The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-07-14
AMERICAN RELAxATIONS.

In no respect have the habits, more par
ticularly of the upper classes of American
society changed in more marked degree than
in their manner of disposing of their time at
every season of the year. Formerly, they
were Justly charged with devoting every
thought and every energy TO business. The
approach of summer caused but little cessation
of effort OF Relation of attention on their
part. To the European mind the average
American was the embodiment of business
alertness that demanded and required prac-
tically no diversion, either physical or in
tellectual, and which valued hardly at all any
form of rest.
This has now changed. There are no people
in the world more active, energetic and
stirring than the American people. but never
theless they have in the course of the past
generation cultivated a more rational spirit ID
the employment of their leisure. They now
utilize every opportunity for recreation that
is legitimately presented, and are creating
occasions for diversion which did not exist FAR
back in the past
The number of legal holidays on which
there is general suspension of business has
increased. Many of these holidays are used
by large portion of the community as OPP
portunities for escaping from town. The
Fourth Of July is now especially notable
in this respect 1t is the occasion for grand
ontpouring. when oyerworked humanity seeks
A needed relaxation in unaccustomed scenes.
In the month of August every city Is practi-
cally deserted by certain class OF It's citizens,
who constitute very important numerical
section of the community.
The disposition TO take occasional holidays
throughout the year and to abandon town
when the heated season arrives is rapidly
growing, and will reach proportions in time
that will throw present conditions in the
shade. The explanation Of this growing ten
dency is easily found. 1t is to be discovered
in the vast accumulated wealth Of this coun-
try which permits freer life and encourages
a more changeable spirit.
The example which is set by the rich is
initiated by the well-to-do. Watering places
have been opened TO accommodate this desire
for change, and the comfort and luxury which
distinguish these watering places have in
recreation There is no country in the world
which can furnish more attractive pleasure
resorts than America, and every year sees an
increase in their number and an improvement
in their character.
As the wealth Of the Americans grows, they
become more and more cosmopolitan III
spirit. They extend their travels to every
part of the civilized world, and returning,
bring back the more easy and rational habits
of life which distinguish the most enlightened
foreign nations. This cultyates still more re-
Taxed methods Of passing time, which spreads
abroad among the members of every class a
truer conception of the part which rest
and recreation should play in the lives even Of
those who have the greatest number of claims
upon their attention.
1t would not lie surprising if the day should
arrive when the American people will become
as fond Of pleasure as the French. They are
already more indefatigable travellers than the
English and are certainly much less serious
in their lives than the Germans Time will
only intensity the taste for travel and pleasure
which is already 50 noticeable in their char