Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-15

~ ,,ests heats are secured all the
way from the tiny row-boat up 20 ~
small-sizcd steamer or tug. 0u''0
often II ia the tug as anything else ne
cause the idea OF having such craft -
tc have at hand at all times power SUM-
cient 10 tow the entire number OF Dod'''
The tug. Of course, leads the procession
and the smallest OF the other craft con-
cludes IL. 49,
The form OF decoration varies with the
taste OF the people who have the event
in charge. 1t also makes a great deal
Of difference as TO whether or not the
party is composed OF persons possessing
plentv OF money. These water leles
can be made to cost as much or as niue
as IT IS desired. The decorations may
be Chinese lanterns or electric lights
az either give a delightful effect at
short distance. OF course, the Cnlhese
lanterns are the cheapest. Or II one
wants imitation electric lights they can
take ordinary chmneys colored, secure
n wooden base at a very low cost. ana
place inside the chimney ordinary sper-
maceu candles.
NO one who has not seen this combina-
ton of candleiight and chimneys can
imagine how charming the effect IS.
There is an excursion steamer which
itself at night in just this way, and tho
chances are ten to one that persons who
have never been aboard Of her believe
her TO be a mass of cOlored electric
lights. IL is a great expense, and vast
amount of trouble TO have procession
of this sort wired so as TO have electric
lights. Naturally, the electricity cannot
be supplied from any one source, so IL
IL necessary that each boat have SUM-
cient number OF storage batteries TO
supply the necessary fluid. Any one VINO
has had to pay bills relative 10 storage
batteries knows what tina, means in the
matter OF expense.
The waterloo, idea first made its APP
pearance in New York about TWO months
ago-fhat is its first appearance for
long time About six years ago the idea
was carried out TO slight extent BY very
wealthy people, but inasmuch as 1t took
such a tremendous amount Of time, trou-
Bile. and expense, no one cared 10 con-
tinue il another season. This year. how
ever. what with the boat-races here ana
abroad. 70 has become quite a fad 10 go
upon the wafer and, naturally, that led
to efforts 10 introduce some novelty. The
evolution of all this is the present water
party, which Is really like fairyland
afoat AS a rule, the number of boats
participating in an affair OF this sort Is
limited to twelve for that Is all a tug
can tow comfortably. Not that she lacks
power to tow more. but she can tow this
number In a way that will not disturb the
party.
The boats used vary. as stated, in
size bat usually nothing smaller than
ships jolly boat Is employed, and
from that II ranges up to an eight-oared
barge. Occasionally a steam or naphtha
launch is called into play but this is
rather unusual There Is stiil another
kind Of procession formed entirely OF
row-boats. the boats in a number OF in
stances being propelled by oars in the
hands OF young women who have dis
played exceeding skill in this athletic
ACCOMPLISHMENT. II must not he sup
posed that Wellesley, Cornell. and Vas
sar have the only feminine boating
crews. The Hudson river has half
dozen Fights who have never rowed in
shells, but who can make an ordinary
eight-oarod boat travel over the water
at an exceedingly lively pace.
The Hudson river is a favorite re-
sort of these athletic young women.
About four crews, as rule. gather in
their boats and start out. III Is a charm
ing sight 10 see the sayly decorated craft
manoeuyre, as If possessed Of human in
stnct. They VII! execute all kinds Of
cvolutions and it is quite likely that II
some OF the young men who pride them
selves on their skill with tho oers were
TO attempt 70 handle a boat with these
young women, they would find the lat
ter their supericrs. There are more
than 90 boat clubs around New York
ci.y. and two Of the crews composed OF
| rowing girls feel themselves able TO de-
| feat the best OF those zoo.
Il ia. however, the fad par excellence
OF tho stay at home summer girl. She
was in her glory during the recent hot
weather. Tor the summer young man