"I SERVE."
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Surely the beautiful word " Service " is in danger of discoloration when one learns that domestic service is viewed by many as a degradation. It is difficult to think the cause of dislike can lie in the word " domestic," with its pleasant English associations. Why, then, should there be such a wide difference between " Civil Service" and " Domestic Service," and "On Service " and " In Service"? The State has need of all for its well-being. We are told domestic service means loss of liberty, but every service worth its salt entails some sacrifice of liberty. The proud boast of every citizen should be " I serve," from the highest to those whose work, though none the less important, may possibly be less conspicuous. All in turn are served in every direction by their brethren. Sometimes it seems as if the root of the domestic service problem lay in there being no test by which those who have not graduated, even so far as a creditable " pass," are sufficiently differentiated from others who deserve honourable mention. If this is so, surely it should not be impossible to devise a scheme whereby those who dutifully serve their country in domestic service should have their proper recognition.—I am, Sir, &c., 40 Carlyle Square, Chelsea. NivaxsixA SETON-CHRISTOPHER.
Previous page
