The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1879-10-10
OREGON STATE FAIR.


EDITOR GAZETTE: Salem's gala week is
at hand and, notwithstanding adverse cir
cumstances we, as citizens, are doing our
level best to make every one happy and at
the same time line our pockets with the ill
thy lucre. It is a season the average capi-
tolian looks forward to, from one year to
another, in anticipation Of making sufficient
money to exc out livelihood during the
remainder of the calendar year, preparations
therefor are usually made on grand scale.
This years preparations were no exception
to the general rule, save in one respect,
they were, if any thing, more enlarged in
anticipation Of larger attendance of visi-
tors from abroad. Merchants increased
their stocks, butchers their orders for beef,
hotel and restaurant proprietors for provis-
ions, and bakers for -four. Dry goods mer-
chants laid in an extra supply of calico, de-
laines and ribbons in anticipation of an i'm
mense trade in women fxens. The house.
keepers outside of those who had mercena-
ry views had erected extra beds in hopes of
securing roomers-made arrangements to
accommodate and entertain their friends
from abroad until there was scrarcely house
in the city that showed no signs of expected
increase of numbers, and one and all pre-.
pared to do the grand.
The indications of fair weather were anx-
was eagerly scanned by parties directly and
indirectly interested in the success of the
Oregon State Fair. Each days changes
were closely watched and the probabilities
solemnly discussed. Autumn's opening
month went out In storm, which, by the
weather wise, was considered q harbinger of
good, and nearly every one prophesied good
weather for the fair. The vanes ON the
| church steeples were carefully watched and
shade of disappointment crept across the
face of the manor born Webfoot as he no.
ticed continuance of a south wind, and
the barometer's predictions for fair weather
were accepted with no little degree of un-
certainty. Wednesday was advertised as
the opening day and thousands, no doubt,
arose from their beds and looked to see
which way the wind was blowing, and like
us regretted to find that it still remained in
the south where we realized only too well
spite, however, of these indications we kept
our courage up and hoped for the best. A
visit to the grounds on the day in question
disclosed an activity thereabouts that was
encouraging, to say the least. A large mum.
Der of campers were already there, and as
it remained cloudy, without rain, those in
attendance were in comparatively good spir-
its and matters looked decidedly encourag.
ing. The display of live stock was some.
what meagre as was also the exhibition Of
articles in the new pavilion. A word in
regard to this latter improvement before we
90 further. The new building, although
hurriedly constructed and necessarily incom.
plete in elegance of finish, is nevertheless
an immense improvement on the old one and
is calculated to meet want long felt by ex.
hibitors who have heretofore been crowded
into narrow quarters and compelled to take
whatever was offered them. Under the
1
however, matters are far different. Every
thing is arranged with an eye single to the
comfort and convenience of exhibitors and
lockers on. 1t is, in fact, monument to
the energy and enterprise Of that indefatiga+
BILE worker, E. M. Waite, ESQ.,, Secretary
of the Society, to whom is due the credit Of
carrying it forward to successful termina.
tion, aided by the liberal contributions oi
the citizens of Salem.
| We notice, by the way, that the Pacific
Christian ADVOCATE, a religious journal Of
Portland, recently contained an unwarrant.
able and no less contemplate attack on the
managers generally, and Mr.. Waite in par
ticular, charging them with wilfully squan.
dering the Society funds, conniving with
the gamblers in robbing the dear people,
ETC., etc., to an Intimately disgusting extent
The source of tie attack is alone sufficient
to condemn it, without its object of attack
having the hearty endorsement of the socie.
ty and the hearty cooperation of the public.
We are pleased to note the appointment ol
committee to investigate these charges and
we doubt not that our old friend Waite will
pass through the fiery ordeal unscathed.
Outside of the races there was little tc
interest or entertain on the first or second
day and of them we can give but an outline
naming conditions, entries, winning horse
and time. The first race took place or
Tuesday last it being a single mile dash
for purse of $50. Entries Matte Glade,
Sixty Seven, Jungs, Popeye, Sixty Six,
May Flower, Olo and Sank Owen. Won
by May Flower. In the trotting race, mile
heats three in five for double teams for pre-
MUM of $3.50, the entries were Reeds Par.
rott and Pedro; Kenndy's Bellfower and
Katie Synch and Wisner's Nellie Patchen
and Lady Fashin. Won by Parrott and
Pedro Time 2:40 This, with glance al
the grounds, viii embrace all of interest tc
be noted on the two first days.
The pavilion is fast filing up and embraces
a confused mass of products home and for.
eign. Among those of the former class We
would mention the magnificent display Of
harness, saddlery and leather, by the Capt.
tol Leather Manufacturing Company of this
city, whose shops are located at the peni
ftentiary. They are entering into a lively
competition with outside trade and are, WI
lare pleased to announce, meeting with en-
couragement in their efforts to supply til.
market with home made goods. Abel, O
Portland, appears to have full SWAY in th1