New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-08
WOMEN As COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS
HOW BRIGHT LITTLE WIFE SAVED HER HUs.
BAND AND DOUBLED THE FAMILY
CREWT BOOK FOR THE YEAR.


cREWT BOOK FOR THE YEAR.
That's Just nv LUCK said commercial traveller
In little country hotel the other day. as he turned
in disgust from the clerks desk.
What's the matter'' oueried friend.
"Mstter7 WHY that fellow Clark got in here ahead
Of and has engaged both of the samplerooms. and
I'll have to show nv goods in a bedroom"
"what does Clark want Of two rooms ~
"Oh one for his goods and the other for his wife,
"His wifei Why does his wife want a sample
rooml"
She carries separate line Of goods and they work
the business together Great scheme that; and he
unused renectvely "Therc they come now" he
added and the friend turned in time to see an encr
getc-lookng man of middIe-a with a bright at
tractive little woman approaching. Later an intro
duction sought.
"Yes. it is pleasant for each of tn be able to
travel with the other" said Mrs. Clark "My husband
carries mems furnishing goods and have notions for
women. silk handkerchiefs end ombroderies. We are
going through this section of country for the first time
and working trade route. Just now is dull
time with both of us. in business so we decided to
spend the time working up extra route
Don't you find it hard work to keep up with your
husband. day after day. travelling and working?'
az did al first but have learned how to take
things now. / don't worry and do useless things.
Then John is very good about helping me out and
waiting for me- OF course, sometimes get hcdVy
orders in a town and he gets Light cpes. Then again
it will be the other way, We help each other.'
Chow did YOU happen TO get into this work ~
"wen various things happened which pointed out
the way. When my three little ones died, one
after the other, and was left alone,
began to miss John l never had done
before (And the voice trembled little.) He could
not leave his business for he had good trade, and
so if he couldn't get out Of the work ! could get
In, in order 10 be near him. have worked with my
house for almost two years nowthey seem to be salts
fed and ! surely am. But I must 60 now and
shc nodded, smiling.
"Can YOU do as much work with your wife along as
IL YOU were sone7 asked the inquirer Of Mr. Clark
He stopped thought minute and said III tell YOU
soon after the babies died 1 took to drinking rather
heavily You know what temptation drink Is TO a
travelling man. Well, my wife it. and, noble little
woman that she is, she determined to save me So
she worked around until she got commission and then
she Joined me- and we've been together ever since.
She didn't tell me the real reason why she left home
for life on the road till about wear and half ago
after ! had given up 6snk altogether. Yes, once
saved her from drowning-that was before we were
parrjed-and now she's evened things up, you see
This last year we've made more than double the money
that / ever made in year alone. and I've occn
There arc a number of commercial women travelling
with their husbands most OF them for Chlcago on ,
ness firms although few represent houses in TINS
from stationery and maps 10 hardware and lcwelry.
one couple travelling through the country VIII
another couple are employing the same method 70
carry lines Of gloves, mttens, ETC. one woman salo
mercjal travelling within the last year four times
as great in the previous year -
well as any other ?" she demanded. And why shouldn't
they