The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-11-26
inauguration OF willards HOtcl.--Thc opening
Banquet.

inauguration OF willard's Hotcl.--1hc opening
Banquet.
Oa wednesday the stars and stripes the Amer can
isgwere seen gracefully waving from the staff on the
roof OF that new. immense and magnificent structure
Willard's Hotel. II denoted that il was the day Tor
the Inauguration of the hotel, and The serving up Of
the opening banquet After the sun had dipped his broad
dice behind the western hills. and the curtain OF the night
had fallen upon the earth, the windows of this achitec
urally beautiful and massive pile brilliantly smi-
mated, and presented spectacle which grand
and imposing. About hundred gentlemen had been
invited 10 participate in the FEAST and is understood that
al ro-ca every one present. We (he writer)
cerainy there. Al the hour OF the company
ushered into the gentlemens ordinary which lighted
with and here the long tables spread The
was, indeed, Of the most gratifying and substantial
characteristic tables being beautifully ornamented
and literally groaning under the weight OF creature
comforts. The entertainment was superb one. every
way creditable 10 the skill and enterprise and lber-
aliy OF the proprietors. H. A. Willard esq, presided
and ne was supported on the right by the Hon. Edward
Everett and on the left by the Hon. VIM. Gwin Among
the gentlemen OF distinction present were A. Dudley
Mann, esq Oge Tayloe, esq, w. w. Corcoran esq,
j. w. Maury. esq, (the mayor) the Rev. Smith Pyne,
Rev. Mr.. French, Commodore Paulding, Commodore
Shubrick, Commodore Smith, General Henderson. Hon
Truman Smith, Marshal Hoover Elk. Marshal Wallach,
William H. Winter, esq, f. Dodge, esq, and B. B.
French, esq.
Before the company was seated. blessing was asked
most fervently by The Rev. DR.. Pyne, OF ST. Johns
Church. After the guests had discussed most literally
this profase entertainment "the ceremony OF giving the
toas,s commenced"
For what follows indebted TO our evening con-
temporary, the Star
OF the Messrs. Willard" which drank with enthusi.
asiic applause.
Mr. H. w Willard arose, and in response. thanked the
gentleman Mr. Tayoe) for his kindness in proposing
the sentiments remaTking that he unable TO express
his feelings in appropriate manner but that the honor
able gentleman on his right (Mr. Evefett) had kindly
propria,e manner, what his feelings dictated but
which he tMr. Willad) could not SO well express in
words
The Hon. Edward Everett being called upon to return
thanks TOR the Messrs. Willard. up, which was the
signal for long and renewed cheers The honorable gen.
tleDan began thus
afraid that mus, speak for myself Our friend Willard
has made slight mistake in saying that he did like
to make his Acknowledgements, and tina, had kindly
offered 10 speak for him, although il is that
wnen requested to do SO by my friend (Mr Taylos)
readily consented do it with great cheefuness but
ever there was an occasion on which might speak
for himself il il on the present, and Mr.. Willard need
not dislrns his ability 10 do So There occasions
when deeds speak louder than words, Applause and
this is Instead of Mr. Willard returning thanks 10
us, is we that under obligations 10 him In fact.
think that in paying our respects TO Mr.. Willard this
evening, we are but doing duty though certainly
daty most easily performed, loud cheersl There are
lew duties in life that require less (appause than
- together and eat good dinner There is very
l,,e self-dens [augh,er in that Indeed self-tena is
not the principle which generally carries us TO hotel,
although i sometimes happens that we have to practise
To speak, however. seriously, il is not without some
emotion that ind myself here There many in err
Under its roof have passed OF the hsppiest years
OF my life. Under the old rsgime this building d.
vlded into separate houses, and wae with my family,
the occupant OF OF them Tor several successive
Here, under it's roof, a, FIVE bu ndred miles from
Boston, comfortable as il at home, and
have no doubt that those who place themselves under
likewise. fCheen1 Under this roof have had the
honor and happiness, in company with my mrssmates. OF
entertaining b, one and The same time. John Quincy Ad
ans. [applause,l Chief Justice Marshs, renewed
cheers, Judge Story [cheers,l Mr. Calhoun fIond and
long cneers.l Mr. Clay, (dao.] Mr.. Webster. tiito.l
These all gone, but together with them can
another, living, and not unworthy TO be associated
with them, Washington Irving, tappause.1 Think OF
men like these, six or OF whom have named
gathered together at the same lime around the festive
board under this roof That was, indeed, the feast Of
reason. not merely the flashes of merrmeni which set
he table foa but ina, gushing Of convivia elo
queBce, that cheerful nercb nge Of friendly feeling. 10
which the politician and partisan ate forgotten Yes,
emen. there gians in those days feheers giants
in intellect. but in character and spirit they gentle
men. and in their familiar intercourse with each other.
they bad al the tenderness OF brethren.
have been good daa knocked about in the world, TO
rather phrase, and have spent years OF
ny life in travelling in different countries, whch has led
to know from experience how much comfort may be
enjoyed in good public house cannot. indeed agree
with Sbensione in his beautiful expression relative TO
The inn a, Henley. in England;
"Wboe'er has travelled LIES dull round.
Where'er his stages may have been,
May Sigh TO think that he has found
His warmest welcome Inn"
cannot concur in this feeling. Shensione, suspect
gave utierance To II beca 1se he bachelor laugh
teri DR. Johnson, who accustomed often to quote
these lines told by Bosu ELL had never enjoy
ed any real comfortable home lie But, ttil we mus,
all be ready TO agree that Of the pleasant
moment. Of our lives have been spent in well admin
i.tered hotel such friend Willard will no doubt
give The community.
One word more, gentlemen, and have done. | re-
member reading account Of seling sonewba, SINH
lar TO this that took place al Nauvoo, among the Nor
mons. An entertainment had been given by the land.
lord Of The place-the celebrated Joe Smith when
toast TO the following effect was proposed in his bonor
" To worthy landlord whether prophet In the
church. gensrs 10 the field. si.rrate on the bench
or q. landlord at hi, tobl- he ba. few equal.
and no superiors" loud snghterl
Our friend Willard, probably, makes no preensions to
any Of these characters except that Of landlord in which,
am sure you will agree with me that be has few EQUALS
and no superiors. lAppsuse | will, with your per.
mission propose as toast:
1.-THE health friend Willard and prosperity 10 hi,
euabii,hmsgt-may u prove benefit 70 he community,
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