The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-13
STREET CAR CONDUCTORS.
Comments Upon Their Department is
Different Cities.
from the Kansas City starr


A diverse view regarding street car
conductors in New York and Chicago
seems to have precipitated an animated
controversy between those cities. Il came
about, apparently. through the organiza-
ton by certain women Of New York. OF
an anti-conductor league. This caused
prominent Chicago lady to observe that
there is no mora sense in league OF
women against conductors than there
would be in league of conductors
against women.
Jane Adams who had been made
famous through her connection with the
Hull house, goes so far as TO assert that
street car conductors are typical Ameri-
can gentlemen" and DR.. Julia Smith
takes the bold position that there is more
courtesy in street car conductor than in
any dude she knows. Still another Chica-
go lady admits that conductors are
sometimes too Jealous. but that they are
always gentlemen"
1t will oe observed that the discussion
OF this question is attended with the
strong bias and lack of liberation which
must inevitably arise when there is any
point at issue between New York and Chi
cago. 1t must be obvious to the public
that the women of Chicago who have rush
ed to the defence of the street car con-
ductOr would not idealize him as a Ches-
terrified had he not been placed under the
ban by the New York women.
The real truth about the street car con-
ductor seems 10 lie about midway between
the two conflicting views. Allowing for
the possible difference between New York
and Chicago conductors-which means an
excess or civility among the Chicago con-
duetors--tne men who have charge of
street cars are neither Doors nor typical
gentlemen" 1t is believed that. as rule,
they do the best they can. The job is one
that is not strictly calculated to sweeten
the temper and to inspire the incumbent
with amiahilitY. Miss Catherine Goggin,
one of the Chicago champions Of the street
car conductors chides women for ask
ing so many fool questions when they
ride on the cars, which is certainly pre-
valent and trying evil. Persons who have
seen conductors wait while two women try
to beat each other in not paying fare have
been lost in wonder over the admirable
self-restraint of the collector in putting
behind him the temptation TO evict both
of them from the car. The genius. too.
displayed by women of railing to press the
button or ring the bell until the car is
is fairly at the corner where the stop is to
be mada is a tax on the forhearance OF
the conductor which is not fully estimated.
II conductor maintains fair average
of civility If he is vigilalt in needing the
signals of passengers. IL he is helpful in
handling your children and assisting old
people, il he is careful net to have his
train set in motion while persons are
boarding II or getting off, he is fulfilling
the full debt of his obligation to the pub
lie 1t is not to he expected that he will
enquire after the families Of his passen-
gers or beguile the delay which frequently
occurs on trolley and cable line with
sprightly gossip or cheerful anecdote. He
does not have the time for reading to fit
him for the discussion of current topics
or to make him instructive to persons de-
sirous of making the heeting comments
useful in the acquisition of knowledge.
The icy reserve of the New York con-
ductor and his infexible hauteur might
be expected in city where nobody thinks
about anybody else, Though women do not
enjoy being wholly overlooked. even by
street car conductors. But. as between
that sort OF indifference and the friendly
attentions of Chicago conductors as i'm
piled by the testimonials of Miss Adams
and Miss Goggin, most persons would
prefer the former. The golden mean would
seem to be what is desired-a reasonable
between the two.