The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-03-04

working girls clubs have already been or
gained and the discussions at the wols-
ems congress Of the worlds fair in is9s
gave a strong momentum to the urEanixa-
tion movement. So long as we work en-
the theory everyone for himself and the
devl take the hlndmost" little improve
ment need be looked for until there Is a
strong organization OF the servants.
We may some day learn the Lesson Of
social responsibility, and then We viii
simply consider that we are doing our iufy
In obeying that higher law which pro-
claims that each Is in large degree his
brothers keeper We may then. In par, at
least, forsake the cut throat theory Of com
petition which exacts from the iahoret all
that he can possibly give and returns to
him only az much as he compeis US TO re-
turn. We may cease then TO spend so many
millions IN bringing foreign heathens into
contact With the demoralising influences o.
competition and may spend more IN making
our heathens at home more enlightened
and capable OF rartaking OF the benefits
which were provided for the enjoyment and
uplifting OF all.
Untll we. as nation have more Of a
sense Of social responsibility We must rely
on the old scheme OF warfare which or
gsnixes both sides for combat Until then
the master win continue 10 exact as much
as possible from his servants and pay the
least possible. while the servant will con-
tinue TO do as little as possible for what size
receives.
have no sympathy with those who be-
lieve that any advantages given the SER
want class viii not be returned in better
service. They are human and are Just "a
responsive to kindness and good Treatment
as any other uneducated class IN society.
by way OF suggestion present the fol
lowing practical reforms which will help TO
attract a better class OF girls TO the ranks
OF the servants and win In turn remove
the han of social ostrscism which today
keeps them out of Homework which they
would rather be engaged In.
First-T'he heaviest work such az wash
ing. carrying coal. scruhbing steps and
pavement TO be provided for The old bug
bear OF wash day would thus be done away
with and the modern laundry system with
collection and delivery OF clothes makes
this easily possible especially In cities
Second-In families where practicable. as
many hours OF freedom as possible, and
the thorough organization of the house
work to make this practicable.
Third-Such way of speaking to and as
sociating with the servants that they VII
be given TO understand they are consider
ed IN no way inferior and that they have
the confidence Of their employer.
Fourth--A well lighted. well furnished
and comfortable room with decent arrange
ments for meals
Fifth--The privilege OF seeing friends
either male or female, and OF entertaining
Them ir a better part OF the house than
the kitchen. All this 10 be governed oi
course by proper restrictions az TO hours
and on the condition that work Is na'
neglected.
These are conditions that seem to me bu
fair and II faithfully carried out win Sc
cure much better class OF servants thar
are ohtainsble at present The work vii
be better done and the servant question viii
be stripped OF many OF It's perplcxins
phases.
EDWARD M'MAHON,
Principal OF Van Asset School
enc Sixth avenue. Seattle Wash.