Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-25
THINGS 4 RUSTIC SAW ON
HIS VISIT To RICHiaQHD
War Prices Shocked Him Tn Route,
and CoIn's street Cleaning Dis
gustrd Him After Arrival.
FAMILIAR SCENE IN Nnw DRESS
The, Rus;ic's Amusing Experience
With One OF Richmond's Fatls.
Not Posted on Cafctcrias, but
Soon Learned the Ropes.

Colonel II. Is. Berkeley. the venerable
editor Of the Tar,nvillc Herald. admits
that he has don" but little travelling
in the past decade or two and has be-
come rustic. but he recently made
trip 20 Richmond and lie saw and heard
many new things 10 him. some pleased
him and some did not.
According 10 the graphic account Of
the trip which he gives in The Herald
the first shock to his nervous system
occurred in Petersburg in the railway
lunch room. lie explains. Il once
got a satisfying lunch there for l5
cents but now TO get one for 40 cents,
Gnc has to lie 4 good hnancicr." The
sun had not melted all the snow ana
ice when tho colonel reached Richmond,
and this displeascd him. lie gives
Chief Street Cleaner Cohn a iab and
advises him and his colahorers to SO
4 Farmyille and take lessons in stree;
cleaning.
He stratcd out in search OF old fami-
lar places. He found one arrayed in
new drabs. and here is what he says
about it: II vcnturcd Into what was
once the barroom Of a leading hotel
nd found the most elaborate sof;
drink establishment l ever saw. Ana
the men gathered about the counter
as they once did in front of the bar
and repeating the familiar invitation.
what viii you have 20 drink? And
am told the profits are even better
than when booze was sold. And every
body goes TO bed sober and gets up
next morning without the big headache.
The colonei's experiences in one Of
R!chmond's cafctcrias was rich. He
writes: Il was advised TO take a meal
at the cafeteria ana went TO the great
ay eating house TO find il crowded
with caters. Not knowing the ropes
when ] entered took my seat ana
waited to be waited upon. But no one
responded and asked the reason when
| was told everybody who cats here
waits on themselves was then hand
CT "A large waiter having OF il a knife.
fork. spoon and napkin. and then with
the waiter in hand walked down the
line Of dishes selecting those ] pre-
fcrred and having reached the end of
the row n girl took casual glance OF
my waiter and gave me the check.
This was paid TO the cashier when |
ook a seat at the table and enjoyed
the meal. This was all new with INC
but seems to be the fad in Richmond
just now and 70 watch those waiter
totcrs makes interesting sight"
The rustic found the business ra"t
OF Main street a vcritahle bee hive
OF industry. hustle and business. by
the time ne reached Broad street the
ice and the snow had departed and he
ound the busy retail! tnoroHghf1re
"arrayed in spring garh." rs night
he seems to have gotten entirely he
yond the electric lights ani had TO rely
on gas, for he says 'Etchncni gas
comes nearer being no light than any
he ever had to contend with. He thinks
old fashioned Prince Edward County
taI!ow candles can beat it all hollow.
The colonel has a good word 10 say
or Richmond hotels. but he thinks his
own town OF Farmvillc has in the
main better Sidewalks than the capital
city.
There is 4 touch of sadness IN the
GLOWING from Colonel Eeckeley's in
teresting Richmond letter: Il played
shy Of the Capitol as | no longer know
the law makers. My companions in
politics we'll nigh all dead or retired"