The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-02-01

sides, the matter is etill unsettled.
One reason for this Unrest in our domes-
tic service ia the changing fortunes OF
our people, most of whom are not free
from aristocratic traditions and aspirs-
lions. The early settlers of our country
had but little concern about the manner
or fashion OF household service. Each
member was obliged to contribute some
thing toward the household needs. After
the work OF the day the entire family
assembled around the common Preside
where each continued his avocation, or
maybe, listened to the old, old story
whispered in the ehsdows of the glim-
mering freight. The hired girl was a
daughter OF friend or neighbor and
shared the general fortunes OF the
family.
Miss Frances M. Abbott says: This
putting on of airs began with the din
lag ROOM" At first, she says, she
thought it was the cooking stove, but
that, and the various form of cellar heat
were only part.
The separation Of the family into the
serving and the served seemed to de-
grade the work OF the kitchen, and
American girls began to look for other
occupations.
School-teaching, dress-making, and
later the open doors OF the New Eug-
land factory seemed to promise more
congenial employment to our ambitious
girls.
The introduction of foreign labor
gradually changed the character of do
mestic service until at the present time
we are confronted with the question,
how can we bear the burdens that the
present style of living seems 20 demand ?
The typical American household con-
talne but one servant, which, by the
way is not considered a title OF distinc-
ton.
The mistress of the average house
hold ought to be we'll endowed both
mentally and physically; for she is ex-
pected to supervise every detail OF the
household service, unless in addition to
the wages paid enc can afford q large per
centage OF waste in food and fuel. III
she is not politician she ought to un-
derstand the initiation of currency to be
able to make one dollar fill the needs of
I've. She is expected to be always
ready to entertain visitors, work for
church festivals, be a member of the
Shakespeare class and Friday Morning
club, and at frequent intervals bear the
entire burden of the household, while
she is looking for another girl. 49,
The question is often asked, why it is,
with the advantages so largely in favor
OF domestic service, 80 few American
girls avail themselves OF its promise.
The wages are both absolutely and
relatively high. In addition to these
wages is included nearly all personal
expenses, shelter, food, light and heat.
They are not required to furnish type
writers, sewing machines. or spend long
years In preparation or expensive study.
Another great advantage ia that the
occupation is perfectly healthful. and
develops their capabilities along the
line OF home making, and gives knowl-
edge of affairs which almost every woman
will at some time find invaluable.
With all the advantages OF home life
and freedom from financial worry, why
should there be any lack of capable do
mestic help?
Domestic service has in different
places been performed by class. In
England these class lines are distinctly
drawn, and all persons engaged in such
service are called servants.
In the south the line is called the
color line, and no sef-respecting white
person cares to compete.
In the eastern states these places have
been filed by foreign emigrants, many
of whom were of a low order of intelli-
gence.
In California and the Pacific coast the
Cinnamon brought with them some ele-
ments of comfort which many regret,
but unlimited cheap labor could never
better our condition.
English servants are not adapted to
our republican form Of government
The colored people of the south are
not pleased with the climate and push
of the north and east, and even here in
Southern California, where the climate
is suitable, it is questionable whether
thew will be Of much service except in
southern families.
The possible restrictions OF emigra-
tion and the short period of service OF
foreign girls-for male help in our kitch-
ems is not American-leads us to the
conclusion that we must look to some
new source and make new conditions.
Mrs. Hubbard has go fully brought
before us the necessity of thrift. knowl-
edge and economy in our homes that
think we must all concede these essen
tials must be the basis of all reform.
Already we see the shadow o. coming
events that will elevate household labor
to it's rightful position.
Colleges and public schools are intro
ducing manual training and cooking
classes, but what we most need are col
leges or schools of domestic science,
where all that pertains to home making
may be taught in the most perfect man.
ner, and diplomas will be 80 graded that
wages will correspond to worth.
Already the daughters of the rich
wear the prescribed habit of the trained
nurse without losing caste.
College students and teachers of our
eastern states find honorable employ
ment in the summer hotels.
The time lie near when o=r daughters
will esteem it the highest honor to ex-
cell in household economics.
The discussion of the subject contin-
ued until late hour.
The evening was given to q mems re.
ception. Delightful music was furnished
by Mrs. Neva Nance, Miss Ada Savage.
Miss Ina Pollard, Miss Flora White.
Miss Winnie Smith and Rev. B. G,
Corey.
DR.. Kate Shepherdson Black of Pasa-
dens spoke in her inimitable and ire
sistible style on Mems Work in the
Home.
The remainder of the evening was
spent in conversation, and all departed
feeling that the most delightful and
inspiring of the four sessions of the
Woman's Parliament of Southern Cali