New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1888-10-31
On the Sands of the Pacific
(Wrltten for the REv1Ew " by Everet.)

Sublime indeed is the presence of the
sea, and potent in impressing man with
q humiliating sense Of his weakness. his
insignifcance. 1t is like a revelation
from another would to the one who for
the first time hears the dull roar of the
waves as they dash against the froWn-
ing rocks and glide swiftly over the
hardened sands, and an inspiration of
awe steals into ones heart as he gazes
at the scene before him, at the endless
waste of water, the floating clouds COM
ing from another land. One feels as
though but words of prayer dare ex-
press his thoughts, as though an un-
seen power rules the broad expanse
around, and as the trembling voice rises
upon the briny breeze, bringing DER the
water the melody of strange and for
eign sounds, q sweet yet Unsuitable
longing bids one linger on the sands
and let his thoughts wander to those
distant shores, untouched by clouds,
Unframed by moaning winds.
Such were my impressions when
brought in full view of the ocean. beach,
and as / wandered along on my solitary
path by the sea, the dull roar of the
foam-crested waves in my ear, I felt as
though I was in a strange world.
My feet sank ankle deep into the
yellow sand, in which were imbedded
remnants Of shells, star-fsh and many
more of the treasures of the deep.
Gray and withered kelp and sea-tang
were brought in by the playful water
which ran across my feet before | had
time to recede and still my curiosity bid
me linger on the moistened sand to
study the newly brought gifts from the
ocean. A group of gay and laughing
girls had placed their easels on the
beach and were sketching from nature
/ watched them closely as their golden
hair was floating in the breeze, and
their finger fingered on the canvas. till
a reckless wave, fuller than the rest
rolled noiselessly over the ground and
played around their stools and board
Instantly their floating garbs were
gathered up, and the peals OF merry
laughter that rang cut on the scene
showed that they were none the less
content on account Of their sudden sur
prise. AS I gaze toward the south, and
my eye becames accustomed to the rock
ing, seething waves, catch a glimpse
of white sail on the horizon, and by
the curling cloud of smoke that rises
DER its fold Irecognize steamer bound
for the southern coast, probably for Los
Angeles, that beautiful city of ..the an
GELS as the royal Spaniard has ex-
pressed, and so intent am / watching
the monarch of the sea, that I do not
notice the phaeton drawn through the
sand by pair of prancing horses, Idle
looks from tie occupants scrutinize me,
the lonely wanderer, and turn away
to lead my steps toward the United
States Life Boat Station, which stands
back from the beach on a rise in the
ground. The buildings are built low
and massive, and gaze silently out to
sea, as though watching for treacherous
winds and a helpless crew. Retracing
my steps. I wander past the palatial
mansion OF the millionaire Sutter, the
renowned engineer of "sutter Tunnel
fame, and finally come to the celebra-
ted Cliff House, built on rocks and from
which magnificent view of the ocean
is had. The barking Of the seal on the
Seal Rocks re-echoes over the water,
and interested spectators gaze on the
scene before them. The fruit and Curl
osity booth next draws my attention, and
as near the counter covered to over
weight with shells from every land,
and brought bither by sailors, with
beautifully mounted and colored sea-
weeds and corals, curious petrefactions
and numerous souvenirs of Californian
scenery, the keeper Of the booth, an old
and pleasant lady, approaches me and
kindly leads me through her establish
ment, talking merrily the while, and
finally conducting me to q wooden
shed. used for harboring boats and their
tackle, and there, stretched on few
elevated boards, I perceive q dead seal,
overdecked with seaWeeds and sur
rounded By shells. My astonishment is
great to come 50 suddenly across a
sight like this, and my hostess tells NE
that the poor brute had come to shore.
a day ago, wounded and crying piteous-
ly resembling the waiIingg Of 9 child.
1t had probably been hunted out in
the ocean and come to shore to die.
Thankfully bid the old lady good-bY