St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1893-05-06

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Estimates as to the cost of the hotels
in the Worlds fair district range from
So, 100000 to 81, 900, 900. Well versed
builders who have been over the ground
state that tile latter figures are not too
high. 1t would be interesting if the
amount Of money received by the hotel
companies in advance payment for ac-
commodations could be computed. Only
here and there will their officers give out
the figures. Those who have had much
to do with the enterprises on the outside
give the total at about 81 800, 900. From
the sale of memberships alone one so
called club took in $125, 200. substan-
tial improvements are pointed out as
having been made with the money re-
ceiyed from agents, who have sold ac-
commodations from one end Of the coun-
try to the other.
In architecture there is an almost lin
itless range. The temporary structures
are of wood or of staff. Where the
buildings are to be continued in use dis
large family hotels or apartment houses
stone has entered largely into the con-
struction. The largest of the hotels is
the Great Eastern, which will have |, 100
rooms and will cover a space 300 by 900
feet.
While it is undoubtedly true that q
number Of the more unscrupulous of the
newly made bonifaces of Chicago may
overcharge or swindle unWary guests,
the fact remains that no visitor who goes
to Chicago with plans well matured and
uses ordinary discretion will be subject
ed to extortion. Those who use no fore
thought must not complain if they meet
trouble.
The best hotels will not advance rates.
and in fact there is every evidence that
Chicago intends to display unselfish hos
pitality to all comers. The Palmer
House some time ago set an excellent
example by posting a notice that there
would be no advance in prices on ac-
count Of the Worlds fair and no reduc-
tions during that period; also that con-
tracts for rooms would be entered into
at once. Some of the higher class Of
apartment houses served notice on their
tenants that rents would be raised May
for all leases running less than one
year. There may be some hotels whose
proprietors will be short sighted and
greedy enough to increase their prices,
but the general disposition is to adopt
the same plan as that of the Palmer
House and charge only regular rates.
Those who contemplate visiting the
exposition can make arrangements for
rooms at prices to suit themselves. They
can spend DO cents for bed or secure a
luxurious apartment for So per night.
For ST comfortable bed IN a clean and
airy room can be secured for two per-
sons. Rooms can be selected without
difficulty a lew hours after arriving in
the city, for extensive preparations are
being made to rent rooms, and hundreds
of houses will be found on nearly every
residence street where rooms can be se-
cured.
Concerning the cost of meals, would
be visitors should first consult their ap-
petites. A breakfast. of coffee, rolls and
q sandwich will cost Is cents in the
down town restaurants. A supper with
cardinal" Belnis at the Richelieu, such
as can be obtained in no other city in
America, will cost $50. These are the
extremes. One can go from the first to
the second, or arrangements can be made
for three meals that will cost an average
Of 35 cents each, and they will be suff-
cient.
Visitors to the fair are advised to en-
gage rooms without board and take their
meals where they see fit. They will find
it very inco1venient to be at their board
ing houses at mealtimes, and those who
contract for board will find that they
are paying for meals that they cannot be
on hand to eat. Visitors will find that
they can live more cheaply and with
more comfort by taking their meals at
restaurants.
The city proper is well provided with
restaurants of all grades III Convenient
locations, and hundreds of dining rooms
have been established IN and about the
grounds. Mr.. Gage, who has the chief ca
Subscription to the Clarion II 50 a year.