New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-03-23
"reminiscences of the
RAMBLER

You can frequently see in some old bank
or trust company retired and superannu-
ated messenger. His manner and dress in
dictate his sense of self-importance. A black
frock coat, worn buttoned, and silk hat are
proper pendants to the superior form and
patronizing air with which he dominates all
the younger employees the institution. One
of these privileged pensioners was heard, not
long since, gravely discussing with the pres
ident of his bank the degeneracy OF the
times as shown by the unreliable character
of the modern newspaper. The old mes
senger insisted that the President should
join him in a protest, because of similar
experiences in bringing up large families OF
children, against the newspaper lie that
melons (Mellins) is good food for in
fants." The easy familiarity between the
two tells the story plainly
As the privileged old arnuitant of an old
bank, so is the Rambler-a simple old fell
low that is INDUCED all over Wanamaker'
by the Younger folks that belong to the era
of today.
Sometimes he meets an old Crony who
will look about at the decorations of the
dav, whatever they may be, will talk of
pianos and bicycles, canoes and candies
and with an air of wondering regret will
solemnv ask And what would Mr.. Stew
art think if ne was here? ?" The Rambler
knew Mr.. Stewart and admired him.
Nevertheless he promptly asks his friend
''And what difference would Mr.. Stewards
possible thoughts make to this business
Not particle of difference. The world is
far bigger than any man, and trade laws are
like the laws of nature, irresistible. It's the
wise man that bitches his wagon to law.
MIR. Stewart saw the dawn of great retail
ing 1t has passed into the morning, but
the zenith is far away. The retail store of
the future will be one of the marks of
higher civilization Being officially right it
will be an element in golden age.
The Rambler thinks that Wanamakcr's
Picture Gallery contains glance forward
toward a better period. To stand in the
presence Of Grolleron'S "Rescue of the
Colors," Mile Rongier's Woman in
White, Pattien's "A Birds Nest and all
the other medal and honorable mention pic
lures that hang with none the less interest
ing companions about the gallery walls, is
privilege. One of the privileges Of a great
up-to-date retail store.
But the Ram6ler'S "reminiscences touch
many things. He pauses on the first floor.
Ninth Street and Broadway and inspects a
lot of pajamas. The time when pajamaS
were not is not sovery far away. OfcourSe
the senile Jokes. now in their dotage, about
the deaf old man that answered an inquiry
as to whether he liked bananas by stating
that he preferred the old fashioned night
shirt; and the other one concerning the
confusion between Mahatmas and paamas
Immediately occur. But enough!
The Chinaman's clothes suggested paja-
mas for sleep garments, and from China
they came to Europe; but the British in
India have established paamas, and we
mark nowadays the passing of the night
shirt And why not? This lot of madras
pajamas, perfect in every detail of oonstruc-
ton and finish, at ST. go are too good for
the price. SO many people are better pleased
TO paw more than less. But should YOU
want some good pajamas and be willing to
save SOC to one dollar suit you would
better visit the Ninth Street and Broadway
corner of Wanamaker's
But II was art, not pajamas, that the
Rambler was thinking of. In the ante pa
jana period Goupil & Co.'S picture store
was on this same corner, although since
1916 the firm has been Knoeder & Co. The
Rambler well recalls being taken up to the
inner temple, the holy Of holes OF art, to see
some great new work of some one of the
great artists who were the vogue in the
sixties, Gerome-perhaps, on the very spot
now made interesting by pajamas.
But, who cares? Not one in ten thous-
and about the locality; not one in thou
sand about the art-but the pajamas? All
men everywhere may be interested in
them. HE RAMBLER.