National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-08-02
A Big FAIR IN OCTOBER.
The Situation Talked Over by the
Stockholders.
Words of Encouragement from Commissioners
Dent-The site at Bcnning's Agreed Up
on-A lively Interest Taken In the
Project Encouraging Reports
from all Sides subscrip-
lions to the Stock


The meeting Of stockholders of the National
Fair Association at the National Hotel last
evening called out d large crowd, the room
being hardly large enough to accommodate all
of them. Among those present were: Com
missioner Josiah Dent, W. NJ. Gait, w. b. Reed,
w. II. Morrison, II. Browning w. S. Hogc,
Il. b. Cottrcil S. Katzeustciu, c. b. Barrett, j.
Y. Davis, jr., w. Dickson, Franklin Rivcs, G..
NJ Oyster W. S. Smith, G.. Lansburg, G.. w.
Driver, f. b. Tyler, J. Bicdler and other
y rom!ncnt business men. Mr. w. NJ. Gait
presided. and Mr.. l.. A. Gobright occupied the
sccretary's chair
Mr.. IL. Browning suggested that as a number
of members Of the advisory committee were
present they organize for the purpose of
taking such steps as might be necessary to in
sure unity Of action with the board Of di-
rectors regarding the site for the proposed
fair. Commissioner Dent said that, although
he had not received any official notification Of
his ap. ointment on the committee, yet h was
disposed, as far as his other duties would per-
nit, to give attention to the fair, as it would
be of great benefit TO the District. 1t was orc
of tho best things ever suggested in this part
of the county, aud deserved to be encouraged.
The fair had all the elements of success. and
nothing was needed now but vim. At the
conclusion Of his remarks the committee re-
tired for consultation.
THE GROUNDS AT BENNISG's
During their absence Judge Blackburn adj
dressed the meeting, stating that Benning's
WINS the hest site that could have been selected.
The buildings, fences and grounds were in ex-
cellent condition. The new buildings to be
erected, premiums, etc, would only require nm
outlay of $4,000 to mako one of the most sue
cess;ul fairs ever given in the United
States. The owner of the property,
Mr.. F. P. Hill, had made fair proposition
to the board of directors. He valued
his site at $4,000 would take S2S 900 cash,
payable in four years, and the balance in stock
| 1t was the unanimous wish Of the board that
| Bcnnng's should be selected, as il was stu
atcd near railroads, which could bring stock
and passengers from every part of the country
aud land them at the gate of the fair without
u change Of cars. Besides. the stables would
accommodate 200 horses, and MS the owners of
some good stock had expressed desire
TO exhibit their animals, this was
also a consideration. In order to show
the interest taken in the fair the speaker said
that it Lad been decided to appoint an hon
0Grarry vicee-president for each State in the
Union, aud letters had been sent to number
of prominent gentlemen. The first answer
| received was from Senator Davis, of West Vir-
ginia, and read as follows:
DEER PARK Mn, July 90 1879
| DEAR SIR: ] have tue honor to acknowledge re.
the yice-presidency Of the National Fair Associa-
| ton for West Virginia, and in reply would say
| take pleasure in accepting the same. Thanking
IL G. DAVIS.
Mr.. Browning made statement relative to
| piece of property which he inspected several
days ago, near the site OF the proposed fair. 1t
was OH what is known as the Sheriff estate"
but only six acres could be purchased. The price
asked WAS 800 per acre, and, rs the fair must
be held at point near the railroad, it lay be-
tween Mr.. Hills property and the sheriff es-
tate" which should be chosen. As sufficient
) ground could not be purchased from the latter,
Mr.. Hills property was the most desirable.
The Chair stated that the Hill property com.
prised lib acres, and would prove valuable
investment, as it was proposed to make the
fair n permanent institution. Nr. Hill had
not been very DESTROYS of selling his ground,
but had offered to take 10 per cent. of the gross
receipts of the fair aud erect buildings ut his
own expense. The board, however, decided
that this was too good an opportunity to be
lost, and had decided to buy the GROUND, which
seemed waiting for some energetic men TO take
IL and make it pay.
The advisory committee returned and
through Judge Dent reported that they ap-
proved of the purchase OF the property of Mr.
F. p. Hill, on condition that before the pur.
chase was consummated access should be had
} to the grounds from Benning's Bridge by an
avenue 100 feet wide, thus enabling persons
with hores to avoid coming so close to the
railroad track. Also, that he would transfer
} one.half the stock assigned to him at its par
value. On motion this report was adopted
as expressive of the sense of the meeting
The Board of Directors were selected as
l Nnn 10
ing the new avenue, and the meeting then ad
journed
WHEN THE FAIR WILL BE OPENED.
J 1t Is proposed to open the Fair Tuesday, the
1 2lst of next October, and continue 1t ten days
! Hereafter all communications from the asso
citation will he stamped with their official seal
: handsome design having been submitted and
approved. The following extract from the cir
culsr, which is TO be immediately distributed
throughout the country, will serve to show
! some of the objects desired by the association
The establishment Of g grand National Fab
an act of incorporation of the Congress of the
United states, should challenge the aid and hearty
support of every citizen. Every calling trade, pro
fessiOn and interest should be brought into actv,
cooperation for It's success II should be the Ma
ton1l permanent organization OF the Union
fostered and encouraged by every state, city
sirous of making the Capital of the
nation more attractive by, adding to tht
many ODJecls VI lHlCIeSt III washington hnOuIC
and doubtless will render prompt aud efficient ait
by subscribing to the stock, and cheerfuy payinl
their assessments on the same, Why should no
the city of Washington have National Fair?
Why should not the people OF this city promptly
aid In is establishment? II Is estimated that thC
cities Of Cincinnati 81. Louis, Buffalo and Roches
ter through their Fairs annually bring and distri
butte $4,000 in these cities after paying most lbe
raj premiums
There will be fifty different classes of arti
: Giles for which premiums will be awarded, and
(. i,I fl,aV.
! list is not quite ready, but will be in few
, days.
4 Thirty thousand dollars has already beer
9 subscribed, aud the demand for shares contin
Z ues undated. DULY one share Is sold to oacl
subscriber, the object Of tho association bein
4 to have as many stockholders as possible, anC
make It, in literal sense an enterprise Of tn
people of the District.
: GENTS low.cut shoes at great reduction +
close them out at Gartrol's, 800 Seventh street
corner of |.