Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-10-26
HELP THE BIG SHOW.
A PLEA FOR THE EXPOSITION.
A Dlsplay for Georgia and the south
TO be Proud Of-An Appeal TO Sa-
vannah and the State-SOme Good
Common Sense and Timely COun-
sell The Plain Truth and the
Peoples Duty.

ATLANTA, GA, October 2S.-Editor Morning
Nercs: Less than year since person of the
name Of Atkinson, who knows but little of cot
ton culture at the South less of cotton manu-
factures in the same section, and nothing of
habits a-d continents Of the people Of the
Sou reason best known to himself
propo~ -at Cotton Exposition should be
held at some point in the South. Atlanta, with
an audacity far ahead of enterprise, seized
upon the idea, appropriated 1t unto herself and
to-day has upon her fair grounds an exhibition
that is at once wonderful, interesting and in
structive. 1t is not an International Exposi-
tion. 1t is not Worlds Fair. 1t is not equal
in anyrespect to the Centennial Exhibition, nor
is it superior to many displays of a similar
character which have been made from time
to time at the North and the West; but it is a
very attractive and creditable display,
and is a success in every respect, save in the
attendance of the people of the country. The
press ct the country, the railroad companies,
and the influence and personal exertion of a
few prominent business men, have brought to-
gether the industrial and manufacturing re-
sources of the South in a shape which deserves
great deal more of attention and support
than they have received. 1t is TOO late now to
criticise the personnel of some of the leading
men connected with the enterprise, or to point
out the defects in the management of the nee
essary details. The show IS here. 1t is cred
liable one to Georgia, and is capable of doing
the State some service, and our people should
make an effort to give it every substantial aid
and encouragement. If a constitutional
barrier stood between the last Leg
islature and the Treasury Depart
ment, it does not rise up between
the people and this Exposition. If the unsa-
worry reputation of man or two gave the en-
terprise an unpleasant odor In the public nos
trils, this thing cannot now be remedied. The
South, and Georgia more particularly. is being
put TO test of her mettle, and the people
should strive to make success where failure
seems now almost imminent.
The Exhibition itself is at length being licked
into comely shape 1t has far outgrown its
swaddling clothes and the capacity OF its dry
nurses to take care of it. Something like order
and system have been dragged out of confu-
sion, and the show is about ready for
the spectators. In the coming week or
ten days the crisis will have come
and gone, and success or failure
will have been written up or down. 1t is no
part of the purpose of this communication to
make descriptive catalogue of the many
handsome and useful objects which are dis
played. 1t is written to urge the people of tie
state to come to the rescue in person and with
their exhlolts. There Is yet time for Georgia
to make a strong and distinctive impression
upon this Exposition. There is not county.
city or town in the State that cannot send
something to illustrate the energy and indus
State. And there is plenty of room for exhib-
its and exhibitors The Atlantese have aban-
doned the idea OF making fortunes out of this
occasion. and the hotels, boarding houses and
private houses are now prepared to receive and
| accommodate all who may come on very rea-
sonable terms.
Georgia up to this time is represented by q
few exhibitors only The finest display made
in her behalf comes from your section of The
State. The Savannah, Florida and Western
Railway, with an energy, liberality and fore
sight which should commend that corporation
to the people, Is making highly interesting
display of the resources of Southern and East
ern Georgia. From the counties along the line
of road have come fruits, cereals, wine vege-
housewifery, which are being put up
in very attractive shape, and com
| mand a large share of attention from
visitors, more especially those from the North
and West. The display of woods made by the
company is decidedly the handsomest of the
kind on the grounds But the most taking OBJ
OBJECT is the turpentlne still, put by the com.
| pany and which is run daily from ~ to 2
O'Clock. 1t may be said to be the outside
feature of the Exposition AS the smoke from
the chimney gives notice that run is being
made, crowds OF all ages and sexes flock to see
the operation and generally go away pretty
we'll gummed up with crude turpentine, fresh
rosin and brand new ideas. Savannah, the
| great commercial city of the State, Is unrepre-
| sented. This should not be, Your Cotton Ex-
change should send up samples of upland and
sea island cotton, marked and graded accord
ing to commercial classification.
From the same place should come bulletin
board giving the exports and imports of the
port, and accompanying these should be the
figures showing the growth and progress Of the
naval stores trade Of the city.
And from the rice mills samples OF rice, in all
shapes, would prove highly interesting.
The private homes of Savannah contain
paintings, pictures and articles of vertu in
greater abundance and rarity than any other
city in the State Some of these would add
brilliancy and interest to the Art Gallery. The
time is a fitting one in which to
make an effort to break down the
rivalries and jealousies between the
different sections of the State, and which
have operated very seriously to the disadvant-
age of Savannah. Atlanta just now has her
hands full and is in position to appreciate
ana remember kindnesses. She may not have
bitten off more than she can chew, but like a
boys first quid of tobacco it is growing I'M
comfortably large in her mouth.
Savannah should not lose or neglect this op-
portunity, but should sent up samples of her
stores and her people.
This is no agricultural fair made up of the
bearded woman, a brass band the three card
monte man. a stable of third-clasS race horses,
and bunch of turnips, but an exhibition of
great interest and Importance in it's details
and Georgia should loom up in it in grander
proportions than she at present does
GEORGIAN.