Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-04-11
WASH TUB OBSERVATIONS.
U9aN---' III: + r
A Laundry Man GOssips About the Liner
of His CustOmers.,a : ,..,. =

When q STAR man showed bundle OF linen
wearing apparel over the counter of one of the
large laundries the other day, the proprietor
was sitting with his feet up on his desk, enjoy.
ing cigar and apparently lost In calculation
as to how soon his bank account would warrant
the purchase of a $50, 900 house. He had the
air of man who was enjoying prosperity, and
he did not care who knew it. While the at
tendant was looking over the contents of the
bund lie and making list, the proprietor OBJ
served in tone of lazy content:
'Ihere are no frayed collars and cuffs in that
lot, nor any home made shirts either"
"Well, who said that there was" exclaimed
the customer, half resenting the remark
~ ls not necessary for my purpose that the
piled the laundry man calmly. II hope
that my mental faculties have not
become SO weakened by, the routine details Of
that cannot rise to the Intellectual height OF
a generalization.
"Ohr' rejoined the customer, in a more con-
ciliatory tone, "if that is all you meant, have
no objections, providing you don't charge extra
for 1t In the bill. But might as well say right
here that prefer the domestic finish, and you
can give the general-whats' its name to some
OF her fellows linen"
The The laundry man gazed steadily, at the Gus
TONER, put as the serenity of the latter's face
was not disturbed, after moments pause he
evidently determined to crush the dark sus
picion which arose in his mind, and maenani-
moqsly attribute the last remark to ignorance.
- was going to remark" he said, "that as
your linen was not OF that kind which I have
indicated, that, therefore you have not recently
come to this city to resume the duties of a new
appointment under the government, OR to get
one. OF course, know that you live here, but
mad never seen you before, could have
told you that much from looking over the con-
tents ofthat bundle. haven't been here in this
business since the 18th of March for nothing
The linen that is worn in the remote districts Of
the country has been going through my tubs
s amd wearing grooves in my Ironing cylinder to
talking about: | have samples in my place
now that remind me of the Styles of the revo-
sto,, period and they are made as II no
invented. The result of the last election viii
bring about one good thing, and that is a num-
knowing what u well-fitting shirt and collar
means means. The Chinese, you know, say when the
not too closely; inattenton IS often the highest
form OF civility. don't wish to be unciviI, but
you know man can't help the operation of
h,s and So IN judge man
-, The linen, then, Of the present regime does
not suit you," remarked the listener, sugges-
"Now. don't mistake me-" cried the laundry
man in an appealing voice. can my new Gus
that comes here is not worn out or badly made
! only said that ! notice an unusual quantity of
frayed and antiquated linen coming into my
to be drawn, which mentioned, but ii YOU see
ft to draw some other conclusion, very well.
in bis chair with ostentatious dignity. "p
perhaps you would like to have people come
here without any linen at all, !" said the listener
sarcastically.
'They do.'' replied the man in o half whisper.
as he got up from his chair and leaned over the
counter, and drew THE STAR man close to him
They come in here early in the morning. with
their coats closely butfoned and carrying q
little bundle. There is always one man Of this
administration This is a feature Of political
changes which is not generally known
what do they have their coats buttoned up
for, and what do they have" the listener be-
gan to ask, rather wondering at the mysterious
manner Of the man.
The laundryman sank back into his chair
again In very limp condition, and gazing list
!essly Ct his questioner, said wearify, II don't
think that am feeling very well to-day. Is that
man out In front waiting to see youfn
The STAR man went out to see