Morning journal and courier., 1889-08-23
A MECCA TO MANY.

Aht WAbAS kN0 ElaCo 1eaE AAtCT N cur
 Eloquent Divines-Sentiment gainst
 Gambling-EGorts for Reform-Gay
 and Brilliant Society Events-New
 Haven People.
 SARATOGA STRINGS, Aug. 21.-One who visits here year by year cannot help notic- ing that although there ere a myriad of new faces to be seen here each season, yet there is also large number of faces that are seen here season after season. This is their Mecca. They enjoy the placs; they drink the waters; they find renewed health and spirits, and they 90 away resolving to come again next time. It appears as if large number of the "regulars" here consider that they have a life l interest in Saratoga and its surroundings. l Everybody seems contented, sociable and happy. As one visits the mineral springs, whether at early morn, at noon ,or late in the | evening, you observe the same identical jol- | ly, sociable crowd seen there for years past, and all as seemingly thirsty as ever; many | trying to break their former record in :he number of glasses they can imbibe at one | sitting. Some take the water hot, some cold and some medium, in doses from one to eight and even larger quantities, &C., | cordipg to the bravery or capacity of the pa | tient, and the real or imaginary complaints l they are there to heal. As wander about | the broad piazzas of the various hotels again come in contact with many of the same fa- miliar faces and peculiar forms, noticeable styles in dress and general make up that at I tracted my attention last year, year before last and year before that; and in rather con- templative mood say to myself, wonder if, when we all reach the fairy land, that life of rest that is way beyond, will I still meet on that grand broad piazza up there the same familiar forms and faces, all wearing the same self satisfied, happy expressions, that I see here before me now and have seen so many times in the past. I hope so at least.
 Well, the Saratoga season is now at its | height. Many have been the new arrivals \ during the past week. The grand rush from seaside and mountain resorts will continue | for the next two weeks, when the hotels will | be, in many cases, filled to overfowing. | Sunday, the 18th inst, was beautiful day, | with a cloudless sky and balmy air. The | army of guests here were out in full force, | and the numerous churches, of which Sara | toga is so prolific, were well filled, many to I overAowing, and most eloquent discoGrses were listened to from noted divines from our larger cities.
 Rev. Dr. s. A. Muchmore of Philadelphia preached a very eloquent sermon in the First Presbyterian church on Broadway from the H Ab. created evil in order to accomplish the great est good in the end. He can only do right who has the ability to. do wrong. A small boy who had heard that George Washington could not tell lie, said he was better than Washington because he could tell 8 lie, but would not. Humanity would not have the character of an oyster without the existence of evil.
 The problem before God was to either create men with the ability to sin or to create blockheads. Sin is tonic for goodness. The infdel Payne deserves a mon- ument for the good work he unwittingly &C., complished."
 most strenuous effort is being made by a portion of the leading Christian element to banish gambling, horse racing, etc., from Saratoga. Frequent fiery editorials in the Daily Union appear against this and kindred vices which are so prevalent here every sea- son, and it is believed that by another sum- mer an effort will be made to enforce the law against gambling, which at the present time stands dead letter on the statute books. Spencer Trask, the banker and stock broker, who does large business in stocks and bonds, is at the head of the reform move. ment. Many of the hotel proprietors ques- tion the propriety of this raid on sporting operations, as they claim it brings very large patronage to them every season, which | otherwise would not come, and thus depress | their business and tend to make Saratoga a lifeless place. On the other hand it is as strenuously claimed that horse racing and gambling houses in general tend to keep away a very large class of those who dislike to be in any way associated with the sport ing fraternity, or to come within their i'm. mediate presence. Of course the many visitors to Saratoga vary largely in their tastes and requirements, and often some of the most particular people when they get away from the good old steady society at home with which they daily associate, and what mixed society, seem to feel that "when | in Rome they must do as the Romans do."
 They seemeto think very much as popu- lar clergyman does who is pastor over a large congregation in one our leading cities, who, when asked recently by an acquaintance if he thought 1t wrong to go to theatre, and if he would .patroaize one if an opportunity were given him. replied: "Well, it all de- pends on circumstances" While I don't recommend theatre going to be practiced by | any one, still think there is no harm in some csses, and do not think it especially sinful to occasionally attend frst-class play; and while 1t would not do for ne to attend even the most high toned where res side, as 1t would create unpleasant remarks among certain class in the community, still | when away from home, in New York for in- stance, for admitted time, and an opportun- ity offers to attend theatre of good repute, go, and really think there Is Do harm done.
 And about so do find it to be amvng 8 large class of visitors at Saratoga, and pre- sume it is so at about all pleasure resorts the world over. There are very many who con- slider it a positive sin to attend a horse race or witness the operations ot a roulette or faro game at home, but when they come to Saratoga "kinder sly in occasionally" when the wicked horses trot, and when the still more obnox- ious gambling places are daily in full blast: Such things should not be, and it is hoped that the time Is not far distant when the ef- forts now being made to suppress at least the latter business in Saratoga will be success.
 Among the many entertainments given Tuesday evening that were particularly noticeable was the benefit concert for Mile Brousil, at the Kensington hotel. A very large and enthusiastic audience admired the artistic violin playing by Mile Brousil. Her execution was so thoroughly brilliant as to cause the most hattering comment among | the professionals who were present. She | was most ably assisted by Madame Dexter, Mrs. Whitney, Atherton Furlong and MT. Harding. Mine Host Paul Glenning is most earnest, as well as successful, ln entertaining his guests several evenings oi each week in a variety of parlor amuse. | ments.
 Also the hop at the Victoria Hotel, on South Broadway, was one of the most enjoy.
 able occasions of the season. The Victoria court and lawn were gaily decorated with | Chinese lanterns which shone in and about
 the tall trees and foliage surrounding the fountain, the ball room was brilliantly lighted and decorated, the doors leading thereto artistically festooned with the nation
 al colors, the music was all that could be desired, the party very brilliant. In style of dress great taste and elegance was displayed
 Beauty among the fair ladies predeminated
 Among the many richly costumed ladies we noticed the following: Mrs. MAcLaugh- lin wore Q stylish lavender satin and lace, diamond ornaments. Miss Minnie Wise oi New York, a lovely brunette, was robed in a | white china silk, diamonds in profusion. | Miss Pitney, @ very noticeable blonde, per feet in form, was most tastefully dressed in white satin, front of lace, corsage low cut sleeveless, of dark blue velvet wreathed ir roses Miss Losta Wilson of New York, 6 handsome and imposing belle, wore an at. tractive gown of figured lavender In. dia silk with front of corsage and Mrs. James Gardner Clark of New Haven wal richly attired in black lace over lavender silk diamond ornaments. Miss Sadie Weed, one of Saratoga's bellies, looked queenly in 6 cream cashmere heavily embroidered with sprays of for.get-me-nots, very graceful dancer. Mrs. W. A. Beers of New Haven wore a black lace, jet trimmings, diamond ornaments. Mrs. Tupper of Troy looked very stylish in a white silk tastefully trimm. ed; diamonds.
 Lawyer James Gardner Clark, wife and maid are guests at the Continental Hotel MT. Clark returns occasionally to New Ha- ven, called there by some important matters in real estate.