National Republican., 1880-12-25
HALF A CENTURY AGO.
a Washington Hotel in 1898 80 q Model
Host of That Day.

The rush and hustle about modern hotel, the
dapper hotel clerk, and the genial, business-like
air of vcrything-which Of course becomes nee.
csSary when hotcl-keeper takes contract to
entertain an unlimited number Of gucsts-was
quite unknown tifly years ago Now that guest to
whom the proprietor gives especial attention Is
considered greatly favored, and, indeed, many Of
the guests never see the proprietor at all, The
hotel OF to-day and the hotel of the old stage
coach times present great contrasts. The following
sketch of the old Indian Queen Hotel in 1875.
which appeared in recent publication, Will be
found of interest:
"The stage lines which ended at Washington
always had fine teams of horses TO run in and out
Of the city. and passengers arriving used to be
taken at full speed up, to the door OF the hotel
which they had previously indicated to the driver
There were half dozen from which TO choose,
but the fnvorte establishment was the Indian
Queen Hotel, which occupied the site of the pres.
ent Metropolitan Hotel, and was designated 6y II
large swinging sign, upon which figured PocahOn.
tas, painted in gloTing colors The landlord, Jesse
"wclcome the coming guest" was q native of
Hayre de Grace, who had served his apprentice
ship TO tavcrn'kccpng at Hagerstownand IN Alex:
andriR. Agance at the travellers, as they aighted
and were ushercd by him into the house, would en-
able him mentally to assign euch one to room, the
advantages of which he would describe ere send
ing his destined occupant there under the pilotage
of a colored servant. When the next meal was
ready, the newly arrived guest was met at the
door of the dlning.room by Mr., Brown, wearing u
big white apron who escorted him to q seat and
then went to the head of the table, where he
carved and helped the principal dish, The excel
lenclcs of thiSiish or flesh, or fow--hc would an.
nounce, he would invite those seated Mt the ta-
bic to send up their plates for what he knew to be
their favorite portions; and he would also invite
which were carved and helpedby the guests who
sat nearest to them. have delicious quar-.
Ter Of mutton from the Valley of Virginia"
Mr.. Brown would announce i'll stcntOrian
tone which could be heard over the clatter of
crockery and the din Of steel knives and forks.
Witt %S SS Snq hays yes iSS snd np B
your plate for u piece OF the kidney" Mrs, D.,
there Is fat and tendermongrel goose at the other
potatoes ga to sS cooncl IT, viii yo" help % to STiS that
ehlcken.pie before your Those at the liable thus
knew what was before them without reading
the names OF dozen dishes that have NJ exist.
enco except in the imagination OF the caterer.
The expeisS Of living at THE, the Indian Ind Queen was was
were charged ity cents for breakfast and for sup
per, and scyentynye cents for dinner. Brandy
and whisky were placed ON the dinner table III
decanters to be drank by the guests without addi,
tionnl charge therefor 4 bottle of real old
piled for ST sherry, brandy, and gin were
Sl.50 bottle, and jamaica rum ST. At the bar tod.
dies were made with unadulterated liquor and
lump sugar; the Xxx ale came from the brewery
on the bank of Rock Greek; fresh mint for juleps
was brought from tho country every day, and yet
ON high days and holidays Brown would cOncoct
fonming eggnog In mammoth punch.bowl once
owned by Washington, and the guests OF the house
were all Invited to partake. The tavern desk was
behind the bar, with rows Of large bells hanging
by circular springs on the wall, ench with bullet
shaped tongue which continued TO yibrate fol
some minutes after having been rnng, showing tG
which room II belonged, The barkccpGr prepared
the drinks called for saw that the bells were an
swered, received and delivered letters and cards
and answered questions by the score. He was sup
| posed TO know everybody in Washington, where
they resided, and at whnt hours they could be seen