Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-10-07
A DAY IN PARIS.
Correspondence Alexaudria { azette

Correspondence Alexandria azette
PARIS, Sept. 13 Il spent several
hours Saturday evening and night re-
viewing my surroundings in Paris
There was everything to remind me
that was not only in strange city OF
colossal proportions, but among peo-
pie of strange tongue and, TO me, oil
strange customs. I was not in narrow
crowded lanes (more properly alleys a.
In London, but 10 wide boulevards,
where every one seemed bent on en-
j1yments, and notwithsl anding the
cafes were swarming with men and wo-
men, as we'll as parts of the sidewalks,
where onyx topped tables and chairs
we're placed, and all were drinking
either wine or beer, l saw none show
log the effects Of intoxication. The
streets abounded in saloons and restau-
rants, and the signs "Vins ct liquors"
we're everywhere. In some cases la
lies and gentlemen were eating supper
rom tables on the sidewalks,
while others had quart bottles of wine
before them. The cafes were furnished
in the most dazzling and attractive
manner, some having orchestras which
ilscoursed enlivening music. stroled
some distance on tie Rue st. Denim,
the Rue Lafayette and parts of other
thoroughfares, watched the passing
throngs, the electric cars and omni'
puses, and occasionally met some one
who could speak English. | became
drowsy between nine and ten O'Clock !,
aud although the lively scenes
around me were very Interesting, the
railroad rides through England and
France were producing their natural
effects, and l sought my hotel. 1could
tind no such thing as sitting room ln
this hostelry, although the building
presented an imposing appearance from
without. and approaching the lady al
the desk 1 asked to be shown my
room. She called a female assistant who
could speak almost as much English es
can French, and she made dive into
small side room and soon returned
with about three inches OF a tallow
candle, which she lighted and haodeo
% me, signifying at the sam,
time that l would have no
trouble in finding my room. was
slyeu key and told to fiud lumber 10
On the second floor meaning third floor
IN England aud Frapce). I found my
quarters eventually and began prepara-
lions for nights rest. The room was
doubtless one of the best in the hotel
1t was the largest and, believe, the
pest furnished l had ever occupied at u
hotel before. But there was no gas,
nor hot and cold water nor marols
basins, as in American hotels. They
are possessed, 1 understand, of hal
lucinstion iu parts of England end
France that such modern convenience
are unhealthy. Water is brought to
the rooms in pitchers which hold as
much as horse buckets and drinking
water in bottles. The bedstead was OF
the French pattern-curtained and
with apparently half dozen mattresses
on it, and so nigh that it was necessary
TO climb into it. 10 fact very portly
man and one of low statue would have
f und use for stepladder. The room
taced the street and had all the beuetit
Of the electric lights without and those
in the depot opposite; hence the ex
tinguishing OF the candle made no di.
ference. | slept soundly, arose earl.
next morning (Which was Sunday and
as soon as possible after brt akfast start
I'D on sightseeing tour. There is bul
little Sabbath observance here; msn
were engaged in erecting or repairing
buildings, the saloons and stores were
upen and | saw nothing 10 indicate il
was Sunday.
My first objective point was the
| Camps Elysee, and, fearing an attempt
10 pronounce it in French, drew the
name in capital letters Oh a card,
showed it to the conductor of an omnl
bus. and after q quarter of an hours
ride was put out on the grand square OF
that renowned boulevard. l had seen
pictures all my light of the Elysee, but
nv most extravagant conceptions Tell
tar short of the original. stood en-
trapced for some lime at the beauty
and magnitude of the place, and then
understood fully why Frencbman was
ford of his capital. He should be, as
without doubt it is the pretuest city IN
the world.
I hardly knew in which direction to
move, as the same beauty was present
ed at esch point of the compass. The
weather was all that could have been
desired, cool northeast breeze prevail
ing. with a clear sky. The fountains
the most colossal and prettiest l had
ever seen-were suggestive of the e1,
travagaut pictures of the enchanted
lands of the Arabian Nights Euter
tainments. Mermaids were holding
dolphins in their arms, and from their
mouths streams of water were shooting
unwards, the spray from which danced
and dazzled like myriad diamonds in
the sunshine.
Isaw the Arc de Triomphe in the TAI
distsrce, snd determined to inspec'
that frst. 1t was long way of, but, AMI
m sted as was with the realization ina
7 was in Paris, distance was secondary
consideration. I strolled through tns
boulevard in the direction OF the arcn
but stopped ever and anon to examine
the massive aud beautiful buildings OF
the way. Many of these stand oacs
from the boulevard aud are ensconcee