scope
of their regular employment.

But read another writer's pronouncement:

"At the end of an ocean voyage of at least five days' duration,
the fixed tariff of fees exacts a sum of two dollars and a half
per passenger to every one of those steamer servants who have
ministered daily to the traveler's comfort.

"Thus single women would give this sum to the stewardess, the
table steward, the stateroom steward, and, if the stewardess has
not prepared her bath, she bestows a similar gratuity on her
bath steward. If every day she has occupied her deck chair, he
also will expect two dollars and fifty cents.

"Steamers there are on which the deck boys must be remembered
with a dollar each, and where a collection is taken up, by the
boy who polishes the shoes and by the musicians.

"On huge liners patronized by rich folks exclusively, the
tendency is to fix the minimum gratuity at $5, with an advance
to seven, ten and twelve where the stewardess, table steward
and stateroom steward are concerned."

Then follow instructions to tip the smoking-room steward, the barbers
and even the ship's doctor!

THE "RICH AMERICAN" MYTH

It is small wonder, in view of the nature of the literature of tipping,
that Europe has found American travelers "rich picking." Before
embarking on the first trip abroad the average American informs himself
and herself of what is expected in the way of gratuities, and everywhere
the tourist turns in a library advice is found which effectually throws
the cost of service upon the patron. Railroad and steamship literature
usually avoids the subject because these companies do not want to bring
this additional expense of travel to the attention of the public. A
steamship folder will state that passage to London is ninety dollars,
including berth and meals, but gives no hint that the tips will amount
to ten dollars more!

IX

TIPPING AND THE STAGE

An almost invariable laugh-producer on the stage or in moving pictures
is a scene in which a bell-boy or other servitor executes the customary
maneuvers for obtaining a tip.

Play producers know that the laugh can be evoked and any hotel scene is
certain to include this bit of business. In seeking the explanation of
the humor in such a scene, the answer will be found to be cynicism and
the peculiar glee that people feel in observing others in disagreeable
situations.

COMIC WOE