The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-10-25
Especial Correspondence

l. x.
would, imagine, be disappointed by New
port on their first visit after hearing so
much of its delightful situation and mis-.
cellaneous charms. / remember that | was
when first came here as boy, and that
wondered at its reputation, which was far
less then than it is now. Its praises have
been so loudly and persistently chanted
that one might expect to see kind of mod
ern Eden, and indeed it is so regarded by
the rich summerers who give it fame and
constitute its society. 1t may be called,
therefore, plutocratic Eden, for the plu-
tocrats have done all that wealth could do
to make it attractive, and they look at it
almost entirely from the standpoint of
wealth.
This renowned resort is personal---very.
pleasant, locally and cimatically-and in
general would be so considered doubtless,
had not its exaggerated encomiums been so
continually dinged in our ears. Still it
seems to me that it owes far less to nature
than it owes to art, or perhaps to architec-
ture, contributed with most lavish hand
The sea view is not nearly so extensive as
might be inferred There are many cot
tages-it is yet the custom to so designate
the sumptuous villas here-from which no
part of the ocean is visible. And from the
ly vestige of water, except in the ewers,
may be seen. Hence in all likelihood its
name-names being selected nowadays from
their total unfitness.
Ocean avenue, running at right angles to
Bellevue avenue, is much the more invit-
ing thoroughfare of the two, though less
conspicuous. The cottages on it have their
rear seward, and the rear piazzas com
mand the best views of any here.
The noted ocean drive, which runs around
by the fort (Adams) does not deserve it's
notedness. The road is not particularly
good, and q large portion of it is away
from the sea. But the summerers drive
over it, unless the weather be unpropitious,
as regularly as they dine, and speak of it
as If it were another Corniche.
Some of the most attractive parts of this
island-it is not generally known that New
port is on the island of Rhode Island-are
seldom visited, the majority of people linn
iting themselves to the immediate entour-
age of the old town and it's summer addi-
ton, much the more important of the two.
The old town is decidedly interesting, but
scarcely any one who comes here ever thinks
of it, being absorbed by the snowy and pre-
tentious modern quarter. Nevertheless it
had century ago great commercial conse-
quence, being a rival of New York and
busting with enterprise and expectation.
Now it is but a fashiopable resort. The
smart set think that it has advanced be-
cause its members possess it utterly, and,
it may be added, emptily.
This is often spoken of as bathing place.
1t is such potentially, though not actually
to the summerers, especially to the femi-
nine portion, who never battle. What a
horrible imputation ON fine, nice womenl
The charge would seem to be objectionable.
What mean Is that they never battle in
the sea-those women at least who consid-
er themselves fashionable, and earn the
consideration by the variety and elaborate
ness of their attire. They are continually
putting on and taking off costly gowns and
their accomplishments, and this involves
time and trouble, even with maid to as
sist at the process. They are delighted to
dress and undress a dozen times a day
when vanity and mode require, but not fol
plunge in the sea.
Everybody, even men, know that to don
and doff a bathing suit, particularly on ac
count of the sickness of salt water, is q
bother and burden. And it may easily
be imagined why women, to whom sell
decoration is the chief end of life, are un
willing to occupy an hour or two daily fol-
q purpose that does not show, or, what is
worse, shows to disadvantage. They are
certainly justified, as they look at it, in
their objection to sea baths.
What is most striking and alluring here
Is the superb cottages and grounds, the gen.
eral pageantry of the place, the gorgeous
panorama, as it may be called, of the opu
lent colony. AS a spectacle 1t is not in my
opinion equaled at any resort at home OF
abroad-not at Brighton, Trouville, Nice
Wiesbaden, Hamburg or Baden-Baden in
their most dazzling season. Whatever
money, taste, study, contrivance, social am
bition or selfish rivalry can do for outward
resplendence is done here to the utmost. II
Ii well worth seeing, very impressive, full
of suggestiveness. He who wishes to ad
mire it should accept it's appearance; should
not look below the surface; should not at
tempt analysis, This might spoil the flavor
of the exhibition and alter our opinion OF
its value.
The panorama looks beautiful, though
much of its interior is ugly, even hideous
Men who seem so brave and self satisfied
are really alarmed and DISCONTINUED. Won
en- who seem enviable and happy are con
sumed with heartburnipgs and wretched
ness. 1t is all show; u splendid show
but only show. Newport is small worlt
in itself, hollow, aching, meretricious
mostly devoid of simplicity and sincerity
the principal virtues of wholesome exist
ence. In such a circle these are impossible
Those acquainted with the colony ar,
aware to what an extent it is scanned with
gossip, generally false, often malicious, no
seldom true. Women meet, embrace pay
mutual compliments, and yet hate one an
other cordially They are well bred, a
the phrase goes, and breeding conceal
what is disagreeable- or painful. BEHIND
the brilliant gaze and the sweet smile tn,
fever fushes and the cancer turks. New
port is an epitome of the world.
1t is hard for any one outside of tn,
gilded ring to comprehend how its mem
bers can take pleasure in continuing her,
the artificial, fast, furious, wholly un
wholesome life they lead in town. Ant
they name it rest and recreation in uncon
scious irony. 1t might be supposed thai
they would tire to dissolution of the inces
SAINT round of gayety, makebelieve ant
dissipation. But they do not, apparently
though the death of many may be justly
charged to society. What iron constitu
tions. what elastic systems they must pos
sess, after ALI So incessant chase o.
folly is enough to kill giant, and seem
ingly delicate women survive il season
after season.
While the habitues represent various
cities, most of them are from New York
which in many respects is seen here at it.
worst. Gloss 1t as you may, this society |,
at base a parade and panegyric of money
put to its worst uses. New York is tn,
best school ON this continent for the dete
rioration and unmaking of American citi
zenship. JUNIUs HENRI BROWNE.
IA Inns