New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-04
WORK FOR THE ALDERNEN.

The New York cab system is undoubtedly one
of the worst in the world. In no other large
city are legal rates eXOrbitant and illegal
demands so impudent and extortionate. II is
often said that New Workers the victims OF
the CONFORMATION of Manhattan Island, and that
it is unreasonable TO hope for n cab service
such London and Paris enjoy, when dis
tances up and down town are so great and
when traffic is all one way at certain hours and
the chances of return fares for cabmen are
slight. There is undoubtedly something in this
and we probably cannot expect, with our high
cost of living and geographical conditions, 20
and - cent courses. Nevertheless, we may
Justly demand decided Improvement on the
present situation, and apparently the first thing
needed is a reform in the city ordinances.
AS told in The Tribune yesterday, the local
ordinances seem TO be framed for the encour-
agement of extortion. Surely nobody would
ever dream of a civilized city having such regu-
lations for safeguarding the rights of the peo-
pie in connection with public carriage service
At every vital point the law fails the citizen
and leaves the cabman free hand. II is of no
use for the ordinance TO fix schedule of rates
for public carriages if the drivers can sit on
their boxes and refuse to take fares mt the legal
rate Our ordinances with grotesque faulty
fail to compel cabman to take a passenger
Therefore the passenger, in spite of legal tariffs
has TO bargain with his driver for every course
and unless be pays extortionate prices the lat
ter simply refuses TO perform the functions
which he is licensed TO perform. In well regu-
lated cities cabmen not only compelled to
take passengers but they are forbidden to con-
tract for more than the legal rate. and the of
ficials will prevent or even compel the refund
ing of overcharges. even though the passenger
before starting was inveigled into promise of
extra pay The New-York ordinance also al
lows the cabman 10 say whether he will charge
by distance time. instead of letting the pas
senger say how he wants TO hire the service. as
is the rule in other civilized cities
Worst of ALL ii is impossible TO enforce such
Door regulations as exist. There is no easy way
of righting abuses The police will not help
cheated passenger has no recourse but to the
Mayors marshal at the City Hall, and appeal
TO him takes so much time and trouble that
abusive and extortionate cabmen are practically
immune. and they have learned TO act accord
ingly. Moreover. when n case is brought be-
fore the marshal he is unable TO mete out speedy
and adequate punishment. He can impose fines,
but he himself says he cannot collect fine by
any summary process. He can only refer the
case for suit TO the Corporation Counsel, who
has quite enough TO do handling matters involv-
ing millions without setting his office force at
trying fivedollar cases against cabmen. Only
the Mayor can revoke licenses, and he has no
time for such petty affairs.
The Board of Aldermen thirsts for worlds 10
conquer. Its members frequently declare that
they are jealous of their powers. and object to
the Mayor. Board of Estimate and Rapid Tran
SIT Commission managing everything. and say