The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-02-01

| FISHES AND THE HIPPOPOTABiUS AND
sEALs-A LADY GODIvA-THE BULLS AND
BEARS.
Editorial Correspondence of the Dispatch.l
New YORK HOTEL, January 20, 1878.
Tt is a long time since was in New York
before. In my journey hither this time I
came, to me, n new route. From Balti-
| more travelled by the Northern Central
to Harrisburg, and thence by the Pennsyl-
vania Central road to Philadelphia, and
thence by the usual route to New York.
The way was most agreeable, not only for
the variety Of travelling a route new to me,
but for the positive comfort OF the accom-
modations. From Washington to Harris
burg five hours-there an interval of about
an hour; and starting thence at 4:15, we
reached Philadelphia at 1920 and New York
at 1920; making the journey from Wash
ington city to New York exactly twelve
| hours, the two hundred miles from Harris
burg to New York being made in siJ hours
an average OF thirty-three and third miles
| an hour, including stOppages-as fast as /
desire to 60. But then the cars were SO
luxurious and the conductors so obliging.
| For myself, though not crazy over railroad
travelling, felt delighted.
| For the first time in my life got smart
view Of the Susquehanna in travelling fif-
teen miles along portion Of it which I sup
pose we may consider very interesting
part OF it, 1t is q very picturesque river.
The topography. OF the country indicates
that great changes have been wrought in
| the surface, which was plainly in ages
past mountainous In its character. BY
| long process of erosion by the mighty ero-
sivc agencies the territory adjacent to the
lower Susquehanna and between it and
| Philadelphia has been rendered undulatiDg,
with here and there a hill OF such preten-
sions as suggests the idea that it is the
remains Of a once far more exalted eleva-
ton. The Susquehanna shows in the part
Of it saw the conflict it has had in time
past with rocky elevations. The remains
OF these heights still fret its course and
cleaye it into divisions. You often think in
Threading its shore that now it is receiving
a tributary that part OF the stream, which is
near you seeming to be an independent river
that is hurrying on to join the Susquehanna.
But you are soon undecelyed by reaching
the head OF the island which has cut the
stream in two. The island itself bears the
appearance of the main land, and you ad-
mire the pecullarities Of country which oc-
casion your surprise. From this bit OF de-
scription YOU see that the Susquehanna is
not a river that is favorable to navigation.
Its descent from the latitude Of its album
dant sources contiguous to the lakes is so
considerable that it has many rapids. Where
intersected by rocky strata it wears its bed
slowly and is turbulent in its passage to the
| level below. This occasions scenes OF pla.
cidly. flowing water OF wide surface, which
has a mirror-like and beautifully serene ap-
pearance that infuses the mind with plea
sure as the eye takes in the beautiful pano-
rama of water and shore-land with its rich
and fruitful surface.
Harrisburg is q moderate town-a village
| in pretensions; and, but that it has bis
tory and is now the State capital and the
place of residence OF Simon Cameron, would
have no consequence to speak OF.
From Harrisburg we skirted the river Tor
many miles and then turned eastward to
Philadelphia, passing through an undulating
land whose thrift and beauty are famous.
I need say no more OF q country so blessed
and so abounding in everything to make
man comfortable and satisfied; and yet, sad
to saw, it sustairs population not remark
able for the traits that should spring from
a condition which should be prolific not only
of grateful emotions, but OF those genial
and liberal sentiments which should be en-
gendered in the hearts Of men so blessed OF
Heaven. There is great deal OF seltishness
betwiXt Harrisburg and Philadelphia-not
to speak OF that which holds fast to its Came
roman defence in Harrisburg.
On reaching New York chose for my
temporary soiourn the hotel bearing the
name OF the city" The New York Hotel"
This house was made famous by the late
Hiram Cranston. a man OF a noble nature
and q generous heart. Excuse me for q
brief reference to this house. speak not
of it in the sense of an ordinary puff; far
from it. / speak as southern man loving
charity and admiring generosity wherever
and in whomsoever found. Hiram Gran
ston, though not born in the South, con-
ceiyed q warm sympathy for the unfortunate
southern people, and opened his door to
them with heart as open as day to their
dstresses. He had food, tear, and oil and
wine. for those OF them who came in bis
way and who were hungry OF distressed or
weak and wounded. His name spread
abroad as truly good Samaritan, who had
not only sympathy for the suffering, but
noble appreciation of true heroism. 1t was
no shallow sentiment that animated his
heart, but it was sentiment sustained by
practical earnestness; and, first and last,
hundreds of thousands Of dollars would be
required to refund 10 his estate the liberal
expenditures incurred by him in giving
r pSo@
Confederates who were thrown in his path.
i Hiram Cranston is dead, but his memory
IIiveth. His nephew, J. Henry, Cranston, is
his successor in the hotel so dear to the re-
collections Of many southern citizens!~ he
is o worthy successor, and it must be q fell
citous reflection to southern people that they
may still give some slight token OF the vene-
ration they cherish for their lamented friend
In bestowing their favor upon the estimabe
nephew o dear, surviving relative Of the
deceased.
l can very truly say eor the New York
Hotel OF the present day that it is eminent
for the gentlemanly deeorum that is main
tanned In it's administration and for the
faultIess comfort and neatness Of its apart.
: ments. The table is unsurpassed for its ac-
! ceptable fare, and even for the-fetned lux.
ury, Of its dishes. 1t is Il place, indeed,
Iwhere gentlemen and ladies are content.
and where prevails true dignity OF ciyilfza.
ton, free from the Haunting airs and absurd
. pretensions OF uDmeritorious self-assertion.
1 / sneak warmly, and as sincerely as
i warmly. say that the New York Hotel il
!. q place Of eminent worth, and TINT Mr
4 cransfon not only deserves The respect o1