip! They are very tenacious of their titles, and if lady's husband is doctor or professor, and you do not call her frau doctor or frau pro- lessor, you offend her mortally. told my teacher that I had some friends in Berlin whom had met some years ago in Rome, and asked how I should address the lady, as I was going there to dine. thought the gentleman's title was Justizirath, then must call her Frau Justizirath. ''But,'' I said, ''he is also Geheimerath." 70, then, that is still higher, and she must be called Frau Ge- hsimerath." Later on in the conversation I mentioned that he was also professor in the university. The look of amazement and sur prise got, and the way in which he said, sEHow lucky that you told me; you must cali her Frau Professor" convinced me that I would have made serious mistake is I had used either of the first mentioned titles