The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-06-01
cHAUNcEH DBpEw ON TAIErs.
re ana Ward McAi,ister Say Americans
Won't be Bothered with Such Servants.


vertisement for valet. Almost invariably tho
answer Is directed to be sent to the newspaper
II which the demand appeared. The name OF
the advertiser is not given, but Instead appear
certain letters. under which his Identity is CON
cealed. In fact. he appears to fear puollclty'
and sometimes employs even other saieRuaros
against 1t.
1t is 30 unusual to see a valet in the homes OF
tho weathiest Americans that THE Sun re-
porter started out on a tour OF investigation
the other day to learn just who had one ana
what his duties were. The first source OF IN
formation that the reporter tapped was DIR.
Chauncey NJ. Dspew. He found him engaged
at important business, but the reporters sub.
iect struck him as being 80 odd that he stopped
short to ponder over II.
"Valeti Valetw he exclaimed In surprise,
why. we don't have any such thing IN this
country. The valet as the Engltshman and the
continental European understands him Is a
person who saves one the necessity OF doing
almost everything but thinking, and don't
know but what he Is occasionally employed to
I'll even that Office for his employer. He Is
supposed to be possessed OF great tact and to
be able TO understand what he ia expected to
do almost upon the instant that the master
frames the thought He takes care OF his mas
tors clothes. seeing that they are always
properly brushed and laid away, and puts out
every morning those that are to BIO worn that
day. He keeps his masters shoes polished and
his studs in his shirt. He has the morning
bath ready mt the precise moment that the
master leaves his bed. assists him to dress. has
his razor sharpened. and shaves him with
grace and dexterity. II the Rentle-
man goes travelling. the valet puts IN
sees that tho baggage 10 checked and the rooms
secured at the hotels. He arranges ABOUT the
rs possbIe tates all the care and troube of
the masters hands, am talking now about
the ideal valet according to the European con-
servant is rarely found. and that is one reason
why the, valet Is practically unknown on this
servant must have his directions and the
American OF social or professional or business
eant sop to NO be- ass Il in dressing Or
dressing because he can doit so much quicker
and more satisfactorily unaided He is not
dogging his heels and toes at every move. be
would feel nervous and constrained under
think Of a dozen different thugs while, he is
doing one. and he cant keep this up when q
stranger Is constantly in his way.
The American doesn't want somebody else to
dictate the style OF eliot he's he shall wear each
day, any moro than he Is willing to accent the
10 see tho rooms himself and determine upon
their fitness before he accents Thorn. In TACT.
bother with valet. or course. there are some
gentlemen OF leisure 10 this city VINO. having.
like the gentlemen Of Europe; nothing to oc-
would IN not feel at liberty to me- mention their
that it would not DO worth While"
Lieut.; Harry q puva MI RepSE,s private
man as tho rcporter PASSED through his Once
He looked up In surprise when the reporter
mentioned his errand.
he said know Of but very few. can tell
you, though that you have not the proper
man the Englishman sounds the T."
MIR. Duyal was corIoborated by his English
friend; who asserted that any other pr1nunci-
Duval did not think, the valet would soon be-
that no large number Of men who could afford
the luEury would care to bother with it
questions was the eject Of he
tr st between the two parlors at his hSme on
porter entered his presence.
said when he had learned the reporters errand.
% sw d Ed9u mot sonnd TfR
but there are 80 few OF them that they don't
young men, OF the same class have them but
no more. No. the custom is not American.
don't you know, and not suited to us.
Manager Charles Barton OF tho Casino could
only remember the name OF one man about
town who possessed a valet.
valet Is the one who assists p T. Barnum to
see the world through rose tinted goggles He
person who observes Mr.. Barnum's appear.
IN he %R rm his
must bear witness to the skill and care of his
valet Never is there speck Of dust. a SPOT.
His shoes are ever brightly roished. i tRoneh
n No too bright his linen ts spotless; and he has
from EnrOna
Sun reporter called upon him and found him
had on, a handsome old fashioned embroIiderei
front shirt, with a vide, rundown collar and
proper absence OF stiffness. and yet was suffi-
GENTLY starched to bring out the full pattern
%o tie sGe to Eo E Sate IT, snd
Portable velvet smoking Jacket, wide broad
fb trousers; and an easy tttnG wastcoat Of
The valet was well-dressed In q dark. close
fitting sack suit
Alec" who was President Arthur's per-
way. ALEC" was indispensable during Ar e
thurs ineumbency Of the Presidency because
some ofilco seekers, IIo could tell ut glance
whether caller would DO welcome or not. and
while he was around. He became quite q
Ri and hs CIV wPs
was ncorruptible; however.
young man who assumed noble title and
made a blg STIR IN TINS town Tor a time. but who
came to luckleS- end with all his chattels in
the hands Of the Sheriff introduced TO won
dering public several years ago. probably the
most gorgeous valet ever seen on this sido II
tho Atlantic, The master, who prehxed the
title ,Nisrount to his assumed name. used to
startle upper Broadway by coming down it al
about four in the afternoon followed by thick
SGT Engshman in g gorgeous livery, leading
collar must have, weighed several pounds
at least and In addition he bore
chain, of proportionate, size. The master
was always dressed in the most exaggerated
style and displayed an immense variety OF
canes and waistcoats The vaets livery con-
sisted of dark coat and trousers. with brass
buttons. and a ribbed Led silk waistcoat, with
more brass buttons. The latter was cut high,
revealing only Bit Of a white scarf and n very
Ia collar whose points were lost In the fat,
ilcshy envelope Of hi throat He also accom-
panied hs master in, tn. Iatters daily drives
through the Park. lie was envied by all the
dudes for his wonderful vaculty OF expression
and his apparent Indifference to everybody and
everything. He disappeared with his master.
Love Messages by Wire.
From Ll LrriS.on JolDwdl
Said Maine telegraph operator TO tho writer
the other day: You wouldn't think that