The Washington herald., 1910-09-16
Tipping.

Joke ABOUT IL as we may, the fact re-
mains that one OF the nuisances Of mod
ern civilization is the tipping evil which
shows no signs Of abatement With
many people, perhaps, it is not only the
money consideration that counts. but
with most OF US the added expense
brought about by the tipping system is
very real and annoying cost 1t Is the
more annoying, possibly, because Of the
feeling that in giving tips in a great ma
jority Of cases we are not actuated by
the desire to pay for service rendered.
but are simply slaves to custom-moral
towards, who have an uncomfortable
feeling OF having been guilty OF a breach
OF social usage If we do not give up add
ed compensation. which we can III afford.
to servants who might despise US IL we
failed.
1t is with Joy that many OF US will
hail the news that the tipless hotel
opened in London about a year ago has
been a great success from every point
Of view. When it was opened. the man
agement positively announced that no
gratuites to walters. maids. porters.
bellboys. or other servants would be per
mitted- 1t was freely predicted that a
hotel run on such plan could not sue
coed. II was thought that it would be
impossible TO secure servants for such
place. so deeply ingrained has the right
to accept and look for tips become in
the servant class. The year has passed.
The management assures the public that
the no-tip clause has been enforced to
the letter. and in spite Of this-or rather
because Of 1.-THE hotel has prospered
and waxed fat. There has been no diff
Guilty about securing employees.
Such an example gives US hope that
the no-tipping custom may spread The
hotel in London must. Of course, paw its
employees WELL probably pays them
good deal better than similar establish
ments where part OF the servants wages
is expected to be begged from the guests.
But We are OF the opinion that any
hotel in this country that should estab-
fish the rule would, by increased. custom
and by increased Iberality on the part Of
its patrons. be able, also. to pay its
servants adequate wages without burden
ing its guests.
Where the custom OF tipping came from
nobody seems to know, but in essence
and in toto it is a rotten custom. moro
honored in the breach than in the observ-
ance." The evil effect Of tipping is not
confined to the recipients Of the bounty.
They. indeed, hardly think Of it as boun-
~; they have come to the point where
they demand it as a right The moral
effect Of tipping is bad for the Upper.
Half the time he tips from unworthy mo-
tives; he is ashamed not to. or he Is
vain Of his ability 10 tip or he desires
more service, at the expense OF the other
guests. than he is legitimately entitled
to. 1t has come to such a pass In this
country that the Pullman Company. In
trenched in power and making millions
from unjust charges. does not even pre-
tend to pay some OF It's employees living
wages. but expects them to aid in rob-
bling the public by means Of tips.
1t is high time that some period was
put to the bandit practice Of tipping.
Perhaps we. who are writing this indig-
nant plea, have not the courage TO re-
fuse to tip the waiter, but somebody
should have. Let the man stand forth.
We are in great hope that the success
OF the tipless hotel in London may be
but the beginning Of a reform that shall
emancipate all OF US from the shackles
Of stupid and expensive convention
alitv