Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-07-10

The two principal grouNds advanced by the
New York papers for holding the great interna-
tonal exposition of 1892 in that city are that it
has greater population than any other, and
the most hotels. These facts are admitted.
They are, however, worth nothing as applied to
this case.
First, as TO the hotels. They are numerous,
and some Of them are very large. 1t is well
known, however, by those familiar with the
matter that in capacity they are no more than
equal TO the ordinary demands of a busy New
York season, and could. therefore, do compare
lively little toward accommodating an extra
crowd. Indeed two-day northeast storm in
the latter part Of the summer has more than
once driven enough people from the coast sum-
mer resorts in New Jersey alone to fill every
hotel in the whole city so full that there was
"only standing-room" left. They could, there
fore, not be counted upon to accommodate the
vas. throngs that an exhibition of the character
proposed would be sure to bring and hold to-
Of the hotels in New York strangers have but
poor chance of being cared for in that money
seeking selfish city.
As to the population claimed for New York,
it is there, and it could undoubtedly be counted
upon to furnish good many visitors to an ex-
hibition, if means could be provided for carry
ing them to 1t. The proposed exhibition is
not, however, intended as a local attraction
only, but for the benefit Of the people Of the
whole country, and of other countries. These
are the elements to be taken into the account,
not the local population. But the fatal objec-
tions to New York are the shape Of the city,
the want of suitable grounds within easy reach
for the necessary buildings, and the absolute
impossibility of transporting from the city to
the exhibition grounds the immense crowds
sure to be in attendance. The elevated and
surface roads of New York are now taxed to
their utmost every day, as everybody knows,
to carry the ordinary travel between the upper
and lower portions of the city. How, then.
could they be expected to handle an interna-
tional crowd? 1t is absolutely out of the ques-
ton. So far, indeed, from being the best
place in the country for such an exhibition,
New York is the very worst
Now in Washington all the conditions are
different, and in the highest degree favorable
for such an occasion. As was demonstrated
last Inauguration time, the whole city is able
and willing to convert itself at once into a vast
accommodation camp. where all coming stran-
gers can be comfortably entertained, and at
the most reasonable rates. This is a fact of
tie very greatest importance, and well known
to the country. In addition to this general
spirit of accommodation, the hotels of WASH
ington will be ample in numbers and capacity.
Several new ones have been built within the
past year, others are in the course Of construc-
ton, and still others are being greatly en-
larged. Yet more will be built in time for the
event, some Of them large, permanent. struc-
lures, and others temporary in character, but
well adapted for the purpose they are intended
to serve. Then, again. transportation facilities
from every part Of the country By rail and
steamer are ample to meet any demand, and in
quality the very best. But the great and con-
trolling advantage presented by Washington is
the central and accessible location she is able
to offer for the necessary exposition buildings.
Pleasantly situated, with the most delightful
surroundings, they can be quickly reached by
street railway lines and cabs from every quar-
ter, and they are furthermore tcittin easy traLt-
ing distance from erery aaickly settled portion of
tie cIty. Aside from the above and the score of
other reasons to be advanced showing that the
seat OF government is the natural and proper
place for such an exhibition, the last named
consideration alone outweigbs everything that
can be said in favor Of New York.