The daily morning journal and courier., 1901-07-05
RELATNoNs OF MISTRESS AND

It would be very unjust not to re- mark that there are many homes of wealth in which the helpers receive fine consideration, and in which much of the discomfort of "the gulf Is smoothed away by kindness and thoughtfulness. But those homes arc few indeed in which some evidence of the stigma of servitude, at least it's badge, is not recognized. Remove that, and the new era will have daWned. The maid is the ward of the mistress, and she must share in the homehness of home, which is the focus of human society, The mistress cannot consc1en- tieusly deal with her as if she were pur- chasing a pound of tea. She cannot evade a certain responsibility growing out of her personality. She should clearly know the locality of the home of her maid and something about the family and it's circumstances; and she should take care to inquire courteously from lime to time after it's health and happiness. It is not necessary for the mistress to confide private matters to her maid, or, per contra, for the maid u dlSCIOF2c llti oN II pl ClSi oSNiSsS " N-~' mistress. Strangely enough, mistress es have often made their girls confl- dants in respects most unw1se, ana have reaped trouble as the result. Such familiarity is fatal, and must be deplored. Yet good measure of frank and intimate correspondence may be indulged where a sufficiently long ac- auaintanceship and mutual esteem suggest and prompt it. Still there are matters which should never be ven- tured upon.
 There is really no little responsibility resting upon the employer. It is hers to train her maid in the best aspects of housekeeping, to advise her in the matter of dress and personal appear ance. to watch over her friendships, to train her mind, and to help in the de- velopment of her moral chartcter. Justice Is to be shown in the arrange ment of hours of service, and provl- sion made for proper amount Of re- creation. Church privileges are to be borne in mind, also occasional mid week social privileges. If the house. keeper feels appalled, at such a vista of duty, it can only be said that this Is but an illustration of the obligations that accompany possession. The little whitewashed log cottage on the hlll- side has few expenses associated with it. but our responsibilities grow in pro- portion to our acquisitions. It is day of advance in many respects There are cooking and sewing schools, and various other institutions for the pro- motion of household interests. Let the best of these privileges be utilized to the utmost, and their products be brought as tributes to the home.
 There Is one word of almost magical influence that needs to be whispered in connection with the theme of house. keeping. It is system! Without 1t success Is doubtful with 1t failure can not ensue. There must be system for all work, system in hours, system in promptness. system for occupation, and system for recreation, system In the rigorous observance of hours of rest and sleep, and system in the hour or rising. When possible, girl should have in her own right a bright, we'll ventilated room, capable of being made comfortable in winter. Attention to this will react in advantage to the em- ployer Whatever taste the latter eX- bends upon her maids apartment Is an investment sure to result usuriously 10 herself. Rev. Alden w Quimby in the Forum.