Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1872-06-28
Editorial Correspondence.
WATKINS GLEN, June 22nd, 1872

WATKINS GLEN, June 22nd, 1872.
Dear Vamdicator The Excursionists
left Baltimore at 1850 A. M. on the 18th
inst. in special car provided by Mr.. Saml.
7. DeFord, the Gen. Agent Of the North.
ern Central and Central Pennsylvania Rail.
roads and arrived at Elmira, at 6. P. M.
The route was up the Susquehanna Val
ley. Astounding in the most beautiful River
and Mountain scenery, thought by many to
surpass the famous scenery Of the Hudson.
The city Of York was on the route, with its
thriving population and surrounded by q
most beautiful and productive country, also
Harrisburg, the Capitol of Pennsylvania, of
neither of which did we have the opportuni-
ty of getting correct idea, so short was the
stoppsge there. We hurried on to Williams
port for dinner, where We had to eat and go,
as time is the essence Of everything in this
wide-awake section and especially its rail-
roads, which make fast trips and very short
stoppages.
We were met at Minnequa Springs. about
35 miles from Elmira. by Mayor Flood, Al
derman Caldwell, H. Tidd, Esq, of the
Gazette and J. H. Fairman, of the Adver.
tiser, committee on the part of the City Of
Emira, who rendered us its Inequalities.
On arriving we were met by the City
authorities, and with the inspiring strains
ola fine band, escorted to our quarters at
the Rathburn House, q first.class Hotel, and
where proprietor and assistants exerted them.
selves to make our sojourn pleasant. Scarce
ly were we comfortably located, when the
city authorities again took possession
of US for drive to "Lake Eldridge, ("
a beautiful Park Of Al acres, the private
property Of gentleman Of wealth, DR.. El-
bridge, who in bountiful munifcence laid
it out and decorated it at great cost with ar
tifcial lakes, ststuary, drives, schrubbery
&c. and opened them to the public, and pro.
poses, at his death, to will it to the city and
leave 100000 to be put at interest for its
perpetual preservation. This is most gen.
erous and public spirited act by whole
souled, noble hearted gentleman, and will
prove lasting monument to his memory,
not only in the minds of the citizens Of El-
mira, but Of all strangers who visit this de-
lightful Park. l must not fail in this connec-
ton to say that many citizens rendered their
private carriages, and among the number
DR.. EIdridge, who, himself, drove splen-
did fourth hand team of Browns, Ex.Gov.
and Ex-See. Randall drove fine pair Of
bays and Mr.. ellison a beautiful pair Of
blacks. In company with Charlie Hazard,
of the Gazette and S. HI. Letcher, rode
with the latter, and had the pleasure Of an
extended drive through the city after leav-
ing the Park At the Lake, in proximity
TO the Sulphur Spring, Mr.. ellison opened
basket of Champagne and Messrs. Skinner
4 Goodhue another, which were hugely en-
soyea IVORY little sulphur water was inn
bibed.) On the return Of the party to the
Rathburn House they were serenaded by the
band and pyrotechnical display followed
At night banquet was given by the city
and presided over by the Mayor, at which
the City Council, Press and about 100 City
guests we're present After an appropriate
prayer by Rev. DR., Cowles, the good things
fell martyr to the cause Of good feeling
and it was indeed an era of good feeling
Champagne again figured, and on the cal
of Alderman Caldwell, Hon. D. B. Hill
made most eloquent and able address o
welcome. Your correspondent, who hae
been compelled to assume the position o
President Of the Excursion party after few
predatory remarks rendering the thanks 0
the party for the cordial welcome, and sta
ting the general objects Of the excursion
introduced Col. W. S. Gilman, Of Richmond
vino delivered an eloquent address, full o
wit and happy points, which elioited fire.
quently the general applause. Revs. DR.
Knox, Reyes and Crane and Mr.. Pratt, o
the Corning Jaurnal, made most happy re
sponsiye addresses, which were continuousl,
applauded by the excursionists and others
when the President of the Excursionists in
troduced Mr. Pagaud of the New Orlean'
Times, who made concluding speech full
Of earnest good feeling and expressive o
Southern sentiment ofto.day. when the Ban
auet closed with three cheers for the South
ern Excursionists and responded to by three
rousing cheers by the Excursion party
for the Mayor. City Council, citizens, male
and female Of Elmira and the generous hos
pitality of the city. We may just here state
that this is the first time the bospitalities Of
Elmira have ever been extended to any
person or persons.
On the morning Of Tuesday 18th, the Ex-
cursionists accepted the invitation of Mr..
Rathbun and Frisby, Directors and DR..
Cowies President Of the Elmira Female Col.
iege, to visit that Institution and proceeded
there at IL o'clock. The buildings are ad.
mirably constructed and elegant and the in.
struction most thorough. (Thers are 100
young lady students in the Institution. } AZ
ter visiting the various departments the Ex.
oarsionists were invited to the Chapel, where
the young ladies and instructors were as
sembled. DIR. Gowles then made a short