New-York tribune., 1903-07-13
WHY THERE IS a SERVANT QUESTION
First Step Toward Improvement Must Be
Taken by the Mistress.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: know there has already been great deal
said and written on both sides Of the servant
question" but If you VIII give me space would
Ike to state a few things as I see them. having
known what it is to be both mistress and maid at
different periods in my life.
The chief trouble in getting refined intelligent
seIf-respecting girls TO take up domestic service
it seems to me. is the lack OF freedom. the per-
sonaI servitude. I might say. to which they are
subjected There is no allowance made for indi-
viduality. A servant IS a servant and If you hire
out" you NAV expect almost anything
In every other sort OF work there regular
hours and requirements, and the rights Of the
worker are respected. But II domestic service the
worker has practically no rights defined She has
a Sunday or an afternoon off, but in case of any
unexpected occurrence. company or something OF
that sort she is expected to shift her holiday 70
suit her mistress convenience, no matter what
her own engagements are. I know girl engaged
for general housework who IS required TO button
her mistress shoes brush her hair, or perform
any personal service needed by her and her hus-
band. When a friend expressed her surprise that
the girl was willing 10 do all this. the mistress
was surprised in her turn why, what difference
can it make TO her what she does so she gets
her money When 1 hire O. girl I expect her to do
whatever I want"
The room assigned to a domestic servant IS often
less carefully cared for than the dogs kennel
It is seldom possible TO secure one alone Two
and three and four servants are expected to room
together. and II does not seem TO matter TO the
mistress whether this room is clean when they go
into it. whether there are curtains for the windows
or a whole chais to sit on Often domestic ser
want is expected to sleep in the hallway or
kitchen I have known numerous such instances,
where the girl has only mattress that is
rolled up In a heap during the day and stretched
out on the floor at night. The little belongings
she brought with her must remain in bundle in
some corner. Is IT any wonder that girl isn't
neat ambitious and willing 10 stay?
Many mstresses make point Of speaking
brusQuey to their maids: any personal constdera-
ton any gentleuess, as from one woman TO an
other is looked upon by them lesseuing OF
their own dignity and self-respect as If common
courtesy could impair any true worth. or ordinary
human kirdliuess be beneath the enOTt or any
human creature. But the maid IS expected 70 be
always smiling alert and courteous no matter
what the demands upon her
Imagine living in the midst OF people happy IN
their own interests and in the service you con-
tribute. and yet forever a stranger and an alien
because Of that very service You are valued Tor
your work alone; your personality, your interests
desires hopes and sorrows are nothing TO the
family among whom YOU pass your life. You are
q machine wound up with a monthly wage very
likely some domestic workers are or class tnat
yvould auurpCiate desire anything out OF
the ordinary path OF drudgery- But some-many-
take at the trouble to discriminate 10 my
mind there Is small wonder that girls turn 10 any
occ11natiOn rather than domestic service. And yer
vim DroDar consideration there is no work that
IN "A home There is scope for all the WoInauly y
attributes affections loyalty, ingenuity sooo
wanagement IL could come 10 be the most De.
sired of all occupations, an honorable. respecte9d
life work But the first step toward 'hEs S'TPiA
must be taken by the mistress r. - y
Nav W