The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-01-27


a very level-hcaded correspondent of the
Richmond Dispatch: "What part will
Virginia take in tho Worlds Fair"
There can scarcely be two opinions as
to the ACCESSIBILITY of having the Old
Dominion represented. Leaving out
all sentiments Of patriotism or national
or State pride, and looking at the mat
ter from a business point of view
merely, as an advertisement of Vir-
ginia's lands, minerals and produce,
its Importance can scarcely be over
estimated, and any outlay by the State
would be fully repaid. Virginia should
not only rival but she should more than
by other States. Wonders exist in the
Old Dominion and they should be
adequately represented. Historical
events in the worlds history have APP
pened within her borders and they
should be accurately dclineatcd. The
progressive steps in her march toward
destiny should be represented by other
means than the real estate agents
trumpet.
THE REQUIREMENTS OF AN EXPOSITION.
And now about the requirements of
an exposition which can present to the
world the opportunities which Virginia
offers, together with the possibilities
which will again place her in the van
of States. Virginia has immense de-
pssits Of every conceivable substance
which enter into manufactures and COM
merce, and which the entire world de-
mands OF her. They should be pre-
sented in an adequate manner. Tho
possibilities of agriculture, horticulture
and pisciculture should not be over
looked Tho theatric display made pos
sible by her coast and mountain scenery
forms department which should not be
neglected. In fact, there is no end of
tho possibilities of Virginia exposition
at Chicago, and to accomplish these
possibilities there need be only COM
bination of three qualifications.
FirstCThe appointment of commit
tees in each city, composed of men who
have thorough, practical and techni-
cal knowledge of what will excite tho
curiosity of the public. There is no
use of appointing committees who are
incompetent or who will waste money
on minor schemes at the expense of
those more valuable; besides creating
pitiful exhibition. Creators of new
ideas and arrangers OF theatric effects
should alone occupy positions on this
committee.
Z an exhibition not only to equal, but to
discount, that of any other State. Vir-
ginia's exhibition should be more i'm
posing than that of any other Southern
State with very little effort. BY COOP
Grafton 1T will not be difficult to stand
with New York, Pennsylvania, Califor-
MIA or Texas. BY an injection of the en-
thusiasm which should exist in the Old
Dominion, there will be no hesitation in
awarding Virginia the palm.
Third. Sufficient enterprise to prove
to the visitors at the Worlds Fair the
immensely of Virginia by working
models of its enterprises, inventions
and designs There is but q faint idea
abroad of a number of Virginia's pecu-
liar enterprises. Each and all should
be exhibited.
1t is comparatively easy to fulfill the
first requirement. Editors of newspa-
pers, teachers of schools, managers of
railroads, and clergymen are the best
for. committee work, owing to their
superior knowledge of the world, and
the likings of it's people. They should
solicit ideas from the people, sift the
chaff from the wheat, and the results
should be produced in Chicago. A New
York newspaper laid the foundation OF
it's own prosperity and the abutments
Of great public benefaction by the use
of ideas furnished by the public in
answer to an advertisement The resi-
dents of Virginia should be awakened
from this lethargic Sleep for emphatic
action is in order.
The second requirement is peculiar
one to treat of. Texas contemplates the
appropriation of 81 600, 900 to show forth
her resources. Colorado will contribute
S250,0G0 and Indiana will follow with
S150,000. Other States will advocate
most liberal policy, but the Old Domin-
ion has occupied such peculiar posi-
ton financially, hesitate to make any
suggestions, aside FROM the statement
that l believe the people who have won
their bread from Virginia's towels
should contribute to the clothing of the
naked breasts; consequently would sug-
gest general rather than Legislative
contributions, but if the legislature does
contribute anything, would it not be
better If the States contribution should
be building, and edifice adequate for
the exhibition, and allow the people to
furnish the exhibits? Virginia has a
population of two million people. 1t is
reasonable to suppose that two hundred
thousand are in receipt Of an income.
Placing the income Of these two hun
dred thousand at minimum figure we
find that if each would contribute but
one per cent. from the present date to
the opening of the fair the sum of
S2,400,0O0 would be in the treasury.
In order to secure these appropria-
tions 1T would be necessary for every
EMPLOYER to impress upOn his empIoyee