San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1896-12-13

I Texans on account of the heroic eX-
| ploits of Crockett, Travis, Bowie and
others, whose patriotic efforts furnish
an interesting part of the history of
the state and nation.
In the state of eXas, as elsewhere,
Major A. - is to be found the same
| self, always alert in the interest of
| those whose trusts are confided to
| him, always accompanied by persistent
steadiness, civilty and kindness. His
frankness and cordiality sets those
| lbout them at their ease. He warns
! and elevates them by his presence.
| Those in the lower, as well as higher
ranks, share equally in the moving
| amongst them. In a way he has not
but one side polished. His tact has Of
| ten redeemd many who had nearly
missed their way through want of it,
and whose unaided reason might be
apt to go wrong.
His mind is a repository of railroad
matter as well as thoroughly equipped
with other requisite knowledge, such
as history, etc. His knowledge of
railroads Is wonderful. A live store
of information does he possess, which
doubtless is envied by other disciples
of the steel railroads and vestibuled
cars. He is a splendid conversation
alist and it is a rare treat for one who
is eager to entrance his store of in
| formation from such vividness and
dash. So interested was l in his re-
marks and his manner of narrative,
that 1 scarcely heard the porter's So
norious voice yelling, "San Antonio"
my destination. After courtesies,
extended parting greeting to the
major, who cordially grasped my
hand and remarked at the same time.
MAY success and prosperity attend
you" and like men of his stamp. add
ed, LET your duty be strong and vic
tory will be gained in the face of great
difficulties and after as great strug-
gles."
| Immediately upon my arrival l met
reception committee usually in wait
ing at a railroad depot. A delegation
of hackmen. There were so many
and each clamoring for patronage,
that amongst the many 1 selected one
plainly dressed and who showed the
best beast, and who possessed the air
Of a gentleman, perfectly polite, fair
ly easy in his address and CONVERSE
ton and with a feeling of good will.
After my grip had been safely depos-
tied in the vehicle, entered the same
My instructions were to drive to the
place of business, conducted by a
friend of mine. who formerly resid-
ed in the city of my home, one who
had been Electrically inclined in his
earlier years, and who finally yielded
to the admonitions of his good and
Christian mother to retire from the
stage and embark in. as she styled
it, some honest and legitimate bust
ness.
To be candid, he was the only per-
son whom 1 knew in the city of Co.
600 inhabitants. Arriving at the store,
/ made inquiries for my friend, and a
lady relative in charge gently and
politely informed me that he was alb
sent in the country in the interest Of
his business, and l ascertained that
these rounds were usually made, as
a dealer in this state is what the
Americans with their characteristic
aptitude for nomenclature, call a
drummer" Feeling slightly disap-
pointed at not seeing my friend, from
whom expected to CLEAN certain in
formation relative to the city, which
undoubtedly would prove fruitful, and
as | was to remain here for some
time, viewed the situation squarely.
The hotels, nearly on a paraity with
those of other cities, struck me I'M
der the circumstances surrounding
me, as suitable and convenient in ev-
cry respect, save in price, for as al
ready intimated, sought enjoyments
in other lands which my own denied
me. l felt a yearning to be installed
in a suitable place where 1 could OBJ
tain the necessaries of life with cor
responding comforts; already having
determined to let those possessed of
sufficient coppers, wrestle with mod
ern Injuries in strict accord with
their fancy whims or caprices.
Catching a glimpse Of a paper it was
soon under my eyes and perceived
that it was copy Of the Daily Light,
and in it's columns were found, in adj
dition to other important and useful
matter. news of a character which at
the moment was more relishing to me,
the number and location of a place
to board and lodge, where fancy prices
did not rule, and where I should re-
ceive the equivalent of what l paid
out. l had discovered an lad" which
suited me to T, the more so as the
price was mentioned. 1t seemed to
tally with my depleted purse.
There was little hesitation ere l
again entered the hack and almost
urged the driver to transport me there
with due speed, in which respect he
proved to be an adept, for he soon
landed me at a large twO-stOry
frame building with attic and from
appearance, specially constructed for
the climate.
If anything, there was a surplus Of
ventilation, as the many doors, win
dows and other openings disclosed.
The hackman having placed my traps
on the porch ilnd receiving his fare.
sailed forth in quest no doubt. of
similar new corners, one Of whom
was designated, Is subsequently as