Evening journal., 1899-11-16
Because He Was Not Given Room
on First Floor of Clayton
House.
HE FIRED A WET TOWEL
AT THE CLERKS HEAD, But FOR
TUNATELY MISSED HIS MARK
OBJECTED TO SLEEPING OVER
HIS CHORUS GIRLS.

Henry Clay Barnabee, actor and part
owner of the Boston Ideal Opera Com
|pany, considered he was very shabbily
treated during his stay in this city on
Monday night last.
The Bostonians gave a performance
.of The Serenade" at the Opera House
last Monday night, which was thor
oughly enjoyed by a large audience.
Previous to the arrival of the troupe on
Monday afternoon, the advance agent
called at the Clayton House and en-
gagged rooms for the company. He was
especially particular as to the apart
ments to be occupied by Henry Clay
Barnabee and wife, and requested that
q nice room with two beds in IL should
be reserved for Henry Clay and his
better half.
Accordingly Proprietor Bothman as
signed the actOr-oWner room No 79
on the second sleeping floor one Of the
best in the hotel, and set apart rooms
on the first sleeping floor for other
members of the company, including the
chorus girls. When Henry Clay Bar
nabee and wife arrived in the after
noon and Mr.. Barnabee was informed
that his room was on the third floor he
became indignant, and wanted an
apartment on the floor below. He was
Informed that no such room as he de-
sired could be had in that portion of
the house. After storming and rant
ing for a time he cooled down and
went out.
On Monday evening. after the per-
formance was over he again appeared
on the scene and renewed his efforts for
another room. This time he tackled
the Daght clerk, c. e. Cotter, who was
On ddty.
Henry Clay insisted that he would
have the room he wanted whether il
was in the house or not. The idea Of
him, Henry Clay Barnabee, being COM
PEELED to sleep on the third floor, while
his chorus girls occupied rooms on the
floor beneath. Preposterousi Ridicu-
lousl He would not stand it, 10 was
unheard Of Proprietor Bothman did
not know how to run a hotel any wayl
Cotter was getting nervous. when AL
bert Bothman, day clerk at the hotel,
put in an appearance. He politely in
formed Henry Clay Barnabee again
that it was impossible for him TO ac-
lcommodate him in the manner he de-
sired.
Henry Clay then got still warmer,
and said he would leave the house. Mr..
Bothman at once sent for the actors
trunks and set them on the hotel
steps awaiting their owners disposal.
Mr. Barnabee paid his bill and he and
mis- wife. followed by their trunks, left
for another hotel.
THE SEQUEL.
Everything went on smoothly during
the night, and the other guests slum-
bered in peace. The next morning.
however, things changed. About s
O'clock Henry Clay Barnabee again ap-
lpeared on the scene. He entered
| through the main door from Market
lstreet. He was boiling over with anger
at the treatment he had received the
night before In his hand he carried a
wet towel, neatly done up in a bundle
and tied with a string. Albert Both
man was behind the hotel desk and he
it was towards whom Henry Clays an
lger was directed. Stealthily advancing
to a position in front of the counter
Henry Clay Barnabee raised his arm
and, with malice aforethought, hurled
that wet towel with terrific force at Mr.
Bothman's head, eXlaiming at the same
time: "Oh. you nasty thing. take that
I'm teach you to insult Henry Clay
Barnabee, actor and part owner Of the
boston Ideal Opera Company"
Fortunately. Mr. Bothman avoided
the missile by ducking his head. and II
well harmlesslv to the floor. After fur.
lther venting his anger in harsh terms
Henry Clay Barnabee disappeared ant
Twas seen no more. His actions caused
much amusement to those who witness
led them.