oman or cashier or
teacher is ashamed to associate with servants.

14. The very words, "No followers," would keep us out of such
occupation. No self-respecting young woman is going to put herself
in a position where she is not allowed to entertain her friends,
both male and female; nor where, if allowed, the only place thought
fit for them is the kitchen.

Now, the above is not theory, but testimony, taken by the present
writer from the lips of intelligent working-girls, many of whom
would be better off at housework than at their present occupations,
except for the objections. And from a consideration thereof results
this query: Given a certain number of young women of a class
superior to the imported, willing to take service under the
following conditions, how many housekeepers would agree to the
conditions?--

1. The heaviest work, as washing, carrying coal, scrubbing
pavements, and the like, to be provided for, if this be asked, with
consequent deduction in wages.

2. In families, where practicable, certain hours of absolute
freedom while in the house, especially with the child's nurse.

3. Such a way of speaking, both to and of your house help, as
testifies to the world that you really do consider housework as
respectable as other occupations.

4. A well-warmed, well-furnished room, with separate beds when
desired; and the use of a decent place and appointments at meals.

5. The privilege of seeing friends, whether male or female; of a
better part of the house than the kitchen in which to receive them;
and security from espionage during their visits,--this accompanied
by proper restrictions as to evening hours, and under the condition
that the work is not neglected.

6. No livery, if objected to.

Turning from this informal examination of the subject to the few labor
reports which have taken up the matter, it becomes plain that domestic
service is in many points more undesirable than any other occupation
open to women. The Labor Commissioner of Minnesota reports, while
stating all the advantages of the domestic servant over the general
worker, that "only a fifth of those who employ them are fit to deal
with any worker, injustice and oppression characterizing their methods."
Figures and detailed statements bear him out in this conclusion. The
Colorado Commiss