The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1889-06-24
LETTER FROM PORTLAND, OR.
The Washington Centennial in Portland,
10000 SpectatOrs-An Exposition in
September POrtland's Growth - A
PrinceIy Excursion.


10000 SpectatOrs-An Exposition in
September POrtland's Growth A
PrinceIy Excursion.
Mr.. EDITOR There are times and
every nation, when the hearts of all its
loyal children are drawn more closely to-
gether, and their pulses beat as one.
But perhaps nothing has transpired since
we became a nation, that has called
forth such harmony of sentiment and
action, as the Centennial Anniversary
of Washington's Inauguration. For a
whole month the east, and north and |
south, and we, away off on the western
slope of the Pacific, have lived in a
hustle of preparation, and thrill of ex-
pectancy, and perhaps you too, down in
the southern expanse of thewide Pacific, !
voluntary exiles from your native land;
and happy subjects OF that charming lit
tie "kingdom by the sea-" took your
children on your knees and spoke to
them OF the days of cid, and the great
and good Washington, and taught them
always to have an "aloha" in their
hearts for the Star Spangled Banner,
that has waved to and fro, through the
storms and sunshine of hundred years.
Christmas only comes once a year, and
Centennials' rarely come more than once
in life time, SO Portland did her best
to make this, memorable one. The
day was perfect, soft and warm and
bright, flowers doomed in prOfusiOn
and beauty and general holiday feeling
filled the air. At 9 o'clock in the morn
ing the doors of all the churches were
opened, and the bells rang out an in-
vitation for all TO assemble and thank
God for the mercies and blessings OF
century. So many responded, that the
churches were thronged with worship
| pers. The services were brief and bright
| and did not interfere with the general
| programme for the day. By noon, the
| streets were a moving mass of life.
! Trains, and boats and conveyances of
! all sorts came in crowded with people.
| Hotels and restaurants and private
| houses were filed to OverhOwing; and
| bakeries and ice cream saloons did
rushing business. 1t was gala day for
the farmers; they came in large num-
| bers and in all sorts of vehicles, from the
pretentious carriage and street span OF
horses; drawn to the primitive ox-cart,
|
guided by still more patient drivers.
The decorations in the city were far
more general and elaborate than in 1876.
| Flags of all sizes and textures hung
from every pole, and were displayed in
lavish numbers from the doors of Offices,
public and private buildings, on the
street cars and carriages, on the head
gear of horses and the collars of dogs.
Red, white and blue bunting was twined
about posts and pillars, festOOned on the
fronts of stones and stretched across the
streets, and in many windows, fine por-
traits of George Washington were con-
spicuously placed in view, framed by
silks and satins, and all the latest novel
ties in summer goods. The best brass
bands in the State were all in attend
ance they made music wherever they
went, and were followed by the usual
number of small boys and dogs. AT l
o. m. the parade was ready to move. 1t
was headed by six policemen, followed
by the Fourteenth Infantry band and a
long line of military and civic organiza-
tions. Three companies of cadets from
the Bishop Scott Military Academy took
their places in the parade and their neat
uniforms and excellent movements were
much admired. The procession was
more than two miles long, and was con-
Quoted so well by the grand marshal OF
the day, Brigadier-General Gibbon, U.
S. A., that not jar occurred.
1t is estimated that SO, 900 people stood
to witness the column as it passed by.
The CLEAN of bayonets, the flash of epau-
lettes and swords, the gay regalias OF
different societies, and the many col
ored plumes nodding in the breeze, made
a dazzling picture. Governor PennoyeI
reviewed the troops before they dis
. banded, and afterwards the exercises
were finished with appropriate speeches
and songs in the large tabernacle build
ing. In the evening the opening of the
was an exhibition drill by the military
companies, promenade concert and a
grand ball. Twenty thousand people
were present, and much surprise and de-
light was expressed at the spacious and
beautiful interior of the hall. Great
credit is due to all who aided in making
the celebration the success 1t was, but
especially to the committee who labored
SO unselfshly The merchants and citi-
zens of Portland are very liberal and
public spirited when occasion requires.
The celebration was not only pleasant
recreation to thousands who seldom
cease the busy activities of life long
enough to take a holiday; but it was
|
take down their histories and study up
the character and events in the life of a
man whose memory called forth such
universal honor. But it seems that even
centennials do not always pass away
and leave no pang of regret or jealousy
behind them for only this morning the
telegraph brings the news that the
Grand Army men are all out of sorts be-
cause they did not have the proper posi-
ton in the New York parade. AS surely
as there is no rose without thorn" 30
surely there is no earthly pleasure with
out alloy.
THE EXPOSITION.
Portland is to have an Exposition in
September next, which will without
doubt be the finest ever seen on this
coast. All the North and Pacific States and
territories will be represented, and also
British Columbia, and every mail brings
applications from different parts of the
world for space to exhibit. An immense
building well lighted and ventilated has
just been finished and every thing points
to grand success.
,PoRTLAED's GROWTH.
Oregon is just now enjoying an era OF
H. l.