Evening star., 1925-02-18
N0TAb[ESATTEND
new HOTEL DEBUT
Population of Million Seen for
City by Speakers at
MayfIoWer.

more than tOU persons from all parts
of the country gathered at the pre-
opening dinner of the new Mayfower
Hotel last night, heard predictions for
Washington by men of national prom
inence, who rated the city as one of
the most beautiful in the world, and
prophesied for the future a popula-
tion of a million.
Senator King Of Utah recounted the
great growth Of the National Capital.
and predicted a brilliant future for
the city. He referred to the recent
S19.o00,o00 allowed by the Senate for
schools, the possibilities Of great his
torical and music museums, the pro-
posed s50,000,000 Federal building
program, and the present trend of
growth of the city. Senator King.
along with Secretary of Labor Davis.
Representative Stuart F. Reed and
others, highly praised Allan f. Wal
ker for his foresight in building the
new hotel. In recounting the de-
velopment of the National Capital
Senator King also praised highly the
part taken by Harry Wardman.
Commissioner Speaks.
Commissioner Rudolph referred to
the great park development of the
city, the new conduit now In process
of erection and the Washington Audi
torium. In declaring that Washing
tons process were those OF being
the most beautiful city in the world.
Commissioner Rudolph predicted a.
population OF million in the future
for the National Capital. He told
the gathering that Washington had
population larger than seven States
and paid more than IS States in taxes.
Robert Beck, president of the Lon
acre Engineering Co, declared that
Washington was now the center OF
the national councils and would soon
take the place of London, Paris or
Berlin.
Representative Reed recounted the
history of developments in every
field and highly praised the new hotel
and those who had made possible it's
achievement Justice Wendell P.
Stafford and Benjamin Bills of the
American Bond and Mortgage Co. also
spoke.
Secretary Davis Speaks.
Secretary Of Labor Davis in brief
address declared the hotel was
symbol of individual initiative. He
praised Allan E. Walker and all those
who had to do with making the hotel
possible.
Ono Of the features of the banquet
was the presentation of a silver half
dollar struck in commemoration of
the landing of the Pilgrims. On one
side Of the coin is the Mayfiower ship.
The coin was placed in a small gilded
case with the Mayflower facing up
wards.
Women were given other favors
Special arrangements to get an ade-
ouate supply Of the ."Mayfower" half
dollars were made with the United
States Treasury.
Following an elaborate entertain
ment, which included Emile Boreo,
composer of the March of the Wood
en- Soldiers: and of THE Chauve-Sou-
is; Anne Grey, harpist; the Washing
ton quartette, George O'Connor and
dance was held in the Garden"
The new hotel is one of the most
magnificent in the country; it's cost Is
given as more than $10,000,000. Fac
ing half a block on Connecticut ave-
nue. at De Sales street the structure,
which is of Italian Rennaisstnce style,
continues back to Seventeenth street
There are about 1,100 rooms in the
building.
The interior was designed by Robert
Beresford, local architect, and the ex-
terror was designed by Warren &
Whetmore. The entire interior has
been designed in the most elaborate
proportions, and decorated in lavish
manner.
Marble statues, fountains, oil paint
ings, palms, gold-leafing, plush and
velvet .draperies, inlaid furniture.
thick carpeting and other decorations
have been used in profusion. Besides
a large entrance lobby and palm
court, there is a long promenade
flanked by a ball room with balconies,
spotlight arrangements and tele-
scopic stage on one side and large
dining room on the other side.
Dance Garden II Feature.
Downstairs is a dance garden, fur
nished with Burmese pagodas, foun
tains, etc The Jefferson room,
equipped after the fashion of room
in Jefrerson's home in Monticello, Is a
feature of the hotel. The kitchen is
equipped, the officials of the hotel
say, to serve $500 meals per day.
Special rooms, lounges and meeting
places have also been provided.
Another Of the features of the hotel
is the ventilating equipment, which
regulates the temperature of the en-
tire building and clarifies the air.