Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1873-03-10

leally three hundred gu ssts sat down to the most
ulnpluous supper that was ever prepared in
,ur city. The windows Of the large dining
.oom was handsomely draped with flags, fine
band discoursed eloquent music, tn, w;i ers
were polite aud attentive, and Col. Sawyer |
showed himself to be fully equal the occa-
very man tor such an enterprise
having left nothing undone to please the taste |
and crafty the palates OF the most fastidious.
The tables were covered with dishes containing |
An endless variety at articles, and the bill OF |
fare was everything that could be desired.
Hon. l.. Z. " aies presided, and after the APP |
petites of all had Leen satisfied, he made the |
following address:
, GENTLEMEN:-"l am happy to welcome You |
On this occasion and " congratulate you oil the |
event which has brought US together-the OPEN |
ing of the CLAYTON HOUSE,.
In this time Of freq lent and rapid convey
ance Of travellers, no town or city that claims
10 be place Of enterprise and industry, in any
branch or department of business, can afford to
be without agood hotel for the accommoda-
ton Of strangers and sojOurners. The tavern
Or Inn Of former days not only gave shelter and
food to the wanderers from home, but il
also gave evidence that its locality was not uu-
klDwn TO tue world around it and that the vii
lage or borough, where Its pendant sign creaked
IN tile wind, tempted others beside It's own In
habtants, to come and tarry within its yates.-
The haley ON joys vi those old inns have been
sung in song and told In story, but we haze no
desire TO 60 back to them. We have had enough
and too much of old taverns. We wanted sonie-
thing new, and at last, and none TOO soon, that
want has been supplied. suppose taat among
travellers, every one has heard the oft-repeated
question, "which Is tie best hotel?" And we
have all known or heard instances, at home
and abroad, Of place being passed by, or vis-
ted only for a few hours, because of the iuterl-
GRITTY, or may he, Of the absence of botei.-
HerelUfore-and we may now tell the truth
above board--our city of Wilmington with all
its energy and wealth, with its pie-eminent adj
vantages for trade and manufacturing purposes,
with It's easy and hourly access by rail and riv-
ar, with Its superior situation and with its de
lightful Surroundings OF pleasant drives and rd-
raj scenery nowhere surpassed, has been far be-
hind its sister cities OF equal ,r of even smaller
population III its provision Tor the entertain
ment Of travellers. 1t has often been SAID by
our visitors, aud | suppose that every WIlmilg
tonian has listened TO the remark with imVa-
tience,-"Yo On ought 10 have a tirst-cla,s hotel"
Nobody couij say That The Industrial wulEI IL
and aiuini our city were not we'll rnHt u ',i,
ald rqIai lu similar cai.tO;l ,hlu.,Ii> clsew., /;
that slip yards, Iuuod les, car, al, ana
leather Observation-Disclosures ami al trt.iue Sings,
we've moi worthy of patronage ani admiration
they have received. Ike only fault, TIE s3:e
now, we can no longer be subjected to that re-
proach, for ~ have W. line hotel rs my reasoua
Bile person could desire to sep at for day, for
a week or for Il year; and We can say with CON
iil"nce, that, in Ibis respect rs in many others,
Wilmington will compare favorably with ANY
other city of lik size, and ralili ty be excrl.cd
by none.
For this gratifying change We are indebted to
the liberality and zeal Of our merchants, man
mi .,e lrfirs M la Hl,,v nd
felt the need and importance of this building,
they resolved that it should be erected, quick
execution followed their plans, and now We be-
hold the successful completion of their gener-
Gus and public spirited foresight. The gentle
men who designed this hotel selected its loca-
ton, Superintendent its construction and paid
for it, have shown sound judgment and good
taste in their work, and they are Untitled to the
praise and gratitude of their fellow townsmen.
The house is well arranged, comfortably and
santly furnished, as all can see who examine
1t; it Is thoroughly appointed with all the con-
trivances and appliances of this inventive age,
for the convenience and luxury of its guests and
from the reputation or Col Sawyer, the land
lord, We have reason to believe that ii will be
well managed. The location is central in &C.
lation to stores banks aud manufacturing es-
Establishments, aud within convenient reach OF
railroad stations and steamboat landings, willie
the lodging rooms are high enough above the
din and noise OF the busy Streets to insure peace
| and quiet to all who iuay take refuge within
their walls
Within tue last Is ronths we have witnessed
| the Inauguration Of two new public buildings
| hat would do credit To any city inthe L Mon the
Masonic Hall, and the one in which we are now
| met. Are We not then encouraged to believe
| chat we have overcome the ris inertide the pas,
that so long held us stationary, and that hence
| forth the progress OF our city in public i'm.
provements and substantial prosperity will be
accelerated by the success which has alread,
| rowned her accomplished efforts.
| l cannot conclude this brief introduction to
| he proceedings which are to follow, without ex.
| pressing my approval Of the name which has
| 'een chosen for this handsome editice, Il name
hat will, think, heighten its attractions in the
eyes and hearts of all Delawareans John NJ
| Clayton was beloved and lonored BY the Cit.
lens OF this slate. They were and are iu,ll,
proud OF lis fame. AS Chief Justice, as il Sen.
| uor In Congress for many years and as the Sec
etary of State of this Great Republic, lie rem.
Tered highly distinguished and important Sc.
tices TO his Country, and reflected hont on IN.
| native state, to whose people he was Ardent,
| attached. We follow the example of Other
cities in giving 10 public bnllingS the Il ines Of
| eminent men.
Boston remembers ller patriotic mechanic in
| he Rerere House; New York, her Merchant
II
/ and philanthrOpist, in tho Girdrd, and Dela.
ware-should no other monument remain will
remember her former son and statesman, in
| the CLAYTON HOUSE which now, with hearty
good wishes for prosperous voyage, we launch
OH the tide Of public favor,
Mr.. Wales then announced, as the inst ne.
gular toast.
"rhe President of the United States,m and
called for three cheers, which the whole com
pany, rising to their feet, gave with will.
2. "The CLAYTON House"
VIM. S. Hilles was called on and RESPONDED
| He said the origin of the Clayton House wa
| with the Artisans Saving Bank. The Savinr
Bank wanted place to do business, and Dough
/ the old 'Indian Queen" that occupied The int
| They then took as rtner the First Nationa
| Bank, which also wanted place. The mer
| chants and ma NUT tciurers then stepped in an,
together with the liberal utlar of ono prominer
citizen tn contribute annually several thous,u,
| dollars, the banks determined to aid lhniel I,
! the projected building, aud IL la, been com
I pleed aud We leave II ia The hands al Col
Sawyer, who we hope will make it all that III
strangers who visit Us need.
| 3. "Delaware-The honor of her distinguish
ed son, after whom this house is namcd.n
| Judge John w. Houston was called on and n,
sponded in an eloquent speech in which he cuo
gized the late Hon. John NJ, Clayton, anil mad
l many complimentary remarks of the clenau
edifice which had been honored with his name
He closed by expressing the hope that the CLAY
ton House would become popular resort an,
prove great success-it would do credit TO an
city in the country and Of course cflec's homo
l upon its builders.
4. "Tha Peninsula-the Garden Of the Al
lantic coast-may this house contribute to uni
ting it in more ultimate and pleasant relation
with Wilmington
Hon. Joseph 2. Comegys being called on II
l returned thanks for the honor that had bee
done him in calling on linn 10 reply to th,
toast. 1t was well said in that toast that on
Peninsula is the garden of the Atlantic coast
We raise the greatest quantity of fruit and tn
best quality; the soil is good and piYns lie hrs