Had Forty Homes

1901

Vollon, the painter, was a unique personage even among the old characters of Paris. While he was essentially a Bohemian there were times when even his patience was taxed to the utmost, and to obviate the necessity of meeting unwelcome people he conceived the idea of multiplying his lodging places.

At the time of his death he owned no less than 40 homes, all in apartment houses, situated in all the out of the way corners of Paris, plainly furnished and with just enough accommodation for himself. He changed from one to the another all the time, in order to escape importunate acquaintances and to take refuge from his friends. It was in order to throw them all off the scent that he engaged rooms all over the city.

He finally died in the Rue de Dunkerque, where he had as many as three different apartments, all within a stone's throw of one another.

Congressman Seeks Apartment at Swellest Hotel

1903

The salary of a member of congress is $416.66 2-3 a month. "Uncle Joe" Cannon, of Illinois, when it became apparent that he would be the next speaker of the house, relates the Baltimore Herald, thought it would be a good idea to move from his present comfortable but rather modest apartments to where "a little more dog," as he expressed it, "was put on." He went to the swellest hotel in town and asked to be shown some rooms. The gentlemanly clerk conducted him to the upper regions and unfolded to his vision a handsome suite.

"They look rather likely," said Mr. Cannon, "how much are they?"

"Four hundred dollars," was the reply.

"A year," persisted the chairman of the appropriations committee, who likes to be definite where figures are concerned.

"Oh, no, sir; $400 a month," explained the clerk.

Mr. Cannon appeared lost in reverie for a few moments. The clerk shifted meanwhile from one foot to another, and finally ventured: "What's the matter, Mr. Cannon?"

"Oh, nothing," said Uncle Joe, as he came back to life; "I'm just thinking."

"About what, Mr. Cannon?"

"What I'd do with the other $16.66 2-3."

—Davenport Daily Republican, Davenport, Iowa, March 4, 1903, page 5.