The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-12-16
PRESENTATION.
A Recognition Of Munifcencc by the w orkinR-
men Of Philadelphia.

men of Philadelphia.
A prevailing idea among Americans is that
for an article to be really elegant, it must
come from some of the great marts of Europe.
That this idea is mistaken one, none who
have ever visited the palatial residence of Dr.
Wilson c. Swami, No. 1912 Walnut street, will
question. For twenty years this gentleman
has placed his time and money at the dis
posal of the citizens of Philadelphia, and
at the present day his rooms and
halls are graced with the most
elaborate and elegant specimens of art and
mechanical skill that can be found on this
continent, and all the production of PhIs-
delphia artisans. To attempt to describe a
1.-THE of the ornaments which beautify the
walls of DIR. Swans residence would be q
task entirely beyond the limits of the columns
of daily newspaper, for on every hand, in
every niche, nook, corner, and crevice, stands
or hangs some mark of the handiwork of q
mind of taste and genius Statuary in bronze,
stone, wood, and ormolu meets you at every
step, while the walls are fairly gorgeous in
their display of paintings and carvings of the
richest character.
Twenty years of unostentatious labor
twenty years Of encouragement to the gene
rally unappreciated artisans of this city, have
at length found appreciation in the hearts of
men who have found in Dr. Swami true
friend, and last evening company of ladies
and gentlemen assembled at his residence to
present slight token of the high position
which he occupied in their esteem. Besides
the men whose patron DR.. Swami has long
been, there were a number of well-known
public gentlemen, and whatever the company
may have lacked in numbers it certainly made
up in 60RhOmie, the ladies unquestionably
adding much to the occasion.
About o'clock the guests were invited
into the library, and few moments after
the committee, headed by L. NJ. Drinkhouse,
Esq, came forward, carrying with them a
most elegantly wrought silver pitcher, made
expressly for the occasion by Messrs. Kirk
& Son, of Baltimore. The article weighs
nearly one hundred ounces, and is of sterling
fineness, standing over twenty-one inches
high. A graceful swan rests quietly on the
upper surface of the handle, while fancy's
fairest dreams of castles and pagodas, sur
rounded with flowers and vines of exquisite
finish, give the lower portion a most elegant
al graceful appearance. In front is the
following inscription
PRESENTED 10 DR. WILSON q. SWAMI
by the
Mechanics and Workingmen OF Philadelphia
AS slight token Of their high respect and good
feeling.
December, 1870.
The guests having all assembled, Mr.. John
Hume came forward, and in a few remarks
in which he feelingly referred to DIR. Swami
as being at the head of the patrons of art in
Philadelphia, as well as one of the most inn
portant auxilaries if not the leader, in erect
ing the drinking fountains with which the
people of this city have been blessed during
the past summer, presented the testimonial
in behalf of the class of men who would ever
hold the memory of DIR. Swami dear to them.
In concluding, the speaker said:-
In presenting this token OF respect hardly know
whether il does most honor and credit TO the donors
or the Doctor. The latter, we all know cares moth
ing for the intrinsic value IN dollars and cents OF any
gilt he may receive, but he does carefully appre-
ciate the sentiments thereby conveyed IL Is honO
able to the former illustrating the very sensible
desire to promote good feeling and fellowship be-
tween capital and labor
With brief acknowledgment of the CON-
pliments conveyed in Mr.. Hulme's remarks,
the Doctor spoke as follows
REsIoNsE Or DIR. SWAMI.
Mr.. Hulme and Gentlemen IL cannot EXPRESS the
deep emotions OF my heart in receiving this evil
dence OF your appreciation OF my poor efforts in
promoting the welfare Of the mechanics and work
ingmen OF this city, and the complimentary manner
In which you, sir, have been pleased 10 convey the
sentiments OF those you represent. IL could feel
that / deserved this distinguished compliment al
your hands, might retire 10 my rest 20 night the
happiest and the proudest OF men. But gentlemen,
fear you do me TOO much honor. ] fear you over
estimate the services have rendered you ia YOuF
noble calling, and the benefits you have derived
from my encouragement OF h9me industry and
talent BE this as y may tnis beautiful fnpute con-