Elizabeth daily monitor. [volume] (Elizabeth, N.J.) 1868-1880, 1873-08-21
THE EXCuRsrnN -
Americans Abroad.

A writer from London to the Toledo
BLADE remarks that many Americans,
desiring to show their disregard for
money, have been doing it so long and
SO extensively that they make it incon-
venient for those OF limited purses to
get along decently. All over the Con-
tinent they have spoiled the servants
and the hotel keepers, and caused prices
to be advanced about fifty per cent. on
all their countrymen. A hotel keeper
looks upon an American as q treasure
chest, out of which he is at liberty to
extract as much money as possible, and
he is not backward in making the at
tempt. And when an American en-
deavors to travel economically he is
subject to O variety OF sights and an
noyances, and will occasionally be told
that he does not behave as literally as
his respective countrymen. London
used to be better in this respect than
Paris or Rome, but it is now quite as
bad. The hotels and lodging houses
put on all sorts of "extras" and out
rageous charges, and frequently the
managers donot hesitate to lie unblush-
lngly in order to extort money from
their patrons. I am quartered at q re-
spectacle hotel, overlooking Covent
Garden it was recommended to me as
comfortable house, and one where the
charges would be Just and correct. I
called for my bill, and told them pre-
erred to pay weekly; they endeavored
20 induce me to let it stand until was
:eady to go away, but insisted, and
he bill was brought. There were extra
charges for things which I knew / never
lad, and they had put on an extra shil-
ing for each mornings breakfast, after
;elling me that could order anything
On the bill of fare. They charge three
pence day for stationery, and make
every man pay for it whether he writes
letter or not. I protested, but it was
40 use. It was their custom, they said,
10 charge three pence a day for sta
ionery, and man might use as much
As he wished. Up to that time / had
oot used sheet OF their paper, but
aenceforth they cannot complain that !
neglected it. I find it makes good cigar
lights, and when + go away. from here it
will fill up the loose corners of my trunk
very neatly. If theymake anything out
Of me on the stationery swindle they
must be wider awake than T think they
are. 1 paid their bill under protest and
remained. .......,,....,,...,.
Why didn't you go away somebody
will ask. What is the use in moving !?
have had row with them, and though
couldn't get that bill reduced I con-
WINGED them that they would not make
much by trying it on again. I gave
warming that would not pay for an
other "extra," and have been careful to
have none for which any charge could
be made. If I went to another hotel I
should have the row to go through over
again. They are, all alike in this re-
spect, and viii cheat without compunc-
ton of conscience. I am in the position
of the railway superintendent who re-
fused to discharge conductor known
to be dishonest, on the ground that the
maH had already bought watch, dia.
mond pin, horse and other things out
OF his stealings, while the new man to
take his placewould be obliged to equip
hilself in the same way, 1t is better
to bear the ills we have than fly to 9TH
ers that may be worse, and are certain
to be Just as bad. III ! 'tNh 0ONhI