Street Car Etiquette

As Modern Athens is about to be connected with Detroit through the new electric line, and many of its oitlzens will avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the City of the Straits, it would not be out of order for The Democrat to publish rules of so-called street ear etiquette in vogue in Detroit and other cities. It appears that these rules were established last season and have not been improved upon this year - not to any great extont. The familiar cali of the conductors during the winter season: "Move forward in the car!" is cl.anged to "Go to the front, ladies!" L,aiiies have made a rule for their own guidance and they seem to be determined to take pos-setsion of the smokers' seats in the three rear be-iehes. Henee the cali of the conductor. Conductors are not allowed to aid ladics on or off the summer ears. It Is eonsidered rude to seize a lady and run the risk of spoiling her gown with soiled hand.-, as is done by the conductors on the closed or winter cars. Summer-car etiquette requires that men and women show their independence of seating convenience by securing the entrance end of the seat. They are not to mind the trouble that others are put to or the danger that the crippled and infirm experience in order to pass the blockade of legs. A corpulent man or woman will take that end seat and unflinchingly hold it. To move along on the seat would be to viólate the rules which selfishness has made lmperatlve on the summer car. Another rule is never to adjust legs to suit the convenience of the passenger going out or coming in. Keep the knees firmly set in a direct protrudlng line and don't move them to one side or the other under any cireumstances whatever. It might be thought that you were making some concessions to the convenience of others if you did so. Crowding in after a seat has its limit of passengere is a-nother rule to be followed. By strictly observing these rules of etiquette for the summer car the fat man will assert his prerogatives and the lean man will do the best he can. The women, of course, always have the right of way. And if a larse and plump woman takes the end seat she will hold it with good-natured grace against al! corners. But the trial is great to those who wish to pass the guard. Summer-car etiquette, therefore, is just as the people have made it, and it must remain as it is.