New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-03-07
AN INVITATION FOR THE PRESIDENT.
NE WILL ANNOUNCE HIS DECISION SOON AS ~
ATTENDING THE OPENING FXERCIsEs.

HE WILL ANNOUNCE HIS DECISION SOON AS To
ATTENDING THE OPENING PXERCIsES.
Washington March 6.-Presdent Cleveand's first
oficial invitation extended to him this afternoon
1t came from the Worlds Fair commissioners and drec-
tors and was presented according 10 previous engage
ment, in the Cabinet room at O'Clock. There were
present From the Committee Public Ceremonies,
r. A. B. widener, chairman b. 3. Smalley, " D.
Groner, James Hodges, A. I. Ewing, T. w. Palmer
and John T. Dickinson from the Committee on Ceic-
monies Of the local Worlds Fair directory. +. f.
Lawrence, T. b. Bryan, A. H. Revell, Frederick W.
Peck, Benjamin Butterworth from the National
Worlds Fair Commission. vce-Prcsident J. A. McKen
Ee, T. l.. Williams, J. T. Harris and II. +. Goodcl.
General Nelson A. Miles accompanied the committee
by invitation and the Chicago Congressional delegation
were expected to be present, but did not appear.
President Cleveland received the party IN the Cabi-
net room. Introductions were made by ex-senator
T. W. Palmer, chairman OF the Columbian Exposition
Commissioners. After all the gentlemen had been
greeted (many Of them being old acquaintances Of
the PresdenU Mr.. Widener addressed the President,
who stood at the head Of the table with his hands on
his hips, In an attitude OF earnest attention Mr..
Videner said:
SMr. President: 1t gives great pleasure. as
chairman Of the Committee Public Ceremonies. 10
extend to you an invitation to be present at and
participate in the opening exercises OF the Columbian
Worlds Fair and Exposition on the first day OF May
next The occasion commentaries the greatest
event In the history Of the Western Continent, and
tells Of the goes Of the greatest country on that
continent and Of the world. is entirely proper that
the opening Of the Exposition should be formally
proclaimed by the President OF the United States
"The committee desire me TO expiess the hope that
Mrs. Cleveland who Will also receive an invitation
may accompany you Oh that OCCASION
President Ceveland's response entirely informal
and consisted mainly OF questions as to the length OF
the programme and the time 1t would be necessary for
Sim to remain IN Chicago to perform what was ex-
pected Of him.
.If Co." he said, 1T will be because deem 1t
public duty which ought to discharge. Az that
time as sou gentlemen doubtless aware, there VIII
be many matters Of public importance to demand my
presence here
President Palmer supplemented Mr. wideners In
yitation on behalf OF the Columbian Exposition ana
of over 60. OO0, 600 people every man. woman ana
child OF whom expects the President to be there. MT.
Palmer assured the President that his wishes In the
matter should be respected, and that II 1t were nee
essary him to leave half an hour AFTER the exercises
closed, 1t should be done.
President Cleveland said he would consider tho
matter and announce his decision IN a day or two.
The committee and gentlemen then shook hands with
him and retired.
The invitation to the President is on velum. The
first sheet contains the invitation done In pen ana
Ink, surmounted by handsome design, based upon
the figure OF the nag WHICH reaus Us ioowS'
.To the President Of the United States Grover Cleve
land, Washington. d. c.:
@The pleasure of your presence is requested at the
opening exercises Of the Columbian Worlds Exposition
In the city Of Chicago the first day OF May, 1888 at
10 O'Clock q. m"
On the second sheet are inscribed the names OF the
members OF the Committee Oh Public Ceremonies The
two sheets are Enclosed In a handsome black morocco
case twelve by sixteen inches, lined with white silk
Tho committee will remain in the city until the
members Of the new Cabinet indicted into Office
when invitations accompany their chief TO Chicago
win be formally extended 10 them. Altogether 1000
invitations to the opening will be Issued.