The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-09-22
The watering Places.

The various mountain watering places are by
this time nearly abandoned the "banquet halls
deserted" and the gay crowds which peopled
them, scattered to all the points of the compass,
and prepared to appreciate the comforts of theiI
own Arssides.
From all that we have heard, we should say it
did not require great sacrifice to desert the "ban-
quet balls" aforesaid, whatever else it may have
been unpleasant to give up. These banquet
,halIs" in some instances, were purgatorial tor
turs to the poor pilgrims in pursuit of pleasure
It required all the pedcinal virtues of the Springs
20 neutra:ise the facilitating influence OF the ia
bles. There is no doubt that prudence and mode
ration 10 diet are of benefit 70 health, and we are
willing to imagine that 1t was purely philanthro
pic motive which induced some OF the proprietors
Of the Springs to have as little variety in their
fare % possible to stint 1t in quantity and to have
It mean 10 quality, that thereby persons in pur
suit II health might not overload their stomacbs.
For the same reason, We dare say, they furnished
them at night with biood-letting gratis, keeping
on hand, in every bed, supply OF surgical opera
tors. who relieved the visitors of any superabnn-
dance of blood in their system. But all this, how
ever we'll meant, was mistaken Kindness and in
nine cases out Of ten, was not appreciated by the
quests. In fact, they uttered grevous complaints,
and We have never heard the slightest expression
Of gratitude from any visitors except those at the
watering places, where the landlords attended to
their comfort and had their tables covered with
luxuries, and did not think 1t necessary to make
the fare o. detestable as the water.
In all earnestness, We think it would be right
nd wise for proprietors to whom these remarks
pply, land we are happy to say that they do not
pply to all the Springs of virginia,) to refiec,
tahI ~,
for the reception Of company, as II the only object
were TO make as much money as possible out of a
victimiIed public is likely to pay in the end. We
once heard Of an attache of fashionable watering
place, who remarked to a companion. as he saw
crowded stage, the twelfth since morning, drive
ND to the door-"weli, here comes another stage
load Of id FOOLS" We shall not discuss the
truthfu,uess or civility of the observation Ger
tsipIy. If people are '.fools' because they go to
fashionable watering places, they likely to te
odd fools' before they leave them, If hard treat
meut can damn them. But, fools or wise, they pay
for their entertainment, and at a figure which
ought to command every luxury of earth, air and
ana sea. The prices exacted ut the principal wa
tsriue places in this country are exorbitant and
extravasant In the highest degree, whilst at the
same time the table and lodgings are on the most
peuurious scale and Of the most uncomfortable
description.
Fortunately, there is beginning to be more CO m
petition than formerly; the number Of Springs
and country retreats 10 multiplying, and some of
them are obtaining high reputation for the ex-
celeuce of their fare, the cleanliness of tue linen,
the polteness of the servants, and the capacity of
making Q visitor com fortable. These are the
places which will ultimately command the patron
age Of the public and If they do not become spoiled
and legigent by public favor, will retain the pop
ulartty which they have acquired. What is most
needed for the Industrious masses Of society, who
rsally require recreation in the summer yet whose
means are limited, il the establishment of places
Of resort where the proprietors will be content
with moderate profit, and will not look upsnthp
public % great goose to be plucked for thdf ben
et II IL not at all necessary to THE end that these
rural retreats should have any spring but one of
pure, cool water. quiet farm house, with
shady lawn few fne old trees for the children to
play undsr bright, busbling spring, destitute of
all sauseatiug properties, good table, and clean
bed 10 sleep In at night, would be all that thops-
ands desire, who prefer substance to show, Ind
who ere unable to afford the magnificent miserics
of 6aahionabIe yaterin9 places.