The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1850-07-18

HE ETIQUETTE OF RAILROAD Cars
This Is new science, the principles of which are
not yet fully established. 1t appears to be conce-
ded thata passenger who pays for but one ticket, is
entitled to only one seat, l. e. half of one settee
and consequently, that any other passenger has a
right to occupy vacant seat at his side. 1t follows
that, when there is a deficiency of Seats gentle
man with two ladies has no right to monopoze two
entire setees, for the convenience of tete-a-tete
The concessions due to ladies' in the choice of set
tees, &c. are not clearly defined. Ifihe seats are
all occupied, and half dozen ladies step into the
car at some statIon-house, must as many gentlemen
vacate their seats for the accommodation Of the new
Corners, and occupy standees for the remainder of
the trip?
lfa gentleman has selected settee which suits
HIM, there being one vacant seat at his side is he
liable to be ousted by gentleman and lady who
come into the car, and whose pleasure it is to occu
Ply his seat, and leave him to shift for himself as he
may be able? Many gentlemen accompanying ladies'
invite such dspOssession with as much assurance
if it were their right. Is it their right?
In hot Summer day, gentleman secures seat
on the shady side Of the car which chances also to
be the windvard side. A gentleman and lady, or
two ladies, aiterward enter the car, and coveting
his comparatively cool position invite him to give up
his settee for their benefit, and to take vacant one
on the sunny side, which they might as easily have
III,
that civil nvitation and if So does civiIity REQUIRE
him to comply?
The legal right in all these cases, and others of
a similar character which frequently arise in prac-
tce, is, we suppose sufficiently clear 1t knows no
difference between persons, or sexes All are equal
IN the eye of the law. The rights of all are equal
Prior possession gives title to any particular seat
but nothing else does. 1t follows that when ladies'
or gentlemen and ladies' covet the seat of an occu-
pant, and propose to get possession ofit they should
doif all superclllous airs, and approach their victim
lmplorlngly. For the same reason they have no
right to be offended if he declines the surrender On
the other hand, if he complies an equal degree of
courtesy on their part requires from them an express
sion of acknowledgment, either in language or man
ner, such as persons Of good breeding know how to
make without distressing themselves.
V How far gentlemen will yield their Preserved
rights" for the benefit of the fair and those who ac-
company them, each individual must determine for
himself; and his decision will very likely depend
upon his good nature at the moinent which may
again depend upon the state of bis nervous system
and that upon the circumstances Of diet, Sleep &c
II, therefore, ladies desire to see regular stampede
when they enter the cars, it is indispensable that
they keep the gentlemen in good humor at home
All gentleman are more or less u nder the influence
Of the ladies' and should be SO brought up as to be
civil without obsequiousness; and the ladies' should
learn - receive favor with thankfulness, and not
as light Some of them, we are sorry to say, are
perfect Doors in this matter, and deserve TO be dealt
with on the principles Of reciprocity Of