New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-05
TREATMENT OF DoMEsTIos.
Some Experiences Miss Kellor Had When in
Search of Work.

The thing that did more than anything else to
make her feel like servant during the investga-
lions summarized in "Out of Work. &c. P Put
MANS Sons, New-York and London) was being
called by her Christian name says the author Of
that book Miss Frances A. KeDor.
ITO u.s." she says using the editorial plural, at
was new. embarrassing and certainly huniliating
thing TO go in to employer whom we had never
seen and to have her say. Well. Mary. let's see
your referenoe,' or, Katie, where did you work
lastr This than any other one thing helped
US to feel like servants. They do not say this IN
stores and factories where the employer is looking
Tor improved servants We are not advocating
any reforms. only giving our own experience and
tnat OF hundreds OF Others and when employers say
TO US, Girls do not mind we must reply But they
oo One girl so well summarized the situation that
her reply Is worth quoting. OF course when am
with a mistress and she knows me, am glad to be
called Mary, but why should every nlistress do II
before she even engages US, and why should 1t be
done In such way that the icenan and grocer's
boy and every Tom Dick and Harry always calls
us thatT am Mary to every guest in the house and
every stranger who appears at the kitchen door: in
fact how can respect myself when no one else
shows me any" If the employees whom we met in
offices did not care. then they had become accus-
toned to what seems TO them necessity or Lney
did not belong to the class which improves the ser
vice. When an office attendant presents girl to
an employer he rarely says Miss and frequently
only the first name is given. We asked some en-
poyers who had had girls for time running into
years lheir surnanleS ana some OF them said: Why
really. don't believe know; you see she is just
Katie to u.s.
Other indlgnites. too, Miss Kellor complains or
girl of poor but good family, especiaiiy from
small town; who has had the training required and
an ideal maid, could have helped the rising flush
that came into our faces when employers calmly
raised their lorgnetes and looked us over point for
POINT exactly city, as t one estimates animals at stock
and the size OF your feet not belonging to the
traditional working girl; or upon the condition OF
our hands, as having seen too little hard work;
remarked that we evidently expected the mstress'S
clothes in addition to your wages This was
only in immigrant but In the best Offices and there
We're questions and comments even more humiliating.
Girl after girl has come back into the waiting room
and when anx io asked If she was engaged
what do you think she asked me" and would relate
personalities which the finest analysis could not
sSaass' with requirements ior waitress OF a
Kellor also experienced from office attendants
We'll, sis. out Of a tobP was the way the manager
came into the room and shouted out the positions
wanted. When no one replied he singled out girls
..Bacause he always answers US impudentiy and
picks out the ones he wants 70 have. anyway
employees rooms comfortable, and swearing at those
who are restless demand their fees back is too
offices the girls are herded and treated like cattle
In one Swedish office. run by two young men. one
Promises and threats and actual force made It inn
possible for them 10 get out without paying fee:
Miss KeOr had TO resume much OF her ordinary
English and dignity and even expose her knowledge
Of the law before she was allowed to depart
riences however. many employers were found who
Miss Kelior significantly remarks always secured
the help when IL was there" Office keepers too.
there were who were sympathetic and helpful. Iney
said she had no money and gave her good advice
969 Wishing here and bring your food and COOK
IT," 1--WE convinced, Miss kellor says, 'thiet
the only friends many girls have are these employ