Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1901-05-24
HAS TO SAY OF THE ANCIENT CITY
BY THE SEVERN

b1 Idh ShN bhN.
The following glowing tribute to An
napolis has been paid the city by Col.
Henry Dudley -Teetor. lawyer and
genealogist of New York city
In the pursuit of my business, as law
yer and genealogist. requiring frequent
visits to the different county seats OF
Maryland, | have seen no locality more
enhancing as to landscape than that
upon which the Ancient City of Annap-
oils was founded more than two hundred
and fifty years ago.
Indeed, regard Annapolis upon the
Severn as the American Stratford upon
the Avon. This was impressed upon my
mind by a recent pilgrimage to the home
and country OF Shakespeare, realizing,
then and there. that Suatiord is situated
in the centre of the perfection of English
rural scenery. In this regard Anne
Arundel county compares most iavorably
with Warwickshire.
"Of course the latter is not enriched,
as to landscape. by such as a lordly
waterway, as the Chesapeake Bay-an
arm OF the sea stretching inland to beau
tiiY and fill with pride all of Maryland
while it affords the marvellous facilities
tor naval station, most magnificent in
proportions. rendering Annapolis the
great naval metropolis of the Union.
Regarded as the States Capital it is
| almost 'sanctihed by the idolatrous fancy
of the historian and antiquarian. know
of no spot beneath the fag more richly
ivy-mantled with historic associations;
more suggestive of the days of chivalry;
more nearly resembling. as to manorial
mansions. the stately homes as they
stand-'All over the pleasant land of
England.
"And it is this clinging to old assoca-
tions; living in the past; abiding in the
consciousness OF its aristocratic origin.
that has kept the pulse of this quaint old
colonial city from quckening, much
sooner, into the New Annapolis-this ,r-
HatSSdHce of civic pride which, at one
time, challenged the admiration OF
the nation in competing with the Dis
trict OF Columbia. which resulted in
Washington, and not apolis-becom-
ing the permanent National Capital.
That adverse decision cast a shadow
over the ambitious city. From out that
shadow, cast by the Capitol dome, only
twenty miles away-Annapolis is now
lifting her civic head. The day has
come when from Washington to Annap-
oils. wireless telegraphy, from dome to
dome, may unite the cities. as one, as
the telephone now communicates voice
to voice, across the howery land be-
tween. And, also, the quickening pulsa-
ton is becoming apparent in the project
of an electric railway between the two
capitals, which will render Annapolis but
an hours ride for tourists to the Great
Naval Station, as well as to the many
places of great historic interest round
and about this old Revolutionary Me-
tropolis.
THE rejuvenescence of Annapolis is
the observed of all visitors-manifested
not only in the expenditure OF ten mil
lions of dollars. with more to follow, in
adding to the Naval Academy; the erec-
ton of new public buildings; the recon-
struction and paving Of all the principal
avenues. and, as well. the preservation
of its historic mansions and revolutionary
relics. and the sacred precincts of the
Senate Chamber, where Washington laid
down his glorious sword--these all con-
spring to render Annapolis the historical
mecca of the nation.
lone thing more is required. a new
modern hotel, and that one should rise
near by the Naval Academy and be fully
commensurate with the needs of the hour,
and 10 meet the demands OF the travelling
and visiting public. which will increase
more and more rapidly from this on.
And that is soon to be realized, for
understand that the Hotel Admiral a
Waldorf-Astoria in epitome, is soon to
be built by Mr.. George t. Melvin and
his associates. which will. without ques-
ton, add to the commanding attractions
of this city. Certainly such a modern
public house is needed, and Mr.. Melvin,
so long one OF the kindly proprietors OF
the popular Hotel Maryland, it is to be
hoped, will be the head and front of the
commendable enterprise.
"In closing may express wish that
| had also inherited little of the Caval-
| ier Blood of this noble State, and, there
| fore, could claim as home one of the
| Manorial Mansions that have come down
| from former generations to many OF these
| fortunate citizens but ! must be con-
tent with my Puritan-Pigrim blood,
| transmitted from several of the founders
| of Massachusetts - notably Governor
| Thomas Dudley.