The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-12-18
WILL SURPASs THEM ALL.

the general public probably have
little idea of the magnitude that the
great fair has taken on. Not that
the general public is entirely ignorant
in the matter, but outside of the
Chicago press. few comparisons have
been made that would give one any
idea of the scale upon which the Elk
position has been planned as compar.
ed with former displays of the kind.
The Columbian Exposition will be
upon much grander scale than orig.
inally planned, and taken as a whole
will surpass any attempt of the kind
ever undertaken Within the Exposi.
tion are $40 acres as compared with
23S at the Paris Exposition of 1889
OF these $40 acres about 90 acres con-
sists Of water-that is, lakes, canals
and lagoons, all symmetrially laid out
after the most careful study, with the
view of obtaining the best possible
effects in landscape gardening.
Jackson Park comprises the main
portion of the grounds-589 acres and
has frontage on Lake Michigan of
one and three-quarter miles. The in
terror waterways of this tract will
afford about three and three-quarter
miles of inland navigation. Small
passenger boats, representing in de-
sign the craft of all foreign nations,
will take one to all parts of the
grounds, presenting rare chance to
view the beauties of the landscape,
architecture and other features of the
grounds.
The space covered by the main Ex-
position buildings will be about 100
acres as compared with total of all
buildings under roof at Paris, in 1889,
of 753 acres. Including all the build
ings for every purpose, together with
those of the various states, the total
area under roof at the Columbian
Exposition will be from 100 to 40
acres.
The architecture and proportions of
buildings will be upon a scale of
magnifcance beyond anything of the
kind heretofore attempted at EXPOSE
tiOns. Some idea of the magnitude
of the buildings can be obtained from
the fact that the one structure de-
signed for liberal and industrial
arts will cover thirty-three or thirty
four acres, being much more extensive
than the building used for similar
purposes at Paris in 1889. And so it
may be said of all the various build
ings.
The work upon the buildings is pro-
ceeding rapidly, and the fears that
have been entertained by some that
because of the limited time things
would not be completed in time may
be laid aside, for there will be no
trouble in this line. One or two of
the buildings are already under roof,
and several others will soon be ready.
The Paris Exposition cost about
So, 100000. TO reproduce it on the
same scale in this country would, on
account of the higher price for labor
and material here, cost about S13 000,-
900. But the Columbian Exposition
will 60 far beyond these figures and
will cost about $18,000,000 This will
cover only the Exposition proper.
Add to it the outlay by the general
government for it's exhibit together
with that of the various states, and
private individuals who will purchase
concessions for buildings for various
purposes, and the total cost will not
fall much short of .$23, 100000.
In short, to view the Columbian
Exposition in 1893, will simply be
viewing the entire world condensed
to the space inside of the Exposition
walls. But few Of US can afford to go
to the various portions of the globe to
view its sights and study its people
and its progress, but many Of US can
go to the Exposition and view it all.
As the Exposition will be upon a
much more magnificent than was first
intended, 50 will its cost be greater.
To get the Exposition Chicago prom
fsed to raise $40, 100000. 1t has done
better than this, and the total amount
raised by the city will fall little, if
any, short Of $l3,0O0,000. S5,000,000
more will be needed to complete the
undertaking. 1t is proposed to ask
congress to either loan or donate this
amount. The Exposition is a vast ma
tional undertaking. Chicago has
done all that can be expected OF one
locality. Congress should now shep
in and help the matter out. 1t has
now proceeded tosuch an extent, that
a failure would bea national disgrace,
while its success will prove nation
al blessing The benefits to be deriv-
ed well be national in their nature
and far exceed, in financial way,
the amount desired, and the. general
government ought to give the S5,000,-
600 to insure it's success.
And while all the nations of the
world are making every possible effort