The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-07-05
THE SEASIDE CAPITAL.
Arrival of President Grant at Long
Braach-HOw II Will Aneet the Season
There.


There.
LONG BRANCH July l. 1874
This place may now be said to have begun Its
regular season OF 1874. 1t languished from the
moment that its hotels were opened last month
until last night Fine people there were in
plenty to occupy its private cottages from
the beginning OF the warm season,
yet those upon whom the hotels de-
pend Tor support absented themselves The
hotel keepers were in no merry mood while they
lacked full houses, and the Visitors they had were
by no means jolly, being formed into small coteries
as their numbers were not great enough TO permit
social amusements on large scale. Il is diilcult
to say truly what were the causes OF this state OF
affairs at the hotels. Several self-satsfed gentle
men, speaking OF the subject this morning, agreed
with the Oracuar remark OF OF their
number, that Long Branch Is going back"
But none of them could give any good reason Tor
the opinion. / do not believe that Long Branch
sis gong back" 1t seems to me that attendance
at place is controlled by the action OF President
Grant and the occurrence OF the races at Mon
mouth Park There are numerous people here at
present no scout the idea that President GranVs
presence Affects the condition OF the place,
as they do not want to be thought OF as mere ioi-
lowers OF the Presidential example in visiting Long
Branch Their protest does not affect the Iact,
however; for, surely as the President comes, Iol'
lowing him come Cabinet officers and their ad-
herents statesmen-if we can with truth call any
of our public men such-pOliticians seeking office
ana lobbyists each looking to the preservation Of
his 'iIttle chicken"
Then there are the "follow-yOur leader"' sort Of
people, who swell the motley gathering. which
distributes the money that Keeps Long Branch In
existence as a watering place.
Alter several delays irritating to anxious hotel
Keepers VINO know the truth OF my remarks Presi-
dent Grant and Mrs. Grant, accompanied by Gen.
eral Babcock, arrived here this morning by the
early train from Philadelphia. Whether it
was owing to a statement which appeared III some
OF the local papers TO the effect that the Presi-
dent would be unable to pass the Fourth OF July
Long Branch or to the TACT that the public mind
in this quarter was totally absorbed with the anti
cpated pleasures OF the coming races, lew knew of
his advent until an advanced hour in the evening.
To be sure, his carriage had been ordered for i'm
mediate use and several had seen it waiting at the
railway depot, but not soul had caught glimpse
OF him while on the way to his charming cottage, q
simple and unpretentious building, but the very
pink of neatness and order. There was then no
demonstration on the arrival OF the President
here and nothing like reception upon his
aligntng from the special car. The party
left Philadelphia by the quarter to eight train. ar
irving here shortly alter eleven. The President
and Mrs. Grant entered their carriage upon
arriving and projected to their summer
residence. Some had an idea that the President
would perhaps visit the racecourse in view OF the
extensive preparations which had been made TO
render the opening day success. He remained
at home, however, the entire day, receiving few
callers. There would probably have been the usual
deluge OF visitors had the fact OF his presence at
Long Branch been generally known. Never on
the occasion OF any previous visit to this summer
retreat has the President succeeded so well in
escaping observation.
1t is rumored that as result OF the Presidents
arrival, several brilliant receptions arc ia c0ntem-
platiOn that alter all the huge Saratoga trunks
will not have been crammed in vain The Pres-
until the end Of August This has been COM
paratlyey dull day here, that is, the races drew
away all the clements OF attraction, both COTTAGES
and hotels being almost deserted. Bunting was
displayed In proiuslon at every turn. but other
wise there was no special feature to call for COM
ment. The avenue was deserted during the even
Ing for shortly before SIX O'Clock tue ram Tell In
rents, rendering outdoor travel almost possible.
one good thine was accomplished, however The
dust was satisfactorily disposed OF FOR at least
some days to come, and 1t may be added that the
elements cOntrlbuted their mite towards celebrat-
ing the great occasion, for the thunder ratified like
the roar OF thousand cannon, while the usual
display of pyrotechncs was completely thrown INTO
the shade by the vivid and continuous flashes OF
lightning, which illuminated the heavens. Hops
United states and o, her hores, that altogether,
q series of charming entertainments are follow
ing in the happy wake OF day OF pleasure and
exctement.