The Washington times., 1906-01-11

''The servant problem is forever on
our minds and no satisfactory solution
has yet been attained. but one point has
been fairly proYed-i, C., that the mis-
tress who has the best servants, and
keeps them, is she who studies their
comfort and happiness. who is firm as
well as kind and who. above all, Is
large minded.
Il wonder whether many mistresses
have seriously considered how to make
the maids bedroom comfortable, as well
as the kitchen? / know l have seen
some rooms. especially in flats, which
have absolutely shocked me. It is eX-
tremely annoying when the servants are
pale faced, languid and out or Sorts
(really for lack of fresh air and exer-
cise), but how often is the notion or
ones housemaid riding d bicycle treated
with lofty indignation But would II be
a very great matter 10 spend three or
four pence a week on penny magazines
for the kitchen which shall be entertain
ing, instructive and harmless, or 10 al
low two hours of duty In the afternoon
during which time one of the maids can
ride her bicycle or take good walk
asks a writer in the Lady.
with regard 10 servants bedrooms
only the very plainest furniture i re-
ouired, but the beds should be comfort
able and provided with - sutiicieney OF
warm clothing, and there snouid De
hanging cupboard for dresses ana jack
cts. pegs on wall or door being most un'
slightly. There should be square OF
carpet on the floor, which need not cost
more than % cents; but If II IS OF d
warm. crimson color it will make a room
look CHEEKY and comfortable at ohCe.
Then there should be curtains AZ tl tt's
window; reversible cretonne - CllSs
enough. and If these are made Just 10
reach the sills the cost would pIoOaOi'
mo Mace in the world looks so bright
and homelike as "a kitchen; pToVldea y - -
properly arranged. ! would have one OF
those worm heaTthrugs made OF snip
pings of cloth. or another simple Tus'
Ia nut in front OF the fireplace "hel
cooking is over in the evenings OF OF o.l
sunday afternoons. There should also
be a fablecloth OF printed cotton IL
some bright design. and II the NlndsoI
chairs have high backs ana arms LlIS
maids may well be proud OF thtls paL
lor below stairs. / fanc' sood uTel ~
roora nee5leUork would be done Tor the
mistress II they found themselves ''
such pleasant quarters. -
ssThe word needlewoTk reminds me OF
vyoTkboxes. and these might be Kept IN
!, .rosII wall cupboard provided for the
purpose in company with the JouIha1la
before alluded TO II would be al eNcel-
lent plan 10 give the cook ana tne
housemaid each plain scrap DOOR,
W mich can be bought for twenty-five
cents, telling them TO cut out any Roou
recipes or hints as 10 work Wnlch the
papers may contain. 10 paste lhem INTO
their respective books, and 20 keep Jhen
for their own. IL viii give them an IN
tarest in their work. and IL VIII De a
positive relief TO the mistress when snc
goes To order meals in the morning II
the cook SAYS. Please, ma am. may i
try a new pudding ! took the recipe
out OF my paper last night
u am convinced that some OF my
readers will say this Is simply pamper-
ing ones servants. l do not think so.
Treat them as II you considered them
superior, Well-bTOught-uD women, ana
they will treat you in the same manner
I have adopted the plan for several
years and find that II answers admir-
ably.
The question of kitchen meals is an
all important one. The servants OF to-
day always have their early cup Of
tea when they first get downstairs:
and very rightly so. too. in my opinion,
as they haVe-OF ought TO have
al least an hour and a half's work
before they get their regular break
fast. They have a certain quantity
OF tea allowed them every week. which