The Washington times., 1902-08-22
Complaint of Alleged Ho-
tel E:Xtortlon StirS
Committee.
INVESTIGATION IS STARTED
If Complaint Has Foundation, Hotel
keeper Viii Receive No Paying Ad-
vertising - Executive Committee
Seeking Information of Abuses.

Chairman Brainard H. Warner. of the
citizens executive committee, has de-
clared war TO the death against any at
tempt to practice extortion at the COM
ing encampment of the Grand Army of
the Republic TO be held in this city be-
ginning October 6. He yesterday asked
that any person who believes that he
has been unfairly dealt with shall COM
nunicate his grievances to the eXecu-
tive committee and summary action will
be taken.
This action was brought about by a
single instance of alleged extortion that
was brought to the attention of Mr..
Warner. The alleged offender is the
proprietor of one of the down town ho-
tells. The signature of the gentleman
in question appears on the agreement
that was signed by all of the principal
hotel proprietors of the city when the
encampment arrangements were first
under way This agreement stipulates
that the regular rates of the hotels in
question shall not be advanced because
of the crowds that will be attracted to
the city by the encampment. These
gentlemen are in honor bound to abide
by their agreement, and there is every
reason to believe that practically all of
them are doing SO.
Charged With Raising Rates.
1t is charged by the complainant in
the present instance that. although the
regular prices of the house in question
do not exceed SO a day on the European
plan, he was refused accommodations
unless he should pay S. a day. with the
stipulation that the room should be
taken for a considerable period of time
at that rate.
Mr.. Warner has directed that thor
ough investigation of the matter he
made. and if it is found that the com
plant is well founded. the name of the
house will be excluded from all matter
that is sent out by the citizens commit
tees. and whenever the opportunity shall
present itself the reason for this ex-
clusion will be explained.
1t is probable that other means may
be found to reach offenders. as Mr.. War
ner believes that the reputation of the
city is at stake. and that it is incum-
bent upon the citizens to abstain from
any unfair dealings with the guests who
may be within our gates on the occasion
of the big gathering.
II IS his desire that residents of the
city and the public throughout the coun-
try cooperate with his committee in
suppressing any attempt at extortion,
and he will deem it a favor If anyone
who feels that he has not been dealt
with justly will report the facts to him
in writing. and these will receive imme-
diate attention.
Mr.. Cuno H. Rudolph, chairman of the
committee on decorations, called on Mr..
Warner yesterday TO consult with him
regarding the nature of the appeal that
will be issued for the decoration of all
buildings along the line of march during
the encampment. Mr.. Rudolph submit
ted the draft o. letter which will be
sent to every property owner or resi-
dent along the line of march of the vet
Grams of the war OF the sixties.
The amount of prizes TO be awarded
has not as yet been definitely deter
mined, but will be announced in a short
time. That they will be well worth con-
testing for is already assured by those
in charge of arrangements. The letter
is as follows: