The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-09-16
London's GiLded Youth.

The gided youth of London represents a class which has received far too lit tie attention from serious-minded people. These young men are usually sons of very wealthy parents. Their whole and only object in life Is never to do q stroke of work; work to them Is undignifed and much be utterly tabooed and they must also spend as much money as possible in enjoying life.
 An income of S50,0OO a year is considered scarcely sufficient on which to maintain real responsibility, though some of them manage to pinch along on this sum. In. comes ranging from $40000 or $45,00O to s400,O00 and even $50o,o GOO year are en- joyed by large number of the gilded youth. It must be said that the London "Johnnle" Is, as rule, manly, and often turns out well after wasting few years In betting, gambling, haunting stage doors and entertaining supper parties. Your gilded youth must have his cha m bers in town, usually in or off Piccadllly must be a member of two or three of the best London clubs keep his motors horses, and often a little place In the country"
 His cook must be above reproach and his valet above suspicion. The latter is a most essential feature to the glded youth. His face must be mask to his feelings; he must lie artistlcally and must know every whim and fancy of his master and must be ready to tackle his lord with diplomacy and tact whenever that gilded individual lets fly his temper broadside on
 The valet must know every change of fashion and be ready to suggest such and such new mode directly he hears of It. A good valet can command $450 to $500 year wages, his perquisItes are numerous and handsome, and his masters cast off clothing Is one of them. Any day in the career of a man-about-town Is typical. Here Is a good program. At Q o'clock the valet enters the youths bedroom. gently draws up the blinds, then goes to the bed and softly withdraws a pillow from under the sleeper's head, turns him over on is back and commences to father his face and then to shave him. A towel soused with cold water Is then applied, groans issue from the glded one, but the valet merely says: "Horders Is horders, sir" pulls his charge out of the bed and drags him to the bathroom. Here he is douched and showered and rubbed until he is really wide-awake.
 A cup of hot black coffee pulls him to- gether and in half an hour he is at his club, immediately groomed, and sitting down to breakfast. Possibly a brandy and q soda Is indulged in to begin with, followed by delicious brolled mushrooms and chicken flyers. He opens his letters and smokes a cigarette and returns to his rooms to interview the tailor. He may give his tailor a big order and his natter another without regard to cost and then changing his clothes will shortly appear in all the glory of perfectly fitted frock coat, immaculate linen and boots and trousers. His top hat would take the shine out the sun his valet has lavished on 1t all the art and care he knew for half an hour. stroll necessitates visit to the jewellers and florists. Pos sibly hs will spend a few hundreds on a diamond or pearl necklace for foot light fayorite and also order magnificent bouquet for the same fayorite, which will cost s25 or s3o. very likely much more His flower bill during the year would run into hundreds of dollars. In a year he will spend anything between s10,000 and ,000 on jewels. But l have only got our gided youth as far as the street and it is IF o'clock He has to kill time some how so he goes to his club and gossips a bit. has an appetizer. and then hies him to one of the leading restaurants where he is to entertain bevy of fair ladies at lunch. The lunch probably cost him $40 or thereabouts. He rises with his guests and they all drive away in his magnificent motor car.
 Tea is by no means m inexpensive Item, as his frivolous guests are sure to order all the most expensive dainties, and then comes the drive home at break-neck speed Dinner with q few choice and kindred spirits Is q welcome feature of the days program, and then comes a box at the theater or music hall. During the inter- vals he will haunt the stage door and try to see his favorite actress. who by that time will have received the bouquet ordered that morning. Within the last few weeks a favorite appearing at the Empire has been the recipient of an anonymous girr Tn rne shape of lovely bouquet. The flowers were sent with un- failing regularity. there being one addi-