Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-07-24
CAPE MAY-NORTHERS WATEH4N c
PLACES AND SOUTHERN yISITERS.

correspondent Of the Baltimore american,
under date of the Goth instant, presents glowing
picture Of life al Cape May. lie says:
yesterday was said to be the finest day Of the
season for bathing, the breakers being heavier,
the water warmer, and the shining brighter
than on any previous day The bathing grounds
were consequently thronged at eleven O'Clock,
presenting a scene to the novice at Cape Island of
the most interesting, amusing, and novel charac-
ter. The variety of dresses, embracing all the
coors of the rainbow, and an assemblage of not
less than three thousand persons, arrayed in the
most fantastic manner, was a scene well worth
viewing, independent of the pleasure of partici-
pating in the heathful recreation and enjoyment.
The larger portion Of the bathers were ladies and
children, and they took TO the water like so many
ducks, tossed to and fro by the breakers, and
sometimes swamped over head and ears by their
irresistible force. To dodge them at times was
impossible, SO quick do they follow in succession,
especially to those inexperienced in sea bathing,
and whilst at one instant overwhelmed and car
ried off with their force, at the next they would
be standing with the water scarcely TO their
knees.
1.-The bathing ground at eleven o'clock in the
morning resemblesan immense masquerade rs il
is difficult 10 distinguish males from females, so
perfect is the transformation made by the varie-
gated dresses. Husbands can scarcely recognise
their wives when they Join them in the water, or
children their parents-the consequence is, there
is general freedom from restraint, and all parti-
cipate in the enjoyment with an abandon that
contributes greatly 10 the pleasures Of the surf
The ladies are mostly accompanied by gentlemen,
who steady them in the breakers, though many Of
them seem to be more able TO stand the oceans
rudeness than their male companions. They
generally the first in the water and the last to
leave il.
"There has always been great anxiety evinced
among the hotel keepers to secure as large share
as possible of Baltimore and Southern guests In
conversation with one Of the most experienced,
was given the following answer 'Phadelphians
pay their board only, while Southemers spend
their money He might also have added, that
Northern business men always anxious TO be
with and extend their acquaintance with South
erners. ("
Every year, perhaps, instead of increasing, di-
minshes the number Of visiters from the South
to the Northern watering-places. Though an
unpleasant subject to contemplate, yet il may not
be altogether improbable to offer some rehec-
tons in reference to it,
The time was when, despite the absence Of con-
venences and facilities for travelling, the northern
watering places were crowded every season with
families from the South. No unknd and acri-
monious feelings existed between the two sec
tions. There was no danger that social inter
course would be rendered unpleasant by angry
discussions and alterations. There was no
danger that the southern master would be de-
prived by fanatics Of trusty servants that accom-
panied him. Nor was there any reason TO appre-
bend reproach and insult. II is melancholy TO
contemplate the change wrought by the lapse Of
few years. Bad men, INSCRIPTIONS dema-
gogues, crazy fanatics, and reckless aboltionists,
have combined TO disturb the harmony. Of the
family Of States. They have introduced strife
where there was peace, and discord where there
was agreement. They have banded together TO
liberate contented, trusted, and well-treated
slaves as soon as their feet touch northern soil.
They take them from their owners by either fraud
or force, and raise up bloody and violent rnobs TO
prevent the legal enforcement Of the owners
right TO his property, and TO insult, inure, and
outrage him. Things have grown so bad, that a
southerner cannot take into a northern State his
favorite TO attend upon his sick wife or help
less child without running the risk Of losing the
nurse, and then being mobbed for attempting TO
recover her. The consequence, the natural and
necessary consequence, Of this is, that in place Of
the hundreds that went from the South TO so
journ at northern places Of pleasure, TO spend
with lavish generosity the gains from their large
estates, from successful business, and to cult
vate friendly intercourse with their northern
brethren-in place, we say, Of those hundreds,
there are now but tens. Every year dimnshes
the number, and every year gives a sharper edge
TO resentment The confidence that subsisted in
olden times between the two sections has given
place TO suspicion and distrust, and alienation is
rapidly taking the place Of friendship
Those who went North now dsperse them
selves among the numerous Southern watering
places, or make trip TO Europe.
IL is idle to raise questions TO who is 10
'lame. There is no question about it. The ia
atics are 10 blame, and the communities which !