New-York tribune., 1903-07-17
THE ELDERLY YORKER.
Women OUer Thirty and Their Slim
Chances of Securing Place.

'It is perfectly ridiculous-this preference the
business world Of to-day shows for young people
simply because they young" said a middle aged
woman lately, herself worker. and just returned
from fruitess effort to persuade a firm, with
whose head she acquainted, to employ gray
haired friend Of hers in minor position. What
do you suppose they told me? That a
thirty wasn't bidabe. She was set in her ways
and self-opinonated they must have who
was willing to learn and would do exactly she
told. When disposed of that objection they
then said elderly women always getting sick
and staying away from work. that they resented
being corrected in any oversight, and took as a
right little liberties that younger person would
promptly be denied At last they admitted that
appearances had great deal to do with the matter.
and even when applicants were all young the pret-
tier and more becomingly gowned were selected.
with almost total disregard Of their business
aptitude if the position to be filled unim-
portant one. But is that fair? protested
urued the industrial advocate, land what do you
suppose they told me? That trade could be
taught; the work would get done somehow; when
1t was not hard any one not actually stupid could
turn off as much her wages worth, but
that good looks. and especially youthfuness, were
absolutely necessary to the atmosphere OF their
place. They had found that sour faces a general
atmosphere Of aches and pains and dependency
vitated the work and had direct and actual effect
on the amount Of output. An atmosphere OF play
fulness, even if few minutes here and there were
lost in nonsense. was an infinitely better working
medium than one of ploddng. middle aged, hard
grind" The speaker shook her head in a discour-
aged fashion What is TO become of old people
stranded in the business world?' she queried
Il know large publishing house in this city"
said another woman present, where the aim has
for years avowedly been to select young fine
looking employees, both men and women. To-day
there is hardly such another corps of workers In
the city. have heard people say that it was ex-
hilaratng just to go in there on a business errand
The place is situated at the top of a semi-s<y-
scTaper well lighted, well heated cool. simply yet
attractively appointed. Every worker is comfort
able and looks it. An unbecoming gown would be
frowned out of existence An especially attractive
coiffure attire is apt to be noticed by the pow
ers that be- courteousIy delicately. but most en-
couragingly. The salaries paid by this house are
comparatively small. but it is a mecca for those
who know of it."
But what is to become of the homeIy women
who are just as hungry, just desirous of dress
ing neatly their fortunate sisters?" pro-
tested the initial speaker in the discussion.
Il don't know" was the reply but thing
is certain. the standard of women wage earners
is steadily being raised in many respects AS in
all progress some I suppose, many no doubt, must
suffer and eventually be crowded out of the ranks
but in the long run. and it is this that counts
after all. women workers as a whole will be bene-
flied. I confess I have not the strength of char
acter turn woman down just on account of
her age and appearance, but l have no censure for
any who may. l believe that in putting q premium
the best things we rightfully take our place as
helpers or the natural order which Is eliminate
the less advantageous to progress.
AND yet, on the other hand, exceptions may
wisely be made. l have a in mind-this too
is in a well known New-York publishing house
where middle aged woman applied for a vacant
position and instantly refused. A young
friend hearing of the occurrence and surInisng
the reason essayed to labor With the business
manager. The woman in question intelligent
well educated and refined in appearance but rather
poorly clad at the time. She was eminenty well
fitted for the position desired. however, and after
an hours earnest pleading youthful intercessor
secured the promise of two weeks trial for her
elderly friend, but with the assurance that there
was really not the slightest hope for her per-
manency. The trial made about three years
ago. To-day that white haired woman is Of
the firms treasures. and her salary has been more
than doubled With her bettered finances her per-
sonaI appearance so improved that she now puts
the younger workers 10 the blush in the daintiness
Of her attire, and happier, harder worker it
would be difficult to find
4 suppose" said a hitherto silent woman pres
ent that where brains go abegging and pretty
faces, however silly, are at premium II behOOVeS
us all 10 keep young as long as we can, TO keep
bright and sweet and hopeful in our dispositions,
which are sure to shine through faces. And,
after all l don't know that discrimination to
appearance is less just than when MADE on mental
or any other merit