The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-10-19
HIRING A MANAGER.

Here is something new in the COM
mercial world: A youngish man, say,
not over 81. applied for a position as
manager for a well known merchant in
New York. Let us call the applicant
Baker He had lost his place with an
other firm through no fault of his own,
and had been several months trying to
establish himself elsewhere. But no
one for him, Notwithstanding his ere
dentials were of the highest excellence.
Finally, after hundred or more letters
had been written to as many xsserch-
ants without accomplishing the object
desired he sent one to Mr.. --. 1t
was dignified, gentlemanlike, earnest,
and frank. A reply came next day, in
which Mr.. --- stated that he would
consider the application when he had
time. and let Baker know the result.
Baker threw the letter into the fire,
sighed, and went on writing to other
merchants. A week passed. One morn
ing early ring al the doorbell sum-
moned him from the garden back of
his small cottage on the outskirts of a
I New Jersey town. Instead of passing
/ through the house in his earth-clogged
stranger standing on his porch.
Good morning. SIR he said cheer
fully You are an early caller. 1 sup
pose YOU want to see me. I'm Mr..
Baker
YES: I've come here to have little
talk On business. You look as if you d
been gardening
Il have. Great exercise. Fine sport.
1 A little garden is a wonderful thing; it
keeps the gardener in splendid health
and supports his family at the same
time. VIII you sit down on the YER
anda2 Mrs. Baker was I'D late with
disturb her till she'd rested a Bit"
Better than that: I'd like to talk
with you in the garden as you work.
That would give me a chance to see a
8 -l,-TT =
( tion?''
Not the slightest Make yourself at
/ home. You may sit on the wheelbarrow
and white a stick while 1 weed the
| beans"
One remark led to another An occa-
sional witty story was told. Business
/ was never mentioned The two men
Lsoon forgot they were total strangers. A
| sweet voice from the kitchen door call
| ed, Gentlemen, are you ready for break
| fast2 It will be on the table in five
minutes
THAT will give me just time to wash
up" said Baker "Of course, there's a
plate set for you, sir. DO join u.s. Pot
| luck
1t was a simple, jolly little meal, with
Mrs. B1aker as cheerful and hospitable
as the merriest girl out of school. Three
/ little Bakers added interest to the oc-
casion; the sick baby slept in its era
die in the Darlor..
The stranger excused himself early af-
ter breakfast and walked in the direc-
4 ton of the railroad station. 1t occurred
/ to Blaker that he had not even asked
his name or business. but the whole
family voted him q good fellow.
A few days later Baker got a letter
from Mr. the merchant in New
York. asking him if he was ready to
go 10 work. and stating that if he was
he could start in at the beginning of
the 1text week at $4,000 a year.
Too impatient to wait. the day being
Tuesday, Blaker hurried to the city and
called on his new employer. His amaze
ment when he found in the merchant
his visitor in the garden and his guest
at breakfast was profound. A hearty
handshake. j laugh and a serio-comic
apology for his Outlandishly early cali
that morning set Baker at ease.
Its a way 1 have" the merchant
explained. 1--WE got all my trusted and
confidential men by this method IN
stead of asking an applicant to come
to see me here in my office. l want to
catch him unawares at his home, Just
natural self; l want to look into the
back stairs. as it were; I want to see
what kind of a look he's got in his eye
about sun-uo; [ want to see how he
islands with his wife and children.
That's my sole object. I guess now
your amiable wife will declare that she
entertained an angel unawares. That's
what women always say.
MI Baker he continued, in quiet,
businesslike way, Il wish you to take
| charge of the cash sales for the next six
weeks or so. After that I should like to
have you look after the credits taking
the place of our Mr.. Pease. who retires
from The firm. Your salary will be in
creased then to S5,000."-New York