Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-20
THE WORLDS FAIR.
A Hearing Today Before the Special Conn
mittee OF the House.

WIT TIE DATE OF THE OPENING or rur
EXPOSITION sHouLp BE cHkNoEp FRoM ocro-
Der u TO OCTOBER 2l-THE SOUVENIR COIN
BILL ADVOCATED AND EXPLAINED.
The special committee of the House on the
worlds Columbian exposition today gave
hearing to John Boyd Thatcher and Mr.. Delar-
field Of the New York board Of worlds fair
commissioners, who wanted the opening Of the
exposition changed from October IL to October
II, and to Gen. st. Clair of the national COM
mission, who urged that Congress pass q bill
providing for the issue Of S5l OO0, 900 in souve-
mir half dollars.
Mr.. Thatcher's reason for urging the change
In date, that as Columbus reckoned BY the
Julian calendar October 10, 1892, was October
Il, according to the astronomical calendar.
which had now been generally adopted; and by
changing the date the celebration would take
place exactly 400 years from the date of discov-
cry of America, besides falling on Friday, the
date OF the week of discovery
Mr.. Delafeld urged that convenience also de-
manded the change, as the New York celebra-
ton had been arranged for October -. and as
the legislature had adjourned that date could
not be changed.
PROPOSED SOUVENIR BILL.
Gen. st. Clair presented to the committee a
draft Of the proposed souvenir BILL It differs
In some respects from the measure originally
proposed, one amendment being designed to
meet the objections Of economists, who urge
the depleted condition of the treasury as a
reason for not granting the aid desired.
To this end provision is made for the issue of
treasury notes, as is done under the existing
silver law, in payment for the bullion purchased
with which to mint the souvenir coins. An
other amendment also framed in view of the
economical policy advocated by congressional
party leaders provides an appropriation of only
S10O, 900 for the next fiscal year instead Of
medals and diplomas to be awarded
exhibitors, the explanatory statement be-
ing made by Mr.. St. CLAN that it had
been found that 800 900 would be all that
would be required for the next fiscal year, and
to future Congress would be left the necessary
additional appropriation. The penal clauses
provided for counterfeiting United States
money are made applicable to the counterfeit
ing Of the souvenir coins or the medals and di-
plomas authorized.
THE CHANGES EXPLAINED.
Mr.. st. Clair made statement to the COM
mittee in explanation Of the changes made in
the bill, which. he said, had received
the approval of the local directory
He said that while i: would not take
any money from the treasury it would
increase the circulating medium about S3. So
and the souvenirs would generally be retired
from circulation. number OF requests. he
said, had been already received for these coins
1t seemed to him, therefore, that the aues-
ton presented was reduced to whether or not
Congress is willing to give any sort of aid to
the local corporation. From the Dockery re-
port it would be found that Congress would re-
celve back all that was advanced. What
ranv har L.
and statements made before the fair was
located, the fact was that the city of Chicago
and Congress stood in the relation of parties to
contract The corporation was in a crippled
condition and it was just as much a govern
mental institution as any body named in the
act.
CASE OF MUST.
II they canno. get any assistance from the
government the result will be that the plan and
scope, the magnifcence of the exposition, will
be curtailed to the extent that the resources
fall short OF the requirements. As an outsider
not interested in the local directory.
he knew that without absolutely setting
out the position they could not raise the seven
and a half millions required unless the
government aided the movement. 1t
was joint stock company and plenty
OF persons could be found who
would buy the stock for the purpose Of con-
trolling it. They would make money out Of it
even if it we're denationalized and made local
show.
The government had fixed the scope Of the
exposition, and If the corporation could not
carry it out the public here and in foreign
countries would be injured and disappointed.
Mr.. st. Clair said he had no fault to find with
any one, but the exposition act was q most
bunglingly prepared affair. 1t appeared to be
thrown together. Under the act the govern
ment was expected to protect exhibitors,
but unless the strong arm OF the government
was interposed Gas the new bill provided be-
tween the local corporation and exhibitors the
latter would be imposed upon and taxed to an
extent which would bring scandal and dissatis-
faction.
That was the tendency of all corporations.
For instance. switching charge OF thirteen
cents per hundred from the city to the grounds
outrageous charge and the national commission
would never permit it. Again, the national
commission was willing that exhibitors should
be required to pay the cost of installation of
exhibits, but not that they should make an
enormous profit, as would happen if the local
corporation controlled things. Neither foreign
governments nor state governments would treat
with the Illinois corporation. The government
should strengthen the hands of the national
commission.
AS TO EXPENSES.
Speaking of its expenses, he said, the presi-
dent and secretary received 5000 per annum
each, but with most Of the members il was a
work Of pure patriotism and many of them did
not even draw their &c day allowed for sub
sistence. Director General Davis, he said, had
been vigilant, earnest and thoroughly
competent. Taking out necessary expenses
from the salary Of SIS, 900 year allowed Mr..
Davis. he did not receive more than 5000
1t was evident from Mr.. st. Clair's language
that he expected the Dockery committee would
recommend a cut in the director generals
salary and he protested that it was less than
had been allowed the head Of any other great
exposition.
To Representative Little Mr.. st. Clair ad-
mitted that anyone might now buy up the stock
OF the exposition and that the danger in that
respect was the same as if more money had to
be raised.
The committee adjourned with the under
standing that daily sessions for. confederation
Of bills before the committee will be held here
after.
People Overcome by Perfumes.
From the st. Louis Globe Democrat.
There are some constitutions that cannot
stand perfumes. The patchouli, . perfume
readily recognized in India ink or the India
shawls, is to some persons almost rank poison,