WHAT THE PULLMAN MANAGER SAID
The Walsh Commission, appointed to investigate industrial conditions in the United States, in 1915 singled out the Pullman tipping practice for investigation. Some of the testimony given by the general manager of the company follows:
"The company simply accepts conditions as it finds them. The company did not invent tipping. It was here when the company began."
"What do you say to making tipping unlawful and paying employees a living wage?" Chairman Walsh asked.
"If such a condition arises, I presume we would have to pay wages necessary to get the service."
"Do you get your negroes in the South?"
"Yes, we have been looking after them in the South. The South is a bigger field and the men there are more adapted for the work than the Northern negroes."
"Well, be plain," Chairman Walsh said, "are the negroes from the South more docile and less independent than those from the North?"
"Well, no, but the Southern negro is more pleasing to the traveling public. He is more adapted to wait on people and serve with a smile."
"Can a man live on $27.50 a month and rear a family?"
"Really, I don't know. He might."
"Does the Pullman company have in mind the liberality and kindness of the public when it fixes that rate of pay?"
"Well, I should say that tips have something to do with it. I didn't make the rates of pay."
"A porter must call passengers during the night, polish shoes, answer bells, and look after the safety and comfort of the passengers at all hours, must he not?"
"Yes. He is reprimanded, suspended or discharged for infractions of the rules."
"What is your attitude toward the question of an organization among your employees?"
"I felt that the movement to form a federation of our employees was a selfish one on the part of a few."