The Detroit times., 1910-11-29
WOMEN sHYL0Cks
ACTIVE IN CAPITAL
Reap Pich Harvest From Sister EN-
ployes in Government Depart
ments in Washington.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29.-"Uncle,"
the patron saint OF the needy, is III
grave danger of falling before
"Auntie,' a new goddess who has re-
Gently made her appearance in the
government departments. The loan
sharks VINO for years have grown fat
ON the shekels OF their needy fellow
workers in the government service
have been thrown into CONSERVATION
by sudden influx OF female Shylocks
who have started to ply their trade
under the cloak of the civil service.
For many years the more or less
openly conducted traffic in usury in
the various departments has been
manipulated by male clerks. From
time 10 time reports have come from
the departments that the business is
dead" Employees have been warned
that they must stop shearing their UNI
fortunate fellow-workers or lose their
Jobs. AS far as can be learned, the
only effect the orders have had has
been to cause the lenders TO be more
secretive in their activities. Within
fortnight of the issuance OF such or
ders they have resumed operations.
"Aunties" Lend to Women Clerks.
1t is understood that the women
were first tempted to enter the ranks
of the sharks" because there was
growing demand for small loans
among their sisters who happened to
be short" Not only was there an
element of embarrassment in borrow
ing from men. but the latter were at
times unwilling to deal with women
because Of the difficulties which have
arisen In the past when attempts were
made to collect.
One sviuster who has worked In an
uptown department for many years
and has carefully saved a part OF her
salary, conceived the idea that the
women should be independent In
money matters as well as in all others,
and forthwith let 1t be known that she
would assist" any Of her acquaint-
ances who might be temporarily en-
barrassed."
Her example was followed by other
solicitous sisters.
From the State. War and Navy
building TO the library of congress
there is barely division Of any de-
partment that cannot boast OF at least
one "Auntie."
There has been no cut in the rate Of
interest. a loan of $50 for 80 days
costs the borrower 81. A larger loan
may at times be had at a slightly re-
dpced rate. while smaller amounts
may he had at proportionately
higher rate.
women holding positions which pay
from $50 TO SIS per month, and who
live with their parents, thereby having
practically no expenses except for
clothes.
Furs. jewelry and other accessories
OF dress are responsible for a great
part of their indebtedness The
young women who work for Uncle Sam
are said to be the best dressed female
wage earners In the country. On this
! weakness the "Aunties" reap their
! harvests.
Loans Keep Sick Girl From Health
A pathetic story is going the rounds
! in the agricultural department OF n
! girl whose extravagant habits put
1 her in debt TO an "Auntie" for sum
/ In excess OF 800. Her salary was Sc
"a month. which was her only means OF
support
Weakening lungs induced her TO re-
quest a change OF location and an ex
change was eff ected with a clerk IN
Arizona who desired to come east
All was in readiness for her depar
ture, hut the "Auntie" from whom he
money had been obtained did not see
how she could ever hope TO be REIN