And the little fleas have other fleas,
And so on, ad infinitum.”
In women’s wares, silks, embroideries, laces and sewing are cheaper in Europe. Cotton goods, shoes and ordinary clothes are higher.
“Things” are just as high in Europe, people and their labor are cheaper.
England is the natural friend and business competitor of America. There is a marked difference in methods and ways. An Englishman will hold fast to the old and only accept improvements and changes when he is forced to or when he has fully decided they are best. In America we usually think a change is a good thing, and will prefer something new to the old just because it is new, when it may actually not be as good. These are differences in temperament which have their advantages and disadvantages. We could learn from the English and they from us, and a half-way compromise would undoubtedly work best.
The class distinctions are the most unpleasant feature of English life. An American friend was telling me of an incident which illustrates it. He was visiting a wealthy English family, and during his stay had a long and pleasant talk with the gardener. He went away, and afterward came back for another visit. He told his host that he wanted to see the gardener and ask about some shrubs. “Very well,” said the host; “but you won’t mind if I suggest one thing to you. Don’t call the gardener ‘Mr. Johnson.’ Just call him Johnson. We never speak to a servant as ‘Mr.’” That was not snobbery in England. The host was a kind and intelligent Englishman. It is the custom of the country. The custom goes on down the line. The butler would not associate on equal terms with the footman or the footman with the porter. And the host of my friend would take off his hat to the good-for-nothing son of an earl, who in turn would not presume to approach a prince unless requested. It reminds me of the poem:
“Big fleas have little fleas
Upon their backs to bite ’em,