The Washington times., 1904-06-19
VICTOR, LAST OF HIS TYPE OF RESTA JRATEJRS
TAKEN by DEATH AND ALL NEW ORLEANS MOLZRNS

knew so well the gentle art of living
well and was so willing. for a compara-
lively modest consideration. TO impart It
even TO the casual visitor within the city
gates. With Victor passed the last OF
this historic class; Victor is dead and
Victor's-sven II Il survives-will be like
salt that has lost IT'S SAVIOR.
One of those to whom the news Of
Victors death brought a more than
passing pang of personal bereavement
was DR.. L. o. Howard. entomologist OF
the Department of Agriculture and one
of the best known men in Washington.
His acquaintance with Victor had ex-
tended over a period Of nearly a quarter
Of century ard each ear-sometirnes
several times a year-there were visits
to Bourbon Street that revivined It and
kept it fresh in the minds of both.
DR.. Howard is Of those upon whom a
kindly nature has bestowed the power
Of appreciation. and Il Is very likely
Victor recognized in him one before
whom should properly be set the
triumphs of his art He never forgot
the young scholar who met him In the
long ago and each visit was a reunion
pleasant memories.
He was striking looking old man"
said DR.. Howard the other day. to re-
porter OF The Sunday Times. "a typical
Frcnchman. with the unaffected man
nerisms OF the best of his race. In New
Orleans he was an institution and there
was not n parade of the military or any
great civic function which he did not
attend, mounted on prancing charger
and sitting It with all the grace and
ease of marshal of France. In fact. he
looked Ike an arfstocrat OF the aristo-
Gratis, with his white hair and moustache
and upright figure and stately air.
Everybody knew him and there were
bows from hundreds of the crowds along
the sidswalks-bows Victor returned
with the precision and suavity of the
grand seigneur. His progress down the
street was somewhat in the nature of a
trirnphal march AID Victor enjoyed *
TO the very utmost The Frenchman's
Innocent love OF display was part OF
his nature
HE was a lover Of music, and a first
night attendant at every production Of
the French opera. The members OF the
company were his friends. and they de-
lighted after a performance TO gather IN
the rooms above the restaurant. and
singthe simple French chansons they all
knew and loved. Victor had voice Of
his own-a pure. sweet tenor. that blend
ed well with those Of his friends OF high
er artistic rank.
DR. Howard has many little stories
ia tell Of Victor's quaint manners of
habit and thought. The old Frenchman
lived deep-rooted in memories and con-
abandoned for the world He enjoyed
life immensely. and the good things Of
life. and the society OF those upon whom
he bestowed his affection. but IT would
scarcely have been possible to convince
him that the old days were not quite
the best days that the world has ever
known. or ever would.
II was in response TO some goOd-natur-
ed raillery from DR.. Howard that Victor
made the response with which this ar
tlcle opens. DR.. Howard was fresh from
trip TO California and from the
altogether attractive memories OF
the Pacific Coast vintages. In a spirit
mise ed OF patriotism and the desire
TO rufie for a moment old Victor $
serenity. he launched out in an en-
thusiastic panegyric upon American
wines. and asked Vicuor's reasons for
falling TO give them admission to his
premises.
For Old Dogs, Old Tricks.
You can't teach the old dog new
tricks" was the courteoasIy smiling
answer. 1t is altogether probable Dr.
Howard was delighted that the answer
expressed an exact truth. Neither he
nor any of the thousands 10 whom
Nictor's had become in a sense a
shrine would have had It changed in
any Of the most unessentiaI particular
/ They called for the quaint old place
just as ii was; they appreciated Victor
| just as he was and they desired moth
| ing better and. indeed. expected moth
ing better until they had passed to the
land where nectar is the daily diet. The
more enthusiastic would have been
doubtful even about such a change as
this
Victor never condescended to discus
sions as to prices: II they failed to suit
his customers he dismissed the matter
with a shrug. but also with an express
sion that indicated very completely the
| opinion he held Of those who had Of
| Tended. II was as though he wondered
| how such unappreciative and soulless
persons had managed TO find their way
to the French quarter. to Bourbon
Street and to Victor's.
a Washington man tells a little story
| that illustrates this characteristic at
/ titude Of the old restaurauter, in which
/ he played an unwilling and uuwelcome
part.
He had been on a trip through the
! West and found himself at last on his
way to New Orleans. in a very uncom-
| Portable condition. He had met two
| other Washington men, acquaintance
/ Of his, on the train and a young West
| erner made the fourth member Of the
! quartet that sat IN the smoking com
1 charms OF some sort about them-fish