New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-09
EASTER AT ATLANTIC CITY.
THE MOST BRILLIANT WEEK IN THE
HISTORY OF THE RESORT.
PLANS TO TURN THE WHOLE BEACH FRONT INTO
APARK-A SCHEME TO LEVEL THE SAND

HILLS AND FILL, THE MARSHES
Atlantic City April (speciaD-In all the history
OF Atlantic City spring resort there has never
been more brilliant week than the one that is just
ending. Not only have the crowds Of guests at
the hotels been larger than before. but they
have been composed principally OF the most fash
ionable peope OF the great social centres. Phila-
delphans. OF course. predominated, but there were
and still are thousands OF visitors here from New
York. Pittsburg Baltimore and other large cities.
This has given the strollinG throng on the boa rd-
walk a cosmopolitan appearance. and has resulted
in bringing together the various ideas as to dress
and fashion which naturally originate in such wide
ly separated centres
Easter Sunday a gala occasion. The day II
is true was little blustery. az It was in nearly
all parts Of tho country; but the skies com
paratvely clear and the morning parade on the
boardwalk was greatly enjoyed despite the wind.
II was brave display OF purple and fine linen. On
every hand were TO be society leaders, all
attired In marvellous gown creations. while hosts
OF promenaders OF lesser renown helped to swell
the throng The crowds enormous. large.
indeed. that the hotel propretors who are sc-
customed TO handling large numbers OF guests were
for the moment completely nonplussed by tho In
vading host that poured into the Thurs
day. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Many visitors
were expected, but the number far exceeded expec-
tatons The records OF the railroad compa Mes
show that less than forty-fve thousand pas
sengers were landed I'm the city in the four days
named. These people together with the thousands
OF visitors and citizens who were already here
made an imposing display when Sunday. every
person who could possibly do so, joined the great
procession the ocean walk.
VISITORS HAVE COME TO STAY
The best part OF it all is that many OF the visitors
have apparently come 10 stay. Although the pin
nacle Of the spring IL supposed to he reached
on Easter Sunday. and the crowds are expected 10
dwindle after that time, yet there nearly as
many people here to-day as there were a week ago
Hundreds Of the guests have engaged their
at the hotels for long periods and 1t Is probable
that the summer season will be well under way
before the spring closes
With all the devotion fashion and the pursuit
OF pleasure. the real significance OF Easter was
not entirely forgotten that day. While many
spent the whole day on the boardwalk admiring
and being admired. there thousands who at
tended the services in the various churches OF the
city, all OF which were crowded morning and even
ing. MANY Of the sanctuaries were beautifully dec
GRATED with flowers. and special music was rem
dered by the choirs
Preparations for the summer season have already
begun. There are many small hotels scattered
throughout the resort which remain closed during
the winter and spring These houses are now being
put In order and prepared for opening as soon az
the summer crowds begin arrive. A busy and
prosperous summer is confidently expected and all
hotel proprietors making ready IN take advan-
tase Of 1t. In addition 70 the visitors who patronze
hotels. there are hundreds OF others who prefer TO
live privately. renting cottages for the season
These people have begun TO make their appearance
and a large number OF desira bic cottages have al
ready been rented. 1t is likely that about all of the
better class OF houses will be leased within the nex,
month
TO MAKE THE BEACH FRONT A PARK
The proposition to convert the entire beach ont
side OF tho boardwalk into a public park under
the dHect control and ownership Of the city is at
tracing widespread attention. In view Of all the
circumstances. the proposition is unreasonable
ana II Is likely to he adopted. al least in part
The matter has been discussed spasmodically for
years. but things were brought 10 focus by the
recent project 10 erect another ocean pier at Penn
sylvania ave In the very heart OF the best bath
Ing district Work on the pier was actually
begun early last week. but It quickly stopped
by preliminary injunction issued on the COM
plant OF beach-front property-owners An appli
cation for a permanent writ Is now pendinR ana
will he argued next week. This however will no,
permanently settle the question. whatever NAV he
the decision Of the court. the legal points at
issue only affect the particular property involved
in the present case The City Council next Mon
day evening Will take action on resolution pre-
sened at this weeks meeting instructing the CITY
Solicitor to at once proceed 10 carry into effect
the provisions ~ the Park act. Just what course
will he pursued is difficult 10 foretpu I, s tho
general opinion that the two leading piers now
existing should he permitted to remain. although
they may he taken under city control Another
proposition is that the beach be swept clear OF ALI
present Instructions. and that large pavions he
erected by the city sch Of the leading avenues
This would be somewhat expensive. but It would |
perhaps be the satisfactory in the end as IL
would do away with all charges OF favortlsm and |
would provide some much-needod free resting |
places for promenaders on the boardwalk
WANTS THE ELKs TO COME AGAIN
A movement is foot have the annual meet |
ing in 1909 Of the Grand Lodge OF the Benevolent |
and Protective order 81 Elks held In this city A |
large committee will be to the Grand Lodge |
meeting that will he held in St. Louis next June
with instructions TO capture the following conven.
ton at any cost. The Grand Lodge has met twice |
in this city: once when the split occurred that |
caused no end of trouble and again when the two |
factions came together and held love feast. |
Owing 10 the ftctional strife within the order. |
neither Of these meetings was very largely at |
tended and the hope has been frequently ex-
pressed that another meeting might be held here |
when the order more harmonious. II the Elks |
decide come here next year they Will he as,
sured Of hearty welcome. as all the resources OF
this hospita city will be exhausted In the effort
TO give Them cordial greeting
The peaCe Of mpd Of me re h ny h hse1
disturbed of late, owing to the fall
ure OF Congress 10 pass any act providing for |
naval militia. ! ne pONS ndu tNptCttu lndl INC
Government would AT least provide them with uni
forms and failure 10 do so has somewhat dam
nened their ardor. II il possible that the Reserves
NAV secure uniforms and a boat by their own ex-
ertions and maintain independent existence I'M
III the Government decides to oncially recognize
them.
4 peculiar incident occurred early In the week.
Captain Charles Foster. while out with a sailing
marty in the sloop yacht J. Willard Morgan. found
foa ting on the ocean womans pocketbook contain
ing a considerable sum OF money and papers. The |
nurse was open and the money In plain view. The
owner a Philadelphia woman. was found by means
Of the papeTs and the pocketbook was returned.
The purse had been dropped off the end Of of
the piers and II drifted away and was picked up
a bout three miles from shore.
NEWS OF THE HOTELS.
The Carsbrook Inn. Ventnor will be conduct
cd this year by Gustave Kessler and Gilbert Slim
son Mr. Stimson Is well-known hotel OF
many years experience. having been connected
with several Of Atlantic Citys largest hotels for