For the introduction of hackney-_cabriolets_ (a word which it now seems
almost pedantic to use) we are indebted--as for the introduction of
the omnibuses--to the example of the Parisians. In 1813 there were
1150 _cabriolets de place_ upon the hackney-stands of Paris: in 1823,
ten years later, there were twelve upon the hackney-stands of London,
but the vested right of the hackney-coachmen was an obstacle. Messrs.
Bradshaw and Rotch, however, did manage in 1823 to obtain licenses
for twelve cabriolets, starting them at 8_d._ a mile. The number was
subsequently increased to 50, and then to 100, and in less than
nine years after the first cab plied in the streets of London all
restriction as to their number was abolished.
[Illustration: CAB DRIVER.
[_From a Photograph._]]
The form of cab first in use was that of a hooded chaise, the leather
head or hood being raised or lowered at pleasure. In wet, windy
weather, however, it was found, when raised, to present so great a
resistance to the progress of the horse that the head was abandoned.
In these cabs the driver sat inside, the vehicle being made large
enough to hold two persons and the cabman. The next kind had a detached
seat for the driver alongside his fare. On the third sort the driver
occupied the roof, the door opening at the back. These were called
“back-door cabs.” The “covered cab,” carrying two inside with the
driver on a box in front, was next introduced, and it was a safer
conveyance, having four wheels--the preceding cabs had but two. The
clarences, carrying four inside, came next; and almost at the same time
with them the Hansom’s, which are always called “showfulls” by the
cabmen. “Showfull,” in slang, means counterfeit, and the “showfull”
cabs are an infringement on Hansom’s patent. There are now no cabs in
use but the two last-mentioned. A clarence built in the best manner
costs from 40_l._ to 50_l._, a good horse to draw it is worth 18_l._
to 20_l._, and the harness 4_l._ 10_s._ to 5_l._ This is the fair
price of the carriage and harness when new, and from a good shop. But
second-hand cabs and harness are sold and re-sold, and are repaired
or fitted up by jobbing coachmakers. Nearly all the greater cab
proprietors employ a coachbuilder on their premises. A cab-horse has
been purchased in Smithfield for 40_s._
Some of the cabmen have their own horse and vehicle, while others,
and the great majority, rent a cab and horse from the proprietor,
and pay him so much a day or night, having for their remuneration
all they can obtain for the amount of rent. The rent required by the
most respectable masters is 14_s._ in the season--out of the season,
the best masters expect the drivers to bring home about 9_s._ a-day.
For this sum two good horses are found to each cab. Some of the cab
proprietors, especially a class known as “contractors,” or “Westminster
masters,” of whom a large number are Jews, make the men hiring their
cabs “sign” for 16_s._ a-day in the season, and 12_s._ out of it. This
system is called signing instead of agreeing, or any similar term,
because the 6th & 7th Victoria provides that no sum shall be recovered
from drivers “on account of the earnings of any hackney-carriage,
unless under an agreement in writing, signed in presence of a competent
witness.” The steadiest and most trusty men in the cabdriving trade,
however, refuse to sign for a stipulated sum, as in case of their not
earning so much they may be compelled summarily, and with the penalties
of fine and imprisonment, to pay that stipulated sum. I was informed
by a highly respectable cab proprietor, that in the season 12_s._ 6_d._
a-day would be a fair sum to sign for, and 9_s._, or even less, out
of the season. In this my informant cannot be mistaken, for he has
practical experience of cab-driving, he himself often driving on an
emergency. There are plenty, however, who will sign for 16_s._, and
the consequence of this branch of the contract system is, that the men
so contracting resort to any means to make their guinea. They drive
swell-mobsmen, they are connected with women of the town, they pick
up and prey upon drunken fellows, in collusion with these women, and
resort to any knavery to make up the necessary sum. On this subject I
give below the statement of an experienced proprietor.