The Saint Paul globe., 1904-05-29

/ ONDON, May 28.-Although some
H thing has been said in American
newspapers about the way in which
aristocratic London society women act
as 'drummers" for tradesmen, on COM
mission, it probably is not even sus-
pected at home how far this sort of
thing is being carried on in Mayfair at
present.
To go about from house to- house
with puppy dogs under the arm, to
make morning calls with a little packet
of samples, to take afternoon tea where
one is likely to meet the most prob
able purchasers of pianolas, motor cars,
lamp shades. pedigreed sheep, etc., Is
how many fashionable women in Lon
don spend half their time.
Beautiful, highly, often nobly born,
and we'll dressed they are supposed to
be living in the lap Of wealth and lux
ury, supposed to scorn anyone who has
ever strayed towards the outer very
outside edge Of trade or commerce. but,
Notwithstanding they are about the
most insistent of commercial travellers.
Naturally this drummer" business
is not done too boldly, though nearly
everyone in society knows about 1t.
Fashionable folk understand when they
are urged to buy this or that it is not
because of a desire that they may reap
some benefit but that the aristecratic
agent may increase the sale Of her
goods. There is not one thing from
paper of pins to a motor car or
presentation at court for which women
are not taking UP an agency for So
eiety women have been so swept up
into the vortex of moneymaking that
If not occupied with the fluctuations of
stocks and shares, they care not
whether they dabble in belt buckles or
automobiles, laundry recommended
tions or prima donnas, SO long as they
draw a good commission upon the re-
suits Of their efforts. And as a matter
of fact the more unlikely as a COM
mercia1 traveller, from the point Of
view Of position and popularity a
woman may seem, the more assiduous
is she in plying her trade.
Il absolutely must sell some of Mr..
IS black sheep for him, for If 1 don't
pay her something madame won't
make me gown for the races"
would yoU believe the Duchess Of
x has even been able to get
that awful man So-and-So into the
Carlton club"
Lady NJ lost e2O at bridge
Ac1oL AA6Ab C6d4uJ SllG USSu u UC
as poor as anything till she wore So
and-so's hats for him"
That is what you hear in boudoir
chats.
One Sold Motors.
One of the most famous Of society
women-everybody in London could
identify her-made $1,000 recently
through selling city and suburban mo-
tors. Another makes a good thing out
0f ENDING nIo6fri0 nd
also by selling horses. And many a one
creeping up into society will do all
they can to get within touch Of SOME
one who may be within reach of a cer-
tain duchess who is supposed to have
wonderful powers to get him into
clubs Of high standing, women into
circles hitherto barred against them,
and all into a position in society that
would be utterly impossible were the
aspirant not burdened with untold
wealth.
1t is all done for hard cash No
jewel no dainty trinket, no beautifully
bound books or even works of art are
used to make a delicate acknowledge
ment of courtesies offered and accept
and given. A present might be awk-
ward to account for, it might not be
to the recipients taste. 1t is money
that always is wanted, and that 1t shall
be promptly paid is the first stipula-
ton made by the titled aristocrat, who
constitutes herself the go-between, be-
fore she pledges herself to use her in
fiuence.
1t is said that the general rush to be
commercial travellers commenced two
or three seasons ago when the wear
ing Of barbaric looking necklaces be-
came the greatest of fads. Then there
was not luncheon party where men
and women alike were not badgered
by oneHor another of the guests to buy
these trifies. Don't you think they
are just too delightful, Rord So-and-
So? You must have one for one of
your friends, / know Suoh a nice girl
who makes them herself. She is so
clever at it and makes such pretty
ones. She is quite little friend of
mine" And probably the woman made