The Savannah morning news., 1901-03-17
FEAR FOR TYBEE'S FUTURE.
DANGER OF SUMNER VISITORS Co
ING TO RIVAL RESORTS.

The Need for More Attractions and
More Hotels Apparent-The Gen.
trail Railways Lack of Interest.
An Appeal for the Opening of Fort
Screven to Visitors and an OppOr-
tunity to Witness the Dress Par
AIDES - Savannahlans and Tybee
Property Owners Anxious That
Omething De Done to Hold Tybee's
Prestige.
Editor Morning News: The gentlemen
who have been meeting at the Pulaski
House are not the only ones who feel
anxious about the future of Tybee. There
are many citizens of Savannah. who from
experience, observation, and from contact
with visitors from the up-country. feel
grave apprehension OF a diminuion In
the patronage this summer. There are
various reasons for this, and all Of them
can be overcome though all of them are
not to be discussed in this way.
If there is any considerable detection OF
travel from the island this summer, 1t Will
be difficult if not impossible, to restore
it.
This matter is of interest to every rail-
road running into this city. but more
to the Central than any other. and the
passenger agents of that company know
of the dissatisfaction that was expressed
last year. Un.ess there are Improvements
many people will go elsewhere.
Pablo Beach is a new competitor for
this summer travel, which Southern rail-
roads need so much. Mr.. Flagier under
stands il, and is spending thousands OF
dollars to make Pablo a fairyland, as he
has done at St. Augustine, Miami and
other places on the east coast of Florida,
The citizens of Savannah have always
done their share for Tybee. They bulk
the railroad; they built the hotel, and host
both. They put their money into Tyhee
lots and improved them. They have pro-
jelled amusements and conventions and
patronized the railroad.
What has the railroad done?
Tybee needs a greater variety OF motel
accommoda Notwithstanding suited to diff
ferent classes and to the means of other
than the wel-to-do. There are many
people who would spend a week or a
month or the season at Tybee
who cannot afford to do so now,
and making this proposition !
do not mean 90 find fault with the prices
now charged, but mean to emphasize the
fact that less pretencious places are
needed.
Those interested in Tybee should re-
member that the Isle of Hope. with its
clean, pleasant trolley ride, took many
local passengers there last summer. The
ThunderboR Casino will do the same
thing this summer
Tybee has a great attraction in the
military post that counts her nothing.
For some reason unknown, the entrance
to Fort Screven is closed to all citizens
unless provided with an order from the
Secretary of War. Is this fort an excep-
ticn in this particular? Are there any
secrets, now that the fort is completed,
and we are at peace, that must be pro-
tected? Is it not usual to admit visitors
to forts, navy yards and encampments at
certain hours under reasonable restric-
tons? In The summer time why not admit
visitors at dress parade? The Central could
run a train from the hotel for a cent
fare. 1t would be diversion, and an at
traction. The dress parade might be held
on the beach near the hotel on certain
afternoons. 1t appears as if Tybee needs
some one to do some thinking and some
work for her or her name will be Ichobod.
Stay at Home.