New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-09-01
TIE CASE OF MR. BUESTOCK

More is written at this season of the year, per-
haps, than at any other on the tipping habit
It arises, we suspect from so many people being
at summer hotels and having their attention drawn
to the evil. The practice is, Of course always
condemned. word concerning the experience Of
Mr. Joseph W. Burstocl, of this CITY may not be
out Of place.
Mr. Burstock has always been strongly opposed
to tp-giving in theory. He has asserted that it
is antagonistic to American ideas. He determined
this summer to put his the cries into practice and
give no tips. As the pleasantest way Of spending
his vacation he decided to go to arge summer
hotel at popular resort, which it j. unnecessary
to designate by name. The first ne MIR. Bur-
stock entered the dining-room his ttention was
attracted by a man whom he had at first taken
for a member of some foreign royal family.
Presently Mr. Burstoclx saw that he was the
head waiter This gentleman held the back of his
hand toward Mr.. Burstock with three fingers ex-
tended and glided away. MIR. Burstock followed.
Gradually and imperceptibly he found himself
within the influence of another man in faultless
evening dress who held up his hand a three
fingers extended and glided away. Mr.. BurstOck
continued to follow, and soon found himself
seated by a window in what seemed the most de-
sirable part of the room. The man in the swallow
the winds Of heaven might not visit Mr. Tirr-
stocks face too roughly, slightly lowered and
then slightly raised the shade that the J yht
might be exactly right. Whsling an imaginary
speck of dust from the tablccloth with q dep
recatory air which said that he the pro-
prietor no dust should be found on d table when
true gentleman came in, he HANDED IT. Bur'tock
the menu with a low bow. Mr.. Burs k regarded
the carte while the other hovere The guest
glanced up and the waiter turned q anxious ear
Just sixteen inches from the other lips lie
heard the order, bowed low, raised the window
shade four inches, lowered it the same distance,
bounced on another poor, helpless imaginary sp2ck
of dust and vanished. moment later 10 re-
turned with Mr.. BuIstocSs order. We shall not
weary the reader with a further account OF the
meal; it is sufficient to state that the GENT nam
n-waitng continued TO hover, polish the plates
with a napkin and cast out offending specks OF
dust that did not exist. When Mr. Bur took rose
to quit the room it was with his r solut on never
TO tip another waiter unshaken. But he did not
see the look Of hopeless agony which rested on the
face of the man who had served him, nor the con-
sternation written on the counten &c II the head
waiter as he passed him at the a. T.. Mr.. Bur
stock did not realize the close res .blance which
he bore to the lamb going TO the slaughter.
diningroom the head waiter was not-visible An
inferior waiter, however, pointed to n seat near
the centre Of the room, and he took it. He sat
twenty minutes, and then Kissed at waiter, who
came and took his order but his ear was fully
two feet distant. Mr.. Burstock was obliged &c
ask for butter and swceten his own coffee He
was surprised to find how many things he had
ordered that could not he obtained in the market
lie soon wished that some Of the things brought
him had not been obtainable, either. No dust was
whisked away; no one lowered. But he appeaSed
his Hunger to a certain extent, and went away
The third time he entered. while searching about
for a seat, he heard the head waiter sert % subordl
nate TO tie Office TO If he had paid II advance
for the meal He finally sat down near the kitchen
door, which struck against his char each time II
was opened and it was opened frequently lie
waited some time and tried to give his order, but
the man refused t. take il till the office heard
from in regard to his financial standing. But the
messenger did not return. He heard two walters
Immediately behind him specializing 10 whether
or not he, too, would probably be taken back &c
Mississippi and fined They decided that a bottle
holder could not be prosecuted Mr.. BurstocB
waited one hour. He then made fervent appea
10 the head waiter, but was silenced by . waiter
he had never seen before coming up AM saying
meal since he came in, and proved it by the length
of time he had been there and the soiled dishes
which had been left by Mr. Burstocll's predecessor
Mr. Burstocll's old waiter came up and asked the
head waiter if he should not call an officer. Mr.
Burstock rose left the room, and came back to
New-York.
We have given Mr.. BurstoclS's experience at some
length, doubling not that people would be inter.
es'cd in it. We believe 1t Is nearly or quite unique
many others have resolved not to tip walters, but
few have kept their resolutions Mr.. Burstocl1 was
man of flrmness, and held out with the result
which We have seen. We believe tho reader will
agree with US, however, when we say tn indi
vidua effort can accomplish but little: What is
wanted is concerted action. That tp-t1lIin4
should be frowned down we all 0rree, but II does
not seem that a c1lm perusal Of Mr.. Blu stocks ex
periencc will induce many to take the lead n the
matter.