[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Will you allow me
once more to protest forcibly against the adoption and use of the expression " lady-servant" ? It is of course, a contradiction in terms, and an expression
likely to give offence. Every domestic servant should be a gentlewoman, whatever her social position, and should be treated as such. She is, as a matter of fact, so treated by well-bred, intelligent folk. When men joined the Army as " Tommies " they did not label themselves " gentlemen," because they were the best in the land and "good wine needs no bush." By all means let educated women enter domestic service for the good of their country, as men joined up for its defence. There is no better patriotism ; incidentally, it is a fine preparation for public service. But to tack on the prefix of " lady " to that of servant is to encourage snobbery and class-hatred of the worst kind and to undo any good that the association of service might do. I know what I am talking about, having worked with " lady-servants " and others. My experience is that the only servants who are not gentle- women are those who call themselves " ladies."—I am, Sir, &c., ANN POPE (Cook-general).
510 King's Road, Chelsea, S.W. 10.
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