New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-22
MRS. PARAN STEVENS SUED By HER COOK.
HE SAYS SIZE OWES HIM wAGEs-sHE SAYS HE
WAS DISCHARGED FOR DRUNKENNESS.


WAS DISCHARGED FOR DRUNKENNESS.
Desire'schmitt, who for months has been serv-
ing Mrs. Psran Stevens chef at her home. No. e44
Fifth-ave, has begun suit for damages against his
employer for alleged non payment OF wages schmitt
claims tat he entered into vebal contract with Mrs.
Stevens while In London to come 10 America ana serve
| as chef for one year, beginning June 3D. 1891. but
that on October 90 he discharged without notice
and while one month and six days wages were due
him. He says that he was engaged mt the salary OF
$50 month with board lodgings and the usual priv
| ileges Of chef lie is tall, well built man, who
speaks little nothing Of English, but as he had
good letters Of recommendation from former Employers
he was taken into his service. lie has engaged
Barnett Moran, Of No 1o5 West Tenth-st.. as his
lawyers who set his damage at $780, besides 472 for
one month and six days wages. His lawyers
| however, will for only $3.50 as
| that is the highest amount that can be brough.
into the Third Judicial District Civil Court
This will enable them to have a speedier trial than
II the tried In q court where trial for
higher damages could be held.
schmitt says that aer having been in Mrs. stevenss
employ for two months she began to find fault with
him for the most trivial things, and finally, on oc
tober 90, she discharged him, when the last months
wages. due October 49, and the following six days,
were due him. schmitt alleges that she objected
10 him because he drank too much liquor, and brought
the odor of bad whskey into the house. which chung
to the lace curtains and TO the clothing Of every person
In the house in most persistent and dsagreeabe way
In defence of this, schmitt alleges that he could not
get enough liquor In the house for the making OF
sauces. and so visited the public barrooms and got
his drinks there. His appearance in barrooms. he
claims was distasteful TO Mrs. stevens, and was an
other cause for his discharge.
G.. A. c. Barnett said that after the lawyers hal
served notice on Mrs. Stevens she called around
Mt their Office in her carriage and expressed
establishment that her chef should show such
lngratitude: that she bad shown him every kind
ness and forbearance in his bad habits and had made
him numerous presents, and had only parted with
| him when he got so bad that he drank the wine
intended for cooking, and uncomfortable in the
house. Mr. Barnett also said that Mrs. Stevens ex-
pressed determination to fight the suit even II 1t
Involved an expense greater than the sum for which
she was sued.
When seen By Tribune reporter at
her home, No. IA Fifth-ave., Mrs Stevens
| expressed much regret that the matter. which was
purely a domestic one should have gained publicity
she also said that the printed slips which had been
sent around the newspaper Offices were exceedingly
| inaccurate md misleading. she said that she hah
entered into no written contract with sehmitt and
had treated him with every kindness, and had even
offered to pay his passage back TO Europe II he de
presence In her house on account OF his drinking habs
| She said that his drunkenness had spoiled more
than dinner which she had given for friends but
she had been enent with him, hoping that he would
worse until She had been compelled to dispense with
| his services.