Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-05-21

may be crowned with abundant success.
The estimated cost of the Government
building Is S392, 1856, while the Government
Centennial building cost only $50, 4S0, and
had nearly two-thirds as much space. This
disproportion, it is only just to say, is due
to the fact that the Centennial building was
only an elaborate shed of wood and glass,
but it ''suggestively indicates the ampli-
tude and attractiveness of the display of the
Government at Chicago"
The provisions made for water supply,
sewerage, fire, police and electric system,
for rapid transit and for attractive land
scape features, are commended without
stint as "a worthy tribute to the genius aud
enterprise of the wonderful city of the
Northwest.
A statement is made of the cost and area
of the % Government buildings, accom-
panied bv the remark thatit reveals with
out the necessity of comment the generous
preparations that are being made for the
ample accommodation of our own and OF
foreign nations"
Working Hard for the Souvenirs.
General ST. Clair to-day presented to the
House Special Worlds Fair Committee a
draft of the proposed souvenir bill. Provi-
sion is made in 1t for the issue of Treasury
payment for the bullion purchased, with
which to mint the souvenir coins One
hundred thousand dollars instead of $780,
900, as proposed in the original measure, is
the sum fixed for medals and diplomas for
the next fiscal year.
General St Clair said the bill would in
crease the circulation $500, 600, without
taking money from the Treasury. The bill
brought Congress to point where it must
decide If it would in any degree aid the
local corporation.
After explaining the provisions of the
souvenir bill, Mr.. ST. Clair said that what
ever may have been the promises and state
ments made before the fair was located, the
fact was that the city of Chicago and Con-
gress stood in the relation of parties to
contract The corporation was in crippled
condition, and it was just as much govern
mental Institution as municipal one, If
it cannot get any assistance from the Gov
ernment, the result will be that the plan
and scope, the magnifcence Of the Exposi-
tion, will be curtailed to the extent that
the resources fail short of the requirements.
As an outsider, not interested in the local
directory he knew that without absolutely
selling out the Exposition, they could not
raise the s., 500, 900 required unless the Gov
ernment aided the movement.
Money to Be Made Out of II.
It was joint stock company, and plenty
of persons could be found who would buy
the stock for the purpose of controlling it.
They would make money out of it, even if
it were 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 dis
appointed y
Mr.. St. Clair said he had no fault to find
with anyone, but the Exposition act was a
most bunglingly prepared affair 1t ap-
peared to be thrown together. Under the
act the Government was expected to pro-
tect the exhibitors but unless the strong
arm of the Government was interposed (as
and the exhibitors, the latter
would be imposed upon and taxed to an
extent which would bring scandal
and dissatisfaction. For instance, a
'switching" charge of IS cents per
hundred from the city to the grounds had
been established on exhibits. 1t was an out
charge and one the National Com
mission would never permit. Again, the
National Commission was willing that ex-
hibitors should be required to pay the cost |
Of installation of exhibits, but not that |
hey should make an enormous profit, as
would happen if the local corporation con-
rolled things. Neither foreign govern |
nents nor State governments would treat |
With the Illinois corporation. The Govern |
nent should strengthen the hands of the
National Commission.
To Representative Little, Mr.. st. Clair
Idded that anyone might now buy up the
took of the Exposition, and that the dan
er in that respect was the same as if more
money had to be raised.