Daily Republican., 1883-07-19
CAPE MAY.
The Riddles Chapel ExcursiOh-
kcenes aud Incidents The Re.


turn.
The excursion of Riddles Chapel /
Cape May took place yesterday, and J.;
an early hour in the mornin the sire,
cars that run downFourth street wer
packed with people, anxious to boar
the Susie Mccall for Pennsgrove. whe1
the steamer Republic was to stop
take the eXcursionists and convey thel
to the Cape. The Mccall started at
o'clock with good load, and before sh
returned Fourth street wharf wa
again black with people, some of whom
were wondering if the staunch littl
steamer could carry them all.
) A few minutes after O'Clock all wer
on board, and after waiting a few min
utes for the passenger who is alwayslat
} the pilot struck the bell, notifying tn
engineer to start up; the lines were cas-
OFF, and the noble Ii tie craft headed fo
the mouth of the creek, and in shor
time was on the bosom of the Delaware
1t soon became evident that she was no
going to Pennsgrove, but would transfe
the excursionists to the Republic on tn
river, and the n"rvOus passenger aske,
her companion if there was any danger
A wait of half an hour ensned betor
the majestic Republic, with her thre
towering decks and mammoth wheels
came in sight, and the news was sool
spread that she was coming.
The Republic stopped at Pannsgrove
first, and took off those in waiting, ant
then steamed alongside of the Mccall
to receive the others. The transfer was
quickly made without the slightest
danger, and with much more ease and
convenience than isgeneral experienced
in walking the gang plank of a steamer
to or from the wharf A farewell toot
I of the Republics whistle was answered
by the Mccall, the signal given to thu
engineer, and the ponderous machinery
was soon in operation, moving the boat
like a thing of life.
| There were over 300 eXcursionists on
board, and Captain Lackey said that he
had brought down nearly 300 passen'
gers, making over 9, 100 souls on board
and yet, with the exception Ct some
choice places, the boat was not crowded.
Immediately upon going Oh board each
passenger who had basket or package
of any kind was met by colored man
who, in respectful manner, offered to
check it and save the owner any trouble
or Inconvenience during the day. This
is an excellent arrangement as any one
who has ever tried carrying basket
around on an excursion will testify.
AS soon as they were checked they
were removed to lower room and
locked up, but through the politeness of
the colOred men in charge, were avail
able to the owners at any time. The
cost is but trifle, that is more than
counterbalanced ten times over by the
accommodation and convenience.
Fort Delaware ami other objects of
interest were passed, and by noon moth
ing but water could be seen, with the
exception of Il white strip on either side
in tie tar distance. The passengers en-
joyed themselves in various ways, some
in social conversation, others in read
ing, while still others tripped the lig ht
fantastic TO the merry strains of excel
lent music.
Captain Lactey seemed almost Omni-
present: he was everywhere, and his
whole time seemed to be devoted to at
tending IA the safety and convenience
of his passengers. He was attab'e and
polite to all, and although he could
scarcely turn without being asked a
question about "when will we get
there 80 or - how long will we have on
tile beach ?' or something else Of equal
Importance, he answered all in II kind
and courteous manner.
About one O'Clock Cape May Point
lOomel up in the distance, and in anoth-
er half hour the boat was IA ongside of
the pier discharging her passengers.
Then came the rush and scram nle for
the cars to reach the island and in u few
minutes every seat was filled and the
steps crowded. The diminutive engine
gave what might be termed yell of
defiance and started Off over the sands
for the Cape. About ten minutes We're
consumed in the trip, and as soon as the
passengers alighted grand rush was
made for the bathing houses
Soon the beach was covered with gro.
'esIue looking objects dressed in al, col
Ors, with straw hats tied down over
their heads, and among whom it would
have been difficult for a man to recog-
niz" his own grandmother. There We're
about seven or eight hundred of them,
and it was II pleasing and anima ed
sight to witness their antics in the
water some laid down and rolled 9TH
ers, more veutures0me, went further
out, where the surf would roll clear over
: hem. They splashed water in each
others faces ;throwed balls of sand, and
enjoyed themselves in many other
ways. The sorrows and cares of life
We're, for the time being, forgotten, and
again they Were boys and girls sporting
on the beach.
Too soon the allotted three hours on
the beach rolled away, and the happy
throng Were reluctantly compelled to
tnrego their pleasures and return to the
boat, which at j26 o'clock started on
her homeward trip. The incidents of
the return were varied the unfortu-
nate man was well represented, and
two or three lost their hats. The indi-
vidua's who cannot see any pleasure
without getting drunk, were also there,
but were soon dealt with in summary
manner. One who wanted to tiGht
everybody, found his match in the of
icerS ON the boat, who landed him in
the coal hole. Another who had his
" lie and two children on board, soon
followed No. /, tor attempting to strike
Her with chair
The selfish individual was also there. |
and Us usual occupied four chairs: one
to sit on, one oreach foot, and the
fourth to hold a package. He was
SumeIney happy while he smoked his
srear, even though ladies', some
Of whom had children in their arms,
were standing for the want of seats.
About $50 o'clock the steamer Will
mington came alongside and took part
Ot the eXcursionists while the remain
Ter were conveyed to this city by the
Mccall. Everybody seemed to be hap
py, and all well pleased with the excur-
sion, which was without any doubt a
grand success
Mr.. Blaine and the Presidency.