The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-05-04

grand stand at each side The people farther
back in the crowd knew that there was more
room in front, although reserved, and they
kept trying to force their way down. The
situation was critical in the extreme, especially
as it was found that even the mounted officers
present could not take position against the
pressure. Before the ceremonies were half
over 20 women and half as many men were
taken ont of the crowd and removed un-
conscious to the hospital. Most of them had sim
ply tainted, but others were severely injured.
President Higinbotham realized the gravity
of the situation, and arose from his seat, and
raising his hands cried out For Gods sake
keep cool!" His appeal was not heard far and
had little effect The multitude continued to
sway to and fro, and the air was filled with the
shrieks of the women. the shouts of men, the
cries of children, of whom there were many
hundreds, if not thousands and the warning
yels of the occupants of the grand stand.
Finally, with view TO facilitating the dis
posal of the throng, President Higinhotham
Suddenly escorted Mr.. Cleveland and the ducal
party from the platform, notwithstanding the
circumstances of the crowd and by breaking
into the multitude from several points, the
Columbian Guards and police succeeded in
turning it into half dozen channels, but not
before the platform iust vacated by the Presi-
dent and his party had been turned into har-
Dor of refuge for no less than % sick or uncon-
scous women and children.
The crowd was enormous. Over 100000 had
passed the turnstile since daylight That there
was only one occurrence that could be called
serious was a matter of congratulation among
the officials of the Exposition.
The President and his other distinguished
guests entered the Administration Building,
and there they rested, glad that it was all over.
Dinner followed, and while the Presidential
party were accommodated in special dining
10, oT Ia hao
taurants, but at least one.third of them did not
manage to get anything, 30 great was the de-
mand.
After dinner the President entered tho
Manufacturers Building where he did the
courtesies to a throng of foreigners and Off
Gals. Then, in the Womans Building, he list
ened to the dedication speeches of Mrs. Potter
Irish village by the Countess Of Aberdeen and
several other ladies. Then he took flying
trip by steam-l anch through the lagoons.
By this time Mr.. Cleveland was thoroughly
tired out, and he spent the rest of the time,
until his special train left for the East, in his
car, chatting with friends and visitors.
Meanwhile the crowd was enjoying itself It
had full run Of the grounds, and everyone saw
all the sights possible and decided to come
again the next day. At the formal dedication
of the Women's Building the women fought
and pushed and scrambled for entrance, and
then spent the time adjusting their skirts and
bonnets while waiting for the ceremonies to
begin. The address of the day was delivered
by Mrs. Potter Palmer and others, for the diff
ferent countries, as follows: Spain, Duchess de
Veragua Italy, Countess di BraZza; England,
Mrs. Bedford Fenwick; Scotland, ireland,
Duchess of Aberdeen, and Russia, Princess
Schachoffsky. The hymn America" and
benediction brought the exercises to a close.
President Cleveland's departure was the
signal for the days crowd to leave, and from
halfpast five the grounds bore deserted ap-
pearance for an hour. But the multitude soon
again filed the white city. The night scene
was extraordinarily brilliant. Electricity was
the illuminating source. The first touch of
magic given the night setting of the great
scene was fringe of iHcandescent lights which
surmounted the columns of the peristyle run
ming from music hall to the casino. Strips of
light sprang TO life on all parts of the Admin
istration Building. The entire structure was
gilded with seams of light running around the
top of the pavilions and to the dome.
Inside the Administration Building the
scene was one of dazzling splendor the structure
from the rotunda to the peak of the splendid
dome being dream of glittering loveliness
Eight bronze columns, from each of which
branched 50lights, gave forth food of splendor
from the ground floor. A row of lights sur
mounted the gallery two stories above, and be-
fore the effect of this display could be lost,
similar circle at the base of the great dome
caught up the spirit of the brilliant scene and
sent the whole against the magnifcently-
decorated dome with an effect never before
witnessed in an interior.
Manufactures, machinery mines and mining
transportation and horticulture were also beau
tifuly illuminated. 1t was 10 o'clock before
the currents were shut off and the crowd left
for home.