The Washington times., 1895-04-29
Methods on Which They Are Con-
Quoted in Washington.
THOSE WHO PATR0NIzE THEM
Excellent Accommodations offered for a
Small Prica-C Cleanliness the Rule, Not
the Exception-Free Baths Are to Be
Found in Many of the Places-An Actors
Opinion of One of the Places.

III was at an hour when the stiffness OF the
night was only occasionally broken in the
respectable quarters by the rumble of a
passing cab, carrying no doubt its fare from
revelry 10 bed, Times representative
visited some of the cheap lodging houses OF
the city to investigate the conditions under
which the resorts are conducted.
To those who have escaped the ruthless
arrows of misfortune, which have forced
upon many honest men the necessity ofwaIk-
ing the streets OF our large cities through
the night, il may be a surprise to know that
these unfortunates consider a 25 cent bed
luxurious resting place, even though the
accommodations are of the most distaste-
full character.
There seems TO have always existed an
opinion among a certain class OF people
that because q mans appearance bctrays
him tramp rather than gentleman he is
a fit companion for the tramp fraternity.
ProprietoTs are just gratified TO know that
this erroneous idea has not taken possess
sion Of the average Washington lodging
house proprietor, as was evidenced when
The Times man visited some of their
houses. The cleanliness of the apartments
the houses bath attachments We're noticed.
in one instance belated, though refined
| looking young man was seen when about
10 retire in a large and airy room facing
Pennsylvania avenue. The bed lie was to
occupy was OF snow white appearance, and
its cost for the night only 20 cents.
Tie reporter afterwards learned that the
gentleman was a taleuted thespian, almost
penniess, who, through force of circum-
stances, was compiled To come via Washing
,on TO reach his home in New York IN
reviewing some Of his unfortunate ex-
periences, he said that in his travels over the
United States, he knew of no place where
ne could get the same accomm odations for
the amount paid that he did at the lodging
house where he was stopping.
This scommendatiOnc canbe justly bestowed
apon the other houses which cater TO the
wants of those who are unable TO afford
aotels. With few exceptions there is lit
tie TO complain OF in the way the Washing
ton lodging house is conducted, and there are
few in those circumstances which compel
them 10 put up at one OF these cheap shelters
cOr the night who are unreasonable enough
20 say that they have not been provided for
Better than in any other city they have been
IN under like conditions.
WHO THE GUESTS ARE.
A peculiar though interesting phase of
lodging house life is the class of persons
who usually fill the registers of these
cheap hotels. Here may be found the arti
san away from home aud out Of work; the
clerk, perchance q victim OF bis own folly;
the spendthnft who has wasted his SUBJ
stance in riotous living; the printer worn
| out looking for work since be placed his
last stick OF type on the galley; the
brOken-dowu journalist; then he who was
| once favoTite before the footlights, now
| nigh TO penury, and then the prodigaI, who
has wandered from home and mother, only
TO be harassed by the ''sliIgs and arrows
OF outrageous fortune
These and a multitude in similar circum-
stances support the lodging houses of a
large city.
Theggh ii may not be generally known,
yet it is nevertheless a fact, that Wash
ingtou receives more of these visitors
than any other city in the country. This
no doubt because of its national promi-
nenCe and varied and interesting features.
In connection with the lodging house
system itmay be said that in point ofservice
the cheap restaurants in the city cannot be
eXcelled. There are number of these
where a ful meal is served for 10 cents,
ana OF a quality which would cost
twice the sum elsewhere.
A rather ludicrous but illustrative in
cident OF the nature of the Washington
cheap restaurant occurred a few days ago.
A gentleman with no more diamonds than
he could wear visited one of the places and
ordered a 15-cent meal, which was quickly
served. When he had almost finished his
repast, waiter approached and inquired
If he would bring desert. The gentle
man hesitated a moment, and then asked
the waiter if an extra charge would be
placed on his bill. On getting a negative
reply he had the desert brought to him,
but says he felt greatly astonished that
so many dishes and of SO wholesome a
quality could be served for the small
amount OF Is cents
He declared that be was playing in
big luck"