New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-25
CHARGES AT THE CENIENNI5L.

Already we DeSln 10 hcai '"0
threats and fears of extOrtiOn from fhliauei-
pha hotel and clearinghouse keepers during
the Centennial general impression OF ''i'S
kind would do much to make the Exposition u
failure. OF course, it is impossible for any one
to guarantee moderation, especially with the
awful example of Vienna before our eyes J;
but there seems at present no reason 10 De-
leve that the rates will be extravaganza. nc
hotels in Philadelphia will 1t Is true oe
totally inadequate to meet the demand
for accommodation, even with the addi-
tion of one or two large ones now III
process of erection, but it must be remem-
bered that the Exposition will extend over
nearly nine months of the year and that inc
crowd will. therefore, not be excessive at any
time. except. probably, the first week OF July,
as wise people will content themselves WIN
epioying the Centennial crush and crash III
print and at a distance, and defer their own
visit until the later quiet days OF Summer ana
Fall. Many of these visitors, also, VIII doubt
less receive private entertainment, Ihiia
dclphians of the better class being noted
for their hospitality Besides these con-
siderations there is also the fact that
there is no city where the private dwelling
can be so readily converted into boarding.
house; the houses, even those OF the very
Door, being occupied usually by single family,
and comfortable and complete in their con-
struction The number of these boarding
houses to he opened in May is reported to be
enormous, aud as they will be of every degree
of excellence there will necessarily be cor
responding difference of rates, and better
chance of accommodation to varying incomes
than if hotels were the only resource.
AS to these rates, it is of course hardly a
matter for sentimental appeal TO the keepers.
Philadelphia cannot be expected to play the
host to the whole country at an actual loss to
herself; and yet something is due, too, to the
occasion. When the nation comes, with hearty
brotherIy feeling, up to her gates as to its
birthplace, it will scarcely be fitting
time for any such display OF greed or
extOrtion on her part as was exhibited by
Vienna. We have little fear that any such
will be shown but if it shorld be, the goose
will very soon be killed which promises
to lay so many golden eggs. The m
jority of those who purpose visiting
the Exhibition are people of moderate means,
who will be promptly deferred from coming at
all by any extortionate charges, even if they
really amount to but few dollars too much
each week; or, if they come, will in all prob
ability lodge in this city and spend the few
dollars overplus in adding Ncw-YOrk to the
pleasures of their journey. Farmers and mar
ketmen of all kinds are always the first to act
upon any hint of rise iii prices, and they
appear to have formed exaggerated opinions of
the nights to which such prices can be carried;
but they will doubtless soon be cured of their
error
The Swedes, we perceive, are going to work
in most practical manner. 1t is proposed to
bring a supply of soldiers tents and neat cot
tages from Sweden, to accommodate the WIS.,
itors from that country with lodging; tents
and cottages to be sold after the Exhibition
has closed. The Commissioners hope to OBJ
tain board for their occupants at from four to
five dollars week. A little of such shrewd
foresight on the part Of other Commissions
would materially lower the price of all accom-
mOdatiOns during the Exhibition.