The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-10-09
A PLUTOCRATIC EDEN
JuNlUs HENRI BROWNE SCORES FASH
ION IN PROUD NEWPORT.
The Place Not So Charming, After All.
why Fashion Does Not Bathe-AlI a
GIorifcation and Perversion of Money.
A Pen Picture.


cellaneous charms. remember that was
when | first came here as II 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 IL attractive, and they look at it
almost entirely from the standpoint of
wealth.
This renowned resort is personal---very.
pleasant, locally and climatically-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
Ocean House, the old time hostelry, scarce
ly a vestige of water, except in the ewers,
may be seen. Hence in all likelihood its
name-names being selected nowadays from
Unelr uOual unnJneSS.
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 seaward, 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 its
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 its 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
bustling with enterprise and expectation.
Now it is but fashionable 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 a 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 women!
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 dozen times day
when vanity and mode require, but not for
plunge in the sea.
Everybody, even men, know that to don
and doff bathing suit, particularly on &C
count of the sickness of salt water, is a
bother and burden. And it may easily
be imagined why women, to whom self
decoration is the chief end of life, are un-
willing to occupy an hour or two daily for
a 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 spectacle it 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, continuance, social am
bition or selfish rivalry can do for outward
resplendence is done here to the utmost. II
is well worth seeing, very impressive, full
of suggestiveness. He who wishes to ad
mire it should accept its appearance; should
not look below the surface; should not at
tempt analysis. This might spoil the havol
of the exhibition and alter our opinion o
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 disconnected Won
en- who seem enviable and happy are con
sumed with heartburnipgs and wretched
ness. 1t is all show; splendid show
but only a show. Newport is small worl'
in itself. hollow, aching: meretricious
mostly devoid of simplicity and sincerity
the principal virtues of wholesome exist
ence. In such IA circle these are impossible
Those acquainted with the colony ar
aware to what an extent it is scanned wit
gossip, generally false, often malicious, no
seldom true. Women meet, embrace, pa
mutual compliments, and yet hate one al
other cordially. They are well bred, a
the phrase goes, and breeding conceal
what is disagreeable or painful Behin
the brilliant gaze and the sweet smile tn
fever Pushes and the cancer turks. New
port is an epitome of the world.
1t is hard for any one outside of til
gilded ring to comprehend how its mem
bers can take pleasure in continuing her
the artificial, fast, furious, wholly uu
wholesome life they lead in town. AN
they name it rest and recreation in uncon
scipus irony. 1t might be supposed tina
they would tire to dissolution of the inces
SAINT round of gayety, makebelieve an
dissipation. But they do not, apparently
though the death of many may be justl
charged to society. What iron constitr
tions. what elastic systems they must pos
sess, after ALL So incessant chase c
folly is enough to kill a giant, and seen
ingly delicate women survive 1t seaso
after season.
While the habitues represent variou
cities, most of them are from New YORK
which IN many respects is seen here ut II
worst. Gloss it as you may, this society
at base parade and panegyric of none
nut to its worst uses. New York is th
best school ON this continent for the dett
rioration and unmaking OF American cit
zenship JUNIUs HENRI BROWNE
ar III NH ~