New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-09-12
COMMUNICATIONS.
trls NEW NATIONAL ElA does not hold itself responsible
or We've expressed by correspondents Well written and
interesting communications will be gladly received
A Trip to the East-Scenes and
Thoughts by the Way.

[Concluded.l
WASHINGTON, D. c., Sept. 3, 1872.
To tie Editor of the Nep National Era:
Agreeably to my promise in a previous
letter, resume the account of my August
tour. Fen
Leaving Cape May, returned to Phila-
delphia, where remained a day and more,
and then started for Newport. This time
INDUCED myself to a seat in one Of those
magnificent parlor cars which are run be-
tween Philadelphia and New York. Al
though have previously spoken SO harshly
of travelling by rail, when in an ordinary car,
the transposition was so delightful, that
was forced to exclaim with the poet Sake
"Bless me this is pleasant
A riding on rail-"
I don't mean to tell "what know about
farming" (Which isn't much but will say
that have been IN some twenty States and
Territories Of the Union and have never
seen finer agricultural district than that
surrounding Philadelphia one may be per-
mitted to judge from rapid ride through it.
A three hours ride brings us to that centre
Of activity, the metropolis of the New World,
New York. But do not stop here. 1 jump
into cab and the expert driver wends his
winding way through multitude of vehicles,
amid inexplicable din and confusion, where
q less experienced one would require hours
or perhaps be crushed in the cndeavor, and
brings me in a few minutes to the dock of the
EoI linz Of CT Thofy a..
cent floating palace, the Bristol, having been
disabled by recent accident, took passage
on the steamer sold Colony" which is like
wise splendid affair. 1t is grand sight,
as one moves down the harbor, to see the
immense shipping, representing every quarter
Of the globe. And then, to view that great
city from distance, taking in nearly its whole
circumference at a glance, what thoughts will
rise of mingled pride and pain! Think of the
million souls, with their diversified histories,
which all find their habitation there. There
may be found some of the proudest monu-
ments of human perseverance and ingenuity.
There are the freshest pinks of purity and
the saddest wrecks of humanity. There is
wealth, education, refinement, benevolence,
and there is ignorance, want, woe, and vice
in extreme degree. New York is a world in
itself. ......
The trip up Long Island Sound is pleasant
one. The cool breeze we encountered was
a delightful contrast to the torrid heat Of the
main land. The sound was calm, and the clear
moonlight night was rendered transcendently
c,1 A. 90 ~,
aurora borealis in manner had never be-
fore witnessed, while the steamer glided
smoothly and almost noiselessly along.
1 must mention distinguished person who
happened to be on board. had noticed
standing near me on the upper deck, before
supper, a man with rather clerical suit of
black and a common straw hat on, whom 1
took to be genteel Irishman. What aided
in this impression was that the lady with him,
who proved to be his wife, was such little,
home-spun body, and SO plainly attired.
Upon going below to supper, I saw this same
gentleman and lady carclessly standing await
ing their turn to get into the dining room.
Before, when had seen him with his hat
on, and had observed him but slightly, 1 only
thought he was very intelligent-looking. Cat
all events for an Irishman.) had never seen
that plain, unassuming man before but now,
as he stood with his hat of, disclosing his whole
physique, although surprised, assured my
self in an instant. His image was so inn
pressed on my mind, he was so like the por-
trait had been accustomed to seeing in
window on Pennsylvania avenue, that felt
/ could not be mistaken. turned and looked
again. Yes, it was that humane man, that
Christian philosopher and philanthropist,
that eloquent preacher, the Rev. Henry Ward
Beeeher. And thus first saw, by accident,
the man whom would have walked miles to
see.
I arrived in Newport about four in the
morning, and it was in vain that I applied
to every hotel in the place for accommoda-
tons, for they were completely full. This
left two alternatives: one, to sit up in the
Office until morning in readiness to take the
first room that might be vacated; the other,
to take refuge at boarding-house. chose
the latter.
Mr.. George T. Downing is one of the in
fluential men Of Newport, and one of my first
duties was to call on him. The Downings
are noted for their hospitality, and during
my short stay was favored with full share
oft. Industrious ard shrewd, Mr.. Downing
has amassed fortune, owning much valuable
property in Newport. Indefatigable and
public-spirited as ever, Mr.. D. is alive to
the political situation. Although he has been
lifelong political and personal friend and
follower Of Charles Sumner, found him On
the eve of sending off for publication letter
declaring for General Grant. happened in
Newport just in time to join a party of
friends and vistors-in an excur-
sion to Rocky Point. This is beautiful
spot, halfway between Newport and Provi-
dence, and commanding a fine view of Mar
ragansett Bay. The place is an illustration
of that completeness with which New Eng
land people do whatever they undertake. 1t
is fitted up for the exclusive purpose of af-
fording people a pleasant resort during the
hot days of the summer season. 1t contains
everything calculated to make it entertaining