The Daily Dispatch: October 20, 1863., [Electronic resource]

The Ordinance Rates for hacks, drays, carts and wagons, are entirely disregarded, and the most extravagant charges are made on all occasions. These vehicles are licensed to run on the public streets for public convenience, and the owners should be allowed fair compensation for their services; but as long as the Council undertakes to fix a rate of charges, the drivers of vehicles ought to be compelled to conform to those rates or have their licenses revoked. The overseers of the poor, who are furnishing indigent families with fuel at their houses, find it impossible to get the necessary hauling done by public vehicles because of the exorbitant charges made by the drivers. This ought not to be, and the police ought to see to it that the ordinance concerning vehicles is enforced. In ordinary times it was a common thing to hear reports before the Mayor of ordinance violations by the drivers of vehicles. Now, when everything is enormously high, and when the ordinance ought to be enforced or repealed, the class of persons alluded to seem to be making laws for themselves.