Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-12-10
The Largest and the Finest in the Worl
nnen;n,

CHICAGO, December 9th.-An audience of 5 OCO
people and an outside assemblage of IOIO0 en-
thusiastic spectators tonight witnessed the ded-
ication of the largest and graudest operatic
structure in the World-the Chicago Audito-
rum.
Five thousand electric lights illuminated the
interior of the colossal structure to the bright
ness of MONDAY and the thousands of mean
descent border lights of various colors that
hung over the stage, the magnificent proscen-
ium arch and mammoth organ, the grand foyer
and carved mahogany pillars, the handsomest
gilded rows of boxes known to modern decor
atlve art, combined with the presence OF one of
the most distinguished and critical audiences in
America, rendered the occasion one long TO be
remembered.
Four years ago F. w. Peck and a large num-
Der OF other Chicago capitalists conceived the
idea OF forming themselves into a JOINT stock
company for the purpose of erecting q building
that would surpass any other structure of its
kind in the world.
The result is an edifce costing So, 600. aud.
which represents the great triumph of modern
architectural and decorative skill. The audi.
torium of the building is unique i'll that it is the
finest theater ever built with the interior shaped
like cone or speaking trumpet. The stage be-
ing taken as the apex, the arched roof and
diverging walls retreat i'll a series, constantly
increasing circles, being the acme of acoustic
achievement.
few minutes past o'clock this evening
President Harrison and his party entered the
boxes reserved for them, and as the vast audi
enee fully recognized the Chief Magistrate of
the nation the momentary applause deepened
into long continued ovation.
The magnificent 175 stop organ, with its 1000
pipes and bells, breathed forth an accompani-
ment with the orchestra as a triumphal fanta-
STA composed for the occasion was sung by a
chorus of five hundred voices after which
Hon. John 5. Runnels, of Chicago, delivered an
address
Then Madam Patti, escorted by Manager
Adams. appeared and was received with tre
meDdous applause. In tones that had lost none
of their sweetness or power, the world-famed
cantatrice sang the familiar melody Home
Sweet home" The expected encore followed
and Patti responded with Hunters Chorus
which afforded wonderful evidence of the
power and hexibility of her marvellous voice.
Repeated attempts were made to elicit another
song. but she responded by smiling bow of
acknowledgment and retired
Two selections were rendered by the Apollo
Club and concert by the organ and orchestra,
after which the Governor OF Illinois delivered
the dedicatory address.
The Mayors happy remarks were heartily
cheered. In response to loud cries, President
Peck, of the Auditorium Association, spoke
briefly, saying the present occasion marked the
proudest moment of his life He divided the
hopors of the occasion, however with his asso-
eiates, mansger Adams and the architect, to
whose genius the edifce would be, he said,
lasting monument.
He concluded by saying: Ladies and gentle
men, l have the distinguished honor of intro
ducing to you the President of the United
States After the applause had somewhat sub
the front and bowling to the great assemb age,
spoke as follows
Ladies and Gentlemen: Some of my newspaper
friends have been puzZling themselves in order
to discover The reason why had left Washing
ton to be present here to night. | do not think
l need. in view of the magnificent spectacle
presented 20 us, state the motives which have
impelled my presence. surely no loyal citizen of
Chicago, who sits here tonight under this
witehing and magnificent scene, will ask for
any other reason than that which is here pre-
sented. Applause. l do most heartily con-
gratulate you upon the completion and inaugu-
ration of this magnificent building, without an
equal in this country, and so far as know with
out an equal in the world. Applause.
I'VE have here abont us tonight in this mag
nificent architecture in this tasteful decoration
that which is an education and an inspiration.
lApplause, 1t might well tempt one whose sur
roundIngs were much further removed from this
scene than is the Capital City to make longer
journey than have done to stand for one hour
in view OF such spectacle of magnihcence,
grandeur and architectural triumph as this.
Applause. And If that be true, surely it is
reason enough why the President may turn
aside for little while from public duty to
mingle with citizens in celebrating an event so
high and so worthy of commemoration as
this triumph tonight. Prolonged applause /
Not speech, certainly moi careless words of an
extemporaneous speech can adequately express
al the sentiments feel in contemplating the
fitting elimination of this deed Applause. |
''Only the voice of the immortal singer can
bring from these arches those echoes which
will tell us the true secrets and architectural
triumphs in their construction. [Applause. |
You will permit me to thank you thank the
Mayor, thank the President of this occasion,
and thank all those good citizens with whom l
to-day have been brought in personal contact,
for the kindness and respect with which you
and they have received me. and you will
permit me to thank you. nay fellow citizens, for
the cordiality which you have kindly displayed
tonight. Il is my wish and may it be the
wish of all. that this great building may
continue to all of your population, that which
it should be, edifice opeping its doors from
the night calling your people here, away from
souls of men. Applause 1t is sn hour to in
spire those whose minds are heavy with daily
toll, and in this magnificent enchanted presence
into those hig her thugs where men should live"
TGreat applauSe,I