Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-11-24
THE LONG TABLE.
A True Story Of Country Town.

Written for The EVENING STAR
A short while ago l was called by business to
make visit to an interior country town. 1t
was a place of considerable trade, and de-
lighted in calling itself a city, although, as it
was off from any main line Of railroad, it pre-
served many traits Of rural simplicity. /
stopped at the principal hotel and asked for
accommodations. / was there told, by the
proprietor, that an agricultural convention
was then in session at the court house, and.
consequently, nearly every one of his rooms
was already engaged. The same state OF
things, he said, existed at all the other houses
of public entertainment in the town. How
ever, he assured me il would stay with him
he would do for me the best in his power and
give me something of chamber, which, even
if it was not altogether what / might like,
would still be found to be passably comfort
able. As l had arranged to have several
parties meet me that evening, who were
anxious to see me in reference to the settle
ment Of some claims, there seemed nothing
else left for me to do but to accept the land
lords offer.
On looking around found the inn at which
l was to lodge was a large old-fashioned stone
building that had been erected in the early
part of the century, before the day Of rail-
roads. Its numerous and spacious apartments.
with lofty ceilings and heavy woodwork, its
wide halls and ample stairways, all gave token
of preparation for a large number of guests.
These might often have filed il when the
streets of the town were thoroughfare for the
busy travel that passed in stage-coaches and
in wagons from the eastern cities over the
mountains to the distant west. But since the
place had been isolated from the main routes
such a crowd could only be looked for ON ex-
traordinary occasions.
As soon supper was over asked TO be
taken to my chamber, SO that 1 might receive
my callers in private. The clerk, who con-
Quoted me thither, said: Il am going to put
you in the long room. 1t is in the back part of
the house, and is somewhat narrow, but il is
otherwise comfortable and has q good bed
in it,"
When reached it I found its appearance
justified his description. But the bed was at
the extreme upper end Of the apartment. and
row table, covered with red cloth.
'What is the object of that tablet" asked.
'Ohr' he replied. lit is the side or remove
table OF our dining-room which, owing to the
crowd we now have to accommodate, we have
temorarily put here, SO as to give more space
there for the eating tables"
As 1 asked no further questions he went his
way back to the Office.
was hardly seated when q rap at the door
announced one Of my visitors. After some
call, he remarked: so they have put you in
the room Of the long table, have they?" an
swered, was surprised to hear him describe
the room by that phrase, as I had been told by
the hotel clerk that the presence of the table
there was only accidental and temporary.
"Not at all, ]" he continued. ''the table is FIX
ture here. This is the place where the only
social club of the town holds its weekly suppers.
But the strict, rustic morality of the community
encourages even the light dissipation of such
festive gatherings. although no excuses are
ever INDUCED in beyond q little extra eating
and drinking. So the host is, perpaps, anxious
to conceal the fact of its meeting at his house
quite as much as the worthy denizens of the
burg are disinclined to have il revealed to their
wives that when the latter think their good
husbands are safe at the lodge or in their shops
posting up their books, they are at the hotel
enjoying oysters and ale. How strong the
force of this feeling is may be seen in the fact
that the clerk was careful to hide the real use
Of the table even from you, q stranger"
Shortly after, the visitor departed. and was
soon followed by another, who, after a brief
talk, also spoke Of the apartment. as, 1.-The
room of the long table"
.'Yes," said, but the sight of the table is
not unpleasant It recalls agreebly the scenes
OF festiyity, OF which 1t Is the center, and the
train Of ideas excited by. the thought Of party
assembled for eating and drinking il gener-
ally cheerful"
eating and drinking!" he exclain ed ssThere
e not much eating, il any, done a. il, and all
the drinking ID only help TO the main point in
gathering around 1t, and that Is, gambling.
Many are the games that are played on that
board, and not the least common of them 10
poker. No wonder they want TO keep IL . -
cret! How many poor women that think their
husbands don't know one card from another,
are kept up till midnight, waiting for them 70
come home, and feeling % sorry they have 70
be out 20 late ct building association, or other
such businessl But il You like what you call
sfestivity, you may be sure there y enough OF
ble." So saying he hurried - With langh.
Ny next caller wss also sooa % not1cs TIE
long table. II nov," sid he, ''there are ssv-
eral stories about the uses 70 which g u -
fuiss the real one, vhich, in fact, b so0ewhet
unlawful IN charaotss. Tea nay know, eha4 n
In ogr st.ts, thsrs l. vssy considsrsbls ~