The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-02-12

But the best thing I struck in the way of painless extraction of francs was in Paris theatre. I won't tell you just how it was worked. for fear the idea might be adopted in the United States but I must admit that it was very clever. It was the only system have ever seen operated where you have to buy back your things from four different people before you can call them yours again. It was done in such an artistic manner that the eX- perience was well worth the price. "When you get ready to leave your hotel and notify the office to send up your bill an American is likely to be | flattered by the attention he receives Long before the bill comes up, serr- ants, porters, walters and maids or aia ages and descriptions begin to arrive l to assist you in your departure. When you realize that you have no baggage ! except a musette bag, it makes You wonder why all this assistance is nec- 1 essary But after very generous dis l tribution of francs to the assembled multitude, you are proudly escorted to l the elevator with many cheerful 'au revoirs.' bon voyages and bon chances
 But don't get the idea that all the hotel theatre, cafe, taXicab and other people an American on leave meets are mercenary. for such is not the case | The French are thrifty, but they are above all else artistic. Dining Is 1 function with the French of both high and low degree, and no considerations l of money can induce him to hurry his 1 meals in any way. Due to the restric- l tions on gasoline and taxicabs the pro- hibition of privately owned automo- piles, and the great influx of visitors , taxicazs in Paris now are eagerly and often vainly sought, and no ques- 1 tiops raised as to the charges. But | while I was there I had a taxi driver absolutely refuse to take me to the hotel not over a 10-minute run, be- l cause it was then only five minutes tt | Il o'clock, and he had his dejeuner at that hour. I assured him that he could be back by few minutes after II and | as I was in a great hurry, he could set his own price, but he was adamant and declined to even consider the matter. But when stores run out even the leash trade at noon and remain closed until !2 D. m, regardless of conditions, you can see that there are some things that the French shopkeeper places even
 above his profits.
 ANYTHING AMERICAN THE RAGE
 Anything American Is quite the rage in French theatres now. I noticed that in Paris. Lyons and Marseilles. In some of the theatres, a good part of
 the speaking is in English. American plays have been rewritten, old Ameri-
 can jokes have been brought out again
 and American music predominates. The
 French have even embraced the jazz
 band, which at first was a trifle harsh
 to their artistic ears. Playwrights are making the most of the fad and the
 French theatregoers are joining in the movement heartily.
 | "Wel, Paul, this is now January 21 so I guess I had better send this letter along I started it four days ago, but something came up and I did not ge. to finish 1t. I have not seen a whole
 Alabama newspaper since July, and bu,
 for letters from friends and occasional
 newspaper clippings. would be rather
 out of touch with things back, in the
 old state. I know you are busy, but
 wish you would take a little time of
 and write me all the news. and don''
 be afraid, that you may send me new;
 that is old. for the chances are it will
 still be fresh information to me. Alsc
 tell me all the office news I would
 like to know all that is going on. G.ve
 my regards to all around the office
 With highest personal regards and bcst
 wishes. I am, sincerely yours,
 LEON c. BRADLEY"