Morning journal and courier., 1882-05-06
Price Four Cents.

tickets were down to one-third the regular prices, as they knew full well that the profitable strife could continue no great length of time. If it were not for this pre- caution they would now be in a bad strait, inasmuch as commissions and discounts have been cut of on all eastern lines. This state of things, they believe, however, cannot last long, and they look for an early return of the privileges that they have hitherto enjoyed Precisely how or where the term ''scalpers" originated no one seems to know. It probably came into use from the announcement of some enterprising broker that he ''scalped the prices.'' symbol of the calling that has been almost universally adopted is the word rates divided by Q knife, which signifies '.cut rates" A New York broker conceived this idea, and in advertising himself on the bill-boards and in other ways has made it familiar to eveN eye and given himself considerable prominence One thing that contributes to the general pros perity of the broker is the fact that at their offices tickets by all lines and to all points can be obtained, whereas at the regular ticket offices only tickets by that one line can be secured. Even at this time, when the brokers are laboring under disadvanta- few figures will show. To Baltimore, Md, the regular rates are $5. 50, and the cut rates, S5; to Washington, D. C., regular, SG-5O, and cut, sc to Buffalo, regular, S9- D. and cut, SS.25 to Cleveland, O., regular, SIS, and cut, SIP to Detroit, Mich, regular. S15, and cut, S14; to Toledo, O., regular, S16. 9, and cut, S14.50 to Cincinnati, O., regular, SIS, and cut, S16; to Chicago, IL, regular, S2O, and cut, SIS to St. Louis, Mo, regu- lar, $24.2 9, and cut, $21. 50; to Kansas City, Mo, regular, S2j, and cut $22. 50; to Oma- ha, Neb., regular, $35.40, and cut, S3O. 50; to New Orleans, La, regular, S3S, and cut S3G; to San Francisco, Cal, regular, $l35.- oYo1 T- xk- say they will better these rates
 The people who patronize the brokers, as has been said, do so to effect a saving and natural procliTities are sometimes brought out ill peculiar lights. There is among per sons unaccustomed to travelling a tendency to haggle over the prices. as in a tradesman's shop over piece of goods. Often it is the case that person will visit every office in the city to find out where he can get his ticket cheapest. The brokers adhere very closely to the rates fixed for their own guidance. Un- decided individuals never. know what they want themselves. In the brief period of one hour, few days ago. man came into and Once he pulled out his money, but, still hssitating, put it back again. At last he bought the ticket, but acted as if he doubted whether he ought to. Others voluble and confding. They tell exactly whither they are going, whom they expect to sec and how long they intend staying, and by way of entertainment give partial his tory of their lives. Many require minute directions, the time when trains arrive and depart st different places, where eating houses are situated, and score of other things. Men accustomed to dealing with brokers do it in a business-ike manner. They simply ask when the train will depart, when it will arrive at its destination, take their ticket, pay their money and depart.
 Before ticket brokerage WAS made husi- ness it was confined to hotel clerks, who dealt in the tickess partially used or unused that they bought of travellers If guest wished to economize in his travelling expen- ses he sought the clerk to see what he 'could do for him. The clerk was enabled to turn an honest dollar in this manner, but his oc- cupation is HOW gone, except in places where scalpers do not occupy the ground
 A general passenger agent of one of the trunk lines, speaking of the brokers, said it was astonishing the amount of business they did. The relations of some of them with railroad companies were, he said, very close, and the latter lost nothing by making terms with them.