The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-04-10
COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
Daily Balloon ASceHSi0lS = Foreign Nations
Will Participate.
Special TO THE CALL.

NdlOAoo, hpih v, loSl.-a very iutcfcSt-
ing part of the exhibit OF the army signal
corps will consist of balloon ascensions and
experiments with carrier pigeons. An at
tempt will be made to develop these feat
ures into two of the most valuable adjuncts
of military signaling. 1t is hoped to have
both beyond the experimental stage by the
time of the exposition. Arrangements are
being made for a complete balloon outfit,
comprising three wagons carving windlass,
gas-generator and balloon proper with all
appurtenances. The rapidity with which
the balloons Gun be inflated is a recent i'm
provement OF great value for military pur-
poses. A daily balloon ascension will be
made from the exposition grounds.
To demonstrate the usefulness Of pigeons
as messengers In time of war it is the inten-
tion of those in charge of the signal
exhibit to invite pigeOn-fanciers mall sec
tiOns of the country to send their birds to
the exposition and thousands will probably
respond to the request
At consultation between Chief of Con-
stluction Burnham and Mr.. Barrett Chief
OF the Electrical Department, it was de-
clded that the electrical exhibits which were
intended for the beautiful Electrical Build
ing should be placed in the big building de-
signed for the Machinery Annex. This
change was necessary to afford sufficient
room for the immense display for which the
other building was deemed inadequate.
The building designed for tho electrical ex-
hiblts contained 245,000 square feet of dis
play surface, while the new location will
afford 1913, 600 square feet. In addition there
will be a structure 12Sx700 feet for ma
chinery and boilers Around the new
building, which will be circular in form,
there will be trial track three-quarterS of
mile long for testing all manner of electri-
cal cars which may be placed on exhibition.
What will be done with the structure de-
signed for an electrical building is not yet
determined. Probably portions of the ex-
hibts intended for the Machinery Annex
will be placed in it.
Japan will accept the invitation to take
part IN the exposition. The Japanese Gov
eminent is already taxing stems to appro-
pirate money for the occasion, and bill
has been introduced in the Japanese Par
lament medtating the appropriation of
100000. The example OF this most inter-
eSling OF foreign nations seems to be con-
taglous. A native of Damascus, Syria. has
applied for space to exhibit a number of
Syrians engaged in embroidery-making,
musical performances aud coffee-serying in
Damascone style.
There arrived in Chicago yesterday
deputatiOn of three Berbers from the city
OF Iarndant, province OF SuS, which lies
in the Atlas Mountains on the edge of the
Sahara, fifteen days journey south of
Morocco. They are here to make arrange
ments for an exhibit at the fair. The dele
CATION, the members of which speak En-
glish well, waited on the Committee on
Grounds and Buildings to get location for
their proposed building They will erect
building in their own style of architecture,
for which they will furnish the plans. 1t is
to be square structure, having the appear
ance OF fortified city, with four gates.
Around VIII be the baZaarS and booths, fitted
up as in oriental cities. In the southwest
angle is to be the court of their Cadi or
Judge, and in the northwest angle their
mosque or temple, In which the devout Mo-
hamedans worship five times daily. In the
middle of the inclOsure is to be an oblong
space, in which will be given exhibitions of
their military training. warltke games and
matchless skill on the fleet Arab steed. which
will be imported from their home on the
edge OF the desert.
Chief Of Construction BurDham SAYS of
the water approaches that the directory will
probably have breakwater to protect the
harbor from the high waves so that small
boats can come out; and through this water,
clear up to the park, Will lily any number of
boats OF the various nations, the occupants
TO be dressed in the costumes of the differ
ent nations, such as the Chinese, japanese,
Malays and the Venetians. One Of the
schemes is TO get all of the boats running in
the harbor of Chicago to color their sails so
as to add as gay an aspect as possible. They
will have about eight-f0ot headwaxaand
pass up through bridges to the grourftR 1t
will make journey of about three miles to
cover the wafer course in tue park Ar
ranEements will be made for four large
boats to land at once. The General Govern
ment Will build battle-shp and
arm it with the latest improved
weapons. 1t will be located just off the
shore. The Government intends to have
a practice ship for the Annapolis cadets,
and through the summer their practice will
be in Chicago. There will be also life
saving service In operation. The agricult-
ural department stretches along the lagoon
at the south end of the park for almost half
mile. Visitors will be delivered from the
various roads of Chicago to loop and dis
tributed from that by means of an in
tramural railroad throughout the grounds.
There is an annex for machinery just inside
on the principal subway, and around this
annex VIII be a half-mile track for electric
railway and other trials. The midway plals-
ance has been retained fer foreign reserva-
tions, because it comes next TO the United
States Government display and has the most
dignity. Back of this in the improved part
OF the park, reservation is made for the
various State buildings. Provision Is made
for everything in the classification except
music and the drama and fine arts.
Outside OF the buildings there will be
about 200 acres of space, including about
fifty acres in the walks. 1t is designed to
have line of small steamers extend their
voyages CLEAR up 70 tue emu Oh the park,
and there will be numerous landings con-
venient to the large buildings.
The dome of the administration building.
which is the focus Of the whole architectural
scheme, will be either gildeh or in bronze.
The various domes and minarcts. or turrets
rather, will be in color. The Imagination
can picture the moving boats and the people
thronging the shore, aud the bright color of
the buildings, and at night 1t is proposed to
have several stations for strong electric
lights. There will probably be Illumination
beneath the water; in fact that is deter
mined. 1t will be a PECULIAR sort of fountain
of electric light underneath, making
dramatic and wonderful display at night.
There Will be about seventy-hve acres of
water surface In the park. The peristyle at
the main water enttahce to the grounds is
grand conception. Sculptor st. Gaudens
suggested the propriety of having the noble
grouping of statuary as fit introduction to
the grand court, and now we have the
columns and the Venetian boats
j. B. CAMPBELL