Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-08-01
LFor the SPECrAToR.1
On The Wing.


For the SpEcrAroR.I
On The Wing.
The morning of July 4th found us sneed-
ing northward over the high tressels of the
Shenandoah Valley road. It almost makes
ones head swim to 90 thus scurrvino
through the air; yet the ride, by means of
its very height, affords us scene after scene
OF striking beauty. Town after town
would loom up in the distance and then
vanish, dissolving quickly into forests and
fields of waving grain, just as the views of
| the magic lantern are made to fade one
into the other. We cross bridges, we look
into the bold streams beneath us, extend
| our view, and vainly try to grasp with our
minds the great watersheds that give d.
rection to the many streams that we pass.
We pass Luray and enjoy again the grand
view it affords. The Luray Inn has an air
| OF dignity and comfort that is quite enticing
| to the tired traveller. After breakfasting
we hurried on through varied scenery and
reachsd Hagerstown for dinner. We re-
manned there several hours waiting for the
train of the Cumberland Valley. This is
busy little city nestled in the midst of a
rich farming section. While it affords
it exhibits an activity in manufacturing
that it would be well for our more southern
cities to initiate.
The Cumberland Valley is without doubt
as striking section as one can find in our
whole country. The broad expanse of fer
tile land is covered with grain or grass Of
such growth as to render it indeed the
farmers paradise. / watched with interest
the change of season as came farther
North. I left Virginia with its wheat
fields already harvested, but in the Cum
berland Valley found many fields yet un-
touched by the reaper.
We stopped one night at Harrisburg, Pa.
1t is laid out on broad stretch of level
land, and to me, in my meagre acquain-
tance with it. it seems somewhat beautiful,
and has besides an AIR of age. Early the
next morning we were moving swiftly
towards Philadelphia. My expectations
were at high pitch. So much is there
connected with our national life, so much
of this city has been trod by the feet of
those whose memory is now sacred, that
felt we were approaching ground of no
common interest. Here I made a brief
stay. l first eagerly sought out the "Old
State House." The building is itself a
real study. If one knew nothing of its his
tory, he would still be impressed by its
antique appearance; he would examine
with eager eye the old bell that hangs in
mute glory; he would curiously observe
the antique chairs and other furniture that
are so well preserved; the many little
articles that themselves are so unimp0rtant,
yet, when ownership is associated, are al
most priceless; the manuscripts whose
brown, faded pages and odd-looking letters
carry one back centuries; the many pictures
with which the walls are adorned-portraits
celebrated alike from artist and subject.
Such a surrounding would attract the at
tention of the most careless tourist, and
when one realizes what is before him, the
interest is kindled to. the highest pitch, but
personal feelings are subdued. Curiosity
gives way to reverence. The faded parch-
ments now seem to speak to us; through the
portraits on the wall wistful eyes seem to
peer at US, as if beseeching US to keep
secure the great government they have left
US. The old bell, cracked as it is, seems to
remind us that its work is done; that no
longer is it needed to proclaim liberty that
is now SO deeply and widely enjoyed. Each
part of the old house has for us a peculiar
attraction, and we look and linger here and
there, fascinated by the relics of past so
full Of danger and uncertainty, and yet 60
glorious.
In walking the streets of Philadelphis
one can readily see the difference between
it and New York. There seems more time,
more delberation on the part of its many
people. Vigor it certainly has, but not the
mad hurry of New York. Here they live
more at ease, and though hurried by busi-
ness to pass quickly over life's road and
make room for others, they sensibly check
themselves and pluck, as it were. some of
the choicest flowers from the wayside.
We found the streets cleanly, and well
supplied with street-cars. These are for the
most part run by under. ground cable, and
it is somewhat of curious sight to see
car running smoothly and swiftly through
the city, and by an invisible motive-power.
They are checked by the ordinary brakes.
Our next visit was to John Wanamaker's
store. This is certainly the largest store in
America, and many claim it to be the largest
in the world. At present 1000 clerks are
needed to wait on its throngs of customers,
but in the holiday season between 5000 and
5000 are employed. In wandering through
its different departments and jostling the
passing throngs one imagines it is Broad
way, New York. As to variety, one can
find almost anything from Oscar Wilde's
poems to paper of pins. If one becomes
tired of wandering, the reading room is at
ready command, IL hungry, luncn can De
served. Well does such system, such ex-
ecutive ability deserve the reward that it SO
richly receives.
The Academy of Fine Arts next claims our
attention, but space forbids me say but lit
tie. The collection does great credit to the
city. Sculpture, antique and modern, paint
ings of every variety, books on art are found
in abundance. The works of master minds
are here, and one can i'll afford to leave the
city without giving them close attention.
The new city hall aud the Drexel banking
house will be when completed two real gems
for the city. The city hall has been in
course of construction for eighteen years
and will cost 1000, 900. We were 10th
to lsave this interesting city, but rigidly
formed plan hurries us on, and we board
the northbound train and are soon on our
way to the Hudson and the lakes.