St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-08-24


metrical in form and elegant in structure
on behalf of the stockholders, directors and
officers of the Exposition, accept with I'M
mingled satisfaction and pleasure, and in
doing this [ find language almost inadequate
TO convey to you and your associates on the
building committee the profound and hearty
thanks of all interested for the work you
have carried forward so grandly and to-day
brought to so glorious contamination. Few
indeed can realize the
MAGNITUDE OF THE WORK
you had in hand and the difficulties and OBJ
stacles you have had to encounter Much
less can they appreciate the persistent and
unselfish devotion and fidelity with which
you have performed the task. When we
look about US to-day and compare the situa-
ton as contrasted with that Of five months
ago the transformation made under your
guiding hands seems little less than magical:
like fairy tale, or a story of the Arabian
Nights" You have done the work ASSIGNED
you; and you have done it promptly and well.
Rarely. it seems to me, could it more ffttingly
be said, well done, good and faithful serv-
ants, than on the present occasion. And
now, my friends, you will pardon me if refer
briefly to the Exposition, which, to-day for
the first time, opens its doors to the public
1t is somewhat less than twelve months since
the proposition to erect a permanent EXPOSE
ton building in this city was first entertained.
The people of Minneapolis, ever ready and
alert to avail themselves of all proper means
looking to the development,
PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY
of the city, felt that permanent Exposition
had become pressing need in the progre IS
and advancement of the city and the great
empire tributary to it. The unanimity of SEN
timent that prevailed on the subject and the
zeal with which the work was entered upon
was surprise even to ourselves, and with
an enthusiasm born Of faith the enterprise
was inaugurated which has resulted in OPEN
ing to the public to-day this beautiful build
ing, which, while it will stand as a monument
TO the energy, foresight and liberality of our
own citizens. will also, trust, be a source of
pride to the entire Northwest. Subscriptions
to stock were at once solicited and obtained
with a rapidity that astonished the most san
guine and enthusiastic; citizens of all classes
came promptly to the 'front.' Those of large
means, those of moderate means and those of
small means responded as they were able.
No combinations of capital or associations of
business men have accomplished this, but its
success is due to the
UNITED EFF FORTS
Of all classes in the community. We are wont
to boast in this free land of ours that the
strength, stability and glory of a republican
form of government lies in the fact that all
classes of citizens are admitted to equal rights
ana privileges in. forming and directing its
policy. This is the sheet anchor of free gov
eminent and the hope of the republic. So
feel sure that the great success that has at
tended this enterprise from its very incep-
ton is due largely to the fact that it has been
the work of the masses of our people; not of
the few, but of the many. The background of
a subscription list bearing more than 2, 200
names has inspired all engaged in the active
work with enthusiasm and esprit de corps
that could defy all obstacles and assure GER
tain success. And as we open our doors to-
day, let me express the earnest hope that the
expectations of those who have conceived
and designed SO grand work, who have
brought together this magnificent display
from 90 mapv narts af tha world, may feel