Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-10-24
FOR THE EXPOSITION.

FOR THE EXPOSITION.
Speeches and Enthusiasm at the Ban
Quet Last Night.
A NOTABLE GATHERING At wILLARD's-RARxHsr
AND ILoQUKNT WORDS SPOKEN 81 R1PREsESrA-
rrvEs OF DIFFERENT SECTIONS AND DrYYKRxSr
NrHRIsTs-rHK PROJECT WARMLY INDo1sKD.
1t was settled finally last night that the Three
Americas exposition is to be held in Washington.
Even the most skeptical mayor Of New York or
Chicago anarchist would no longer doubt 1t had
he attended the banquet given to the national
board of promotion at Willards last night.
Covers were set for three hundred and distin-
guished gentlemen we're present from most OF
the states in the union. Delegates from New
England, from the western, the middle, the
Pacific and from the gulf states sat about the
board and rivaled the local delegates in their
enthusiasm over the project Of the exposition
TO be held at Washington. From the head OF
the table. where sat Commissioner Douglass,
with the eloquent governor of Delaware at his
purpose ran around the tables and united the
whole assemblage.
THE BANQUET HALL
The long banquet hall was profusely decor
ated with plants and flowers, and the tables
were handsomely dressed and bounteously
laden. At the entrance to the banquet hall
a band Of music was stationed within a grove
Of palms. At either end of the hail there were
clusters Of palms, their broad leaves sweeping
the ceiling. and In the windows rested smaller
ported plants. Twelve tables were arranged in
the hall SO as to bring the guests as well in
range Of the toast masters voice as possible.
The principal floral piece in front Of the pre-
siding host represented the good ship Santa
Maria" whose prov first touched the sands Of
this continent, and distributed about all the
tables were handsome plants and flowers. In
the middle of the largest table were two stuffed
turkeys in all their plumage. The decorated
pyramids, the flowers and the glass ware, re-
fecting the lights Of the gas and of colored wax
candles burning here and there, gave the
tables brilliant appearance.
THE GUESTS ASSEMBLED
in the parlors of the hotel at o'clock and be-
fore 9 they formed line and marched to the
banquet hall, Commissioner Douglass, with the
white-haired governor of Delaware on his arm,
leading the way. When they reached the hall
music was struck up BY the band concealed in
with prayer by the Rev. DIR. g. H. Corey.
The dinner consisted of ten courses, excel
lently served, from a choice menu, with sherry,
Sauterne, Chateau Msrgeau1, Mumm's extra
dry ana nquers TO give 1t soul.
1t was after II o'clock when the toasting be-
gan and the speaking ended two hours later.
MIR. NJ. NJ. Parker acted as toast master.
MR.. DOUGLASS ADDRESS.
He first introduced Commissioner Douglass,
who, after some little side pleasantries at the
expense of the wines, said: "You are to be con
graduated, indeed, upon the harmony, wisdom
and suspicious result Of today's meeting. Its
purpose was of national character, at once
80 grand and inspiring that we could not fail to
accomplish its expression in q spirit broad as
the continent. When the Creator in His benef-
cence spread out beneath the blue sky this
magnificent western hemisphere for the use
and expansion of the race he invited the rev.
erential gratitude Of mankind. And the people
of the United States, especial recipients of that
bounty, may well invite the nations of the
earth to come and celebrate with them the
four hundredth anniversary OF the discovery
Of America. It has occurred to me, when
thinking of the proposed anniversary, that il
commentaries, without regard to results, q
fact Of itself grander in the annals Of time
than was ever known before or can ever be
possible again. In 1892 the western half OF
the world was first made known to the east
ern-a semi-creation. Then for the first time
probably since mans creation did the earth
become to HIM unit and by that discovery
rounded and completed in his understanding.
And now gentlemen, having finished the bust.
dispatch the business of this evening banquet
MR. soTELDos REMARKS.
After the applause of the guests had subsidized
the first toast 1.-THE American nations" was pro-
posed. 1t was responded to by A. M. Soteldo
ex-minister to this country from Spain, who
said: Il am happy to meet once more in THU
brilliant assembly, my friends, the steadfas'
lovers of the three Americas, the supporters Of
liberal, free institutions throughout the new
world, inviting the concurrence of all the
nations of the American family, to attend with
exhibits of their natural products and national
treasures Of arts and industry, to the proposed
exhibition here in 1892. as a most fitting way OF
celebrating the fourth centenary Of the dis
covery of this continent by Christopher Co
lumbus in 1492.
"Since the convention of last December other
cities aspire to the honor of holding this tour
nsment of civilization within their own local
precincts. They find, however, that the pre-
cedence taken three years ago by the citizens
OF the national capital in combination with
the strongest elements Of all the sections OF
the country, preclude the possibility OF
wrestling from 1t the privilege OF supremacy
in all national and international affairs.
Let us think only of the fair name of this
city, bearing that of the father of his country,
and no doubt may be entertained that if for
nothing else, this circumstance should prove
an efectual stop to all attempts, no matter
INV suOubiy ouppOftcu, W uctIlNS Tie ltutEdl
city of Washington of its character of center
and head of the United States and Its natural
representative in dealing with the rest of the
Central and South American republics or the
nations abroad.
1.-The jealousies of our grand commercial GEN.
tiers and their desire to become each, to the
exclusion of others, the seat of the Three
Americas exposition, will prove a sufficient evil
dence of the wisdom Of yielding the prize to
whom it is due, the city of Washington, the
metropolis of this glorious Union, thus assent
ing in good grace to its privilege of supremacy
over all the other cities III cases not only of a
national but also of a continental character
Then the other nations OF tine American sys-
tenn will feel all happy to participate in the
contemplated grand celebration, ready to clus-
ter together around the Washington monu-
ment with their contributions showing their
adyancements in arts and sciences, and thus
paving broader and broader the road for q
closer American community of commercial, So
cial and political interests"
He expressed the hope that the exposition
would be permanent national institution.
He was frequently interrupted by applause,
and at the close the clapping of hands continued
for some time.
GOVERNOR FLEMINGs TALK.
Gov. Fleming Of Florida responded to the
american states" He said that this country,
though an infant in age. was giant in intellect
and progress. -Four hundred years ago." he
said, ''this vast continent was unknown; today
it is the proud center of civilization. This gov
oept 10 fbat ri nj ha. oh