The Washington herald., 1909-08-22

dations from all OF his previous employ
eTs and give the reasons why he quit his
various places OF service. This complete
record Is open 20 every one who wishes
20 consult II. hence there are few disputes
arising between employer and employe.
Would YOU" asked young friend OF
mine. TO whom was describing this
system not long since. introduce such
hldebound rules in this free country
there it goes again. Free country. IN
deed, when we are slaves TO the ignorant
Irish Italian, whatnot!
Yes" / replied II would introduce
exactly the same system here II I was
the great American autocrat. for such a
code makes for freedom. freedom for
master. freedom FOR servant. II Is fair
alike 10 both classes. II your maid serv-
ant knew when YOU discharged her for
dishonesty or impertinence that the next
person 10 whom she applied could read
the reason for her discharge on her Off
cial record. would IL not restrain her
from being dishonest or impertineuty'
Yes; certainly" replied the lady; 1T
would restrain her. but then the poor
creature would never get another
place"
Would you engage a servant who was
impertinent or dishonest?' I asked her.
''Oh, certainly not. l would never have
thief or girl who was saucy about
my house"
Then" said I. you would want 70
foist the poor creature of on your
neighbor.
Not ;hatl not thatr' she declared.
but II makes me feel very unhappy 10
think OF poor thing not being able 10
get work"
Then why not play the good samari-
tan" I asked. and take the poor thing
into your own householder
What an absurd idea," she pouted.
you are so Illogical"
But 1t was she. after all who waS
Illogical, just as Illogical as most OF her
sisters. and quite Indifferent 70 anyone's
Interests save her own. What-she wants
u do, and what she invariably does. Is
the easiest thing. no matter IL the easiest
thing works harm 10 others. ! know a
woman who discharged her maid for
quarreling with the other servants. The
girl was so violent SO suspicious. and
had so many Authorizations that the
family came 10 the conclusion that she
was already crazy, or fast becoming So
but OF this suspicion she said nothing In
the very excellent letter of recommenda-
ton she gave her. a letter that would
have secured her a situation anywhere
DO you mean 10 say I asked. for as
you have doubtless already suspected. I
am always "butting in" on my friends
affairs. that you are going to let that
crazy woman loose on TIE world with
out word OF warning 10 anyone?'
What's the use?" she asked. indif-
ferently, Il am not sure sne's crazy. and
If she is, why, let some one else ind it
out"
This lack Of esprit du corps among the
housewives Of the country makes against
good service. What does Mary Jane care
IL she is discharged when she knows that
her mistress next door nelghbor will
take her on the moment she walks out
OF the door. Then, too. what is 70 be
expected OF servants when their mis-
tresses descend 10 low means to secure
them.
Listen 10 this, for instance. A certain
woman In town. hearing that Mrs.
had an excellent cook, decided to secure
that cook for herself by fair means. II
possible; but II not by fair means. then
foul ones. The fair means failed. so
she went TO Mrs. ks house 70 see the
cook and prevail upon her to leave her
service place for her own. where she
held out as an inducement she would
have better wages and easier work.
Now was there ever a more contempt
ible act? Unhapplly for the visiting lady.
she met Mrs. Y at the door Just as she
was going out. Mrs. X demanded to
know her errand. whereupon the visitor
confessed she had been TO call upon the
cook. Mrs. K said nothing, but bIded
her time, which came the very next day.
when she met her cooks visitor al a
formal luncheon.
Mrs. X said the hostess, you know
Mrs. Y, 1 am sure"-Mrs. Y being the
visitor of the day before
No. l don't" promptly replied Mrs
X, but ! have seen her at my house
She visits my cook" Mrs. Y crimsoned.
and the aforementioned cook is stin In
the employ of Mrs. X.