The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-05-17
THE GATEWAY OF THE SUN.
And a Few Pointers Regarding Hotel
Charges in Spain.

jerome Hart In the Argonaut.
This" said mine host of the Hotel de
Paris as he led us into a suit of rooms on
the noble f1oor-''this," said he as he shot
the heavy iron bolts and bars which fast
ened the prison-ike Spanish windows
this said he as he flung open the pom
derous shutters with rattle and clash and
clang-"this is the Puerta del SOL
1t was indeed the Gateway of the Sun.
AS I gazed upon it 1 gasped Another IL
fusion gone.
Our host looked scrutinlzingly into our
faces that he might note the effect upon
us of this imposing sight. BY the way,
the relations between our host and our
selves were slightly strained. We had in
sisted on leaving our luggage on top of
the coach until we had found rooms to
our liking. Leaving ones luggage in that
way usually has an excellent moral eff
feet on continental hotel keepers. They
always begin by showing you their high
est priced rooms, including a magnificent
and funeral salon. then, If your lug
gage has been brought up, they insist
there are no other rooms. Therefore it
is we'll to leave your luggage on the
coach and If the rooms are not to your
liking go to another hotel
But we had struck a naughty Castilian
host with the soul of hidalgo. He did
not like the caution shown by our failure
to bring in our luggage. And he plainly
showed it by his manner So he attempt
ed to crush us by the magnifcence of the
Puerta del Sol
/ gazed out upon the Gateway of the
Sun. saw before me a shabby
square surrounded by dngy buildings. In
front of these dingy buildings there lolled
lounged, lay and sat dingy idlers and
CHI a Inv TTnnn hp of n
square one saw no tree. nor shrub, nor
patch of green, only large expanse of
dingy pavement. 1t was strewn with old
newspapers cigarette stumps and orange
skins. Over the shabby bosom of the
square glided dingy. shabby tram cars.
And this was the Gateway of the Sun.
How much?" said TO our host. How
much a day, senior, for these rooms-the
whole busness-everything included-todo
compreso-tout comprise"
Our host rubbed his hands together and
replied slowly, Thirty pesetas."
For two persons?'
NO replied the host in an explanatory
tone. per person.
Then that makes 80 pesetas," I re-
marked
Yes, 60 pesetas-tout compris-every-
thing included"
docs it include service?'
100000, replied our host. Service
is extra-it will be ~ pesetas"
For both?"
"N-o-o-o-per person"
THAT makes 3 pesetas more. Does 1t
include light?'
Yes" said the host briskly, light in
Guided"
Candles or electric light?''
II meant candles" admitted the host.
"Then the electric light is extra?"
Yes, but 1t is only half a peseta per
day"
For two persons?'
"N-o-o-o," admitted the host, Il peseta
for two persons
THAT makes 65 pesetas instead of 3d.
said |. us there anything else to be added
In this tout compris? Do you charge any,
thing for the view of the Puerta del Sol?'
The hosts blue blood rose. Evidently,
senior" he said stffly. you do not de-
sire these rooms. I will therefore with
draw them from your consideration" And
he stalked away In dudgeon.
We subsequently inflicted on our
naughty host the pain of seeing the brass
bound menals of his rival across the
square bear our belongings away to the
Hotel de la Paz, where we soon were very
comfortably housed.