St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-08-18
MINNESOTA AND THE FAIR.


Since the conference of last week
the GLOBES position on the worlds
fair question has been one of eXpectan-
cy. 1t has recognized the difficulties
which surround the commission in its
work, and, if its plan Of an extra session
of the legislature had any prospect of
favorable reception, fairness dictated
that no discouragemenJs should unnec-
essarily be put in its way. The GLOBE
simply stated what the proposition was,
and what it was aimed to accomplish.
The thoughtful consideration of the
public was invited, and those who
felt they knew better method were
asked to throw what light they could on
the subject.
It may be said now in frankness that,
while the matter is still unsettled, the
general drift of opinion, as far as eX-
pressed. seems to oppose the TeaSsem-
bling of the legislature. SO large part
of the state consists of men of small in
comes, won only by severe and prOtract-
ed labor, that the idea OF considerable
expenditure for another session. called
only to make an appropriation, is gen.
sentative, alert to catch and respond to
the views of his constituents, will prob
ably hesitate to act in this matter in
opposition to their wishes. If the drift
is to be set in the other direction. active
efforts and vigorous agitation will have
to be inaugurated by those who are in
terested. a definite campaign of edu-
cation and enthusiasm may be necessary
in order to persuade the great public
that another 100000 is so imperatiVely
needed as to warrant the course sug-
gested.
If the extra session scheme does not
materialiZe, the question will remain as
to what should be done. Shall we aban-
don the entire plan of state exhibit at
Chicago, shall we do the best that we
can with the money which we have at
our control, or shall we undertake TO
increase the fund by means other than
those the commission proposes? EX-May-
or PRINCE, in a letter to the chamber
of commerce, expresses the opinion that
subscriptions of 81 each might be col
lected from 100000 people. or of 50 each
from $4,000 people. The detail of accu-
mulatIng the required amount in this
way would be tremendous. and the ex-
penSe of canvaSseTS, correspondents,
bOOkkeeperS aud clerks would consume
a considerable share of the result. But
private generosity will really be the only
method available unless the legislature
comes together to solve the problem.
Manufacturers of building materials,
owners of Guarries and saw mills, archi-
tects and decorators may contribute
their wares and their services for the
construction of state building. and
the railroads may give free transDorta-
ton for the things which may be needed
for the same purpose. Individual pro-
ducerS may exhibit their plants and
commodities at their own expense, and
the states appropriation may be re-
served for the-cost of grouping. arrang-
ing and caring for them. Ii there is not
enough for even this, subscriptions will
have to be sought here and there. either
on the popular plan Mr.. PRINCE advo-
Yates or on a somewhat grander scale.
Large amounts have been secured
from this source in Kansas, where there
was no state appropriation at all; in
California where the state appropriation
was considered inadequate. and in other
places. 1t will not be particularly
pleasant task 10 proceed in this style, but
it surely will not be an impossible one.
Everybody who helps by the donation
Of materials or services will be making
profitable investment, because he will
be calling general attention 10 his bust
ness; and the donations Of money viii
be little more than a loan, because they
will surely be refunded by some future
legislature, if not by the next one. Ii
the long run Minnesota viii see thai
those who help her lose nothing by it
The gentlemen who have the matter il
charge having decided in favor of al
extra session. it may he admitted tina
their plan is the best one. The GLoBE
does not dispute this. But, on the othe
hand, it would appear that it is not tin
only feasible plan by which a creditabl,
display Of the states resources can be
made.