Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-02-16
The Public and the street Cars.

In spite OF the bait held out In the form of a
three cent fare, the people OF Washington
ought 10 refuse TO patronize the one-horse
cars which the avenue line proposes to put
upon so much OF It's route as lies between 18th
street and the Capitol. A saving OF two cents
on each ride is OF course no small object to
many persons; bit, properly considered. 1t Is
not fair Of set to the disadvantages OF being
packed IN small and crowded cars and having
at thesame TO act as servants OF the company
In procuring tickets, passing back change, and
depoSiting fare in tht fare box. Besides, IL
must not be overlooked that this proposed re-
ductiOn or fare Is not made as an original
proposition In the interest OF the public. but
solely with the view OF drawing travel away
from a competing line, and that when this op-
position Is driven away, prices will again go
up to the old figure. Moreover, II a three cent
fare viii pay the company on a one horse car
without conductor 1t Will pay Just as great
a profit on two horse car carrying a conductor
TO attend 20 the companyS business, since the
latter can be easily made TO carry twice as
many persons as one OF the former, and with
far more comfort TO the passengers.
Bnt, after all, the great fault 20 be found
with all street railway lines In Washington is the
fact that they do not run cars enough. and par
ticI airy at certain hours or the day, and in bad
weather. when travel IS always exceptionally
heavy; and further and serious objection to
the small cars lies In the aegravattng fact that
passengers riding in them are obliged to either
appear Churlsh or do that for others which
an agent OF the companies should do
or which each should do for himself or her
self. And while these things are submitted to
no reform VIII ever be made. The companies
all presume on the patience OF the lublIc. and
the public Is fool enough to tamely play into
Into Nl.rN-
all that no person Will act as money or ticket
paSser for the company or for other persons on
any line, and that when the seats are all occu-
pied the passenger who then enters does so
with the expectation and intention OF stand
Ing, without disturbing others in any way. and
this without reference TO sex. and q remedy
would soon be found. As suggested above
this course would seem harsh. as between GEN
tlemeD and ladies, but really there is no other
way to reach the root OF the difficulty and the
latter should be willing TO cheerfully acuuiesce
In Il for while for the sake of the good that
would be accomplished. The result of this
procedure would be that both gentlemen and
laiies would promptly and natly refuse to
enter crowded vehicles: and seeing that travel
V as thus falling OFF, the companies owning
them would soon place enough conveyancas on
thei- lines to properly accommodate everybody
who wants to ride. And why should they not
provide seats enough for all passengers: And
why. furthermore, should one person expect
another 10 surrender a seat paid for and occrI
pied In public conveyance any more than in
theater or concert room? Managers OF the
latter places are expected aud required to fur
nish seats for all patrons; II they did not they
would soon be without them. Why should NOT
The same rule be applied to and enforced
against the proprietors or public conveyancese
The public has the remedy ia its own hands
II ought, therefore. 10 show grit enough to
secure fl, or stop grumbIng.