Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-11-03
Maine Building a. the Columbian Exposition

The last Legislature appropriated So
900 for the erection of State building at
the Worlds Columbian Exposition at Chi
cago During the early part of 1891,
through the active efforts of the national
commissioners from this State and the en-
crge,ic intercession of the members of the
Society of Sons and Daughters Of Maine in
Chicago, Maine secured the finest site for
a State building that could be found within
the limits of that part of the fair grounds
set apart for state buildings. This is the
unanimous expression of all Maine people
who have already visited the park where
the Exposition is to be held. The Maine
huildng is situated directly on the lake
front and commands magnificent outlook.
The building committee of the Maine
Board of Worlds Fair Managers, APP
pointed by the State commissioners in ls"l,
consisting of Hon. A. Il. Bixby of Skowhe-
gan, Hon. j. i. Bass of Bangor, Mrs. Ed
win G. Burleigh of Augusta and Hon.
Hall C. Bnreigh of Vassalboro, at once
secured plans for building. All plans for
state buildings must he approved by the
chief Of construction Mt The Worlds Fair
grounds. The Main" plans bad received
bis approval, but when they reached our
commits sioners it was found that u building
such as they represented could not be built
for tho sum appropriated by the Lcgisla-
turc, anl il was thought the project would
have 10 be abandoned and an inferior build
ing erected. The plans. however, had
been sent to different parts of the
State for the inspection of various
boards of trade. \ cut of the building
appeared in many of the Maine papers and
the sentiment was expressed among active,
public spirited people in all parts of the
State that building such rs it represented
would not only be admirably adapted to the
needs of the State, but would compare
creditablv with the buildings erected by
other states of similar population and re-
sources. The result was that leading bust
ness men, members of boards of trade,
took hold of the matter earnestly and adj
visea that the appropriation made by the
Legislature be supplemented by subscrip-
tons from people residing in the cities and
Legislature be asked to refund such
amounts as might be subscribed.
The building committee sent out circulars
and subscription papers and the plan was
most favorahly received. Il was hoped that
Portland might subscribe $1,000, Bangor
$1,000, Lewiston $500. Auburn $500. An
gl,sta $500. and so on through the list.
With very few exceptions these assessments
and others were promptly raised thus show
ing the patriotic ard public spirited interest
and pride which the people of the State feli
in the matter.
We are pleased to report that the
people of Augusta have responded
most emphatically in favor of building
that will be credit to the State. The duty
of securing subscriptions in tliis city was
assigned TO Mrs Burlcigh of the building
committee and during the past few days she
has received subscriptions amounting
to more than s';na. most of which has al
ready been pail. This prompt action on
the part of our leading citizens is exceed
ingIy gratifying 1t shows that the capital
of the State il not whit behind its sister
cities in any public spirited movement af-
but that her citizens have a warm pride in
the good old Pine Tree State. and a patriot
&c desire tina, she may never be presented
to her sister states and the world in posi-
ton less strong than her population and re-
sources would naturally warrant her TO
hnll