The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-09-03
SALEM, August -, 1870.
THE ClTY'S WARDS.
Excursion of the Randall's Island Children to
Greenwich, Ccnn.--Reception at the Resi-
dence of William NJ Tweed.


dence of William M. Tweed
Hundreds OF little hearts beat happily on Ran
dalls Island yesterday and twice as many little
eyes glistened with delight The children on the
island under the care of the commissioners OF
Charities and Correction had been invited by Mr.
william NJ. Tweed to call on him at his country
residence, In Greenwich Conn. When the announce
ment was made to the children that they were to
accept the invitation their delight knew no bounds
A FLUTTER OF JOY
went through their hearts, and with hands and
voice they expressed their great delight. The ex-
cursion to the same place which the boys had had
last year had been fully commented on ever since
that--to them at least-memorable day, and the
announcement that the good time was to be re-
newed made them almost delirious. Yesterday was
the day appointed for the
GRAND FETE,
and its approach was longed for and yet dreaded
dreaded lest the weather might be stormy and the
excursion, therefore, deferred. On Thursday even
ing the children put to bed early that they
might have good rest, in anticipation OF the
fatigue They went to bed, but not necessarily to
sleep. Many little eye wandered toward the
dormitory windows to see If there were any evi-
dences OF storm or rain. Many little ear was
cooked to catch the first sound, il any should &C.
cur, OF rain or wind. Occasionally some dust would
be rolled along the roof by the breeze the leaves
would be rustled then the little spirits would droop
and an OminOus whisper would pass around,
ION, PsHAw IT'S RAINING ~
The little heads would sink despondently on their
pillows the halfmoisened eyes would close, and
them with rushing of the waters through little Hell
Gate dmly heard and the gentle rustic OF the leaves
acting as lullaby,
Tired natures sweet restorer,
balmy sleep,
came 70 the little forms and smothered all the cares,
fears anu anxietles. Shortly alter daybreak the
seepers were aroused.
THEIR FIRST THOUGHTS WERE OF TIE DAY.
Everything betokened fine weather. and then
their hearts happily and their eyes glistened
They were washed and dressed and at six O'Clock
breakfasted and then were ready to proceed on the
Journey as soon as the boat should come to take
them.
At seven O'Clock Commissioners Bell Nicholson,
Bowen, Brennan and Frear ana few friends re-
pared on board the MiDnahanonck and started.
Arriving ut Randalls Island the girls OF the lnstu-
ton and the boys, Randall's Island Guard $50 in ALL
were taken on board and the boat moved away. The
boys bore
THE BEAUTIFUL TWEED FLAG
which was presented to them on the occasion Of
calico dresses ana brown shutdown hats. All looked
remarkably neat and showed that they felt remark
ably happy. The sail mp the river and Sound was
delightful. AS the boat approached Wards Island
the whistle blew salute In moment, from the
guns on
THE sCHoOLsHIP MERCURY
the salute was answered. And In another moment
the young navigators attached to the ship
scampGrng up The ladders and manning the yards
AS NIMBLE AS COONs ON A TREE.
There they stood like swarming flies on an i'm
mense asparagus top, waving their mats and cheer.
Ing the steamboat as 1t passed 1t was sight wei;
worth being seen. AS the boat passed the dock the
boys OF the school on the island were drawn up in
line. They, too, cheered the excursonists loudly
as they could, although they might have been some
what envious ana wished that they too had been Of
Arriving in due time at Greenwich dock the men,
THE AMERICUs CLUB,
in full uniform and with Gralua's band, were
found waiting 10 receive the party. Some sixty
coaches had been secured, and IN these the little
wards, the members OF the club and other guests
were speedily seated and amid the cheers from the
large crowd which had assembled at the dock to see
the show the party started for Linwood, the resi-
dence OF Mr.. Tweed. Arriving at the gate OF the
THE TWEED MANSION
the party left the coaches and formed in procession
the Dand leading them. the Americas Club fours,
then the little girls and lastly the Randals Island
guard. 1t seemed as If
ALL THE TOWN WAS OUT OF DOORS.
so great were the crowds that lined the streets on
either side from the boat landing to the Tweed
demeSne.
Alter short walk the grounds were reached and
the
PRIVATE ELYsIuM
which met the eyes Of the delighted youngsters made
them almost spellbOund. The rare plants, luxu
rant tonnage ana beautiful statuary with which the
grounds abound were hastily scanned ny the elated
visitors. But up on the lawn something which
had substantial claims on their admiration
! The procession halted IN front OF the house where
Mr. Tweed and his family, with number OF other
ladies' and gentlemen were waiting TO receive them.
Mr. Tweed made short, happy address,
W MAJ e
and urging them to go around, make themselves at
home do as they pleased to make them feel so, not
to spare the good things and finally to "be virtu-
| Commissioner BELL returned thanks on behalf OF
the children and the Commissioners and then intro
duced little girl VINO delivered, In sweet voice,
short address OF gratitude to Mrs. Tweed and her
family. During the delivery OF the address
ALL PRESENT WE'RE vIsIBLY AFFECTED
and the ladies' particularly were much moved. Mrs.
tweed was about to respond but, with her eyes suf
FUSED she was obliged to give way and nd on ner be-
were then marched TO the tents where
MAGNIFICENT SPREAD
met their gaZe-sandwlches, cakes, candles, all
sorts of ripe fruit. lemonade and soda water III
abundance. Baskets OF beautiful flowers adorned
children ate drank ana made merry to their hearts
content and when they stopped In the work of de-
molltion the ladies OF the household took from the
towers OF flowers small tastefuly arranged bouquets
and presented one to each OF the children.
THEY RoMPED ABOUT THE GROUNDS,
gazed at the hothoUses and other ,curlosities,
watched with wondering eyes the gambos OF the
water from the unique FOUNTAIN, anu stored up In
their minds memories which can never be effaced.
After FEW hours spent In thus enjoying themselves
the procession was again formed, and. with adieus
and FOND and thankful gances by the little ones,
the party proceeded to the carriages and were
driven to the Amercus Club House, at Indian Har.
Dor. Here was
ANOTHER FEAST
prepared for them. This they enjoyed until they
began to tire, when they reembarked on board tile
MinnahanoncK and started honieward. The cannon
Oh the point and the club pei sent out TO them
sounding and ringing
GoODBY,
to which they responded, the boys cheering. the
girls waving their kerchefs and hands, AMI many
even shouting in their glee The boat sped rapidly