The National tribune., 1900-06-21
w11ARDs WASHINGTON LANDMARK THAT WILL
MORE MODERN STRUCTURE


Women's Council, then in session, and
the banquet hall at Wizards was hon
cred with many of the representative
women Of the United States.
The International Press Union was or
ganized within its walls, and held its first
congress under its protecting care.
The Daughters of the American Revo-
luton, Ladies of the Grand Army of the
Republic, the suffrage societies, and a
score more of National organizations will
for years to come reminisce upon the days
they stopped at Wizards, and feel that
something is wanting in Washington.
Many a plumed knight has faced his
political friends from her balconies, and
with music. flags and flashing torchlights
told the story of victory over nominations
or elections amid the huzzas of the crowd.
''To Wizards" was the rallying cry.
Phoenix-like a grander structure will
rise in its place, but it will not be the Old
Willard, and all the old associations of
men and things will take their place
among the yesterdays.
No new house will have the historic
bearings. The atmosphere of Generals,
Colonies, Captains and high priyates be
longs To another day and generation; the
dust of the falling structure is their
winding sheet. The new must create its
own environments.
For day at least we ask the privilege
of wearing mourning weeds
unique feature of the hotel register
of the later days was that carried out By
Mr. Coffin when clerk. He is a great
lover Of music, and when u holiday came
around or a noted singer was guest, the
register told the story. If ii was the
Fourth OF July, or the 22d of February, Il
stapZa Of music decorated the head of the
register. The "s;tIr-Spamgled Banner" :"
or My Country, 'Tis of Thee" took their
appropriate Place.
II il were some celebrated cantatricc.
her favorite song, in cicfs, bars and notes,
told the reader that she was guest
These registers should he made a part of
the archives Of the new hotel, and as we
understand the house and name of Viii
lard are 10 be the component parts of the
new venture, we suggest that they be
interests of the new venture.
MOI the least interesting part of this
e"olution of the new civilization Is the
passing 10y of Willard Hall. Many win
remember when this was church, where
the new dispcnsation was gladly taught ;
where the preacher unfinchingIy pointed
| the way for saint and sinner; where fu-
ncrals and weddings followed in success
| sion, and then came the day OF, shall we
| call it evolution? no, but of change.
| Actor and footlishtS took the place of
preacher and emblems, followed by lee
| lures. concerts, fairs, lunch-rooms, etc, in
which all Washington has taken part.
| But all of this, the charity work that has
been carried on in the old hail, including
the packing of boxes and bundles for the
Johnstown sufferers; the concerts for
pleasure, the lectures for enlightenment
are but yesterdays-the ship of change
has carried oil but memories to sea. The
hypnotic Mr.. Carpenter will carry on his
hallucinations amid other environments
The cinemetograph will simmer ON the
crowned heads of Europe and run their
express trains elsewhere. The Daughters
OF the American Revolution, and the
Church Guilds will not again raise their
banner of the lunch room" to earn an
honest renny at the old stand.
The aulioneer will never again in vii.
lard Hall ring his bell, and utter his cry
Just a-going' and knock down to the
highest bidder the left over of the late
dipl'm or the latest production in an.
tiques
We shall wait and watch the force OF
today which is to rival the beautiful of
yesterday. As we hesitate to part with
friends, so we linger in the old tent mem.
oilcS Which have given food, shelter, com,
Tort entertainment to weary travellers
through The years and with reverted ewes
we walk away from the ruins.