The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-18

esty's consul general at New York, and that
b vice-chairman was William Robert
Hoare, Esq, Her Britannia Majesty consul
at New York. Prominent New York repre-.
sentatives OF Jamaica steamship. railroad
= banking companies made up the rest
OF the committee.
Their business was largely to furnish in.
formation to prospective exhibitors, but
chiefly at the start to obtain from the
United States an official acceptance of the
invitation to be represented at the fair.
That seemed to be q matter of easy accom-
plishmcnt. 1t was certainly a Worlds fair
the committee was representing if ever an
international exhibition had a right to that
title. and a British-not merely a colonial
Worlds fair, too; for had not the British
government stamped it as such? And was
1t not to be conducted under the special
patronage of his royal biRhness, the prince
OF Wales. with young Prince George to
mics? II was an easy task, surely, that lay
before the committee for the United States,
with q rush Of exhibitors assured and plen-
ty OF glory in the background. Communi-
cation was promptly opened with Secretary
Blaine.
Mr.: Blaine responded courteously, ex-
pressing his interest in the people, and sug-
costing that the formal invitation be sent
to congress. It was. Its acceptance and a
rousinR appropriation to enable the United
States to Be worthily represented at the
exhibition in Kingston, Jamaica's capital
city, seemed to the distinguished English
officials in New York to be q matter for a
few days consideration only.
Days passed; weeks passed; months
passed. The British committee in New York
heard no word from congress-, while Other
governments were completing their arrange
ments for representation at the fair. Sec
rotary Thomas Amor, in his Office in the
stewart building. was assuring the Ameri-
can reporters n correspondents-most OF
the United States would yet have occasion
to regret its tardiness. He had written home
about 1t, and there was n telling what the
feeling on the other side would be when il
became known that the American people
we're tagging behind. Meanwhile The
American people were dealing with great
problems at home. Speaker Reeds rules
wore the talk Of the whole country, the fed
eral election bill was mp for debate and ac-
ton, the Mckinley tariff bill was up for de.
bate and action; new states were coming in.
to the union, and threatening to change
existing political pivotal centers. Jamaica
Where WAS itp What was it? Nobody
knew last year; nobody cared. The day
came when congress adjourned. and-we
had forgotten to accept the invitation to be
represented at Jamaica's Worlds fair.
That 10 how the matter il looked at by
the committee most familiar with American
affairs. Others hint darkly at a studied
insult OF the part of the secretary of state,
to England, or mako sarcastic illusions to
the American congressman's fear of the
Irish vote, and they talk of retaliation
when Chicago opens her doors to the world.
It is right, however, to say that the general
feeling Of the committee Ia one of deep
and bitter disappointment undoubtedly, but
not OF resentment.
And 30 the fair in Kingston, Jamaica,
will go on without the official recognition
ed States exhibitors, although the failure of
our government to act has of course kept
the number and extent of American exhib-
itors comparatively limited. On Jan. q,
1891, unless some now unlocked for DELAY
occurs. Prince George of Wales will declare
the great Jamaica fair open, and will place
it in the hands Of the governor OF the
island, Sir Henry Arthur Blake. X. G. NJ.
g., who il its president. It will remain in
existence for at least three months, and
these in Jamaica are the three p~leasantest
and most healthful months Of the year,
The exhibition grounds are beautifully
situated about two miles from Kingston
harbor and 100 feet above the level OF the
sea. A mountainous background adds
much to their effect. The main building is
Gil feet long. Its other dimensions are:
90 feet: breadth across nave and aisle, 81
feet. The principal annex ID about as long
AZ the main building. A large. Handsome
hall and various paviiiona have al
70 been erected. Running around the main
building 10 an open gallery, from which
cool vantage ground both the indoor ex-
hibits and the electrical Examinations on the
grounds can be seen. These illuminations
Will b. In various coloEs and there will DO