The common council of Trenton, N. J., has passed an ordinance
providing that all street-car passengers that can not get a seat
need not pay their fares. The reason is, of course, that the
company does not provide nearly enough accommodation for the
public. Probably there is not a city in the United States where
this condition does not exist. The profits of the street-car
companies are largely augmented by patient strap-hangers.
But, as to Trenton, the effect of this ordinance has been
extraordinary.
Passengers that were consumed with ill-nature when they had
to stand on a crowded car now let empty cars swish past them
and patiently wait on the street corner until a full one comes
along, on which they may ride free.
The ordinance has also exterminated the car boor. When a lady
steps inside all the men in the car spring to their feet and
offer her their seats. The conductor has to refund the fare of
the man that loses his seat in this way. The amusing part of the
situation, however, is that very often the lady wishes to stand
herself, especially if she is economical.
The whole plan smacks of exasperation. The only good point
about it is the fact that the council feels that something
ought to be done to force a public-service company to serve
the public. Some cities have tried the plan of a lower fare
for the man that has to stand, which undoubtedly is the better
plan.--RIPPLE, _Christian Endeavor World_.
(2898)
=Selfishness, Getting Rid of=--See ETERNAL LIFE, MAKING
ROOM FOR.