Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-04-13
A Gala Day at the Stewart House.

Mr.. 10y, of Hassrstown, did not take charge
Of the Stewart House" as per announce
ment, but Capt w. B. Colston, so VOL and IA
vorably known to our citizens, assumed the
proprietorship on Wednesday last, and at once
demonstrated his fitness for The position in
serving up in the most recherche manner an
inaugural dinner, to which yo local and the
editor were gracionsly invited. Capt. BOYD,
the popular retiring landlord, after the cloth
was removed, made an eloquent, touching, and
appropriate valedctory speech in which he allu-
ded in feeling terms to the pleasant memories
connected with his role Of mine host of the
esiablishmeut-of the sincere pleasure it al
ways afforded him to place good cheer be-
fore his guests, (at least the best the market
afforded. This parenthesis is ye lOcal's,1 and
the many evidences he had received that his
efforts to please had been highly appreciated by
the public. Captain 3. closed his remarks
amid bursts of applause, and, upon taking his
seat, Col. J. W. s, seconded by COL J. Q. \.
n, proposed three cheers, tiger and bumper,
all which were given and taken with hearty
good will
Loud calls were then made for Capt COL
srox, aud the Captain, modest as he is gallant,
responded in most appropriate style. Captain
C's speech was ornate, eloquent and to the
point His delicate and Mandatory illusions to
the successful career of his immediate prede-
cessor-his touching tribute to the memory of
the Old Hostalrie," always the synonym of
hospitality, under whose roof the guests were
then assembled, aud his concluding peroration,
in which he modestly alluded to lis own deter
nination to sustain uuimpaired the high repu-
tation Of the establishment, was received with
boistsrous but uumis;akablo plaudits of appro-
val Upon tho conclusion of the Captains
remarks, the brass band suruck up
Hail to the chief"
which was executed in tho most inspiring and
artistic manner.
These preliminaries being ended, the regular
t0ssts were announced
The American Eagle Let nobody try to
clip her wings" Maj Gen. H. H B. respond
ed to this toast in his happiest vein. Always
eloquent, he surpassed himself on this occasion
his happy hits bringing down the house in
tumultUous applause.
The 81 IS Of the grand American constella-
ton. Their present centripetal force are sim
ply 'tremenjus p" It. Gen. J. H. II. was
called upon 10 respond to this patriotic sen
timeut, and to say that he was equal to the oc-
casion conveys but meager idea Of lis patri-
otto remarks.
The United States of America. Divide
them not-It can't be did" Drank standing
and with great apparent unauimity.
The Mountain State, West Virginia. The
identical spot wherein first perched the Ameri-
can Bird" This sentiment called forth nine
rounds and a tiger.
Woman, God bless her-from Mother Eve
down to the last syllable Of recorded time 1"
,theyh have that, you bet Col. w. H. l..
arose to respond to this gallant sentiment but
was too full for utterance.
" The Stewart Of the Stewart House. -
This brought Col. J. W. S. to his feet, all IN
used as he was to public speaking The COL.
however, made very happy little speech, and
many CT his witty bon ,nots conyulsed the
house,
The source Of good cheer, Hannisyille. y
This, as was to have been expected, turned all
syes to that part Of the table where sat Col. J..
GA. \. lie was in manner bound to re-
spond to so complimentary reference, aud, as
always. he was equal to the occasion. The
subject was not dry one, and this seemed to
afford the Col inspiration for the OCCASION
Suffice it that in beautiful conception and
splendid dict:oa he Acknowledged tie corn. 8"
Quite a number of Volunteer toasts were
proposed and appropriately responded to- Let
ters Of regret that other and pressing duties
prevented them from being present" were read
from Lis Excellency, L. S GIL, G. Of the
Tribune, II. y. q. Of the Old Family" and
J. D. Of the Shepherdstown Register, and 9TH
er distinguished gentlemen. The company at
a late hour, with three rousing rounds for the
cid landlord and the new, separated.
THE Senior Of the STATESMAN, having ar
rived home At ray late hour, and being in
somewhat somnsmbulic state, mistook the
portico Of Commanding View for his usual
roosting tnst and the bench thereof for his
friendly couch. The gentle zephyrs soon fan
ned him into a sound sud sonorous slumber,
.he was rather startled the next morning when
told that the wind had blown the whole night
with tornado violence, and lie still thinks it
was mistakol The usual stereotype
where have you been 2" was answered in
subduod bu; decisive tones, Caught on the
jury, Madam, and that cruel Thomas KEEP, US
in cold room the whole night
Much Of the foregoing may be purely imagi-
native, but the dinner was solid aud superb
Under Capt. C's management, we have no doubt
the Stewart House will sustain its high
reputation and we wish him a full measure Of
success.-Nartins5,rg Statesman.
~----
%. o. =.
Proclamation oF rTbaDksetvirg