New Orleans Republican

Local Intelligence.

A PLEASANT TIME AT SPANISH FORT.

Mr. Thomas H. Handy, in charge of the Canal Street, City Park and Lake railroad—the only street railroad that uses steam dummies its entire length—having placed his affairs in something like a settled condition, invited several friends, not forgetting members of the city press, to attend him in an excursion over the line for the purpose of making an inspection of the track and stock, after which to close with a dinner, such a one as would tempt a confirmed dyspeptic to leave his favorite medicine. The party consisted of about twenty gentlemen, all persons who can appreciate good and bad. There was nothing but good from first to last, as Mr. Handy had made ample preparations to abolish everything disagreeable. A special train conveyed the guests smoothly to the lake, and on arriving at the Fort the gentlemen were smothered with something quite as soothing as a pleasant northerly breeze.
Shaking worldly cares for the time, this band of conspirators chatted about all kinds of things in a friendly tone, and speculated not only of what is, but what is to be; what has been was tabooed. The future (the lake shore, when the revetments and protection levee shall be finished) was discussed, and some of the gentlemen went so far as to choose two-acre lots on the shore where they intend to make summer homes; now constructing splendid mansions surrounded by orange groves and beautiful flower beds. Of course the choicest places were near Spanish Fort because the new railroad now conveys passengers to and fro with speed, safety, and at rates that cannot be cheaper than they are.
Just as one enthusiastic guest was glowingly describing the kind of palace he thought would be visionary, purely visionary, because he does not own a dollar—Mr. Schilling, the hotel host, interrupted the party and tumbled the comestibles into the air by smacking his lips and suggesting that the fresh air must have had a "wholesome effect on city stomachs." Mr. Handy seconded the motion, and the entire party rose to a point of order: that point was not on the order of going, but to go at once. Plates had been prepared for forty with a margin, and when Mr. Schilling boldly led the charge the rest followed willingly. In case that some had previously felt it safe to grow away from a delicate meal they changed their minds speedily, for the dishes were indeed a temptation. Dishes to the right, dishes to the left, dishes everywhere, all artistically arranged, made a healthy picnic that might make a man quite satisfied with his disagreeable mother-in-law. Mr. Handy, assisted by Mr. Schilling, placed the guests in comfortable positions to destroy the many good things set before them. That charge of the noble six hundred at Balaklava was a great and heroic deed, but none of those fated heroes were more intent on duty than was that little dinner party. Mr. Schilling looked after the wants of every one very attentively. It is needless to enumerate the excellent dishes. Let the fact that all were delicacies and relished suffice.
The meal ended, all adjourned to places where balmy breezes cooled their warm brows and there smoked themselves to sweet repose.
So much for a private party, which is a reminder that individuals or parties may also be served just as well at short notice; and it may be mentioned that cars on this fine route may be secured at any time, and the rates at the hotel are as cheap as elsewhere. This new opening is another pair of lungs for can't-get-aways who occasionally find an opportunity to indulge in a little siesta.
Among the guests were Messrs. L. Viltz, J. C. Donovan, Thomas Boylan, William Fagan, J. W. Fairfax, W. Solomon, J. H. Castellanos, J. A. Quintero, H. C. Castellanos, W. R. Whitaker, S. J. N. Smith, Judge Burwell and others.