The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1885-12-19
NV eElaasANe E.ETTER.
New OHLRAss, Dec. IA, 1885.
,eciai Correspondence Of the Echo

anu endorsement Oh Tie EXPOSITION
There was sndden cold spell and Il
was unusually wintry, bnt this did moi
affect the people who turned out, sew.
eral Thousand strong.
The management had determined to
make the day enjoyable, and they sue.
eeeded in this. The attractions offered
visitors were many. First of all, the
art gallery, winch alone, of all the
buildings on the grounds, had re.
manned closed, was thrown open to
the public.
Secondly, some magnificent races
were given on the Exposition race
course; and finally, at night, was given
the grand pyrotechnical display repre-
senting the destruction of Pompeii.
All these were great successes in
every respect. The art hall was crowd
ed with people, and it WAS the gen.
eral verdict that the collection thus
far excelled the display made at the
Philadelphia Centennial. There are
fewer paintings by American artists
than last year, but a much larger num-
Der by distinguished French and Eu-
ropean painters. The display of
bronzes was confessedly without its
equal IN this country. AT the same
time with the art gallery, the Creole
exhibit which is in one of the rooms
of this building, WIS open. Its collec-
tion of works of art, especially of
paintings, is large; but its greatest
value is the many historical relics, it
contains illustrations of the early his
tory of LouisiaBa, its discovery, ex-
ploration and settlement.
The climax was capped at night by
the display "the destruction Of Pom
peii." This is the finest pyrotechnical
or frework display ever seen in the
United States. An entire town, repre-
senting the ancient city of Pompeii,
was erected ON the borders of the lake,
in the centre of the Exposition
grounds. Above the town rose the
volcano of Vesnvius. In this display,
Prof. Pierce, employed some 200 or
800 persons. These attired in the
dress of ancient Rome, were seen walk
ing aud driving through the streets of
modern Pompeii. Suddenly the ernp-
ton of the volcano began, and lava
poured down its sides. In the height
Of the eruption the picture was SO
lifelike and striking that the younger
members of the audience got-fTight-
eneued, and began crying. The vol
cano belched forth fire and smoke a
hundred feet in the air. Down its
sides ran the molten lava, pouring into
the lake and setting fire to it. The
buildings caught fire and fell in with
a crash of timbers. Amid the flames
and conhagrations, the Pompeiians
were seen running hither and thither
seeking to escape.
The whole picture was very impress
siye, and drew forth much applause.
The Exposition management have ar
ranged to give it once Or twice every
week, and on all special anG great &C.
casions.
There will be several big celebra-
tions at the Exposition dnring the
course of the next few weeks. Iowa
Day will be celebrated in couple of
days; New England Day on the 22d,
the anniversary OF the landing of the
pilgrim fathers at Plymouth Rock.
January lst will be African-American
Day, when the negroes will assemble
here in thousands, TO celebrate eman-
cipation. January 4th will be Creole
Day, which all the Creoles of New
Orleans and Southern Louisiana will
mite i'll making a great event.
The call of the Echo, for contribu-
tions of agricultural products to the
Louisiana State exhibit has been pro-
ductive of the very best results, and
contributions are now received every
day, that keep the exhibit always well
supplied with fresh vegetables, fruits,
cereals and other products.
The winter season has now set in
throughout the country in earnest,
and as consequence, travel has al
ready begun in this direction. The
arrivals Of the first few weeks of the
winter are mainly from neighboring
States, Mississippi and Alabama con
tributing the most; but latterly, there
have been excursion parties from St.
Louis, Chicago, Iowa and Utah; and
the promise is for steady improve
ment with each month. The Exposi-
tion races in particular, which began
this week, are proving great attrac-
ton to sporting men who are already
here from all portions of the country.
AT the same time, Senior Emilio
Martinez, Consul of Guatemala, gives
notice that there will be several large
parties Of exeursionists from that re-
public and the other States of Central
America to attend the Exposition,
some of whom will reach the Crescent
City within the next few days. New
Orleans will then be the common
ground upon which the people of the
three Americas will meet.
There is no lack of accommodation
for visitors now, and the rates for
board and lodgings rule low, there is
80 much competition in the business,
SO many engaged in it. Last year the
city was badly crowded throughout
the winter During January and
February, gentlemen and even ladies
had 10 double No and share their