HOBSON’S CHOICE

Evening Star, Issue 15929, 8 October 1915, Page 4

HOBSON’S CHOICE

The, following explanation of the term ‘‘Hobson’s choice” is provided hy a writer in the New York ‘ Dramatic Mirror —'Tobias Hobson (lo 14-1G30) was a carrier engaged iir the CainhridgeLomlon trade, who was credited by the ‘Spectator’ ’(October 'll, 1712) with having established at Cambridge the first hackney stable in England. He appeal's to have been the possessor of the wit and resource lor which livery stable-keepers are so famous, ami having observed that- the university students were given to riding his horses with the abandon 4 and zest so eharactcristio of those young men who do nothing half-heartedly, he contrived that each of his 40 horses should have an equal share in the joy of being ridden by the Cambridge youths. Hobson kept his horses “always ready and fit for travelling; but when a man came for a horse ho was led into tho stable, where there was great choice, but he obliged him to take the horse which stood next to the stable door; so that every customer was alike well served, according to his chance, and every horse ridden with the same justice.” Hence, when that which One ought to choose for himself was forced upon him it became, the custom to say “ Hobson’s choice.” The immortal Tobias was the subject of two epitaphs by Milton, who, however, makes no reference to the phrase we know so Well.