The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1876-05-26
EMPORIA, NEWS.
FRIDAY. MAY 26, 1876.
Centennial Opening.

ON the north and south; but to the
east and west, over q few detached
buildings, there is only fringe OF
pale green tree tops against the sky.
All this space, nearly q half q mile
in length by at least $50 yards in
breadth, seemed to be filed with
people. The greatest crowd with
In view at any time could not have
been much less than 100000 per-
sons.
1t was already evident that the
thoughtless eagerness of the masses
to get nearer the central point of in.
terest would lead to a great deal OF
trouble, if not of danger. The
space reserved for the press, imme-
diaLely under the speakers plat
form. was invaded by hundreds
who broke through the lines, and
reporting soon became anything
but q pleasant occupation. 1t SEEM
cd quite impossible to restrain the
tremendous impulse OF the crowd.
General HawleY, prominent by his
strong, manly face, a little pale from
the weight of the responsibility
resting on him, gave q few quiet or
ders, the effect of which was soon
visible. 1t seemed as II the efforts
of the single line of policemen to
stay the surging mass and the slow
ly stretching rope would be like
Mrs. Partington's attempt to mop
up the Atlantic Ocean; but they
worked man fully, and altogether,
and the avenue for guests became
clear again. The unhappy specta-
tors in front could not really help
themselves each man was the head
or line, q thousand men deep, rest
ing upon him. Had they not ain
cerelY respected the power which
restrained them, they might have
instantly swept away the represen-
Latives of the law it was q strong
horse submitting to the will of .
child. When the first backward
push was made there were screams
OF terror and suffering, and present
ly a man in q dead faint was hand
ed oyer the rope. fortunately,
there was no more serious accident,
and saw no signs of riOtons resis-
lance In that part of the crowd.
The appearance of such q mass OF
humanity was something remarka-
BILE. 1t took on q strange, enor-
nous individuality, now seemingly
agitated by a general tremulous
motion, now writhing aud undulat-
ing like muscles under the scAly
skin of q dragon. Out of the vast
dark sea of heads arose the two
granite pedestals, upon each OF
which some thirty or forty persons
had climed, and there were daring
boys on the bronze backs of the
horses, clinging to their stumpy
wings, or perched on the heads OF
the Muses.. One, who came near
sliding Off the beVel of the base
(from which he would have dropp-
ed on the crowded heads below
and regained his place by feat OF
strength was rewarded by hearty
applause. The sun burned upon all
with sultry fire which denoted
more rain in store, bnt every cloud
brought cool and grateful breeze
from the West.
ARRIVAL OF GUESTS.
All this while there was q con-
slant stream of invited guests
from the Main Building, through
the narrow lane between the two
great masses of people, and up the
steps of the platform. They must
have numbered, in all, hardly less
than 1900; and a company at once
80 distinguished and picturesque
has never before been seen in this
country. They came with an irreg-
ularity, which was far more quaint
than any international contrast
could have been-Spanish and
French officers, Japanese in cooked
hats, Congressman and Senators in
full dress and the most nonchalant
reverse, diplomatic uniforms, Egyp-
tains, Morse, Chinese, ladies with
lifted parasols, soldiers and even
broad-brimmed Quakers. Many
famous persons passed undiscover-
ed, but the people were sharp eyed,
and never failed to give notice OF
every one whom they detected.
General Sherman was one OF the
first to be popularity hailed; then,
after a few politicians, General
Hancock succeeded in the greeting.
A little after 10 the Emperor and
Empress of BraZil-the latter in
morning costume of pale blue silk
came out from under the musi-
clans gallery. Dom PedrO's fiue,
frank, intelligent face, and towering
statue were at once recognized,
aud he was heartily cheered along
the way. He lifted his hat and
bowed repeatedly, with a bright,
friendly smile, as ii he felt the exis-
tence of hearty good will among
the people.
Not long afterward a gentleman
with grayish beard had nearly
sk Oh a.
called out "Blaine y and then fol.
lowed burst of cheers. Secretary
Bristow was not recognized until
after the ceremonies were over
when the call of his name brought
an equal response. On the right, q
man with q dusky face became con
spicuous for his efforts to penetrate
The crowd, and the air of combined
strength and dignity with which hi
resisted it's jostling. The police
men helped him over the ropes
somebody said, "Fred Douglas,
and be was loudly greeted as hC
mounted the platform.
There was q temporary Interrupt
tion in the arrivals, caused by thu
irresistible rush of the crowd or
the right, between the Maine Hal
aud the bronze horses. The police.
men lost their ground: A com
rany of the Boston Cadets was sen
TO their aid, and for q few minutes
there was q scene of great confusion
The Cadets charged calamity into
the very heart of the crowd bAyo
nets glittered, blue and white uni
forms became scattered among thu
dark civilians, and the brave;youni
fellows seemed to be getting tn
worst of it for a little while. 4
detachment of cavalry soldiers
went to their aid, and q compan!
of armed seamen from the Con-
gress formed q wall on the oppo
site side. After that there wa
peace until the close. / could no
learn that any one was injured, be
Yond the usual pummeling in sucl
cases but it is q marvel that Their
wore not many deaths from pres
sure and heat.
Commercial Politics.
VIM. n. Barnum and James
English entered the lists as riv,
c.n1itafaa for TIuitad Statoa Sens