Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 April 1905 — DIVIDING THE TIPS. [ARTICLE]

DIVIDING THE TIPS.

The- Method That la Followed la Some London Reatnnrnnts. ' Tipping has been reduced to a very fine system in some English hotels and restaurants. “I was sitting at meat with the manager of one of the well known London restaurants,” says a writer. “‘I am short sighted and unobservant,’ I said, ‘and as I never know one waiter from another I’m always uneasy lest I’ve tipped the wrong one.’ The manager laughed. ‘Fritz, bring the book,’ he said. The book was opened upon the table and disclosed columns and rows of figures opposite the names of waiters. Between them the manager and Fritz explained the system. “Every penny given in tips was cast Into a common fund in charge of a waiter elected by his fellows. At the end of the week the sum was distributed. Three classes were arranged by the manager, according to efficiency, and the shares were in corresponding proportions, so that the Junior who hovers with the sauce is by no means equally rewarded with the expert who can advise In the matter of wine. “Waiters keep a Jealous eye on their fellows, and the man suspected of pocketing a tip finds his position untenable. The system is good for the public, since It diminishes the unpleasing personality of a charitable action. It Is good, too, for the waiters, since that record of the weekly gratuities showed that the best waiters made about $2,000 a year in tips.” I