Evening journal., 1916-07-28
council URGED NOT
TO Sell CITY Hall
John P. Nields, Relates TO
Councilmen Historic Events
Of Old Building
ASK THAT SALE BE
DEFERRED UNTIL FALL

Having presented a petition TO city
Council through Councilman Smith
last night, asking Council TO defer until
October the proposed sale of the old
City Hall, former United States District
Attorney John p. Nields addressed
members OF the body ON the-sabject.
While Council took mo- action on the
resolution. which was ordered filed. 1t
was evident that Mr. Nields address
was appreciated and brought facts To
the attention OF the the concilmen
TINT they were not acquainted with ne-
fore
Alr Nields was granted permission OF
the floor for fifteen minutes, but after
he had spoken lor that length of time
Council, by unanimous vote. granted him
unlimited time n which TO conclude his
remarks n opening his remarks MIR.
Nields said. Mr. President and Gentle
mcu af City Council; ! congratulate you
on your noble and impressive Council
chambers. and trust YOU viii fill them
with the precious traditions ut those
eounclmcn who served iu the old his
toric City Hall
Mn NicdS told how in going over the
minutes uf former Councils he had
found That the city Hall was ot great
historical interest. m that every ma
tional issue had been debated in its
chambers and every crisis met there.
Tho heart ol the city of Wilmington had
aiNay- been true aud the city Hall had
boon the center of the city of
Wilmington. IN commenting on
the action of Council in adopting a reso-
luton urging the government TO pw-
chase the Chesapeake and Delaware
Canal he said The canal had been sur
vcved bv committee OF the Council OF
the city. after the first meeting of the
canal company had been held in City
Hail
The old hall ne said. was built in
l7gs. being designed by a noted French
rantcr and architect who, driven from
France. had taken mp residence at
what is known az Eden Park in South
Wilmington. This artist had brought
with him to this country noted Swiss
shepherds. and hc raised sheep ON his
estate. Tho two stone rams now stand
ing at Eden Park MIR. Niclds said, were
monuments TO this frcnchman, who
made his home there.
Continuing. Mr. Nields said the old
building was the birthplace Of Ma
sonry in Delaware. the Odd Fellows
Lodge was instituted there. ST
Marvs and St Andrews church fes-
tivals were held there. The fire com.
panies were organized there, the frs
United States Court to convene il
Delaware met there. and on various
occasions men prominent In the ma
fional life spoke there. In 1893 Judge
Bedford delivered an Grafton on the
Heath Of Washington in the old COun-
eli chambers
In he War Of 1912 the old Hall was
lhc center Of The preparedness move
mcnt in those days, and men were
drilled in the building. Captain John
Warner organized a company there.
who went to Lewes and were there
when the British bombarded the town.
Another company of artillery was
formed and stationed at the fort along
the Chr'stiana. while Council appro-
nri3ted $4,000 for the defenses at Pea
Patch Island where Fort Delaware
uoN stands Others formed into COM
nanics went To- Elkton to stop the in
vfdcrs on their march TO Philadelphia
after Washington had been burned
He told OF the action OF Council in
receiving and entertaining Lafayette
who was hanQuetod in the old City
lall. and he spoke of how President
jackson was received and dinet
ftcro. In fact almost an the grea
mon Of the early days were receive,
and entertained in that building
Mr. Nields spoke al length on tn
resolutions end other acts Of forme
Councils dealing with the great uues
fions of their time. lie contended tina
The city cannot afford to tear dow
the ancient structure and they can
nor turn their backs upon the futur
generations who may be INSPIRED b
The associations Of the old building {
ncbic and worthy actions.
His remarks were listened to wit
The deepest interest and closest attcn
tion hy tho members Of Council an
The Information he imported was
revelation so far as the historical as
sociations Of the building are con
cerned.