The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-04-17
Ceremony at Which Many Politicians,
Public, Business and Professional
Men Were Present.
SENATOR FAIRBANKS SPOKE
PRESIDED AT THE EXERCISES AND
PRAISED l.. w. SINCLAIR.
Governor Durbin, Judge Buskirk and
Senator Quarles, Of Wisconsin,,
Among the Speakers.
Special to the indianapolis journal.

Special to the Indianapolis journal.
WEST BADEN, Ind, April 16.-In the
presence of 1900 people, including many
prominent politicians, business men and So
ciety leaders of the middle Western States,
the new West Baden Springs Hotel was
formally opened to-day. Senator Charles w.
Fairbanks. of Indianapolis. presided over
the ceremonies. and the principal speeches
were made by Judge Thomas B. Buskirk,
of Paoli, Ind, Governor Winfield T. Dur
bin, of indianapolis, and Senator Joseph
V. Quarles, of Wisconsin.
The presence of so many leading politi-
clans, most of them being Republicans, gave
plans were being considered and movements
in favor of this or that candidate for places
on the presidential ticket next year were
being discussed. but they were without any
foundation in fact.
The specially invited guests, numbering
several hundred, included men of both po-
litical parties, and their sole object in COM
ing here was to celebrate the success of L.
w. Snclair's enterprise in erecting mil
lion-dollar hotel, which competent judges
have pronounced an architectural marvel
both in design and method of construction
The building, which is Of stone and brick
is six stories high, contains zoo rooms and
fifteen acres of floor space, is absolutely
fireproof and can comfortably accommo-
date 1000 guests. Its most striking features
are the vast circular dome of steel and glass
600 feet in circumference, and the atrium or
interior covered court containing nearly
two acres of space.
Senator Fairbanks opened the exercises,
which took place in the atrium, with a
ten-minute speech eulogizing Mr. Sinclair
very highly for the enterprise and cour-
age displayed in planning and successfully
carrying out such great undertaking. He
predicted that within few years this val
ley would have a permanent population
or several thousand prosperous people as
one result of Mr.. Sinclair's intelligent
and well-directed efforts.
Judge Buskirk's speech was largely de-
voted TO d history of the development of
this place health resort.
Governor Durbin spoke at length on the
surprising proportions which the mineral
water industry has assumed in Indiana in
recent years. He also commented on the
growing tendency among the American peo-
pie to visit health resorts and concluded
his remarks with glowing tribute to Mr..
Sinclair.
Senator Quarles. who spoke for the Ma
ton at large, delivered an address which
was replete with alternate flashes of humor
applauded. The exercises were interspersed
with music by the hotel orchestra.
At o'clock a sumptuous banquet was
served to 500 guests in the large main din
ing room OF the hotel Following the ban
quet there was a grand ball. in which sew
eral hundred dancers participated. and the
dancing continued until long after mid
night
Among the prominent persons besides the
speakers above mentioned. who participat-
ed In the affair or were present as specta-
tors. were Sheriff Thomas E. Barrett and
wife. of Cook county. Illinois: Mayor
| Fleischmann and wife and Judge W. III.
| Lueders, OF Cincinnati; ex-Attorney General
| w. L. Taylor and United States District
Attorney Joseph B. kealing. of Indianapo-
| lis; Alderman John Mccall, Tammany
| leader. and ben" Harris. theatrical man
ager. of New York city; John Il. Kitchen
E. A. Potter A, H. Revell. f. W. Peck
and wife. Alderman ]. T.. Callahan. City
| Attorney j. II. Sullivan, John Smulski and
| Edward s. Hyman, OF Chicago; Eugene
| Zimmerman. OF Cincinnati. father of the
! Duchess of Manchester: Mayor C. II. Bosch.