The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-07-14
THE SUMNER RETREATS.
The Spas-The Beach-The People on
the Wing-The Virginia vs.
New York Springs,
OUR SARATOGA CORRESPONDENTS.

OUR SARATOGA CORRESPONDENTS.
UNITED SrArss HorgL,l
SARATOGA, July 10, 1858.
The Weahser--A Trip to the Lake-Odd Charoe-
ters-A Visionary Speculator-Engiish Capital
ists-French Social Critics-Musicai Matiness-
Local Improvements Igfur of Yisiters, &C., &c.
The weather has, with the exception of one day,
been quite enjoyable since my rival here the mean
average of the thermometer during the week being
about 50 deg; on the 9Th it rose to 80 deg, but
towards night the oppressiveness Of the atmosphere
was relieved by refreshing breeze.
Yesterday drove down with party to the lake.
and had most agreeable day of it, We bad some
odd characters with us, who kept us perpetually
amused by their eccentrcities. One--a well known
New York speculator, who is always running over
with impractcabe projects-acted as bear leader to
q couple of heavy looking men, whom, in whisper
to us he dignifed with the title of English capital
ists" Whether the volube little Gothamite had
really succeeded in quilting the Englishmen,
or the Englishmen in duping him and getting
him to pay the expenses of their initiation
into Saratoga society, l am unable to say.
From the sharp glances exchanged between them
and the sly but humorous remarks which they oc-
casionally leveed at him, it seemed to me that the
Wall street operator expanding his time and his
money tonds perdus.
chatty little French woman, who was one Of
our party, amused us greatly by her comments on
American manners. In the freedom of her observa-
tions she seemed to be quite unconscious of their
questionable taste. This with the majority Of US
who were cosmopoitans, only gave greater piquancy
to herremarks. She could not understand, she said
and there was some justice in the Extraordinarily
the Americans, who were republican people, should
exhibit in their social intercourse such marked re-
serve towards each other. She had not interchaEg
ed three words with any one since she had been in
Saratoga (the present party, of course, excepted
although she bad made numberess efforts to do. so.
Abroad on the Continent such state of things was
not possible People of all classes enjoyed life just
in proportion to the facility of their manners The
nobility were just as accessible and socially
inclined the b0urgeoisie, and this freedom OF in
tercourse il was that impaired such charm to
French apd German society.
need not tell you that it was difficult to make the
lively little lady comprehend what foreigners gene
rally are slow to appreciate it is the very alb
sence of recognized social distinctions which makes
people reserved in their manners towards each
other. Where all ranks are COMPOUNDED by the poll
teal institutions of country, il Is not Of course
easy TO make those artificial shades Of difference
which family preensons, hereditary possessions or
professional position have created elsewhere
general therefore, supplies Win us
of those tuar distinctions which abroad tea each
class the measure of respect and Difference that N
due to those above it, whilst, at the same time, 1t
defines the extent to which che latter can push ther
condescension.
give these remarks less for their novelty than TO
note the disagreeable fact which is daily forcing it.
self upon ones attention, that the manners Of our
people in their public associations are becoming more
and more churlish and reserved. There is such
an apprehension of compromising some real or
fancied position on the part of ALL that the result
is a taciturnitv and restraint which cannot fail TO
strike forciby the minds OF strangers Ii is pity
that the persons who are the most instrumental in
pushing to such an absurd extreme the natural dis
tinctons of society have not an opportunity by com
parison with the French, and indeed with cont
mental manners generally, OF judging OF the large
amount of amusement and enjoyment by which they
thereby deprive themselves. They have yet to learn
that people Of refinement and good breeding can be
courteous, aiabe, nay, even familiar with all, with
out FORGETTING any of the advantages Of their posi-
ton.
Reverting, however, to the point from which this
depression has carried me, have to tell you, what
the majority of the persons who make short trip to
Saratoga probably do not know that nowhere can
day be more pleasantly and delightfully."- spent than
on the fine lake in les neighborhood. Stretch
ting away ssST ins %e' d1ereS s s a
presenting n striking contrast TO the fiat scenery
which Immediately surrounds the village, one can
pass hours in the enjoyment of the cool breezes
which are continually playing over the surface OF
its waters. Returning TO the Lake House. charm
ing little hotel, surrounded by tastefully laid out
grounds and water tanks full OF fish, the vster viii
find there rs good a dinner and as choice wines rs
are 10 be had in any of the larger establishments of
the springs. With those who have carriages OF theh
own or have money enough TO command them,
drive 10 the lake In the cool OF the evening IA one Of
the regular enjoyments Of the place.
In my last ] told you that there were no musical
entertainments In prospect. Since then learn that
arrangements have been made for mafinees on
the 18th and l9th, in which Miss Abby d.
II. nrssr aAE and nA,
deari are to be the principal, and indeed.
believe, the sole performers The ball room OF tho
United States was again thrown open last nigut.
and dancing was carried on in n much more spirited
manner than the first evening. The regular hops
will not however commence until Tuesday next,
and on the following Friday there will he grand
ball. These nights will he similarly observed during
the remainder Of the season.
In the meanwhile dancing is vigorously kept up
in the parlors Of the leading hotels The music in
each Of them Is excellent, though for scientific merit
and perfection Of ensemble the preference must be
given TO that Of the United States. The fine baud OF
this establishment plays usual in the grounds for
an hour or two after dinner, and combined with the
beautiful prospect and the cool shade which they
afford, / know more luxurious ofindulging
in the dolce far nents than in listening to its strains.
The proprietors Of the Congress spring are making
! an improvement which promises TO add greatly 20
the appearance and comfort OF the spring house.
They have removed the brick flooring at the
rear of the latter, and laying down marble tes
selated pavement in place Of il. II they would only
the latter by extension Of the structure IL
SELF or even by an awning, they would render 1t
pleasantly cool and commodous place Of reunion for
the water drinkers Another addition Is also much
wanting TO complete the approaches to this spring,
and that Il n covered way from the grounds OF the
| Congress Hall TO the spring house. When the sun
is at its height the effort TO cross even this short dis
lance without the protection OF an umbrella is not to
be thought Of.
The visiters are pouring In here very fast; and to-
day being Saturday likely 10 have unusual
/ 1y large accession TO numbers. The United
States averages an addition Of fifty a day and the
other hotels in proportion. Already the number II
guests largely exceeds that OF last year. Amongst
the last arrivals at this establishment are the Hons
| G. M. Conrad, Frank Granger and Judge Kent. Mr..
Guthrie, Of the treasury, Is stopping at the Union.
SARATOGA July IL, 1853.
/ Railroad Accom-, modof;on af East Iibony- Trip