Morning journal and courier., 1892-01-16
THE FLEETING SHOW.
Some of Its Facts and Fancies.


Written for the JOURNAL AND CoURIER.l
ANOTHER EMPLOYMENT FOR WOMEN.
An occupation for women, little tried
in this country, has been taken up success
fully in London, and number of refined,
cultivated rent collectors are not only
earning fair salaries, but are doing vast
amount of good among the poorer classes
of tenants.
Their work is principally in connection
with that of Miss Octavia Hill and other
philanthropists, who bny up dilapidated
buildings, convert them into clean and
convenient dwellings and endeavor to edu-
cate the tenants into orderly and respecta-
BILE habits. The houses are placed in the
care of women, who collect the rents, at
tend to the repairs, report cases of dis
tress-in short, take upon themselves al
most the entire management of the prop
erty.
A woman who would assume the duties
of rent collector must possess special and
valuable qualities. She must be spirited
and self-possessed, since the business is
not popular one; she must have tact and
| Judgment to discriminate between those
who echeme to evade payment; she must
be good-tempered and CHEEKY, and physi-
| cally strong, since there are many visits to
| make and many stairs to climb, and tho
work must be done at stated times in storm
or sunshine. 1t is said, however, that this
occupation is much easier than hospital
nursing, and more independent than the
life of a governess. Most of the collectors
are paid 5 per cent. on moneys collected; !;
| 1kh houa toll MI ant
solely on account of the opportunity it
offers for benevolent work among the
poor.
The influence for good that some of these
women have gained among the tenants is
almost incalculable They come among
them in a natural business-like way,
neither to leave tracts, to advise or
patronize, but by showing friendliness
soon gain their respect and confidence;
they learn of their difficulties, their sor-
rows and temptations and are able to aid
them by their sympathy and by a wise sys-
tenn of helpfulness which does not destroy
their self-respect.
The employment of women as bill col.
lectors has been frequently tried in oul
cities, and they have not been found want
ing either in honesty, perseverance OF
efficiency. AS rent collectors they might
also prove successful, and acceptable bott
to landlord and tenants. The business would
certainly be less wearisome and discourag
ing than canvassing, the resort of many
well educated and capable women il
Strengthened circumstances, who ar,
worthy of but know not where to find re
sponsible positions and fair remuneration
sILKEN TEMPTATIONS.
Among the new fabrics for household
decorations are the "shadow Silks" de
signed by the 'tSociety of Decorative Art
ists." They are used for portieres, cur
a tains, mantles scarfs, cushions an
! spreads, and show beautiful color comb
nations in delicate tints, the patterns be
ing rather vaguely defined upon changes
! BILE backgrounds, 30 that they play an
: change like wavering shadows. The side
+ are quite unlike in coloring and article
n made from them are simply finished wit
t hem folded over on the right side, gi,
r ing the effect of band of different mat.
: fringe, or have tassels only at the cornerl
and tassels upon the corners of tabl
. spreads are considered sufficient trimming
Is Another pretty material is 'tBee brocade
which comes in all the art colors, IL
Napoleonic emblem furnishing the all-ove
70 design. This for a table spread is simpl
l. hemmed, and flight of the bees in .eac
corner is outlined with gold thread.
New dress silks are already in the ma
10 ket, the distinctive novelty Of which is Il
le changeable effect that charmingly vari
g. the tints of both background and desigl
n the colors changing in light or shade,
by magic, with every motion.
's Another feature of new silks is that Il
g. ground has broad satin stripes aftermath
Or with fowered stripes. The floral patterl
- are rather striking in design but not
" tached, or ''set," being connected by vii
sprays, or eurving loops of ribbon, al
a some of the large patterns are made up
y. fine flowers in clusters, the ground betwe
et being well covered with small sprays.
IT, Less expensive summer silks which ma