New Britain herald., 1925-07-21


 Former Representative to Congress
 from Illinois
 On Sunday received my first pay envelope. still have it. On the out side Is printed legend to the effect that 1t is not how much you earn that counts but how much you save"
 learned how to stand in long line before the cashiers window and wait for my envelope, with curl ous exaltation stirring in my heart. I bought a newspaper, paid the boy 10 cents and told him to keep the change. I had always felt mean as l passed him in the morning, full of breakfast and of news, and never bought paper.
 Weekly. I paid my landlady. She gurgled and twittered. She chirped that 1t was customary, etc., etc.. and she had meant no offense, etc.. etc, and she was so glad that I was be- ginning to see things right.
 I left her chirping and went to my room.
 My Escape
 There laid plans for my escape to Pittsburgh. I was not making enough money in Wheeling, and I thought I could make moro in a larger city.
 Restlessness shook me, as it shakes every drifting unfortunate whom prison doors thrust out into a friendless world, to make the great fight for a start upward into responsibility again.
 Within 24 hours from the time that I left Wheeling, found my self applying for job at the Will liam Penn hotel in Pittsburg. I had passed through servants entrance, where the doorlnan look ed at me closely. so as to recognize me thereafter.
 He told me to report at the house. keepers room to Miss Walters. The latter proved to be a keen eyed, soft-voiced woman who look ed at me inquiringly.
 I tried to look the role of wom- an seeking a job In hotel.
 What I said was, 'I am looking Tor work. l have had no experience except in private homes, but l be- iieve I can learn rapidly
 Job Open
 A might maids job was open. did not tell of being in prison, for ' was more interested in getting the 1ob than in learning the house keepers attitude toward an ex-con- Tict.
 Besides, knew I could get that later.
 Her questions indicated that they were careful whom they employed ! selected as references my two brothers and a neighbor.
 Then I sent a telegram in code to my brothers, instructing them how to reply to certain inquiries re- gardng one Elizabeth Sprague.
 Until they received those mes sagrs, they had had no idea where I was or what I was up to.
 At the outset of my odyssey, l had sent them word that l Tas travelling in strange lands" which, fguratively speaking, was true.
 Your hours will be from o'clock till midnight" said Miss Walters. You must have black dress. We supply caps and aprons, Report first to the linen room"
 Linen Room
 The linen room was the heal quarters of the maids, where tashS were assigned and supplies issued. The place was an institution i'll itself. It was stocked from floor 10 ceiling with literally thousands ot pillow cases, sheets, counterpanes, towels and shower curtains.
 There was an attendant at the telephone A hours a day.
 AS soon as a guest checked out, A maid was sent to put the room in order.
 The first night I was shown how to put a room in order. The next night was sent on the rounds with an old employe.
 It was evident that l would not be permitted to work alone until the management had heard from those whom had named as refer ences.
 Her Accident
 The old employe who piloted me was a dour little creature whose arm was in a splint from a fall down the stairs, but whose bitter tongue was uncrippled. Her name was Miss Fall.
 The first time I saw here, she was telling of her accident. The last time l saw her she was telling of 1t. And in between. she told of 1t at least dozen times - not that she ever spoke to me - but to her equals and superiors and the guests.
 She left me for a few minutes while I was doing q room the first night.
 When she came back, she burst out, Now see here, Elizabeth, you cant stop to clean house. Come! Hurry up. You have other rooms to do."
 I followed her meekly, feeling very virtuous at my own forbear- -