Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-05

ply Shrough ire action of its officers and
comnittees, ana oy intelligent discussion
at Its mon.lly meetings. So representative
of the trt &c and industries of the country
is it's membership that when 1t takes po-
sition in regard TO a public question having
vital relation to business, it Is apt to
make itself felt throughout the United
States.
Historic Colonial Tavern.
The chamber of commerce is one of the
Oldest associations in the United States. Its
original charter was obtained from George
III of England 1t is indeed, much older
than the London chamber of commerce. 1t
was organized on the 9Th of April. 1I6S. in
building still standing at the corner Of
Broad and Pearl streets Originally the
residence of a member or the Delahcey
family this building later became famous
colonial tavern kept by Samuel Fraunces,
and it is still known as the Fraunces
Tavern" This was the Waldorf-Astoria
of that day, ami during the revolution II
was the scene of many a stirring and inn
portant gathering At the close of the
war II was III the long room of this taV-
ern. on it's second floor, that Washington
took his famous farewell of the officers
who had supported him through the mem
orable struggle, and to whom he then said
goodbye with "a heart full of gratitude.
1t is possible In that same room today to
obtain a satisfying though not sumptuous
neal The glory of the historical associa-
lions and the moderateness of the charges.
compensate for the modesty OF the refresh
ment.
Magnificent New Building.
From 176S to 1903. and from this historic
but far from splendid building. to the pala
tial structure which the chamber Of COM
merce dedicated year ago is a far reach.
1t covers the whole period of our history as
an Independent country. In the develop
ment of the nation. especially on the side
of its industries and commerce. the cham
Der of commerce has taken no insignificant
part. Interesting as its history has been. 1t
is more important and more germane to the
object of this series of articles to tell what
the chamber is today But hrst a word or
two about Its new building. for that is, in a
measure. symbolic of it's place in the mech
anism of Wall street. speaking now of Wall
street not a center of speculation but
center of finance. 1t is of the most
magnificent buildings in the Wall street
district. a fit companion of the clearing
house and the stock exchange, but. unlike
them, not constructed for money making
purposes. sit cost more than a million of
dollars. and the entire amount was con-
tributed by its wealthy members The
chamber occupies the whole building ex-
cept the ground floor. which Is leased by a
trust company. Internally It's decoration
and furnishing make IT the most sumptuous
building in New York.
Priceless Portrait Gallery.
Its assembly hall. where the monthly and
special meetings are held, Is magnificent
apartment. with Lofty ceiling. its walls being
covered by portraits in oil done by many
of the most distinguished artists 1t Is an
apartment that would be worthy of a SEN
ate or court of last resort. The chamber
has more than 200 portraits, and is con-
stantly adding to its number This gal
lery of paintings is already priceless. both
from the standpoint OF art and as preserv-
ing of future generations the features of
many OF the most famous men of business
of the past and of today. 1t has been the
special labor of love of the veteran secre-
tary of the chamber. George Wilson con-
stantly to enlarge this collection of por-
traits. The most valuable painting is a life
sized portrait of Alexander Hamilton, paint
ed from life. The building also contains
large committee rooms. and the top floor is
given up to fine library, in which tables
are placed on which luncheon is served
after every meeting of the chamber.
weH-appointed kitchen adjoins the library
Functions Of Chamber.
The work Of the. chamber is entirely OF a
. public character. and is four-fold, viz, So
eiai. Phiianthropic. political and CONNER
ciaL It's social duties consist first of its
Big annual dinner. held usually In Noyem.