The Indianapolis journal., 1893-09-24
THE WORLDS FAIR BUILDINGS.

Every visitor TO the world 5 falr leaves
the place lamenting over the supposed
certainty that the buildings will be torn
down as soon as the fair is over. The
architectural beauty of these buildings
is n revelation to ali who come, and the
scenic effect of the structures, with
their wonderful establishment Of land
scape gardening. forms the one clear
picture that will remain in the memo
ries of all who have visited this great
exposition. Tho exhibits are marvel
Gus, but their wonders are bewildering;
the mind becomes confused in trying to
retoin impressions. Tho weary sight
seer turns from these to rest his eyes
on the magnificence of the outward
display, and with an ever increasing
pleasure. The architectural triumphs,
the winding lagoons, the grassy banks.
the white rOadways, the wooded island
and the great lake beyond. all together
form vision so fair and soul satisfying
that ne can only think of it's destruction
with the keenest regret. 1t was "nomi-
mated in the bond" made to jackson
anG South Park commissioners that the
ground should be restored to them in
the condition in which it was found.
This and the general understanding that
the "staff" which forms the outside COW
ering of the buildings is a substance
that will not stand the wear of the ele-
ments any great length of time led to
the acceptance of the belief that the re-
mOval of the structures was unavoidable.
Citizens of Chicago are at last reaching
a conclusion that this destruction is not
really necessary. SO far as the con-
concerned, it could easily be set
aside if the people manifested
a desire for such q course. 1t has been
discovered that the buildings are sub
stantial enough for all uses to which
they are likely to be put. The frame
work is strong, ard staff covering will.
it is now said, last for many years with
occasional repairs In spots where it may
crumble away. 1t is argued that the
cost of making these repairs and of
their present condition would not be
greater than that of keeping the regu-
lation park in order. 1t is also urged
that so little can be made by the fair
commissioners from the sale Of the ma
terial III the buildings that it will hardly
repay for tho labor of tearing them
down, and that they might we'll con-
tribute them to the city. The same ar
gument is made insregard to the State
buildings. No doubt there is much
truth in this. for it is known that State
and foreign commissioners are already
finding it difficult matter to dispose
of their buildings to any advantage.
Whether or not these suggestions
from the citizens will take the form of
an active and earnest movement to make
permanent the outward glory of the fair
is uncertain, and that a charm would
not be gOno when it was known that the
buildings were empty shells and held
no treasures cannot be said. 1t does
seem, however, as if 1t might be of great
benefit to Chicagoans, if to no others, TO
retain those buildings as they stand.
The residents of that overgrown and
overcrowded city need place of escape
from the rush, and pressure, and killing
pace that shorten their lives; they need
an opportunity to refresh their eyes
with more pleasing sights than their
own filthy streets and architectural
monstrosities. AS matter of sheer hu-
manity and self-preservatiOn it would
be well to preserve the fair grounds as
city beautiful to which Chicagoans
can flee.