The great West., 1889-12-13

mere aDOuC us IO-nlgnC IN un1S magnlncenC
architecture, in this tasteful decoration,
that which is an education and inspiration.
It might well tempt one whose surround
ings were much farther removed from this
scene than is the capital city, to make a
longer journey than I have done, to stand
for an hour in the view of such
eur and architectural triumph as this and
if that be true, surely there is reason enough
why the president may turn aside for lit
tie while from public duty to mingle with
the citizens in celebrating an event SO high
and so worthy OF cOmmemOratiOn as
THIS TRIUMPH TONIGHT.
Not a speech-certainly not the careless
words of an extemporaneous speech-can
adequately express all the sentiments feel
in contemplating the fitting elimination of
this deed. Only the voice of the immortal
singer can bring from these arches those
echoes which will tell us the true secrets
construction. You will permit me to
thank you, to thank the mayor
to thank the president of this association
and to thank all those good citizens with
whom have to-day been brought in per-
sonal contact, for that kindness and respect
and you will permit me to thank you, my
fellow citizens, forthe cordiality which you
have kindly displayed here tonight It is
my wish, and may it be the wish of
all, that this great building may
l3n1e continue to be to all Of your
edifice opening its doors from night to
night, calling your people here away from
the care of business to those enjoyments
and pursuits and entertainments which de-
velop the souls of men. 1t is an hour to in
spire those whose minds are heavy with
daily toll, and in this magnificent and en-
chanted presence to lift them for time out
of the dull things into those higher things
where men should live.
A cantata composed for the occasion by
Frederick G. Gleason was sung by chorus
of 500 voices, after which Hon. John s.
Runnels of Chicago delivered an address,
complimenting the Auditorium association
upon its triumph and paying frequent
tributes to the guest of the evening, the
president of the United States.
THE wORLD-FAMED soNGsTREss.
Applause, first low and murmuring, but
deepening into the thunder's roar now
marked the epoch of the evening. Descend
ing the steps from the right, escorted by
Manager Adams, was Mme Patti, who ad-
vanced smilingly, but almost timidly, to
the front as the orchestra struck up tri-
umphal welcome. In tones that had lost
none of their sweetness or power, the world
cadence, the familiar melody of "Home,
Sweet Home" The expected encore fol-
lowed from the delighted audience, and
Madame Patti responded with Hunters
Chorus" which afforded wonderful evi-
dence of the power and fexibility of her
marvellous voice. Repeated attempts were
made to elicit another song, but she re-
sponded by smiling bow of acknowledg
ment and retired to her apartments.
America" was sung by the Apollo
club, and after the intermissiop a
concert fantasie, composed also for the
occasion, was rendered by the organized
orchestra. 1.-The Heavens Are Telling"
was sung by the Apollo club, and received
the hearty appreciation of the audience.
The dedicatory address, by Gov. Fifer of
Illinois, was masterpiece of composition
and eloquence, and eminently fitting to the
occasion. The "Hallelujah," by the Apollo
club with chorus joined in by the audi
ence, closed the exercises of the evening at
near midnight.
THE BUILDING.
CHICAGO, Special. The opening of
the great Auditorium building is an event
of national interest, for it denotes the sue
cessful completion Of the grandest and most
artistic architectural undertaking of the
country and indeed, of its kind, one second
to none in the world.
| Centuries hence its massive granite walls
will tower aloft, a lasting monument to
American genius. For it is purely Ameri-
| can. In no foreign brain was the idea con-
| ceived; to no alien is due the credit for the
| designs of its symmetrical proportions or
| their perfect execution. Ferd w. Peck was
the originator of the undertaking, and to
his untiring efforts is largely due the
fulfllment of the project. Messrs. Alder
& Sullivan devised and executed the plans
that have carried out the design, while to
Messrs. Healy & Millet was allotted the
task of appropriately and harmoniously
beautifying the interior. In the opening
ceremonies President Harrison took the
initiative, and many other public men of
| prominence from different states, as well as
representatives of foreign governments,
were present. The most faithful description
of the building accompanied by accurate ta-
bles of statistics showing the amounts of
material used in its construction and dec
Grafton; Of the thousands of car loads of
stone, the tons Of steel beams, the acres of
gold leaf, would give but an imperfect idea
VI 1IS uoUAe pIOpOlLOuS. Aue eAIcl1Ol Is
grand, imposing; its interior is a marvel
of chaste magnifcence. The style Of archi-
lecture is not copied, but in many points of
construction and arrangement is shown an
entirely new departure, while the decora-
tions are subservient to the whole and in
accordance with the general design.
The structure occupies half block, with
southern frontage of $50 feet; eastern 1877
and western 161 feet; is ten stories high its
roof being IA feet above the sidewalk. Its
walls are composed of huge blocks of rough
Minnesota granite and Bedford stone, and
the pillars supporting the arches are ofpol-
ished Maine granite. The outer portion of
the building forming an IL" east of the
tower is devoted to hotel apartments, among