Evening journal., 1916-05-16
MEN. wOMEN AM THE CAR SEATS.

VNHE Young Mems Christian Association in this
4 city is engaged in Courtesy Crusade" It's
nounoed purpose is TO promote the revival OF tie
courtesies OF life. particularly in giving seats
women in street cars in doing any other act which
becomes "a gentleman. Enrolment cards being
circulated and crusade buttons being distributed.
10 is a good movement and that should appeal
strongly TO the better side Of the nature OF every
man and hoy The appeal made by the association
cites that young woman working downtown
plains strongly OF the want OF common politeness
among men riding on in Wilmington. She has
often been compelled to stand. morning and evening,
while robust men buried their in newspapers
and monopolized the seats.
~ This young woman's case, It is asserted is not an
isolated instance II is part of ruling CUSTOM
selfish, impolite. uncvilized customl
But in a great majority OF cases such Indifference
the part OF doesn't mean that they totally
destitute Of ordinary respect for women. II is car
habit with many men, it is asserted.
And it is rather peculiar. Put the same men in an
elevator with woman and instantly the men will
politely remove their hats-although that isn't of the
slightest practical assistance to the
mo. the man public is not entirely destitute Of re-
gard for women-except on the cars" the appeal
says.
ION the cars where men might be OF real service
TO women and might exhibit politeness. the pre-
yalng custom is different We still in the stone
age.
Most of all il rs due TO the gradual nsinuation OF
habt-the impote habt-and the infection Of
bad example. Men. highly refined men, will usu-
ally do in such matters what they others doing.
"This suggests the possibility OF starting small
but sensible reform in Wilmington in the way of inn
proved conduct OF in surrenderng their seats to
ladies the
at would give great relief to tired, bundle-laden
women.
at would tend toward the general cultivation of
good manners thing very much needed in all cities.
"And it would help distinguish Wilmington. It
would be a long, fine plume for this city II it should
come TO he known tho city of the Union where
the men habually get up and give their seats to the
women"
While the above may he truly applicable TO many
men I'm our community do not think il applies to a
majority Of them by any manner Of means. In fact
we doubt there is any city of 100000 inhabitants
north Of the Mason and Dixon line in which greater
consideration is shown by passengers and motor
men and conductors for the comfort and convenience
of women and gr passengers than there is right here
i'm Wilmington. As we understand IT, the y. NJ c. A.
crusade is designed to reach and influence that dis
courteous minority To that extent it should be pro-
ductive of good On the other hand let not be for
gotten that on the feminine side there also is dis
courteous minority which fails TO acknowledge prop
! crlv that courtesy which mpols man or a boy no
matter how tired he may be. to give up his seat to
woman or a girl. While the y NJ. C. A. is working NJ
IT'S courtesy crusade among the and boys, il
might be profitable for the y. w c. A. TO engage in
similar movement among women and girls.