New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-03-07
CONGRESS md THE WORLDS FAIR.

CONGKENN dND IHE 'VH'H - -'-'''
The attitude Of Chicago toward the Worlds
Fair and toward the country in connection
Herewith, would be exceedingly amusing II
there were not so much at stake The song OF
triumnh has been crt short The committee OF
the House of Representatives. has been endeav-
oring to elicit response to ITS urgent inquiries
about that great and glorious guarantee iund'
and about the plan of operations which was
supposed TO be in complete and perfect Order'
Yesterday Chicago was heard from delega-
ton of representative men from that city con-
ferred with the committee. and assured II that
$3.50. 600 had been positively pledged, and
that a guarantee fund OF Sl0,00o.00o would
certainly be raised.
We observe with regret that some OK our
contemporaries are urging Congress TO adopt
a course which would certainly result IN dis-
grazing the country. They insist that Chi
cagos nose must be held to the grindstone re-
morseleSsy in order that New-York may enjoy
the miserable revenge of seeing her rival IAN.
They say, in substance. that Chicago must he
compelled TO hold a Worlds Fair IN ls"2, ac-
cording to the strict terms of her bid for the
contract for the purpose Of vindicating our
title to the prize which we did not win
more unworthy and calamtous outcome Of
hopeful project was never brought into view.
1t is impossible 70 believe that any consider
able number of respectable persons can be be-
guicd into advocating such proposition.
The course which Congress ought 10 adopt i
the frank and honest course. II is already
evident that Chicago cannot create a WordS
Fair in two years which would not be dis
a aud n n
permitting her to make the attempt ought TO be
Immediately and finally abandoned. But it Is
extremely doubtful if New-Iorll can now
achieve within the same time so complete and
satisfactory triumph the country has
right to demand. For this reason we do not
think that a refusal on the part Of Congress
10 allow Chicago 10 make iiasco in j 92 ought
to result at once in permitting New York to
run the lisk Of a partial success in the same
year The first concern of everybody ought to
DO TO avoid the possibility Of failure anywhere
and at any time. If Congress is determined
that 1892 shall be the year, then the only thing
10 do is to make New orll the place.
But we do not imagine that this complete
reversal OF all that the vote on February "a
said and implied can be brought about, or in
dced ought to be. The logic of the situation,
as we see il, is postponement to 1893 or 1894.
Then, if Chicago could promptly produce con
elusive evidence Of ability TO carry out the
undertaking. including an ample financial guar
antce in hand instead of on paper suitable
site and an efficient organization, she might
reasonably claim the privilege of redecming in
sober earnest the promises she made in blind
enthusiasm But invaluable time should non
be thrown away in waiting for such proof Of
capacity, and if, when a reasonable interval
had elapsed these indispensable requirements
were still without form and void, as we be-
lieve they would be, then Congress should AS
sign the great task to NcwYork and thus
give to the country and the world a definite
and satisfactory assurance that it would be car
ried through to triumphant conclusion.