Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1891-01-29
N0MTANA.AT THE.wORLD's.FAIR.

Gov. Tools Recommends an Appropriation of
800, 200 for the Purpose of Exhibiting
Its Products at the Great
Exhibition.
In transmitting the report of Hon.
L. H. Hershfield and DIR. A. H. Mitchell,
the commissioners of the worlds Co.
lumbian exposition, Gov. Toole says:
sit presents in detail the advantage
of such an exhibition and appeals
strongly to our pride and patriotism
for a creditable display of our re-
sources" The report says: "It is well
that we should comprehend the scope
and magnitude of this undertaking.
The exposition will cover the broad
field of the earth's civilization. Here
will be exposed the products of the
soil, mine and sea, the best results OF
human ingenuity, science and skill;
the triumphs of human thought and
imagination. 1t will be q landmark in
the march Of progress, from which
future generations will mark out their
paths and measure their advancement.
There the geniuses of the earth will as
semble. There will be an estimate OF
our national character and free civili-
cation. The states of the Union will
be represented on a scale OF grandeur
never before attempted. Many are
already preparing their tributes to the
display of American labor, manufac-
lures and inventions. Montana, whose
name abroad is synonym for wealth
and thrift, should not be one whit be-
hind her sister states either in the
magnitude or quality of her exhibit
tions. The estimate placed upon her
by the guests OF the nation and by the
citizens of other states will largely de-
pend upon her display. Montana's
exhibit must be well worthy OF her
name and fame. A proper expose OF
her artificial and natural resources
will send abroad an influence which
will manifest itself hereafter in un-
measurable benefits to the people"
After speaking OF the benefits which
Kansas reaped from her display at the
centennial exposition, the report con-
tinues: Montana can well profit by
this example. Her rich and almost
boundless resources require only the
mag touch of capital to set in ever
lasting flowing streams OF wealth and
prosperity. Her mines are now the
chief source of our country's supply OF
precious metals. Her acres of agricul-
tural land are as many as those OF
Kansas, yet only 100000 of them
are under fence and small portion OF
that number under cultivation. Mon
tana's forests are 10000 square miles
in extent, larger than Southern Michi
gan, whose chief item of wealth is lum-
Der, yet only 13O, ,OOO. 900 teet OF lum-
ber were cut from Montana forests
last year. Her vast coal fields pro-
duced last year, for purely local con-
sumption, 100000 tons. God and
nature have done their utmost. 1t re-
mains for the people of Montana to
profit by these generous gifts; to let
the world know who we are and what
we have. No better opportunity will
ever be afforded for the enlistment of
men and money than that presented
by the coming Columbian exposition.
Montana has just entered on it's career
of growth as state. Its day of great
ness is still in it's dawn. 1t is with
those in authority to hasten that day
by authorizing display which will be
commensurate with its vast and varied
resources and true exponent OF its
enterprising and progressive people.
The present legislature will be the last
to sit prior to the dedication of the
exposition building in October, 1892.
Therefore we urge the important ne
cessity for prompt and liberal action
by the legislature to the end that the
next decade may witness the building
of q new Montana-laced with rail
roads, dotted with happy homes, pop
ulous cities, marts of trade, with their
churches, universities, colleges, school
houses and factories. We would rec
ommend that there be created by law
a state board of worlds fair commits
sioners, of one or more members from
each county, whose duty it shall be to
obtain materials for proper exhibit,
to pack, label and keep them until the
time arrives for their transportation
to the national commissioners at Chi
cago; also that Montana should have
an administrative building, to de util-
IZeQ as headquarters IOf MOntanlans
visiting the exposition, for the accom-
mediation of those having business
with the commissioners, and for the
general direction and management OF
Montana's exhibit. 1t might also be
used for the display OF such articles
that cannot find space in the main ex-
hibition hall. 1t must be remembered
that the space allotted to each state
in the main exhibition hall is in pro-
portion to its population. The com
missioners hope that the exhibits will
be of such magnitude and number
that the additional space in the ad-
ministrative building will be required
for the display" For the purpose OF
having a fitting exhibit for Montana
the commissioners recommend that
an appropriation of at least 500, 900
to meet expenses of obtaining the ex-
hibit, constructing and maintaining
the administrative building, transpor-
tation, clerk hire, etc. In conclusion
they say: at will surely be the pride
of every Montanian to see his state
properly represented in the most COM
i lioyalau