Omaha daily bee., 1888-04-25
WHERE WILL THE PALACE BE2
Reflex of the Views of Citizens on the
Subject.

Reflex of the Views of Citizens on the
Subject.
The question OF a grain palace, which has
been projected by the directors of the Omaha
Fair and Exposition association, while gen.
enerally approved by everybody has given
rise to a great deal of speculation as to how
it is TO be made a success. 1t is conceded
that it would be au excellent means of dis
playing the products of the state, and, if
erected, and decorated in q manner which
would appeal to the aesthetic taste of the
people, be a source Of great curiosity and in
terest TO thousands of people all over Ne
braska. The grains suggested for the pur-
pose of decoration are corn, oats, wheat,
barley, rye, broom-Corn and flax, which are
grown in a greater or less degree through
out the state. To collect these
would require almost immediate
effort, because, at least with corn, that of
last year would have to be used. Such a col
lection would require time, patience and con-
siderable experience. Before, however, the
decorations could be utilized, the building it
self would have to be erected and such a
structure should be more than the ordinary
horticultural or Horticultural hall which is
now intended for the fair. With al archi-
~tectural design, and of large dimensions,
such q building would cost u considerable
sum, SO much so, in fact, that many citizens
feel a return on the investment could hardly
pt StCuEcu " III WIN OAillutp
during the fair. If the building
should be erected at the fair grounds, how
ever, the same people argue, the cost should
come from the treasury of the fair associa-
ton because it would not be looked on as
other than a private enterprise. Then, it
held that it would not be worth while to 60
to great expense and trouble of erecting a
grand palace for the exhibit of a few days.
Such a structure ought to be maintained, it is
claimed, for two and possibly four weeks so
90 fo apahla fhpttsanlc tn Wait IL who would
not be able to do so during the fair. If the
latter idea should prevail, it is thought
it would not be practicable to induce visitors
to go to the fair grounds, a distance OF
several miles, for that sight alone. Those
who would go there would, in all probability,
take the train at the depot at which they
arrived, and be rushed through to the
grounds and back again without ever being
able to catch sight of the business part of
the city, as has been the case with thousands
of visitors at our late fairs. Such a course
would inure but slightly to the benefit of
merchants of the city, who are always dis
posed to welcome strangers from abroad,
with a view to experiencing an ~equaliza-
ton of the benefits which should
follow the gathering of large numbers of peo-
pie. For these reasons it has been suggested
that the proposed palace should be more than
an appcndage 10 the fair. 1t is also suggested
that, while tho fair association should be en-
titled to a pro rata division of the proceeds,
other citizens not members of that o%rganiza-
ton, should lend a helping hand to the en-
terprise and erect the palace in town, in a
central place, so that visitors would be COM
PEELED to pass through the city to reach it.
During the fair week the palace could be
oped in connection with the fair, one ticket,
with coupon, and, of course, at an advanced
rate, securing admission to both places.
After the fair the building could be continued
for several weeks and the proceeds divided
equitably between the fair association and
other associates in the enterprise, as might be
considered advisable. Jefferson square has
been suggested as a site which could be utll-
lied for the purpose, it being within easy
reach of all the lines from the
north entering the city, and by
means of four lines of street cars
brought in connection with the roads from
the southwest and western parts of the
state. Whatever be the result Of the project
indefinitely outlined by the directors of the
fair association, the sentiment of citizens
seems to be to aid that organization in the en-
terprise, though it is not the less pronounced
In favor of carrying out the scheme so that
it will inure to the benefit of the greatest
number.