Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-11-16
MISC CELLAN Y .
Begging systelM sn Europe.


1t seems that American travellers are not
alone in condemning the system OF begging
practIced in the public hotels and vehicles
of travel in Europe. Victor Hugo, the ia
NOUS French writer, in his new book OF
travels on "The Rhine,' gives his expert
ence as follows:
Upon the borders of the Rhine, as at 9TH
or places much frequented, the stranger Is
obliged TO have his hand IN constant com
munlon with his pocket. The purse OF the
traveller-that precious article--ls to him
everything, since hospitality Is no longer
seen receiving the weary traveller with soft
words and cordial looks. will give you
an idea of the extent to which the stretch
ing out-of the hand system is carried out "a
mong the intelligent naturals of this coun-
try. Remember, there is no eXaggeration
only the truth. On entering town an
understrapper ascertains the hotel that yon
intend putting up at.asks for your passport,
takes it and puts it into his pocket. The
horses stop; YOU look round, aud find that
YOU are m a court yard-that your present
tourney is terminated. The driver, who
has not exchanged word with any one
during the journey, alights, opens the door,
and extends his hand with an air of modes
ty-"Remember the driver" A minute
elapses the position presents himself, and
makes an harangue, which signifies Don I
forget me-" The luggage is uncorded a
tall, Aeshless animal sets your portmanteau
gently upon the ground, with your nightcap
on the top of it; another creature, more Gu
r,ous perhaps than the latter, puts your
chattels upon a wheelbarrow asks the name
of the hotel you have fixed upon, then runs
before you, pushing his ShapeleSs machine.
No sooner arrived at the hotel than the host
approaches, and begins dialogue which
ought to be written in all languages upon
the doors OF the respective auberges.
Good say, sir."
"If you have spare room | should like
to engage it,"
every we'll. sir. Thomas, conduct this
gentleman to No. 4.
al should like something to eat"
"Immediately, sir, immediately
You 90 to No. where you find your lug
lace has arrived A man appears it is the
person who conveyed the luggage to the ho-
tel. 1.-The porter, SIR. second makes
his appearance. What the devil does he
want3 1t is the person who carried your
luggage into the room. You say to HIM
"Very well, | shall pay you, on leaving,
with the other servants.
"Monsier," the man replies, with sup
plicatlng air, 81 don't belong to the hotel. D
There is no alternative -"disburse. -
You take a walk; handsome church pre-
SCENTS itself. You cannot think of passing
it no, no, you must go in, for 1t is not ev-
erv day you meet such structure. You
walk round, gazing at everything; at last
door meets your view. Jesus says "com-
pelle intrare - the priests ought to keep
the doors open, but the beadIes shut them
in order to get few sous. An old woman,
who has perceived your embarrassment,
comes and shows you bell by the side OF
q small picket. You ring, the wicket is
opened, and the beadle stands before you.
"Can | see the interior of the church ~
"Certainly," the old man replies, sort
of grim smile lighting up his grave counte-
nance.