St. Landry democrat., 1892-01-02
THE WORLDS COLUMBIAN Ex,
POSITION.
Scientific American.

SclCntlnC American.
The progress of the various divisions charged
with the preparation of the Worlds Columbian
Exposition of 1893, is not only satisfactory
but marvellous. The great buildings are begin
ming to rise from the ground as if by magic, the
surrounding lands are rapidly being converted
into gardens of beauty, railroads and avenues
of access are being established the hum OF
mighty workers is heard in every direction,
and evidence of active growth toward early
completion is everywhere presented.
In extent, variety, and novelty, this expOsi-
ton will far Overshadow anything Of the kind
the world has ever seen. or is likely to see, for
years to come. The French exposition of 1888
was grand affair, greatly superior and much
more costly than any similar preceding enter.
prise. The area covered by buildings was sew
enty five acres, and the cost nine and q halt
eral appointments were OF the finest descrip-
ton.
The buildings of the Columbian Exposition
it is estimated will cover one hundred and fifty
acres, or double the rooted space OF the Paris
ian exhibition. What glorious spectacle
what a vast panorama of industrial wonders
will be presented to the eye OF the visitor at
Chicago.
Respecting the architectural qualities of the
buildings, it is generally conceded the Chicago
structures will surpass i'll beauty all previous
chief buildings were entrusted to a committee
of the leading American architects, the mem
beers located in different parts of the country
and the adopted plans are the independent re-
suits of the best talent and careful study.
The Liberal Arts and Manufactures Building
is 1888 feet wide and 1,700 feet long, covering
over thirty acres; astonishing for it's gigantic
dimensions, to say nothing OF the elegance dis
played in it's constructive details.
The other principal buildings, such as the
Palace of Fine Arts, the Woman's Pavilion
Machinery Hall, Palace Of Electricity, Horti
cultural Building, Transportation Building
Mining Building, Government Building, arc
notable for their great area and architectural
beauty.
The estimated aggregate cost of this extraor
binary exposition is twenty three millions Of
dollars-b much larger sum than the original
figures but the original plans did not cOntem
plate such vast and comprehensive proportions
as were at last decided upon. Great as were the
first plans, they proved to be inadequate fol
the enormous demands made upon the direc-
tors for space for most important exhibits
The enlargement could not be forescen. II
became necessary by a process, as it were, OF
natural growth, due to the stupcndous nature
OF the whole undertaking.
Congress will be petitioned for additional aid
to the extent of five millions 1t is a reasona
bic and worthy petition, which we hope viii
be promptly granted, by unanimous voice, il
both branches OF the national legislature. The
promotion OF the exposition is a national duty
In the early days of this great enterprise the
riyalries of different claimant cities gave rise
to idle chickering's; but these have disappeared
and it is now pilan enough the exposition il
purely national affair, in which every gOO(
citizen is bound to be personally interested
and from which every section OF the country
will derive incalculable benefits. 1t will en-
tighten the minds of millions of our people
hitherto restrained and dwarted by local pre-
JUDGES and narrow spheres of action, to the
vastnesS of our country's resources. 1t will
open their view to the astonishing enterprise
power, and activity which prevail in the moro
thrifty places. 1t will give new impetus to in
dustries i'll multiplied forms. throughout the
length and breadth of the land, inspire back
ward localities with the spirit of progress, ant
animate the entire country with desires for still
higher and nohler achievements.
We devote billions of money to purposes Of
education, to the promotion of commerce, tho
iinprov of highways, railways, rivers
harbors; we impose taxes, grant subsidies
create bureaus, and foster all kinds of schemes
that give promise of public good.
The promotion of the Columbian Exposition
is measure calculated to uplift the nation anG
confer enduring benefits upon the Inhabitants
of all the States. The treasure SO devoted will
come back to the people with interest a thou
sandfold.