, 1886-04-08
Washington Territory.
ENJOYABLE ENTERTAINMENT AT COMMIs-
sIoNER MEEKER's E-ADQUAETEEs.

kNJp1ABLE ENTERTAINMENT AT COMNIS- |
sIoNER MEEKER'S E--lDQUARTEEs.
y. o. SfqfsS.J
The closing da~s of the exposition
are being marked by an increased
amount of soc;ability and cordiality
among the commissioners of the va
riOus states and territories. who have
materially added to the attractiveness
and to the value of the enterprise.
A few days ago Mr.. Ham, of Maine,
gave an informal reception on his
birthday. On Monday the foreign
commissioners are to be entertained.
and yesterday. shortly after noon,
Mr.. Ezra Meeker, of Washington
Territory, invited his fellow commits
sioners and friends to partake of q
pleasant lunch on his space.
The part that has been taken in
the exposition by Washing ton is very
creditable to that remote territory.
Her exhibit occupies large area in
the heart of the building. and is at
once effective, beautiful and instruc-
tive.
MANY NOVEL FEATURES
may be found here that will alone
repay visit to the exposition; such
as the Snoqualmie Falls, a miniature
reproduction of the great Cascade
mountain scene; hop garden in full
growth and a model hop house; a
superb collection of pictures; fruit
display hardly equaled to in the
show, it having divided the apple
premiums with Arkansas and Nevada,
and come out fdciie princeps in pears
and evaporated fruit; also a remark
able showing of grain, timber, sugar,
vegetables, fish, etc. Right in the
midst of these a space was cleared
yesterday and sitting accommoda-
ton prepared for quite large number
of guests. Tables tastefully adorned
with flowers positively groaned with
the good cheer provided.
Tasteful badges were presented to
each visitor. Almost all the state
commissioners, with their families
and many other friends of the COM
missioner, did excellent justice to the
luncheon. The sun shone brightly,
perhaps little too brightly, as if the
warmth of the glass covered building
were making a strenuous effort to
outrlva! that of the appreciation dis
played by Mr.. Meeker's guests.
On the conclusion of the banquet
for such is the term justly due to the
plentiful hospitality of the occasion
Col. Mead, of Vermont, introduced to
the ladies and gentlemen their host,
Mr., Ezra A1eeker, speaking of him as
one who about thirty-two years ago
had migrated from Iowa to Washing
ton Territory, where he ad prospered
and attained position of which he
had every reason to be proud.
Mr.. Meeker, in response to the
unanimous call of all present, gave a
concise and very interesting sketch
of his journey across the Rocky
mountains in 1852, and of his first
experience of Puget Sound, then
innocent of steamers, but now navi-
gated by over 160 regular traders.
MIR. Meeker's graphic descriptions of
the resources and climate of his ter
ritory We're listened to with marked
attention. and his opinions on the
Indian and Chinese questions. which
evidenced his manly and humane
views, were strongly commended on
all sides.
Assistant Director General Hibbard
returned thanks on behalf Of the
Exposition management for the very
excellent showing made by the citi
zens of Washington Territory, and,
amid applause, congratulated them
on their selection of a commissioner
to represent them in New Orleans.
After appropriate remark from Com
missioner Metesser of Indiana, and
Allen of Oregon, few graceful words
from Mrs. Jennie Caldwell Nixon. the
superintendent of Woman's Work of
all States, and final humorous sally
on the part of Commissioner Fairall,
of Iowa. the company grouped them
selves in front of the camera of the
official photographer, who took an
excellent picture. The agreeable
matinee then terminated.