The critic. (Washington, D.C.) 1890-1891, 1891-01-19
LOCAL TALKS.
what Persons. Prominent and other
wise, Find to Interest Them.

Dan Curry saw funny act the other
night in the bar of an uptown hotel. a
tail, thin man, with n nose rcddcr than
the brightest cardinal, walked to the
counter and putting 10 cents down, said
i'm voice solemn as the toll OF church
bell: whisky and tobacco" The bar.
tender put UP the necessary glasses and
bottle and then reaching behind Inn took
from shelf bottle of the fiery condi-
ment asked for. The rcd-nosed man
poured out half glass of rye and dashed
in IT n teaspoonful of the sauce which is
hotter than the hottest red pepper made.
The bartender stirred the mixture up and
the solemn individual waited until the
contents of the glass had assumed terra
Gotta coler, when with single movement
of arm and mouth the decotion vanished.
Setting the empty glass on the bar and
casting whitening glance of contempt at
the water on the side the man with
the Cast.iron throat slid out the door.
Mr.. A. ]. Laird-I have been on
Southern trip and found everything as
prosperous in that section as one could ex-
rect. The people are starting off on the
new year with determination to make 1t
one of the most prosperous they have ever
known. A great deal of Northern capital
is being invested in the southern States,
and do not thin K they can prove other
wise than paying Investments. Thepeople
are not talking politics very much.
WILDER G.. Brower-Did you ever notice
how sharply PERSONS eccontricity is de.
ycloped at the box-ofiice Window Here
is one of the best opportunities to study
the curious side of human nature, and |
have seen number of funny things hap
pen outside of the little window in the
lobby of q theatre. The great majority of
people will walk briskly up, and, throw
ing their money down-probably 80
bill--without a word, will wait for the
ticket seller to hand out the tickets. As
matter of course the ticket man will gen.
orally assume that they want orchestra
chairs. But he doesn't trust to his judg-
ment. He has been caught too many
times before, and will mildly ask what
priced seats are wanted and how many.
It's ten TO one he'll receive a snappish an
swer, Gs If the purchaser were surprised
and astounded at his stupidity. And
mark you, you may be surprised to find
that these very men want to go into the
gallery, and are directed there in the most
suave way. That's only one OF the trials
of the ticket seller.
Women will rush up in the very same
way and will look injured VI the weary
ticket seller sharply asks what tickets she
wants. A mind reader can earn piincely
salary by accepting a position behind the
little window. Then there is the woman
who carefully and slowly counts the
change received from IS bill for fifty
cent seat while a cursing mass of hui
manity impatiently pushes behind her.
But she never loses her equanimity.
Just stand by the window some night
when there's good run and I'll warrant
you that you IL see enough to amuse you
for the time being.
George w. Richards-I have often won
dered why the terrace and steps of the
Capitol are not better lighted. During a
night session of Congress especially large
NUN Der of people ascend the steps, which
are really rather dangerous in view of the
dim light. have known several ladies to
have bad falls, and the men have not es-
capped Several electric lights should be
| judiciously placed at points on the steps,
and this would remove the danger that
now exists 1t is certainly q strange thing
that the Capitol of the nation, such grand
| pile, should be so insuficiently illumi-
mated AS the terrace is so often visited
| at night, why should it not be well lit up
until reasonable hour of the night, so as
to give better facilities for those who wish
to enjoy the magnificent view of the city
with its thousand twinkling lights, lying
| at their feet. Surely the cost of the lights
\ would be small, and ii should he done.
Frank Litz-I have been selling papers
| in Washington ever since / was q 7-year-
old boy. l still retain some of my first
| customers. OF course, ! have never been
about the world much, but think Wash.
lngton people read more papers than peo'
pie in other cities This, suppose, is be
cause they have more time, q large mum
Der OF them being in Government EN-