Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1913-02-19
ROYAL SERVANTS
NEVER CO ON STRIKES
Are Happy and COntented Because
Treated With Kindness by
Their Employers.


an exalted parsonage says those of
royalty are there might be no SER
want problems in democratic house
holds.
One Of the reasons given by Amer
lean girls for preferring to work in
factories or shops is that in house
hold service no social life is possible
for them. 1t is a very exceptional
mistress who approves Of beaus or
parties for her maids.
According to the authority on royal
households, in their leisure hours ser.
wants in the service of English royal
ty have an exceedingly good time, for
dances and other entertainments are
often arranged for them in the serv-
ants hall. This is especially so of
those employed by the king and
queen.
Each servant is allowed to invite
two friends to these affairs, but the
names of the proposed guests must
always be submitted to the house,
keeper for approval before the invi-
tations are sent out.
The king and queen and other mem
bers Of the royal family generally at
tend the dance for a quarter Of an
hour to watch the duadrille, with
which the festivities usually begin.
A highland reel, too, which is beau
tifully danced by the highland serv-
ants, is always a feature of these
dances.
A fine supper is served in the serv-
ants waiting room at midnight, and
the dance concludes at 1 o'clock.
The housekeeper acts as chaperon
on these occasions, and the palace
steward, one of the oldest servants
now in the royal employ, plays the
part of a sort of master of ceremon-
les. He 1t is who is responsible for
the organization of most Of the en-
tertainments gotten up in the serv-
ants hall.
Apart from these dances there are
many other entertainments and var
ious amusements provided.
The housekeper gives what are
known as s O'Clock tea parties in her
room from time to time to a certain
number Of the servants. These are
not large affairs by any means, for
only dozen of the servants are in
vited, but they are very enjoyable.
Music and round games are the order
of the evening, and the party breaks
up at II o'clock. The servants who
are invited to it are, Of course, re-
leased from duty for the evening, so
that they have a really good time.
There is q comfortable sitting room
for the maidservants at Buckingham
palace, where they can read, write
letters or do their own work in the
way of sewing during any leisure time
they may have in the afternoon. On
certain days they are allowed to en-
tertain their girl friends in this room
at tea.
In the beginning Of the last reign
the maidservants were allowed to hold
little "at home on Friday after
Moons, to which they could invite their
friends. But these entertainments
have now been given up, partly be-
cause they grew into rather larger
gatherings than were considered de-
Blrable.
Now a few Of the servants in turn
are each allowed to ask a friend on q
certain day to see them in the after
room and have tea with them
There are several clubs among the
royal servants. Among the men serv-
ants there are swimming, rowing and
cricket clubs, and the theatre club is
quite favorito institution. Each
servant pays in so much money every
month to common fund, out Of
which four dress circle tickets are
given to each winner in the ballot
and the winner can give his or her
second ticket to fellow servant
There are, Of course, regular after
moons and evenings off for the serv-
ants, just as in ordinary households
Servants who wish to 60 out must
first obtain the housekeepers permls.
sion to do to-
As is necessary in large household
strict discipline is maintained, The
( slightest indecorum would be prompt
| ly brought to the attention Of the Of
fender Nothing In the way Of lark.
| ing between men and maid servants
would he tolerated, and II is fair tc
say that the seryitors are chosen with
such good judgment that It is almost
exceptional for It to be necessary tc
! criticize any of the employees on this
/ score.
Owing to their advantages and the
prestige that attaches to serving roy
atty, the servants come from an ex-
ceptlonally good class, Thought the
salaries at first are small the posi-.