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Notable New     Yorkers
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Frances PerkinsFrances Perkins
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they couldn't read their instructions very well. Also, they didn't know how to use the telephone or the telephone book, didn't know how to get around the city, didn't know the city of New York and its maps, the streets, the street layout and how to get from one part of the city to the other and all that sort of thing. They didn't know how to answer politely.

I remember some woman giving them instructions and going through little rehearsals, such as, “I am the boss. I say to you, ‘John, I want to give you a letter to take to Mr. Jones.' What does John say? John says, ‘Very good sir. Thank you very much sir.' How does John stand? Does he loll? No, he stands right up straight. He never rests on the desk. He never rests on the chair. He stands on his feet. His collar is clean. His necktie is clean. His jacket is all buttoned up tight. His hands are clean. His face is clean. His hair is neatly combed. He isn't chewing any gum. He's standing up and looking very pleasant and says, ‘Yes, sir.' If the boss says, ‘Do you know how to get there, John?' he answers, ‘Yes, sir, I think I do.' Then the boss smiles and says, ‘Well, if you're not sure you know how to get there, then just ask Miss Smith and she'll tell you how to get there.' Then what do you say to her. You say, ‘Miss Smith, I have a letter to deliver to Mr. Jones at such and such an address. I think I take the subway





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