The Saint Paul globe., 1900-04-29

the street is the general lounglnz room.
containing small pool table and tables
for other games. Back Of this Is tho
room where the meals are served.
The room is arranged much like one
or tho quick-iunch places down town.
There Is q counter running from wall to
wall, and In front OF this are the revoiY-
Ing stools for the men. There are also
three tables.
When this room is filed there is still
another where meals are served. Almost
every day, between II and q both rooms
are crowded and the sidewalk outside is
lined with wagons, whose drivers are
eating.
Everything is orderly and quiet and
neat There is no pushing, no growlings
no boisterousness
The lounging room soon fills with men
who have finished lunch and who still
have a few minutes to spare. Pipes are
filled and lighted, a knot of men gather
about the pool table to watch the play
ers; here and there two laborers or truck
drivers will sit down to engage In game
of checkers. while their friends will watch
end advise them as to the best moVesB
others will sit in little circle and spin
yarns or discuss some question OF gen
eral interest. Everything looks warm
and pleasant and comfortable.
1t is their club just as truly as the Inn
posing buildings down town are the clubs
Of the wealthy.
Mrs. Robinson, who has made this
thing possible, is nothing IL not an en-
thusiast.
ST don't know when have been so en-
tirely interested in anything" she said
the other day. 81 have been connected
with a good many experiments, but
nothing has ever absorbed me as this
scent meal scheme. am very proud Of
our success
And the men seem to consider Mrs.
Robinson one of themselves, AS she
entered the building the other day, sew
eral of them lifted their hats and said
''How-d.ye do and she In turn spoke
to them as though she was one Of them.
when / spoke to some prominent
financiers about my scheme she said.
''they laughed at me. but I knew that
with close and careful figuring 1t could
be done. Why, even on a soup plateful
of oatmeal, which we sell for cents
we make one-half cent clear profit.
''As the surplus grows we intend to
Increase the bill Of fare, for we simply
want the income to pay expenses.
AS Mrs. Robinson left the building on
Wednesday,, there were two little news
boys standing outside watching with en-
vious eyes the men who were going In
to eat Mrs. Robinson spoke to them
ara they lifted their caps.
Have you had your dinner YETI" she
asked.
Nom
'"rhen go inside and tell the cook that
L sent you for something to eat. I'll wait
here and you come out and tell me what
she says
The boys rushed in. and Mrs. Robinson
entered her carriage to wait. Soon one
of the little fellows came out with his
face glowing"
"It's all right, ma'am.'' he cried. "she
saws she'll give it to US. Thanks"
I'VE have many funny experiences
here" said Mrs Robinson.
mot long ago / noticed man In the
Iounging room. He was a pompous-
looking man. and as L passed through .
the room he addressed me in Chesterfield
ian style.
Is Madame. said he, are you interested
In this placer
ST acknowledged that 1 had had more
or less to do with It.
Then permit me, madame he said.
still in his pompous style, to thank you
for a most excellent dinner.