National Republican., 1885-07-10
wAsurNaroN,s .w1L1Anp,s.
A Sketch of the Famous Hostclry and
Its Genial Proprietor.


Its Genial Proprietor.
The other day. while seated at the table
In the dining-room at Wizards, the con
trast between the menu with that given
under former proprietors was referred to
among some bon viyants. The improve
ment was almost radical, so great that
person could not help realizing that the
management Of this hostelry had fallen into
able and capable hands in a substantial
manner.
The present proprietor, Col. o. G. Staples,
dropped into this city almost an entire
stranger. There was no advance heralding
OF his fitness for the task assumed, but he
went quietly to the work OF preparation
incident to the opening OF one OF the lead
ing hotels Of this city, and one which had
reputation extending not only throughout
this country, but into continental Europe.
1t did not take an experienced eye long to
reach the conclusion that Mr.. Staples was
master Of the situation, and competent in
all that was requisite to make n iirst-class
hostelry In all the details, of which there
were a multitude, he was found equal to
every emergency, and although workmen
were to be found engaged on every hand
he brought order out OF chaos, and when
Wizards was thrown open to the public
nothing but words OF commendatiou were
bestowed upon It and the new proprietor,
This was not Col. Staples's first step In
conducting hotel, for he had en-
joyed an experience OF ten years in the
business. lie was the first to erect hotel
at the Thousand Islands, known as the
Thousand Islands House, which he kept for
ten years, and so successful was his man
agement that it yielded him handsome
income, and when he came here he not only
left valuable property, but the regrets of
hundreds Of summer sojourners at that
place who missed his genial society and
could not anticipate management as
satisfactory as his had been. Knowing the
importance Of system Col. Staples, from
the outset, determined to adhere to the
course pursued by him elsewhere, and the
result has been that Wizards Of to-day is
far advanced Of what IL has been, and now
has not its superior In matter Of accommo-
dations, table service, and general equip
ment.
The entire establishment has been WIS.,
tied recently by the painter, paperhanger,
and upholsterer, and the work OF their
hands shows forth In the fresh and attract
i've apartments and the rotunda and lobbies.
In many Of the parlors and chambers new
furniture has been substituted, and expense
does not appear to be an item of considera-
tion.
In order TO further accommodate and at
the same time supply what has been so long
needed, he transferred the tonsorlal depart
ment to the basement on Fourteenth street
and In the space 1t occupied established n
cafe. That this was a wise move has been
abundantly shown, and the daily steady
patronage constantly furnishes additional
proof
Formerly II had been customary to close
tho hotel during the summer months, but
| Mr.. Staples concluded that he came here
TO run the hotel all the year round and
did not believe 1t would be of any advan-
tage to close the doors for two or three
months, and 1t might react in the fall or
winter to his detriment. In this respect
the same excellent business Judgment was
shown as has followed Mr.. Staples In other
| transactions.
BY this course Col. Staples not only holds
his regular soiourners through the winter,
but secures many new boardors, and the
| wisdom of this course Is readily apparent.
| While Mr.. Staples came here comparatively
q stranger, and is quiet, reserved gentle
man, still he has become very popular. lie
is q generous, public-spirited man, aiding
every public enterprise, striving to advance
the interest of the city and promote its
growth and greatness.
He is an honorary member OF the Oldest
Inhabitants Association, the members OF
which dined with him last 4th of July, and
of the Washington Light Infantry Corps.
The residents OF his old home evidently
also entertain high appreciation of his
worth, for at recent election OF directors
for the new bank at Cape Vincent, N. Y.
he was chosen member of the board
Col. Staples is q valuable acquisition to this
community for his social as well rs business
qualities, and that he is thoroughly conver
SAINT with what is requisite to conduct
flrst-class hotel is evident.