The New York herald., 1879-07-06
TOURISTS FROM WASHINGTON.

A LARGE PARTY BROUGHT UP by THE STEAMER
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF A NEW LINE.
The sidewheel steamer Frances, of the New York
and Washington Express line. arrived at pier 80
North River. yesterday morning, at seven O'Clock.
with large party of excursionists on board, and
left that dock at half-past nine o'clock
last night the return voyage. 1t
was some disappointment to the tourists to
ind all the great stores and warehouses
closed and the city in state of Sunday quiet. They
managed, however. to enjoy the visit. Soon after
landing they organized into parties of ves. tens and
twentes and set out for the points in harmony
with their tastes and ideas OF amusement. Some
visited tho elevated railroad lines and the steamboat
landings. being interested in the subject of trans
portation in large cities Others enjoyed themselves
with the novelty of riding to Harlem on one FL"
road and returning on the other. Coney Island and
Brighton Beach were also points of interest A
large number spent the day in the Central
Park. The sea lions occupied the attention
OF several elderly gentlemen. of whom declared
he was glad to como to New York il it only 70
have seen such wonderful animals. The ladies'
sadly disappointed at not finding the millinery
poriums in full display. but they made up for this
by stroll on Fifth avenue during the fashionable
promenadng hours. They assured that all
New York not at the seaside. and they
OH getting back the boat. Some Con-
gressmen and editors. who were among the
excursionists. Immediately sought the refresh
ing breezes at Long Branch and Manhattan Beach.
They fascinated by these popular retreats their
ardor to return to the capital cooled and they
tecgraphed the managers of the excursion that they
were satisfied with their present lounging places
and would go back by rail in their good time
Three Of the parties of young went to the matt
nees at the theatres entertained each other with
description of what they while sitting on the
dock waiting for the to cross from the
sey shore.
TRIP ON THE NEW LINE
The Frances is the first Of line OF steamers
that are to ply between New York and Washington.
carrying passengers as we'll as merchandise. She
left New York on her inaugural trip Monday
evening. June 30, Mt eight O'Clock and landed in
Washington on Wednesday evening. She made no
calls on the voyage there, but the way back
touched at Cape May The passage down was de.
scribed by tho captain one OF the finest he ever
made: but returning they fell in with u storm and
had regular ocean tumble. The passengers were a
little shaken. They, however, took it in good part
as they had had an extensive celebration OF the go
rios anniversary OF Independence before the rough
weather set in upon them. The sail through the
Chesapeake and up the Potomac was very pleasant.
No ripple disturbed the smooth surface of the water
and the moon shone out in full brilliancy. All the
passengers were on the upper decks and songs and
music were added to the other poetic elements the
trip; Arrangements had been perfected by the
Washington and Baltimore Excursion Company for
Fourth of July trip to New York before
the steamer sailed from Washington and everything
was ready for the reception OF the sightseers as
soon Us they arrived at the wharf The weather was
all that could be desired when they started upon
the bosom of the Potomac and promised a repeti-
ton OF the pleasures OF the voyage down. Before
midnight all had retired their staterooms and at
daybreak they were foot again. This was done
in becoming manner, as far as the surroundings
would allow, and in the afternoon ban
quet was SET the large company doing
ample justice to the good things set before them.
Patriotic speeches and addresses delivered by
several gentlemen, and even ladies'. Among them
were MIR. McCoid his sister-in-law, Mr.. Hutchngs
Mr.. Savage. Mr.. Dickinson and Mr.. Short. In the
evening. singing and dancing introduced, but
they were disturbed by half gallo of wind and
tossing sea that sent many of the merry makers
their beds. 1t had been intended to make landings
at the Long Branch pier and at Coney Island, but
the strength OF the swell prevented this.
Another excursion from New York to Washington
is in course OF preparation by the line. The
regular sailing days from New York will be Thurs
days and Saturdays. and from Washington Mondays
and Fridays. large quantity OF freight
brought Oh by the Frances. She was unable to dis
charge owing to the length OF time occupied in coal
ing ut Jersey City. She was compelled to take it
back; but the president Of the company said another
vessel will be put into commission speedily as it is
intended to keep them running late into the autumn