Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-22
pITNEY's TIP IDEA.
How . Boston Professor Inaugursted q
Revolution at Atlantic CITY.

HOW . Boston Professor lnooGufotoo .
Revolution at Atlantic CITY.
ATLANTIC CITY, June 2l.-[SpecfaL1-Pr
Ephrafm L. Pftney, of Boston, who came
here to revolutionize the tip system
so that the size OF the gratuity should be de-
termined according to the various hotel
r1tes is not meeting with the succe IS he an
ticipated. In his scheme, as 1t was outlin ed
to the waiting fraternity, mention was made
OF a certain assessments OF the gross amount
OF tips received by each member of the pro-
posed organization. The amount thus OBJ
tanned was to go toward a fund for defray-
ing the expenses of the association.
When Prof. Pitney unfolded this part
of the programme his co-laborers blinked
and began to look about for the brother in
woodpfle. On this account, Prof. Pit
ney has found the task of persuadfn2 the
walters to get together on graded tip
issue to be attended with some
slight difficulty which would have
to be overcome before complete success
dawned upon his pet idea. For the purpose
of explaining the why and wherefore of the
assessment, TO assure the skeptical brethren
that he comes not PLAYING gouge game, the
professor called q meetint for last night.
The meeting convened in n boardwalk
pavilion after the supper things had been
cleared from hotel tables. When it was
called to order by Prof. Pitney there were
present about a dozen dusky brothers just
burning to be let in on the new deal The
number increased as the evening wore on.
After stating the object OF the meeting the
Chairman proceeded with his explanation.
He was interrupted by II request that officers
of the meeting be nominated and voted ior.
The gentleman who made the motion was
discovered to be a driver for an Atlantic
avenue butcher. but VINO had lately been
employed at 81 Kentucky avenue hotel 1t
was moved and carried that as the aforesaid
gentleman was no longer member OF the
and chat he be expelled He was accordingly
fired. Later on he had sweet revenge.
The professor continued his explanat1 t1onS
until he reached the assessment plank in
the platform. Here he paused to permit
legitimate discussion.
"H hats that for?' inquired someone.
Expenses"
"What expenses?" persisted its inquirer.
The professor went on to explain that in
every legitimate organization there arise
occasions when certain expenditure is neces-
sary. The secretary might have to pur-
chase few postage stamps, for instance;
there were circulars to be printed. and the
rent of a room to be paid.
''ls that all?''
The professor believed that 1t was.
wv ell, 1t don't take no per cent 'sessment
to pay for stamps and printin' and that's all
there Is TO 1t: And here's one that amt goin'
to pay it. nohow."
with the speaker and things began to look
soually. Finally Prof. Pitney automatically
agreed to let the assessment matter lie over
until the other details were settled. When
he had concluded the outline of the graded
tip system, the Chairman made a little
speech, in which he expressed his regret at
observing a lack of enthusiasm on the part
Of the Atlantic City walters toward an en-
terprfse he had come all the way from Bos-
ton to promote.
"Why didn't you stay there and promote
it?" asked a brother.
"Because," said the Chairman, "this great
watering place with its thousands OF in
f1uential gentleman of our profession is the
place to give weight to such important
movement. Started from here it will at
tract attention wherever -"
There was q scuffle of feet and Chief of
Police Eldredge, backed by three officers,
appeared on the scene. Instant panic seized
the meeting, and several of the members,
troubled with the guilty consciousness of
conspiring, jumped over the rail to the sand
and fled. The retreat of the others was
barred. The gentleman who had been ex-
PEELED from the meeting had at once re-
paired to the City Hall to notify Chief Ed
redge that "lot of coons was shootin crap
on the boardwalk"
As the walters were able to prove their
innocence they were released. and immedi-
atey started on the trail of the vengeful in
formant.
Prof. Pitney is discouraged, but not
defeated, and declares that he will fight it
out If 1t takes all summer.