The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-04
THE LOUNGERS LEAGUE.

One by two the members of the Loun-
gers League dropped into their club room
The apartment had become a permanent
possession of the organization within the
fortnight, those in power having decided
that a fixed rendezvous would reduce to 4
minimum the probability of six or seven
meetings being held at different resorts on
the same evening. A certain restaurant
keeper-genial. generous. and German
had been made to comprehend that the ge-
freshment privilege and the philosophy OF
the society was worth the rent of any COW
cred space he might have available, and
thus matters were settled. The Treasurer
had transferred the mug bearing his name
from the shaving shop next door. the Seere-
tary had hung a retired standing room
only sign over a small French chair pur-
chased for the new home and the folk of
the Loungers League set up for kings.
Perhaps, it was not inexplicable that all
this sudden grandeur had rather moved
the association from its ordinary Bohz-
mianism. No sooner had everybody seated
himself on the night in question than the
President proposed that the place be con-
sidered regular headquarters, and that
paper with the address printed at the top
be procured. The First Member suggested
that a crest be substituted. ard volunteer
ed his opinion that a proset7ium arch
with a stick of grease paint ia the right
upper corner; a typewriter rampant in the
left upper corner. and the line. Defence
d'Afficher," below would be about the cor
rect thing. He admitted that he did not
know what Defence d Afficher'' meant
but declared that. since probably no one
else was any wiser and since the sentence
sounded noble. the words would do very
we'll Whereupon the Vice President an
nounoad that the phrase. literally trans
lated, was post no bills and the First
Member subsidized
I'm not particular advocate of this
coat-of-arms business argued the Presi
dent CHANGING at the Treasurer. who was
looking discensolately at his empty mug.
THE fellow who trusts to signs and SYM
bols is likely to get himself into trouble.
Did YOU ever hear of Howard Gould and
his motor
The Treasurer reflled his improvised
stein and the Second Member shook his
head gravely.
Well" observed the President, How
ard Gould is the young actor who is TO
play "A Colonial Girl here next week.
When first he put on the piece he spent
many hours in tracing the history OF the
man TO whom the incidents of The Revolu-
tiorary drama are said really 10 have &C.
Cured and while thus engaged, he came
across the aforesaid motto. 1t was writ
ten in old English and read. All on
Heaven. Mr.. Gould had an idea concern
ing the line and he ccrfided it to tee
press agent. Then, together. they had the
Initials of the words engraved on parch-
ment. adding to the three letters the
announcement of the presentation. The
advertisements were sealed and mailed,
nearly a thousand being sent out in IL
waukee alone. To the surprise of the star.
the invitations were greeted coldly, sew
eral of them drawing virulent abuse. 1t
was not until the company had reached
St Louis that Mr.. Gould picked UP peri
odical and from it learned the secret Of
the AFFAIR. The sheet was a brewers or
gan and the comment was in editorial
form. We cannot comprehend the i'm
pudence' it said. .of Thespian who bids
for the support of prominent German fam
flies here and sends to them circulars at
the head of each of which is the insignia
of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.' And
there was the truth of the whole unfor-
tunate mud6le.
Did Mr.. Gould burn the things" que
ried the Secretary.
Not a Bit was the return. "a steam
hammer may not be of service in lacking
Down carpets. but that is no reason why it
should not be kept for legitimate uses
Mr.. Gould is holding on to the stationery
until he reaches New York.
The Treasurer lifted his cup to his lips.
saw that it was empty looked unutterably
surprised, and put it on the table ages.
Speaking Of those affairs" observed the
Vice President. reminds me OF an anus
ing story told on Lydia Yeamans Titus,
who soon is coming to the Grand. OF
course. you know that, for many years.
Miss Titus heavily featured her infant i'm
itatiogs. So great was her success that
large number of copyists sprung Up. and