The Evening critic., 1882-06-09
HOW TT WAS DONE.

Why tho BiIi for wines. Eiguors and
CHARS M the Yorktown Centennial
WAS so tfeavy-Egow Everybody
was FiiTeI uD-An Interesting Ac-
count by one who was "rhnr.''
He might not be out Of place, row that the
expenses Of the Yorktown Centennial are
shortly TO be acted upon finally by the Senate
for n reporter OF THE CRITIC who was 'one OF
'em," TO relate some plain facts as to how GER
tain Congressman and their friends incurred
so heavy bill for wine, liquor and cigars
with the expectation that Uncle sam would
pay for It, Tho Congressional Committee,
Senator Johnston chairman, with their invited
guests, including Governors of several states,
Army and Navy officials and promlscuous
lot of others, (whose presence, by the way,
caused some commonD, were quartored aboard
the steamer Excelsior, where for Ave days and
nights they were
Fed, winca and Lodged
at the cost OF the National Government Be-
ing an Invited guest, THE CRITIC reporter who
has most lovely carrying capacity for wine
and such luxurics whcnratd for by another fell
low. had ample opportunity for sampllng tho
vintage and marvellng at the inordinnte waste
OF food and drink In the first place, the
Bar-rOom. Open From Dawn Until
Midnight,
was thronged all the timo, and two sets of bar.
tenders were kept constantly employed In
cooling off the hot coppers Of the thirsty mob
OF invited guests who were allowed to
drink and smoke and to enjoy all OF the bar
privileges free OF cost. 1t was their right
also, when the steamer lay OF Yorktown, to go
ashore and bring their friends aboard and
NFiis 'em Up.''
Anything from bottle OF mineral water to
quart bottle OF Mumms extra dry was to be
had for the asking, and Henry Clay cigars
without limit. The bartenders, too, were very
obliging. Here they would say TO an ac-
quaintance applying for a smoke, stake half
dozen OF these Clays and keep them. You
don't often get chance to smoke such cigars
free" SO 1t was with everything at the bar
for time, and every one, from a stable boy to
Congressman,
Took His Champagne CoclxtaiI
in the the morning an appetizer and pint
bottle for Q snight-cap In fact, they literally
bathed in 1t.
But the great waste, or at least the most
reckless method OF dispensing wines and such
things, was most conspicuous In tho main
saloon, whero the committee and their friends
assembled, also where their meals were
served. The evening that the steamer left
Washington no refreshments were obtainable
In the saloon, except on an order from one of
the committee. The aspect of matters
changed, however, after the first meal. AT
that repast
Wine Flowed as Freely as water.
and the very much-mellowed members Of the
committee with lavish hand distributed wine.
cards, signed In blank, to their most Intimate
friends, who, then, could order what they
wanted. The next morning packages Of wine
cards not signed at all were picked up on the
structed by the finders that whoever held such
cards could order what he wanted over his
own name. This scheme was carried out for
two days, and would have lasted perhaps for
the entire trip had 1t not been discovered that
n negro waiter had been playing the same
game too, but foolishly
Signing Senator JOlanstOn's Name to
Each Card.
How he was caught is not known. He had laid
in a large supply of wine and expensive
cigars, however, which were found stored un-
dorneath his sleeping berth. This, of course,
brought the committee up with round turn.
The Indignation of the venerable chairman
was appalling. An order was issued closing
the bar, and from that time on to get drink
was a wonderful Accomplishment. But, 1t may
be Observed this occurred the night the
steamer was homeward bound. Senator'S
pages and officers servants, who were as
signed to sleeping quarters in the lower hold,
below the main deck, had their satchels and
valises well filled with
Cigars, Bottles of Wine. New Packs
of Playing Cards,
or something else that they had smuggled
| from the bar, and well-known city detective
was likewise heavily laden.
TWAS stated on the floor of the House a few
days ago that the heavy expense for wine was
owing to the fact that II was used to entertain
| the French visitors. 1t Is very possible that
the foreigners had their full share OF what
was drank on board their steamer, the City OF
| Catskill, but 1t is barely possible that Senator
| Johnston will say that they helped to punish
| the many gallons guzzled down by those on
| board the Excelsior.