The Washington times., 1913-09-14
Head of Employment Agency
Talks of Problem Which In
terests Most Women.

II some DtOplan genius WOuiQ SUI
denly straighten out all domestic tang
les; If every mistress were supplied
with a perfect maid; if every maid had
q perfect place" wouldn't lot of
vexing problems of the eternal FEM
inine be solved?
Next to the bright things the baby
said, and what Mrs. Soandso wore at
Mrs. Somebodyelses reception, the con-
versation in certain quarters runs con-
siderably to the comings and goings OF
paid employees of the household.
What constitutes the ideal Wash
ington maid?" said the superintendent
of one of the agencies from which So
ciety recruits its servants.
by ordinary standards, she is first
of all trustworthy, and capable. She
must know thoroughly the work which
she expects to do, and, incidentally, be
heat and of good personal habits
These are the characteristics into
which We inquire searchingly, and we
keep a record of the various places IN
which the applicant has worked. The
reasons why she left her various places
too, are carefully noted. But some
Washington women, particularly those
with social aspirations, are eXacting.
They expect a maid to be an 1ntellec-
tual wonder, with the constitution OF
a colt and the patience of feminine
Job.
Seeks Another Place.
Usually these are the women who
drive a hard bargain with their maids
As a result the maid is discontented,
she takes no interest in her work, and
presently she comes back to US again
for another place. Sometimes, of
course. she is incompetent, and her mis-
tress is forced to dispense with her
services The duty of the household
is to see that the establishment is kept
in order. and women are more and more
beginning to apply scientific manage
ment to their homes
The superintendent took down a big
ledger. The record of each applicant
was written therein.
Ii also included the names Of some of
Washington's most exclusive hostesses.
Sent to Mrs. Blank. Engaged. Dis
appointed
Which, being interpreted, means that
that particular maid, after being en-
gagged for the position, failed to report.
The index section ranged from the
high-Salaried college-bred social secre-
taries to white female servants
TEpewriters, shoppers. members. and
darners, teachers of bridge whist, COM
panions, governesses, visiting house
keepers, and even chaperones are fur
nished by this agency
1t is a peculiar twist in feminine
nature that makes every woman think
she is an admirable companion. About
two-thirds of the women in Washington
who want work ask for positions as COM
panions.' AS matter of fact there is
about the least demand for that of any
in the list, SO they keep on persistently.
landing finally, like as not, in the gem
eral housework column.
Mistress Learns from Maid
The general housework maid has by
far the greatest demand. In the larger
households, OF course, the work is
specialized. There is a butler. a parlor
maid, a chambermaid, a cook, and his
or her assistants. second maids, and 50
on, but the average household that can
keep but one servant expects her to be
model of versatility.
If she is a native Of Washington, and
her mistress is a newcomer, her mistress
surreptitiously absOrbs a good deal Of
INFORMATION from her, particularly if she
has been employed in the homes of the
way-up officials.
The mistress probably never would
admit II even TO herself, but Just the
same she looks to her maid for assist
ance In more ways than one. / We seen
maids who had infinitely more social
tact than their mistresses had.
This is particularly true OF the French
girls who are in demand as personal
maids. The innate politeness OF their
race makes them especially desira BILE
Foreign Servants In Favor.
Take the wife Of some official sud-
denly transplanted into the Washington
social swim from some small Western
town, where the amenities differ some