Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1912-12-12
Good
Form
We'll Trained Servants.

well Trained Servants.
1t 1t be your fortune to hire servants
1t would be well to remember that yo,
are entering into a business contract
each side of which should be observed
to the letter. The servant problem i.
not only a result of Industrial condi
tons. but of the home conditions. anl
If a mistress remembers that a serv
ant is a human being. and treats the
worker considerably. perhaps the cal
of the mill. with its regular hours, will
not be so alluring.
1t frequently falls to a woman's LOT
to train a willing servant into the ways
Of her home and sometimes into the
ways of serving. The important thing
is not to attempt too much at once
Take one setting of the table and the
serving, and by repetition and frequent
lessons have the maid master this. I'm.
press on her mind the Importance of
the mechanics of serving. The most
inexperienced will soon acquire eff.
cheney in placing the silver, glasses,
ETC., correctly.
Generally speaking. the knives and
spoons r placed at the right of the
plate. the forks at the left. That on
the right, which Is to be used first,
such as the oyster fork. should be the
outer one. the next would be the bouil.
Ion spoon. and so on. The dessert
and the coffee spoons are last. Forks
are easily disposed Of. for the salad
fork, the smaller one. is last to be used
and therefore nearest the plate. The
method is to work from the outside in
toward the center.
Butter plates are placed at the left.
in front of the plate; glasses for water
at the right.
A good servant keeps glasses always
filed and places fresh butter on the
plates. Serving should be done from
the left. except coffee, which should be
placed at the right of the diner.
The proper form of addressing a
mistress is, YES, madam" or Yes.
Mrs. Brown" If there are any doubts
about a mistress inclination to see
guests a polite II will inquire" after
receiving the card of callers should be
given. A polite. quiet demeanor is a
requisite of a good servant. Neatness
is another factor. and it were we'll to
suggest that these two factors are de-
manded.
AS the relations between the mis-
tress and the servants are business re-
lations. there should not be undue ia
miliarity between them. 1t often
breeds contempt. This must not be
construed. however, to mean that a
mistress should forget her politeness
when addressing servants.
When asking n to pass a dish, etc..
the little word please need not be
dispensed with, and an amiable thank
you" should be given.
Women servants are addressed by
their first names. Men servants are
usually addressed by their surnames.
A considerate mistress never repri-
mands her servants before strangers
and should ask that any questions in
the mind of the servant be solved by
presenting them to her. The equipoise
of a mistress is reflected In the man
ner Of her servant. and fairness IN
treatment is usually r~eciprocated. A
clear understanding of the duties to
be performed. regular remuneration
and a kind business relationship will
make the household wheels 90 smooth
~ IN their way.
Don't overwork your servant. If she
be a quick. good worker the time
saved belongs to her. In this way you
will get the best service and the most
willing attitude toward you and your
home.