The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-05-02

CHICAGO. May 1.-Grovcr Cleveland.
President OF the United States. surround
ed by members OF his Cabinet, by high
officials OF various States. by numerous
and distinguished representatives from
lands across the sea. and by a mighty
throne Of American citizens. to-day
pressed the electric button which set in
motion the miles OF shaftins. innumerable
engines and mechanism and labyrinth Of
betting and gearing which make zap the
machinery Of the Worlds Columbian
Exposition.
40 ihe same moment a national salute
pca'sl forth from the guns Of the reve-
nue. cutter Andrew Johnson. lying of
the Exposition ground. in Lake Michi-
gu seven hundred fass. released from
their "srops." al concerted signal, swung
loose and streamcd out under the sky
So scarlet yellow and blue. over In ma
chmey hall q great roar arose. and the
tuuts of the building nodded as the
wheels began 90 turn. and greater
volume Of sound arose from the throats
Of e. concourse OF people, who thus at
tended the opening OF the grandest
achievement Of American pluck, enter
prise and generosity. Nearly all night
there had been continuous, soaking
du1z.e. that caused the spirits Of the
worlds Fair people TO sink TO the zero
point, The Rain continued until o'clock,
when the clouds parted. and through the
nit Tar over the lake there was a CLEAN
OF cold sunshine. 10 lasted only for a
moment however. and. although the rain
ceased. clouds stan hung sodden and
lowering over the city. winds blew faint
F from ihe east, tapping the banners and
Other decorations in dismal fashion. and,
except on the asphalt bouevards. mud
lay thick and deep. All this, however,
had ro effect upon the enthusiasm Of
thv energetic citizens who had determined
10 witness the opening Of the Fair.
Before the first faint streaks Of light
in the eastern sky heralded the approach
OF dawn the down town streets were
t.ur A8 the morning wore on the
thronss increased. Excursion trains from
nsarby points and regular suburban
trains on the various roads brought
thousands who added TO the crowds
from other sources. il was a State and
civic holiday. too, and an the employees
81 the public buildings. freed from their
desks. joined the current which set to-
wards Jackson Park. accompanied by
ihronss released from mercantile estab-
Ashmcnts, many az which gave their em-
loyes Is dag or 20 join in the exercises.
.ihe o'clock saw every available means
q transportation tested 90 ITS fun ca
pa-iiI and in most cases beyond IL.
The Procession
40 N o'clock. the hour f0r the OPEN
lne exercises. drew near the rush reached
lis heIgnt subsidiug as IL o'clock was
reached The jam az the railroad depots
became less thick, cablo ears moved along
only comfortably filled. boats carried Of
smaller loads ~ passengers. pedestrians
became Fewer and fewer, and by noon
'Ae down town streets were. II anything,
eearer than on ordinary days when no
"nflGs Fair rs being opened By $50
We distinguished people who were 10 ac-
company me President In the process
t'n no Jackson Park had gathered at the
residents quarters az the Lexington.
he nrst 20 arrive was the Duke OF
Eeagua and bis attendants. While hand
snahns was IN progress Vice President
stevenson ana bis party put I'm their
ssileafance on their heels, literally tax
ms the hotel By storm. came the mem
Deis OF the National Commission and the
fAl! dlFeclOrs Hho nera Ia nct a. hnata