The DeSmet leader. (DeSmet, Kingsbury Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-02-21
Our Exposition Letter.
IN our Special Correspondent.

From our Special Correspondent.
New ORLEANS, Feb. II, 1885.
The reception of the old Liberty Bell
from Philadelphia has been the leading
topic the past few weeks. A committee
Of commissioners from Dakota, Kansas,
Wisconsin. Maryland and Louisiana
invited Jefferson Davis to join in the
cermonies at Exposition usic Hall
which he accepted. A most pleasant
occasion resulted from the speeches,
and applause after applause resounded
through the Main building from 5000
souls representing every State and Ter
ritory in the United States and Mexico
and other countries. The old relic is
now located so everybody can see it.
A guard of three policemen from the
city of "Brotherly Love" came along
side the Bell.
With the continued arrival crowds,
tempted by the fine weather everybody
is busy and the streets are lively day
and night. Nearly all who visit the
Exposition are anxious to take in the
excursions to Vicksburg up the Missis-
sippi, or the jetties down the river, or
Florida either by rail or water, which
are OF everyday occurrence, and they
can do so at very reasonable cost.
One can hardly realize the improve
ments made within the Fair Grounds
the past week. which now leayes the Ex-
position completed. The public now
express themselves as satisfied OF the
success Of the enterprise, not only as on
exhibit which all concede. even in q
financial way, is evidenced by the re-
cent increases Of receipts.
ALABAMA: "IIere we rest" T..
Spencer Pratt, commissioner, il hay
ing one of the handsOmest offices fitted
up in his department that will be at
the Exposition. 1t is made out of
native carved wood patterned after the
entrance to the Hall of Justice OF
Alhambra, at Grenada, Spain" 1t is
in four sections, one private, another
ladies dressing room, third for gentle
men, and still another for general re-
ception and reading room. They are
to be furnished with fino furniture,
with Persian and Turkish rugs. The
wood display is first-class, one cherry
block four feet in diameter, while pitch
is speciality, being of the turpentine
producing spicies; a growing tree, with
boxed stumps showing the manner of
gathering crude turpentine, the imple-
ments used, barrels. still the spirits and
refuse of this invaluable product will
instruct the observer. Geological
specimens. fossils, stones. soils and the
like, this State does well. A plat of
blue grass growing. and display OF
grasses and hays are attractive. Oil
cake made from cotton seed is q great
business as innumerable uses are found
for this artical, such as feed. fuel and
building; and cotton itself with corn.
sugar cane and rice are the main agri-
cultural products. AS mineral State
she has some gold, large iron and coal
interests, fine building stone from
Dickson. The Pratt mine sends one of
the largest blocks of coal in the exhibit.
One iron ore specimen weighs 5000
pounds. Some elegant sandstone, and
specimens of charcoal for working fine
irons is shown. Mobile manufacture 8
quantities Of fine leather. Attention is
specially called to cypress plank SIS
inches wide and II feet long, which
timber is in common use for manufac-
turing. Fruits and wines receive at
tention. but a limited lot is shown. In
wine, cider and grape are the specialties.
both red and white, bearing standard
brands. Commissioner Pratt is cOmpli-
mented by being entrusted with the
management of the Inter Ocean Pana-
mn Canal company, which has space in
Main building; this enterprise will be
explained by charts, drawings and
lectures that will not fail to edify and
entertain.