1900 Harry Johnsons Bartenders Manual (Mixellany)

— 37 — any great amount of benefits; but it will soon find out, that, under good business management, it will be on a firm financial basis. It is necessary to know that we must creep before we can walk. As far as I am concerned, I wish such an association the best success in all its undertakings, and, under all circumstances, it will have my good will, and may count upon my friendship, provided that its officers and members act as men and gentlemen. I know how a man feels when he has to stand behind the bar, be- cause there are no well-regulated hours, no prescribed regular salary for certain duties, and, then, one is fre- quently obliged to stand the insults and abuse, at times, of a certain class of customers. Why shouldn't we bartenders have a union and protect ourselves, and why shouldn't we be respected as well as any other man, so much the more so as it requires ability and a level head to become a first-class bartender, while a shoe- maker is absolutely unfit for our business?! A man in our line, to be successful, must be quick, prompt, courteous, able, a good student of human nature, a good dresser, clean, and possessing several more virtues. Therefore, a bartender should be re- spected and as well paid, proportionately, as a man in any other line of business. It is proof that we could not use every Tom, Dick, and Harry, because leading bar- tenders frequently command very large salaries. In my own case, I had for a number of years $100 a week paid to me. This is evidence that a man must know and have sufficient ability and scientific knowledge to fill the position, though every one is not as fortunate- as myself, and I have worked for as low an amount as $15 a week, too. Now, boys, do what is right, and stick together! If you do, you will soon better your own situations and chance in life.