The record-union., 1892-04-25
HOW TO SUCCEED.
Cofman Was There for Business and
Made it Win.


"The National City Hotel was located
on the California Southern. branch OF
the Santa Fe Railroad said story-tell-
ing traveller yesterday. About the time
the building was finished large portion
/ of the road was destroyed by hood, ana
the hotel stand was of little present value.
But MIR. Coffman, the proprietor.
saw future for it, and accepted an offer
of a free lease for three years, on condi-
ton that he should furnish and keep it
up. OF course he had to begin with light
expense, and this is where his varied ex-
perience and working qualities came in
handy. He hired cook and chamber
maid, while be took upon himself the
duties of landlord, porter and general
utility man. l must say he made 1t
comfortable for the few who come his
way.
lone day a small party of railroad Off
cials dropped in upon him, having come
to see how the repairs on the road were
getting on. Landlord CottInan had to
spread himself TO perform his many
duties and at the same time to maintain
the proper dignity in the presence OF his
guests of high degree. The party came
in at night, tired and hungry, after a
tramp along the waShout. When Presi-
dent Wilbur was conducted to his room
to retire he said to the genial proprietor:
~ will leave my boots outside the door
for the porter
+" Certainly replied Mr.. Cotfman,
growing Il little nervous, as he realized
the responsibility of the porter.
when all the guests had retired, as he
supposed, MIR. Cotfman started up stairs,
with newspaper in his hand. AS be
neared the spot where President Viii
bur's boots were, he turned to see if the
coast was clear, and then made dive for
the boots, wrapped them in the paper and
made a shoot for the baggage-roo
Here he felt safe from the gaze OF every
body and began shining those boots in a
way that indicated experience in the bus
mess. But i'll Il leisurcly midnight walk
Conductor kaggey discovered him, and
at once took in the situation. Cot1man
nearly tainted the next day when kag-
gay found him behind the counter and
said:
Say, that was pretty good shine
you put on the Presidents boots last
night
''Coifman saw he was in for it, and set
out the cigars, pleading with the con-
ductor to say nothing. Again and again
the conductor returned and collected in
terest on what he knew. and occasionally
would ring III friend OH the set-up, and
would settle the bill by the remark:
That's on me-
"As time went on Coffnan came to re-
gard the secret as safe. The road was
finished, and the hotel tlour;shed as a
leading summer resort. \ year later Il
party of officials, inclading President
Wilbur, Superintendent j. NJ. Victor and
Treasurer Frank II. Pattie, came through
in private car on an inspecting tour
They invited the landlord to take run
with them. AS they sat at luncheon that
day, the President brought the blood to
Cotiman's cheeks.
THAT shine you put on my boots was
the best | ever had-it tasted d week.
After the first burst OF merriment Will
bur continued: And. you will remem-
ber, l left dollar for the porter when
departed.'
Yes replied Coffman, who by this
time had got his breath. and the porter
got it,
"'Never mind, Coffman,' said Wilbur
that convinced me that you were all
right, and there's not q house on the
Santa Fe road that you can't have. .'''-In-
dianapolis journal.