The Brookhaven leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1883-1891, 1885-04-02
A VISIT TO NEW ORLEANS.
The City and Exposition as Seen by
Woman.


the landscape, but as We ncared the
Queen City of the South, the sun rose and
shed his generous beams over brake and
lake, causing them to send back somo of
his own ref,Ilgence. What could he more
lloyely than the broad green leaves of the
palmetto, nesting their shining fronds
in the thick, brown grass that has reach
ed the "scer and yellow leaf" Shining,
scarlet berries there were, too, twined
in and about both the yellow and the
green. And then the water, the lake,
sparkling and dancing, and each wavelet
so rude, that it leaps upward to receive
the fond caresses of the sun.
Beautiful Southland, that drapcs her
forests 50 gracefully with u reckless pro-
fusion of dark gray moss, that protecting
ly clings TO the barred branches of her
leafless trees.
1t was almost with regret that had to
pass on to the city. The sun had now
risen high, and was shedding its cheering
rays OH the damp streets below, making
glad the hearts of many, who had 50 long
been shut in by the rain of the winter
season. The little brown sparrows were
huttering about with happy voices, glad,
too, that the sun was there. To him
whose days have been spent in the quiet
country, the roar and rumble of n city
has charm, a fascination. | only want
! ed to 20 up and down the street, feeling
| that |, even |, could bc one in this great
/ throbLing life. l wanted to lose my self,
to forget that l was I.
The day passed, and evening came, and
! took no note of time. The scene chang
ed, and found myself still i'll the pull
sing street; but the sun had gone, and the
white light of the electric lamps cast an
enchanting glow, that transported one
| fresh from the country into the land of
fairies. "Hc sees to good purpose who
takes notes." but who could take notes,
when the brain is in a whirle trod up
and down the busy street, /, woman
and alone. Though alone | felt no fear.
What was there to harm a little black
| figure that quietly paced this living
| thorougil-fare There were so many
things to see and to learn. Those show
windows wherein are displayed so many
bewildering, beautiful things, that busy
stream of human life, ebbing to and flo;
the rumble and roar and glitter and glare
in crowded street car there may be
something to interest. The soiled, i'll
clad little boys of the people may be seen
swinging Oh the back-step stealing
ride, their eyes wide open watching the
driver. The enterprising news boy with
his arm full Of papers, pops his head i'll
the door yelling Evening States" City
Item" And suddenly it occurs to me to
be on the outlook for display of selfish
ness or little traits of mans character.
The only exhibition of ungentlemanly
conduct was given by John Chinaman,
whom / saw rush forward and push some
ladies aside as they were entering
crowded car, and secure for himself the
only vacant place. Alone and unprO-
tected, found every one polite and con-
siderate.
Out to the Exposition l went, with
mind hungering for the new and wonder
full, and as | entered that immense
structure, the Main Building, feeling of
awe came upon me and filed my heart
with patriotic pride. Through the build
ing wandered, passing from exhibit to
exhibit, trying to store my memory with
a knowledge of every thing my eager
eyes could see. l felt the want of some
companion into whose ears l could ponr
my many thoughts as l strolcd hither
and thither. What a field is here opened
for both the ignorant and the wise! He
who enters here is ready to say like the
queen of Sheba in the court of Solomon {:
II heard in mine own land, how be it
believed not the words, until came and
mine eyes had seen it; and behold the
half had not been told me-" Happy are
they who can come and perceive daily
with ear and eye the great things herein
prepared for the people.
While in the city enc of the greatest
attractions was the opera. And Patti
was here, and surely availed myself of
this opportunity of hearing and seeing
this world-renOwned woman. am no
Judge or critic, but l was conscious of
thrilling enjoyment, when she appeared
before our eager gaze and electrified that
immense audience with her wonderful
voice, and exquisite grace and sparkling
diamonds.
There were many places longed to
visit, but my being alone and woman,
: shackled my feet and curbed my desire.
Some day hope to wander down the
queer French streets, and view those pla-
ces of which Cable has written. There
are churches and cemeteries and pleasure
resorts aud parks and monuments that
offer to me pleasure and instruction.
Again intend to visit this city, but il
must be at that season when she has put
on her robe of flowers fair and decked
herself for the summer season.
NANCY.
Bro0khaven, Miss.