Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1893-05-04

the labyrinth of betting and gearing
which make up the machinery of the
worlds Columbian exposition.
at the same moment a salute pealed
forth from the guns of the Andrew
johnson, lying off the exposition
grounds in Lake Michigan. Seven
hundred flags released from their
''stops" at concerted signal swung
loose and out under the sky in scarlet, yell
low and blue. Over in machinery hall
agreat roar arose, and the turrets of the
building nodded as the wheels began to
run, and a greater volume of sound
arose.
Nearly all night there had been a
continuous, soaking drizzle, that caused
the spirits of the worlds fair officials to
sink to the zero point. The rain CON
tinued until o'clock when the clouds
parted, and through rift far over the
lake there was CLEAN of cold sum
shine. 1t lasted only for moment,
however, and although the rain ceased,
the clouds still hung sodden and lower
ing over the city.
The wind blew family rom the east,
| Tapping the banners and other decera-
| tions in a dismal fashion, ard except ON
| the asphalt boulevards the mud lay
| thick and deep. All this, however, had
no effect upon the enthusiasm of the
energetic citizens who had determined
| to Witness the opening Of the fair.
Before the first faint streaks of light
in the eastern sky heralded the ap.
proach of the dawn the downtown
| -. 4 ls L.
| rying in the direction of jackson park
on the regular railroads, elevated road,
| cable lines, hacks, steamboats, and
| every possible means of conveyance.
| Excursion trains from nearby points,
and the regular suburban trains on the
various roads brought thousands. Nine
| o'clock saw every available means of
transportation tasked to its fullest ca
pacity. All sorts of vehicles were
pressed into service, from carriages
down to the humble but serviceable ex-
press wagon.
The rendezvous for the various organ
izations and carriages that took place
in the parade was the vicinity of the
and Twenty-second street, at $3.50
4 L
o'clock on Michigan avenue along the
Grand boulevard to Fifty-frst street,
thence through South park by way Of
Bayard avenue to Palmer avenue,
thence to the western entrance of Mid
Rice, commanding the Columbian
jackson park, thence to the administra-
| xxy1o %hn lfu
persed.
When the president reached the ad-
ministration buildings salute of guns
were fired. The entire party was at
once escorted to the grand stand, where
the program of the opening exercises
were fully carried out, except the
choral music, which was sbandoned at
he last moment on account Of the lin
tied space on the platform.
The grand stand, which filed up the
east entrance to the administration
building. and projected ont on
either side in front of the pavilions,
seated 1900 invited guests and $50
newspaper representatives, besides the
30 distinguished guests who were on
the little platform which was thrown
out in front for President Cleveland.
/ LII was au lHSplTluS SC6LiC tIldb 1loJ
the vision of the chief executive of the
nation as he was escorted to his seat.
Before him was such throng as he
had never faced before. pre-empting
every foot Of space between the plat
form and the edge Of the basin beyond,
covering walks and lawns to the east
and west as far as the eye could sweep.
| Between the platform and the audi
ence before it every nation and every
tongue seemed to be represented to tho
; honor and glory of the Columbian ex-
position.
The exercises began with musical
selection by the grand orchestra. The
Rev.. w. II. Milburn, the blind chap
lain Of the United States congress, Of
fered prayer. Miss Jessie Couthout re-
J cited poem, which was followed BY
music from the orchestra.
n President Palmer Of the national com
mission then announced the compile
tion of the buildings and their accept
) ance from the officers Of the exposition
ii Director General Davis then delivered
short and appropriate address.
It was the turn of the president O.
n the United States to present himself
and as he slowly arose from his seat ant
swept his eyes, first over the occupant
|; of the platform and then over one o
the greatest audiences that ever mai
!. faeaa- thara went mn q cheer tina