Mr. Monday and other tales of Jewish Amsterdam

WAGE EARNERS 37

and keen understanding. The first group consists of customers, the second of worthless people. The customers he divided again into groups, first the easy ones whose money burns a hole in their pockets. Secondly, the troublesome ones with whom you have to argue endlessly in order to convince them that they have come to buy. And finally, the bargain hunters who would preferably buy at least a dozen suits for one guilder, with a posh overcoat added as a free extra.

Joseph is an active Union member and there his profession is listed as "accoster". He is also an eloquent supporter of his political party where he is known to talk too much. He does not miss one meeting of that party and when there is an opportunity to ask questions—and there are many of such opportunities—the chairman puts the name Italiaander down automatically as number one on the list of speakers.

Joseph stands up and asks "Mister Chairman, why do I always have to speak first? And then, just when I'm getting into my stride you always interrupt to tell me that I have to make it short because there are so many speakers after me on the list."

Says the Chairman "Exactly, that's why I always put you as number one."

"Can't you put me last just this once?"

"No, because in that case we'll have to hold an extra meeting just for you."

Joseph has not developed this interest in public welfare out of egoistic motives but from a sense of social responsibility. From where he stands in front of his shop near the corner of Damstreet, he has a full view of the Royal Palace