New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-07-13
THE WAR ON THE TICKET AGENTS.

1850 a ~, yesterday.
THE WAR ON THE TICKET AGENTS.
THE AGENTS SUBMIT. But ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE
COMPANIES WILL SOON PUT OUT THEIR TICKETS
AS BEFORE-THE AGENCIES NOT ALTOGETHER RE-
LINQUIsHED.
The circular of the different railroad COM
pancs mentioned in Saturdays issue of THE TRIBUNE
was as then stated sent that day TO all the agencies
excepting those regularly established by the companies
As may be imagined the order calling for final settle
ment and return Of all tickets was received with no
little surprise, as this action rule. was little ex-
pected tue companies having been most successful IN
keeping secret their intentions in this respect The
order admitted of exception, and yesterday the
agents busy making up their accounts and box
ng-up the tickets for delivery at the various Offices
FROM inquiries made by TRIBUNE reporter, 1t Is safe
10 say that the agencies will not be entirely
renqushed, least at the hotels. Most Of the pro
prietors in the latter place have been running ther
ticket agencies with stands for the sale OF
papers, theater tickets, etc. and as matter OF
convenience patrons will continue 10 receive orders
for tickets to any point Beyond this very many OF the
agents have on hand what called cash tickets -
tickets bought by themselves at discount Taken
altogether. these represent quite large amount and
the agencies certainly will be continued until these are
sold II seems 10 be the universal opinion that within
thirty days the companies will be glad to put their
tickets out as before compliance with the demands OF
the travelling public.
Among the agencies discontinued by this order of the
railroad companies are the following:
Messrs Seaman Burbank, s. Nicholas Hotel
J. W. Burnhsm. Fifth Avenue Hotel
Gus syns swan. Aston House.
6. X Lansing Esre's Hotel
r Fren cii'' frc1cis hotel
Geo J. BssColu, G,lsey Houe
joseph BascOm, startevsnt Horse.
+ p Marsh, Grand Central IIotel.
il. W. Bal, Merchants Hotel
T.. ;. SpnugsIeen, Cosmopolitan HoeL
A. rhorue, H. B. C@G.n { Go.
D5ias Express Company, Si1thrave and Fortictl-st
In addition those above mentioned there are offices
at the Westmoreland Banum's, Union Square, Everett
in fact all of the larger hotels kept by the prOpretors
more a convenience their guests than for the sake
Of the commissions obtained many of them selling
tickets rates less the commissions allowed by the
companies Mr.. Mead of Messrs. Rogers & Mead, the
agents at the Metropolitan Hotel stated TO the reporter
that few OF the agents made specially Of the sale OF
railroad tickets that their withdrawal would not be
so severely felt as might be eXpt ted As he believed
taking 1t for granted that they would soon be dlstrib
uted again at the hotels it would be Of benefit TO the
agents. Few Of them. however, could directly con
this business. Many Of them had been established
FOR ten twelve aud as consequence were wei
acquainted with the regular patrons OF the house lhose
deIs for tickets aud I'LL them from the regular onces
but should they continue the sale of steamer ana steam
Il
would be obliged to charge some percentage Inc Dus-
the Metropolitan Hotel averaged about $1,000
per month and the commission averaged from $4,000 10
5000 per III many instances commissions were lost
through the from the regular offices. They were
empowered TO sell tickets even below the regular rates,
and agents keep In favor with some patron or the
hotel obliged often TO make the same deductions
10 their loss Mr.. Mead said II seemed 10 be the 1ntcn
ton of the companies introduce corps OF runners,
and expect Of them attend to the hotel business This
he believed, would prove death-DOw TO the acton OF
the companies for of the prOpTietors would allow
the runners TO solicit patronage within the hotels.
T. PIAaTsh has held the agencies AT the Grand Cen
trail New York, and st. Denis Hotels The business at
the former has averaged about $j0Ct0 year and per
haps half that amount at each OF the Others. IL was the
at places that by september most or
the agencies would be reOpened Most OF ne Offices had
a sulficieucy OF leash tickets" on hand To last TINS
length Of time. These "caSh tickets" VI was believed
was the cause of the present order. During the past
Winter when the principal lines had greatly reduced
their rates westward the agents had all invested their
ready money them, expecting that general rate
would shortly be made. EVE tickets to chicago were
Sl5 while the rate now charged was
500 This admitted OF quite margin 10 those VINO
bought in at that time and most all OF the agents held
from to 5000 of these tickets at the present Time
Jsiug these tickets OF course the companies ana not
receive an amount corresponding TO the number OF
passengers at present rates; hence the trouUle.