New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-07-28
POSSIBLY WORTH TRYING.

Officers of several New-YOrk street railroad
companies who were asked yesterday if they
intended 10 initiate the interesting example re-
Gently sci in Boston and require their conductors
to address every female passenger as Madame
not only replied that they had no thought OF
doing So but appeared 10 regard the mandate
of the Boston company with mingled amuse
ment and contempt. 1t is altogether probable
that the early consequences Of Such.a regula
ton suddenly applied in this city would be dis
agreeable TO say the least. Women afflicted
with weakness of the heart would he in danger
of expiring from the shock. Others. of Il tmd
and suspicious nature. nigh; think that the con
ductor had gone mad and produce additional
confusion and annoyance by attempting the i'm
possible task of getting ont of the car in
hurry. There would lee some who would jump
10 the conclusion that the conductor was Il
satirlcal rufiian who was trying to have fun
with them. Not few affcctionatc mothers
might be startled out of their customary visi
lance. and drop their innocent infants between
the surgng legs Of the mob standing in the
aisle Young girls hearing themselves addressed
in the Boston fashion would stop chewing their
gum long enough to litter which would be sure
TO dsconcert the conductor. who might there
upon make a reprsal Of some sort or even for
get to ring up fare: or they might consider
themselves ipsuled in respect To their age. in
which ease. If they happened 10 have their
gentlemen friends" with them. appalling re-
suits might follow. or course 1t must he al
mtcd that the word madame is strictly APP
plicable to all women. with the exception Of
babes in arms. who are untaXeI by the trans
poration companies. and who therefore need
I'm Al M:
observation has convinced us that it is not adapt
ed to general streetcar Use in this city.
And yet it is possible that II a suitable warn
ing were given the immediate consequences of
such decree as has gone forth in Boston would
he less disastrous than we fear. while the ult
mate results might be exceedingly desirable
The word madame is beyond doubt ont of
harmony with the conditions which prevail in
NewYOrk streetcars AT The present time 1t
would produce an effect of extreme ncongrli,y
to address by that tide woman who AZ The
same moment was being pushed and squeezed
and tramped on. or ordered to step lively or
hustled from one car TO another at the whim of
starter or told that she was trying 10 cheat
the company when she asked for a transfer
ticket But, on the other hand inasmuch as the
term implies respect and courtesy it's abortion
here might nave the effect OF intoxicating those
sentiments. Madame might prove 10 be
little leaven which would ultimately lcaven the
whole lump Of bad manners and i'll treatment
now affecting strcetcar passengers Of both sexes
and oil ages. II is conceivable that after a time
ears would be stopped to let persons Of the male
sex get on and OFF: that men would not Ii. al
lowed TO stand upon the feet OF persons sitting
behind them and drop sparks and ashes from
their cigars and pipes upon the heads Of those in
front: that swearing and splitting would be dis
countenanccd, and tbat all the arrangements