REPORT OF DR. FRED. W. RUSSELL.
557
the various classes. I shall endeavor to give an outline of their habits, and especially describe some of their methods of amusement. Perhaps the latter may be found worthy of introduction into our own country.
For the gratification of this appetite lavish provision is made throughout the city. There are no saloons with a green blind just within the door, and concealed drunkenness beyond. No secrecy is thrown about the habit ; no taboo of society rests upon it. Gardens and cafés abound on every hand. Ladies and gentlemen sit at the tables, with the customary deference to the social rank of each saloon, and lunch in merry company. Every one is quiet and sober, and during the day-time there is no intoxication whatever. Beer is not guzzled, to'use a coarse word for a coarser fact, but is enjoyed for its own sake. A habit of continued drinking, one glass after another, exhibited by certain wild Americans attending the "Exposition,” was a source of constant wonder to the "beer-boys.” Wine is not so commonly called for. Indeed it is rather rarely used in the gardens, but is more common in the restaurants.
I. Hum, Brandy, and Spirit Shops.
These are found scattered here and there about the streets, but attracting no attention by their elegance or obtrusiveness. The most popular one is situated opposite the Vienna Exchange. Usually they are small, dirty affairs, with rows of casks on shelves along the wall, and a few large bottles on the counter. By law the number is limited, and they are required to open at 4 a. m., and close at 10 p. m. As a rule, only the very poorest classes visit them, the street laborers and those wdio do the lowest labor of the city. Commonly in the morning, before starting out for the labor of the day, these people purchase a few cents’ worth of liquor to use during the hours of work. When evening comes you see numbers within the shops, calling for and drinking very small portions at a time. A sum of three or four cents is all these poor people can afford to spend. Should one get drunk or be noisy he is at once put out and quickly appropriated by the police. If any disturbance arises the place is peremptorily closed. I entered very many of these establishments, early