Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-04-04
THAT HOTEL CLOSING.


| z =" " wv ~>@<&~ - " 1870
esting Remarks
To the Editor Of the Reflector.
There seems TO be misunderstand-
Ing on the part Of some Of the citizens
IN regard to the action OF my COM
pany in closing the hotel, although it
is generally understood that it has
been maintained at loss for some
time. learn that it is said, either
through malice or ignorance, that 1t
is a campaign bluff, and | understand
that Others have the nerve, knowing
the circumstances, to criticise the
action on the part Of the company
and say that it should be kept open
even II it did lose money, that it will
hurt the town, ETC., etc. | wish in
turn to ask these sclf-appointed crit.
les what they have done to keep the
hotel open. The hotel books show
that there has been an average
monthly payment Of over $1,000 to
the merchants Of Abilene, including
the pay roll, ever since June /, 1891.
1t has been the aim of the manage
ment to patronize The Abilene mcr-
chants as far as possible for the gen
eral good Of the city, and how have
the residents shown their public /
spirit and good will in turnP The
books further show that during this
entire term the residents have paid
into this hotel for board the magnif-
cent sum Of 81 1893. 80, or less than an
average OF $500 per month. In
other words this hotel has paid to the
citizens OF Abilene since June |, 1891,
over 500, 900 and received less than
$1,000. | will venture the assertion
that there is not a hotel in the state
Of Kansas, no matter how small the
town. that has less support from the
citizens than is given to this hotel.
| have heard so often of merchants
whom know TO have been directly
benefited by this hotel and its man
agement, county officials with good
salaries who can well afford to get
the best, who when their wives are ,
out OF town either 90 to boarding
houses or lunch counters for their !
meals, that have got hardened to it.
Then there are the single men who
board the year round, professional
men, bookkeepers, clerks, etc, that :,
can well afford, for prices are not /
high have made it a point to see il
these people, and in sheer duspera- II
zion have offered to board them and !
- 81
furnish q room for $1,000 per month
but IN vain, Look at the cities on ,
both sides Of us, Salina and junction
yily. They both have one hotel that g
s considered iirst-class, and they each !
'ecclve over $500 per month from d
,oarders alone, and 1t is conceded
hat this is the best house of the
hree. 1t is common talk among II
he travelling men that this is the L'
est town to get out Of on their line. W
The majority of the merchants as =, =,
DON as traveller strikes the town b1
mt aside all other business and as GU
lst as far as possible to hasten the SIT
lan's departure, seeming in fear that gu i
he hotel will make something by de- fri
v, but probably as truth through ps
tier indifference rs to the hotels ha
God. | could say many cutting sG
llngs in regard to the patronage by 40
10 citizens of this town, but | will H.
Dt do SO. | will take this oppor-
unity OF thanking the few local rFl
lends who have stood by this hotel,
I'd will say in closing that we have
zen forced to take this step partly on Jol
count Of the light travel, but
rgely because of the lack of sup
'rt and patronage of the citizens.
] trust that the differences between
y company and the Railway COM y
my will be soon adjusted and that K K
0 hotel will be reopened, and hope Bio
r the benefit Of anyone opening this J. J, b.
tel that the citizens will have nan
Ill
'rned to appreciate the house and Law
all in their power for its support. on iiu 3
Yours Respectfully, or % a ;
A. J. CowLEs, Manager. Bro Bro
ABILENE, Kas.. March 20. '95 thre
w. ther
'--%->~---- twel
tl,,,