The sun., 1898-12-22
The Trusting Hotel Keeper Re-
lates His Grievances and
Figures Up Losses.
CAPTAIN CALLED HIM "EASy"
The Soldier Boys Lived In Luxury
on the ProprietCr's Fine Wines
and Liquors, Promising to
Pay Their Bill When
Mustered Out.

About the twentieth VI ldsV lioh'h
several soldiers of the late Delaware
Regiment went to Samuel Peo, proprietor
of hotel at 2O5 Market street, and gave
him such so-rowful tale of woe that he
took them in and fed them, kept them
well supplied with liquor, gave them
money to get shaved, have their shoes
mended and such necessities. The money
was furnished with the understanding
that he was to be paid when they re.
ceived their pay from Uncle Sam.
Mr.. PEG SAYS that the men had no
place to sleep only at the armory, which
was in such a condition that respecta-
ole man would not stay there. Also
that they were starving, as they had no
money to buy food and the Government
did not furnish food while the men were
on furlough but allowed them twenty
five cents day ration allowance, which
was received by them the day they were
mustered out. This they said did them
no good at the present time as they were
truly starving and needed some place to
sleep.
The appeal of the soldiers was unsuc-
cessiul and the house of the generous
Peo was thrown open to all soldiers.
Twenty.nine men took advantage OF this
good chance and led, drank and boarded
at the expense OF the proprietor.
An extra room was fitted out, several
tables were put in and the soldiers had a
private dining room. At any time OF the
day numbers of soldiers could be seen at
the bar OF this hotel and ordered drinks
of all descriptions payable "later." One
soldier, a non-commissioned officer, had
liking for champagne, consequently
Peo is several bottles of champagne shy.
In several cases Peo gave the men money
with which to get shaved, have their
shoes mended and to have their linen
| laundered.
The afternoon of the day the soldiers
were paid and mustered out Peo went up
to the armory with the intention of see-
ing few of his boarders of whom he
was Just little doubtful about their pay
ing. At the sight of Peo the men de-
parted from the building by means of
rear doors and windows. Peo was
greatly surprised at this and was just 60
ing to 20 in pursuit when he was ac-
costed by Captain e. G. Boyd Of Com
pany G, who had, to certain extent,
recommended Sc everal of his company to
Peo as being honest and sure to pay.
Captain Boyd asked Pee how he was
making out, and when he was told that
Peo was not making out at all, he
laughed and told Peo tnat he was
easy" This angered Peo and he inn
mediately went in search of his late
lodgers with the intention Of forcing
them to pay.
At the p, W. & B. depot he came
across several of his men and secured
small sums from some of them. With
others he was not SO fortunate.
One fellow in blue was grabbed just as
he had mounted the train steps, and Peo
claimed that he was debtor for ten dol
lars, but Peo did not receive cent from
that soldier.
Another soldier lodged across the
tracks and through the main Cftice of
the p, W. 4 B. machine shops, with
Peo in close pursuit. The soldier con-
tinued through the shop yards, and Peo
remained at the entrance of the office
for him to come out. Meanwhile the
blue coat had emerged at another gate,
and Peo's vigil was fruitless.
One case Of fellow who claimed his
name was Brown and who owed Peo
about twelve dollars, was put in the
hands of Magistrate Kelley, who found
that the soldier had given Peo, an as
sumed name. This man was made to
pay the twelve dollars, fee Of three
dollars was deducted and Peo realized
nine dollars, in this one case Peo lost
about six dollars
In consequence of the loss OF several
dollars and the meanness of the soldiers.
Peo has not very good word for the
boys in blue, especially the ones who
stopped at his hotel.