Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-02-20
LEWIsBURG, VIRGINIA. THURSDAY EVENING" FEBRUk

! ing balconies, the wide parapets of a
medieval castle, give a mere inti-
nation of the dimensions of an
other. At the left a gateway, lofty,
arched and grand in proportions, as
rich in its finishings and as imposing
in its entirety as any of the triumphal
arches of foreign cities. Through
this arched gateway, entrance is had
to tho enclosed court of the Hotel
Ponce de Leon, blooming at all times
of the year with fragrance and
beauty. This wonderful building is
a monolith, practically one single
stone. 1t has been nodded from the
concrete of which it is built. 1t is
almost time-proof, entirely fire.
proof, and so firm and solid that it
would nonplus an earthquake
From turretto foundation stone there
is no sham, no imitation. All is solid
massive stone, genuine terra Gotta,
real Italian marble and the finest Sc
lections of Mexican onyx, and but
little Of other materials is employed
in its structure. This is equally true
of the other two hotels.
In one, The Cordova,' is the IA
nous sun-parlor, room made en-
tirely of glass and luxurousIy fur
nished, where invalids may enjoy
all the vivifying effects of sunlight,
without being exposed to the lightest
touch of outside air. In the other,
The Alcazar,' are the same Moorish
designs and furnishings, but he finds
here an indoor swimming pool. 1t
is deep and wide, and through it
runs stream of pure warm water.
1t is warm enough for the most deli
cate invalid in the coolest January
day. 1t is all under roof, and all
mostsystematicaIly and conveniently
arranged for both sexes and all ages.
But the acme is reached when all
three of this unequaled group is seen
at night, ablaze from roof to base
with thousands of electric lights. 1t
is worth coming far to see."
At all ofthese fine hotels in Florida,
built as winter resorts for the accom-
mediation of tourists and visitors
from other States, the tables are sup
piled with everything heart could
wish or the most fastidious taste Of
of the epicurean desire, and the SER
vice is in all respects excellent and
in keeping with the style and gen.
eral appointments. The rates are
high, as might be expected, ranging
from five to ten, fifteen and twenty
dollars a day, according to location
of room, &c. Fortunately for the
country editors, special rates had
been secured for our party, rarely
exceeding two and half dollars
day, and they were thus enabled to
live like princes during the trip, and |
at rate not so oppressive, all things
considered.
Here we are reminded of an anus
ing story told of Gen. Fitz Lee, of
Virginia. Whilst holding the office
Of Governor of the Commonwealth
he went down to st. Augustine ac-
companied by several of his aids,
and put up at the Ponce de Leon, in
tending to revel for a week or ten
days in the glories Of the grand cara
vaDserai. He had not spent more
than one Gay in his luxurious quar-
ters when he learned, in some way,
that he was occupying the same
splendid suite of rooms held short
time before by Jay Gould, and for
which the " Wizard Of Wall Street"
had paid fifty dollars day. Startled
at the alarming magnitude of these
figures, so out of harmony with the
size of his purse, Fitz, with true
military instinct, saw the necessity
of immediate action. Calling one of
his aids he briefly stated the situa-
ton. and directed him to go out and
return at once with telegram sum-
moning the Governor to Richmond,
where urgent public business re-
quired his presence and immediate
attention. With this bogus telegram
in his hand Fitz went down to the
office and, regretting that the exi-
gencies of public business required
his return to Virginia, asked the
amount of his bill.
"Not cent, Governor; not
cent" said the polite clerk. "The
Governor of Virginia is the guest of
Florida, and the Ponce de Leon is at
your service, free of charge, and for
as long time as you see fit to honor
us with your presence"
Strange to say Fitz never once
thought of providing another tele-
gram to meet this changed condition,
and therefore took his leave; but,
when outside of the hotel, he ac-
knowledged his chagrin and told his
aids that he felt like kicking himself
all over the ancient city.
U. S. Senator Watson G. Squire, of
Washington, was at st. Augustine
during our stay there, having come
down on the invitation of President
Bunnell of the Association, and on