Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-10-19

our visitors were given ride through the
city and its suburbs. A large number OF
carriages were furnished-more, in fact, than
was called for the many elegant private
grounds throughout the city were thrown
open, and liberal hospitality was extend
ed to our guests. The day, while not alto
gether what could have been desired, was
quite pleasant. the absence Of dust and heat
contributing to every ones comfort; and
the party had very enjoyable ride. Flags
were displayed on the principal public
buildings and on many of the private resi-
dences; and. altogether, the reputation OF
the city of Burlington for liberal welcome
and large hospitality to its guests has not
suffered in the present instance. Previous
to the ride the Board of Aldermen. headed
BY His Honor Mayor Hatch, paid their res
poets to the visitors. at their hotels.
THE BoAT-RIDE.
The afternoon was devoted to a ride upon
Lake Champlsin. At half-past one. the
good steamer Vermont lay at the wharf in
readiness to receive the party. Invitations
had been extended to a number OF our citi-
zens to join the Portland guests upon the
occasion, and two or three hundred gladly
accepted the invitation. The ladies formed
a large and, of course. ornamental and
agreeable portion of the company. In fact,
a good share of our best people paid to the
guests the compliment of their presence, and
a pleasanter party has not often gathered
on the spacious decks of the steamer.
Vases, bouquets and baskets OF choice
flowers from number of private gardens
adorned the tables. Though the clouds
yelled the highest peaks both Of the Adj
rondscks and the Vermont mountains. the
weather was on the whole favorable, there
being no glare from the water, while there
was sunshine enough to give alterations
of sunlight and shade to the New York
hillsides, which added to their autumn
beauty. The Queen City Band occupied
the hurricane deck. and added music
to the other attractions. The Vermont,
leaving her wharf at two o'clock, took
first turn in Shelburn Bay. then, round
ing the point, skirted the Vermont shore
for two or thu ee miles, and then. crossing
the lake, mace the circuit of Willsboro Bay,
then steamip north, gave the visitors the
opportunity to see the picturesque shores
and the line of the New York and Canada
II 10 nj
Schuyler's Island, up to and past Port
Kent. Then returning across the lake and
past Rock Point, the boat passed in front OF
the lumber yards and wharyes, and, taking
tuIn about the breakwater, came to at
the wharf. The ride covered some forty five
miles Of water, and occupied three hoCrs.
All seemed to enjoy it. Some of the visitors
expressed surprise at finding here on Lake
Champiain q steamer which in elegance
and taste and comfort has no equal in New
England. except the Adirondack the
mont" All admired the beauty of the
lake and mountains. OF course many ac-
quairItanceships were added to those previ-
ously formed during the stay of the visitors,
and it was the general opinion that
the hours devoted to the ride could not have
been moro pleasantly spent. AT i've o'clock
the party took carriages once more at the
wharf and returned to their hotels, where
the evening was quietly spent in social enjoy
ment.
Of course our citizens would gladly have
rendered to the Mayor and city government
and citizens of Portland more formal well
come, with speeches, banquet, and more of
ceremony and parade. But it was made
distinctly known that the visitors did not
desire it. Coming upon their own invita-
ton, they expected and desired only an in
formal reception. We trust they under
stand fit lacked anything of formality it
did not lack foT cordiality on the part of
our citizens. That this was appreciated is
evidenced by the following handsome letter
addressed by Mayor Butler, of Portland, to
Mayor Hatch:
THE MAYOR OF PORTLAND TO THE MAYOR OF
BURLINGTON.
VAN Ness HOUSE,
BURLINGTON, Oct. IL, 1877.
Mr.. MAYOR uATCH
Dalo-o 1oor;nu I IN aDp he