CAB EXTORTION.
Temple, May 20.
Sea—In regulating cab-fares there are objections to milestones, difficult to count while en route, and either a division of the Metropolis into squares or by a radiating measurement.
Is the following plan not feasible ? 1. Have a map printed on the principle of the oireuiten, but on calico or other durable'material, for seven miles from the General Post-office, with two circles in red, the inner denoting three miles from the General Post- office (limits of the Metrepolis); the outer seven (distance within which back-fare is not chargeable during the day.) 2. Compel each driver to hang up such snap in kis cab. Inflict a fine for non-compliance with this regulation. 3. On the map, print in English, French, and German, short and explicit directions—(1) as to mode of using map ; (2) fare; (3) back-fare. If it should be considered necessary, allow additional circle (i.e. half-mile) on any certain number of miles to compensate for winding of streets.
It seems to me, that with such a system no person could be imposed on who would take the trouble to count the circles and read the directions. Further—what is very important—foreigners would be on the same footing as ourselves. Such a plan, speaking to the eye, would be much easier to any one imperfectly acquainted with the language, than the best of merely written guides.
I would further sunest, that each driver be compelled, under penalty, to hand hirer of cab a paper ticket with number. In regard to omnibuses, I would venture to suggest that all "decorative 4d." be prohibited ; and the proprietors be compelled to paint the fares ape- sifying the points from which and to which each fare is chargeable, in letters of a certain length, outside, as well as (at present) inside the carriage. Perhaps these measures might require a short act of Parliament and some consideration for the interests of the proprietors of the circuiten ; but if no practical difficulty exist to their adoption, they might be worth trying. I would beg you to understand that I do not undervalue the efforts of the Commissioners of Police to work the present law ; but how are the most intelligent of policemen to decide, as referees, on odd half-miles ? I am induced in consequence of an article which appeared last week in the Spectator to send you these remarks, and I am not without hopes that the extensive circulation of your very valuable paper may procure them the con- sideration of the public. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 4'.
[Our correspondent's suggestions are good. But the radiating plan would still leave doubt in regard to cross-distances ; and for them, we would add the marking of square miles, which would furnish a proximate scale for every distance.] -
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