About | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline

LOG IN
LOG IN


8 Me. L. Rev. 25 (1914-1915)
Inns and Innkeepers

handle is hein.journals/maine8 and id is 29 raw text is: MAI[NE LAW REVIEW VOL. VIII DECEMBER, 1914 No. 2 INNS AND INNKEEPERS By FRANK ELwYN SOUTHARD, A. B., LL. B. N O word has a more interesting legal history, one most. closely entwined with the development of civilization, the spreading of arts and commerce, the growth of distinctive nations, the portray- ing of local characteristics, than the word inn, its correlative inn- keeper, the Latin caupones. In the olden days when the means of transit on land were either foot or horseback, necessity compelled the traveler, be he on the road for pleasure or gain to so plan his journey that nightfall might overtake him in the vicinage of some dwelling where food and lodging could be obtained. Otherwise the wild animals of the woods would destroy all claims to restful sleep. Further than his own discomfort, the dwellers-round would, by his stay outside their houses, be deprived of obtaining any news from the neighboring towns. In this early society-after the period of the distrustful stranger had elapsed and even down to mediaeval times, the wayfarer could be, in many remote and unvisited regions, sure of a hearty welcome at any hut or lodge for the worth of news he might bring. In fact so honored a guest was he that it was con- sidered a severe and almost unpardonable insult or slight for a well ranked traveler not to partake the hospitality of the entertainer for a couple days-one being spent in telling and celebrating the news, the other in recovering and starting anew(s). Perhaps this accounts in a measure for the length of time of many early trips.