Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 September 1886 — The Servant-Girl Problem. [ARTICLE]

The Servant-Girl Problem.

If we learn that a girl has “given .warning!’ to. her ..employer—of -her -fn=tention to leave, there is no dishonor in trying to secure her. But to “do as we would be done by, ” to avoid the least appearance of evil, it is but wise and just to go first to her present mistress, and make all necessary inquiry. By seeking the girl privately we not only degrade ourselves by a dishonorable deed, but have the additional sin placed to our account of tempting another to do wrong. If she can once be tempted to do wrong she probably can be again, and from a useful, reliable servant you have made her one upon whom you can place no dependence. “The laborer is truly worthy of his hire,” and none should object to his receiving the full value of his services; but we claim that there should be no meddling, no mean, underhanded efforts to buy servants, or steal them, from their employers by the private offer of larger wages. By advertising—which is open to all*—one can eventually secure good help. But a more open way is to go to the employer, if sure the servant is intending to leave or the mistress is willing she should, and after learning what is thought to be the true character of the employe you wish to secure, state your terms, and ask permission to see the girl. We claim that the good old rule should be as scrupulously recognized in dealing with a neighbor’s servant as in everything else —namely, “Do unto others as you would that others should do unto you. ” —Jfrs. H. TJ'. Beecher, in Brooklyn Magazine. We should apply ourselves to study the perfections of God, and to procure lively aud vigorous impressions of his perpetual presence with us”and inspection oyer us.— Atterbury.