An eminent physician in New York told me that ten out of twelve must eventually lose their health; and a proprietor of one of the shops admitted to me that the girls did suffer this irreparable loss, and that it would be better for them if they went out to service.

The fact that cashiers who sit all day suffer more than those who stand proves nothing against the wrong of the latter practice.  It only shows that the imperative law of nature, especially for the young, is change, variety.  Why not accept the fact, and be as considerate of the rights of women as of horses, dogs, and cats?  While making my investigations on this subject, I asked a gentleman who was in charge of one of the largest retail shops in the city, on what principle he dealt with this question.  “On the principle of humanity,” he replied.  “I have studied hygienic science, and know that a woman can’t stand continuously except at the cost of serious ill-health.”

Later I asked the proprietor if he did not think that his humanity was also the best business policy, for the reason that his employes were in a better condition to attend to their duties.

“No,” he said; “on strict business principles I would require constant standing; but this has no weight with me, in view of the inhumanity of such a rule.  If I had the room for it in the store, I’d give all my employes a good slice of roast beef at noon; but I have not, and therefore I give them plenty of time for a good lunch.”

The manager of another establishment, which was furnished with ample means of rest for the girls, said to me, “A man that compels a girl to stand all day ought to be flogged.”

He also showed me a clean, comfortable place in the basement in which the girls ate their lunches.  It was supplied with a large cooking-stove, with a woman in constant attendance.  Each girl had her own tea or coffee-pot, and time was given for a substantial and wholesome meal.  I would rather pay ten per cent more for goods at such shops than to buy them at others where women are treated as the cheapest kind of machines, that are easily replaced when broken down.

Granting, for the sake of argument, that customers may not be waited on quite so promptly, and that the impression of a brisk business may not be given if many of the girls are seated, these are not sufficient reasons for inflicting torment on those who earn their bread in shops.  I do not and cannot believe, however, that the rule is to the advantage of either employer or customer in the long run.  It is not common-sense that a girl, wearied almost beyond endurance, and distracted by pain, can give that pleasant, thoughtful attention to the purchaser which she could bestow were she in a normal condition.  At very slight expense the proprietors of large shops could give all their employes a generous plate of soup and a cup of good tea or coffee.  Many bring meagre and unwholesome lunches; more dine on cake, pastry, and confectionery.