National Republican., 1884-08-16
SneciaL LeNer.

ure seeker who cannot be satisfied with
the attractions of this place must bo ex-
ceodingly fastidious, for IL seems to me
to have within its bounds everything that
ono could wish for to charm the eyo'
crafty tho taste, rofresh the weary body,
and divert tho ennuied.
There arc any number Of beautiful
walks and drives for those who prefer
quiet amusements. Upon ono sido the
sea, with its coaseless roar. dashos its
waves upon sloping beach, where the
idler can sit on the sand aud dreamily
gaze upon its restless surface, aud also
offers delightful bath to those who
enjoy plunge into the foaming breakers.
Upon the other side W ide bay affords
safe sailing and fishing ground, where
Yacht clubs aud boating clubs can indulge
their propensity for rae ing to their hearts
content and whore ev en- the small boy
can be safely entrusted with q hook and
line.
Nature has done much for New
port, but money and art have done much
more. II would be difficult to find any
where in the world q more charming
wall than the famous "cliff walk" whore
along the cliffs overhanging tho sea, the
path at the same timo leading through
private grounds exquisitcly neat and
besutiful, with artistic villas and hand
somo shrubbery for background. Onois
constantly asking himself during such q
stroll how it is these grounds are thrown
open to tho public? If he cares to look
into tho matter ho will learn the laws Of
Rhode Island provide that every one OF
her citizens shall havo the right of way to
the sea. The wealthy owners of these
beautiful places no doubt would be
very glad to shut out the vulgar herd,
but the law expressly forbids it (;
therefore, the pathway (for carriages
cannot enter) romans open to all,
and its charms arc greatly enhanced by
its proximity to and passage through
well-kept lawns, pretty summer houses,
and parterres Of brilliant flowers. The
latter are something phenomenal here,
the growth is very luxuriant, the colors
unusually vivid, and the variety quite
bewildering. You SEQ many cottages
with tho front verands completely
shaded by great masses of purple and
white clematis blossoms; the vine on
some climbs all the way to the root.
Every lawn has its borders of brilliant
geraniums and variegated colors. The
and clumps of the plant adorn almost
every dwelling.
The pathway along the cliff passes
through the grounds OF August Belmont.
He has named his place "Bythesea." The
fine lawn slopes down to the ocean and
the turf is cultivated to tho very edge Of
the cliff. The latter in some places has
been rounded out and strengthened by
the addition of O massive sea wall.
Mr.. Bennett's villa is back from the
sea some distance and fronts upon Belle
vue avenue. 1t 10 constructed Of grey
stoe and is surrounded by low wall Of
the same kind Of stone. There are three
entrances or gateways with stone posts,
each surmounted with bronze owl AT
night light is placed within the birds
and their eyes become balls of fire.
Miss Wolfe, said to be the richest
single woman in America, has very
elegant villa near the sea. II is of brown
stone, gothic in style. The drawing
room and her own bedroom are exquis-
itSly hSsy nifhsd Ihhs in Poo% white and 9a
decorated, and the woodwork is of richly
carved oak. 1t is quite useless for any
one to attempt style here unless he has
plenty Of money. The display in dress,
houses, and equipages is SO great that a
person of moderate means has no chance
whatever; and If he depends for his hap
piness upon making show in the world
he will have a decidedly stupid time.
Outside Of fashionable display, though,
there is much to attract and interest one
at Newport. 1t is especially interesting
to the antiquarian and historian for its
old houses and historical associations.
Every foot of ground has an interest of its
wn, from Miantonomoh hill, the strong.
mold of the Narrsgansett Indians. where
one may stand and view q landscape
probably unparalleled for beauty and
variety, to the circle of forts erected by
the British when they were in control oi
the island. The latter were merely earth.
works, but the outline of each can be
distinctly traced although they were
constructed more than a hundred years
ago. This is rather remarkable for we
find the forts around Washington thai
were constructed little moro than a
scoree of years ago in some places almost
entirely gone. Tho turf of New England
is 80 thick it has probably preserved the
earthen walls to this time.
Newport possesses both Purgatory
and Paradise. The latter is smiling
little valley containing fertile fields ant
smooth roadways, made more attractiv,
by the addition Of an old wind mill ant
masses of picturesque rocks. Purgatory
is deep chasm in the rocks by the sea
shore. At high tide the water rushes il
and out with a loud roar. There is a story
current in the town that once upon
time lady, to tost the affection of hel
lover made her consent to the marriag,
tie dependent upon d leap across the
yawning chasm. Her lover was willin,
to brave the danger in order to secure 81
valuable tprize. Together they strollet
to the spot; arriving at the brink he hes
tated for moment or two, then boldl,
leaped across, and safely landed upon thu
other side He stood perfectly still for
second, looked back. smiled. kissed hi
hand to her. turned away, and soon dis
appeared behind the cliffs, and. although
sho waited long, he never returned agaiI
to claim the promised reward.
Along the same beach. where escl
morning q merry crowd assembled TO
the daily bath. occurred an event quit
extraordinary. About 100 years ag
spot perceived brig under full sal
heading directly for the beach. On sh
came, slowly but steadily, ono minut
rising upon the crest of wave. the nex
sinking into the hollows, turning peithe
to the right hand nor to the left-on, on
nearer and nearer as though guided b,
some master hand, and finally she strucl
upon the sand. A crowd had gathere
upon the shore, attracted by the unusua
spectacle. and when she struck some o
the spectators Immediately boarded her
Strange to say, not man was foun
upon her. A cat and dog were tho opl,
living creatures on board. The kettl
was boiling in tho kitchen, and tn
breakfast table was spread In the cabin
Her boats were all gone, but everythi
else was in perfect order. She proved l.
be q brig belonging to Newport, and he
arrival had been expected, but why sh
was deserted, what became Of her captai
and crew, is to this day an unsolved mys