, 1877-12-02
STREET-CAR REFORM,


CHICAGO, Nov. 30.-It is matter Of surprise
and regret to me {perlaps to others) that the
5trcct-railroad companies of this city show SO
little regard for the health and comfort Of their
patrons that they have never made and enforced
n rule requiring the front door of their cars to
be securely closed during the winter months.
No one can ignore the fact that the draft occa-
stoned BY opening the front door while the car
is In motion is fearful cause Of in1icting and
promoting colds and all throat and lung dis
cases. There is no occasion for the conductor
to open the front door in collecting fares whcu
there is au opening in the panel for that pur
pose, as is the case in most cars. and should be
inall. Much more is it inexcusablc impolite-
ness towards inside passengcrs for gentlemen
to enter from the front platform, tiingng the
door clear back with an air dissatisfaction that
it will go no further, as some do.
II q gentleman wishes to smoke, he can md
should step OF and enter by the rear door, as
any other passenger is expected to DO The
conductor is excusablc, in great measure, be
cause bis constant exposure renders him less
susceptible to cold drafts, and hence less mind
1ul OF their consequences than gentleman
whose occupation and habits lead him to shul-
der at such ir:TiI blasts.
OF course conductors will continue to do as
the force OF habit Dictates until some rule is
made and enforced with regard to It; nor would
l increase their onerous duties by requiring
them to run along the outsi1c vi the to col
lcct fares OIL the front eud, but would suggest
that every car be constructed with an opening
in the door, and that passengers be required TO
pass their fares through the aperture or leave
the car. Though they should, it ran
hardly be cx, cctcd that passengers will
tukc the trouble to aliglt and step on
the rear platform us long as they are not asked
to and no fasteli11gs are provided or used on
tile doors. Here lct me say that have been
surprised to see MANY so-cal1cd gentlemen show
ward tho conductor when liz gently taps Oh the
pane for fares. Us il to say, s!If you want nv
fare come aud ask for it like n servant uf his
master. Did he ever realize that he is the lesser
gentleman OF the two. That every time the
door has to be opened it sounds a hollow death
knc]l to some cousumptiye or delicate lady
within!
But these conditions and the neglect OF others
do not eNoucrate the companies from gross
neglect Of the public good. and rank injustice
toward its patrons, III not providing tastenlnIs
to the doors, and seeing that they are made
})rolier use ot
The writer was in Boston in November Of last
year, and found titus early the front door nf
each securely closed for the season, and per
United to be opened on no pretcnsc whatcver.
You wnud be surprised to note the greater de-
gree Ut warmth and comfort maiulllneif than on
ears, to say nothing al the security to
health Let it not be understood that the Bus
ton car companies deserve anr applause, Aow-
ever, but the City Council that passed the
ordinance, and made it 4 duty ot the companies
to enforce it under penalty If the car compa-
rics Of This city still neglect to make proper
regulations in this n'a,,er, our city fathers
should give the subject early attention.
I atm pleased to note the tact and libcralftr
that charactcrizcs the management Of the West
Division Ralroad Company aud the uniform
politcness o1 their employees, aud think this re-
form would DC crowuing act Of their excellent
nj auanemcut. PATRON.