As deep-rooted as the custom seems, it really rests on insecure foundations and will crumble before any real attack. The average American, be he barber, waiter or porter, has enough inherent understanding of democracy to know that the custom is wrong. He "will get his" as long as an easy-going public will stand for the exaction, but will not be a formidable opponent. The imported European waiter will present more obstinate fondness for the custom, having been nurtured in the aristocratic school, but his opposition can be handled.
The most difficult type will be the class of patrons who delight in playing the rôle of Lady Bountiful or Gentleman Generous. Their pride will be restrained from buying servility from other Americans. And wealthy proprietors, who cater to this class and the intermediate class which ape the "smart set," will cling to the custom because of their pecuniary interest therein. But the average American and his vigorous sense of democracy will be adequate to the task of controlling all elements adverse to the republic.
The campaign against tipping is much more than a purpose to save the money given in gratuities. Its idealism aims to reach the very pinnacle of republican society--the destiny toward which 1776 started us. The mountain peaks of pride will have to be pulled down and the valleys of false humility will have to be lifted up, while the impulses to greed and avarice will have to be rebuked until every American can say:
If I must build my pride upon another man's humility, I will not be proud; If I must build my strength upon another man's weakness, I will not be strong; If I must build my success upon another man's failure, I will not succeed!
EMPLOYERS, can control, 102 " conspiracy by, 90 " retain tips, 86, 90, 152 " three kinds of, 88 " who profit by tips, 89, 105
GENEROSITY, as a reason for tipping, 51 " misguided, 117
GENTLEMAN, what is a?, 37 " would he accept tips?, 37
GOVERNMENT HOTELS, tipping in, 120 " " the, and tipping, 113
GRAFT, "honest", 45 " taught by tipping, 42
HOTEL, The, 30 " fees, 59 " hospitality, 62, 101 " theory and practice, 32 " tipless, 97, 146
ILLINOIS LAW, The, 91 " Compromise, The, 138
LADY, What is a?, 37 " would she accept tips, 37