The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-08-25
AT THE SEASIDE.
DER CAPE MAY LETTER.


ment.
From our oiOn Correspondent
CAPE ISLAND, N. j., Aug. "a, 1868.
This day Is day for pensive mood Ine
atmosphere Is in one OF Its most peculiar
humors, quite indescrbable. Although some
what hazy, and foreboding storm, IL Is still
wondrously clear and altogether agreeable.
Yesterday afternoon its peculiar state produced
very curious and unusual effect. For two or
three hours pre- vlous to sunset the shores OF
Delaware were distinctly visible Tor q stretch OF
several miles, more distinctly, say the old resi-
dents, than has been the case for several years.
This rare phenomenon attracted great attention
and comment
Another topic of frequent discussion has been
the unusual success attending the present sea.
son. The same reliable authorities quoted
above, the old-time residents OF the island, are
quite well assured that never in the past has It
been equalled, and never approached save by
the season Of 1865. Opening with the last week
of June, the island was filed almost to discom-
fort by the twentieth of July, the great rush
continuing for a lull month, and closing scarcely
week ago, During this period it is claimed
that the average population OF the place, inClud
ing both cottagers and hotel guests, ranged
between ten and twelve thousand, while now
and then, especially over Sunday, 1t reached
thirteen thousand. Your correspondent Is not
disposed TO question these figures; for, in com
mon with hundreds of others, he can testify TO
the fact that it was frequently impossible to
obtain accomm odations that would have satisfied
horse who was not even ordinarily fastidiOus.
The amount of travel over the railroad
likewise afirmB the statement. From the
first of July to the present time the daily
through travel between the island and
Philadelphia has averaged 1900, while from
July 20 to August l5-the period of the great
cramming process-it amounted to at least 25O0.
The erection of the splendid Excursion House
by the railroad company tended greatly to
increase the passenger traffic of the road, espe-
cially with respect to excursion trains, one of
which has been run nearly every day siuce the
4th of July. In addition to the 0,000 or more
persons which the railroad has transported to
the island, the steamers have been quite busy
also. In this connection, the statistics of the
leading hotels of weight and interest.
careful estimation of the number of names
registered since the opening in June on the
books of the principal establishments shows the
following RESULT
Congress Hall
Columbia 40
United States
Atlantic HOi ej...... . 500
Washing ton
Delaware 10
In addition TO these are half a score of smaller
concerns at which from 200 to 400 different per-
sons have been entertained during the season.
There is still another noticeable feature about
the hotel business Of this summer. The great
rush lasted almost twice as long is usually
the case, and the proprietoro say that never
before have their guests extended their visits so
long. 1t is next to impossible to form an esti-
mate of the amount of money which has found
its way from the pockets of the people into the
Golfers of the hotel propretOrs, storekeepers OF
all kinds hackmen, and others who find Cape
Island profitable place for business of some
sort, but it certainly runs we'll up into the hun
dreds of thousands of dollars.
Although the greafrush terminated about two
weeks ago, the season is not yet at an end. At
three or four hotels the arrivals of Saturday
numbered about one hundred, and the depart
ures this morning were unusually and uneX-
pectedly light. The scene at dinner at Congress
Hall or the Columbia House shows that hun
dreds Of people are still slowed away at each
place; while the cottagers, most OF whom came
down very early in the season, have not yet
made preparations for the exodus to the city.
On Saturday evening the last grand hop at the
Columbia House took place, under the manage
ment of Mr. Mark Hassler. The large dining
room was crowded and the aesemblage was as
brilliant and vivacious as any which have pre-
ceded it. At the same time large audience
was gathered in the diniDg.room of Congress
Hall, the attraction being concert given by
the choir of the Rev. T. De Witt Tai
madge's church, the proceeds being for the
benefit of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
this place, of which the Rev. Mr.. Hewitt is
pastor. The programme was choice and diff
cult one but was executed with commendable
care and in manner altogether successful and
pleasing. On Saturday evening next the festlV
tiles of the summer will be formally terminated
by hop at Congress Hall, under Hassler,
management. If the threatened storm does no
transpire, there will be found on the island
quite enough people to impart to the occasion
as brilliant a character as If the season were
still at its height. Informal hops are also SCI
down for several evenings during the week
The pleasures of the bath, and the rare inVigo
ration of the sea breeze, do not suffice, save to
a very few persons Of quiet disposition, and a
long as a corporal's guard can be mustered, tn
sound of music and the tripping OF 1.-THE lgn
fantastic toe" will be heard and seen.
Now that the present season Is rapidly draw
ing to close arrangements for the future ar
already under way. The municipal authorize
have heretofore merited and received the con
demnation of nearly every visitor to the islana
The streets are in a miserable condition by day
and by night they are enveloped in darknes
n IL,