The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-06
"AMEN CORNER'' IS
 ONLY A MEMORY
Passing of Fifth Avenue Hotel
 Sad fer Politicians
PLATT SPEAKS FAREWELL
New Yorks Senators Join the Crowd at the Old Hotel To Bid Adieu to the Historic Spot So
 Famous In Politics.

New York, April 5.-At midnight last night the Fifth Avenue hotel. one of the famous hostelries of the city, ended its existence of half century, but not until the old-timers had once more sat upon the plush-covered seat in the amen corner and once more breathed an acquiescent amen" to the words of the "easy boss" whose political plans, there promulgated, gave the spot world renown. In the old days Tom Platt was secretive. Tonight he confessed that the amen corner had made and unmade Presidents Chauncey Depew spoke with caution when a part of the inner circle in days gone by. Tonight he fairly boasted that he had known gov ernors who thought they did things from the executive chamber, but they were done from the amen corner"
 It was a jolly, half-sorrowful party that gathered to bid the old place good- bye.
 After 49 years of life as hotel during half of which time it served as the head quarters of the republican party of the state. the house is to be torn down to make way for a monster office building.
 Brought to the entrance in a wheel chair and further assisted by a friend on either side, Senator Platt tottered to the amen corner and again heard the shouts of "Platt! Platti Platt'
 The aged senator was visibIy affected, but managed to speak for some moments to the crowd that surged about him, and which was kept from pressing too closely upon the sacred spot only by a eordon of police.
 Senator Platt said in part:
 Any effort the very slightest, to ex- press what l feel at the thought of the removal of the historic landmark which was my home for all of SS years would compel me to take my seat in silence, so 1 must avoid that subject and assume a cheerfulness which I have not got. This noble edfce. in it's way one of the most imposing in our city, even now in it's ma jestic simplicity, is good to look at. The Fifth Avenue hotel has entertained in it's day larger number of the great of the earth, whose plans for social and com mercial enterprises and improvements were here matured and executed, than has any other house in America, but per haps it's chief fame will remain in it's long association with the republican party. The sentiment born of the large eXperi- ence and considerable judgment of the popular leaders who composed the repub- lican organization, and who habituallS as- sembled here. and from here dispersed throughout the state with d common pur- pose and a harmonious understanding, has made and unmade Presidents and gover- nors; has determined party platforms and policies both in the state and the na- tion and has exercised a controlling in- fluence upon affairs for a period of time within which the republican party achieved it's greatest successes and the people of the state their largest measure of prosperity. That is a glory which will be associated with this spot for many years to come"
 Then there were cries for "Chauncey, and Senator Depew stepped upon the his toric bench.
 q have sat on this bench on and off for 40 years" he said. T have heard many great questions discussed as to what was the capital, and the capital has always been found in this corner. l saw Blaine, Conlling Grant and Arthur sit here. l have seen this corner filled with men in uniforms, but at other times by men who wanted to be decorated with uniforms. do not believe there will ever be spot in the state or country whence so much of influence and power will go out 10 make for history as the amen corner