New-York tribune., 1900-09-24
THE REGULATION OF TIPS"
AMERICANS CARRY THE THING TO EXCESS
BECAUSE NOT REDUCED TO \ SYSTEM

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: n a late issue Of The Tribune there appeared
a short paragraph entitled Americans and the Tip
System, in which the following remark is quoted
We Americans carry the matter 10 excess, and
exercise neither discretion nor common sense il the
way bestow our gra tUities; besides whi-h
give 10 Z large number OF servants who have no
right 10 expect fee" This remark touches the
core OF the much discussed tip question and sug
gesJs the only principle through which its solution
can be hoped for Denunciation OF tips in toto may
be good philosophy, but IT will never effect the
destruction OF the practice. The custom has ob-
tained such footing and has so many reasons TO
excuse justify II that il cannot be entirely
eradicated. and so long as germ exists its growth
20 large proportions unless regula ted. Is ineya be
The reason Americans carry the matter 70 excess
IS because they have never reduced il TO a settled
system. IN Europe. where II has been long estab-
lshed, the tips (by nativesl extremely moderate
and their proper amounts generally understood II
IS only by tourists and especially Americans that
the thing IS overdone. and this in most cases from
ignorance or uncertainty. II the custom IN this
country could be similarly regt+lHted by some un-
derstoOd system or scale OF tips a reasonable
basis it would be far less Objectionable and odious
I believe also, that this would be for the advan-
tage Of the servants themselves as in that case they
would often be feed, where now the tip IS shfrked
entirely. II cannot be denied that q sense Of an
1agon.s IS felt by guests hotels and restaurants
toward their attendants On account OF their SUD
posed expectation OF unreasonable fees, and the
odium is extended also in a measure to the pro
prIetors, who suspected. whether justly or not
OF permitting II not encouraging the tip system as
a means Of reducing wages
Why would IL not be practicable for hotel man
ayers. who suppose have some means Of reach
ing mutual understanding in business matters 10
take up the subject of tips and adopt some meas
for the relief OF their guests from the en-
barra ssment that now invests III As Z suggestion
merely I would propose some such announcement IS
as the following 10 be posted in hotel bedrooms or
other suitable places: Guests this hotel are as
sured that the employees receive fair and reasonable
wages and it is earnestly requested that no gra-
tutties be given 70 them personally or otherwise
For the convenience Of those guests who notwiln-
standing the above request prefer TO give gra-
tuities box is provided at the 5ookkeepers desh
in which they place such sums they desire
bestow in that way. and all amounts so deposited
viii be distributed among the employees in proper
rate"
V'-h regard to restaurant tips what is needed is
an established scale. based upon the amount which
The erp0 may be reasonably expected to receiv
in the aggregate daily besides mis- wages. Thus.
supposiug waiter to attend hfty persons daily.
s. 80 day: not q bad stipend in itself Managers
OF restaurants, who are really destrous 10 regulate
limit like the above. and print their q
request 10 guests not 10 exceed it
There are many branches Of the subject which
would bear enlargement and an enterta tnlnE ana
useful book might be written upon IL by some COM
petent person who could u both phi oSophcal J.
" and practically. Such book should give the
a. hotels and restaurants in this country and Eu-
rope which information is much needed by traV-
might written which readily suggest themselves
commend the idea Of preparing such a book TO
those OF your literary readers who feel capable OF
NeW-Haven Conn. Sept H. 1900.