Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-05-04
WORLDS FAIR LETTER.
(From our Special Correspondent

more dav ana then the Falr Will be q
thing of the present. Although the
daily visitor will see but little difference
Monday from the appearance Of the
grounds, as they are in fine condition,
still the Fair will seem different 1t
will be on the stage of action and the
thousands of visitors next Monday are
not going to be disappointed i'll the
greatest show on earth. Every effort
has been made by the anxious officials
to have the fair open in good shape; but
the continued storms and incessant
rains have hindered the work very
much. The finishing touches are being
put upon the white gown of the "Won-
derful city by the lake." and they will
be ready to throw wide open the gates,
many guests next Monday morning at 9
o'clock. Chicago is proud of the fair
and on whole has done her duty in
preparing to receive and entertain and
care for the visiting multitude. She has
placed the city in irst-class sanitary
condition. She has organized an efic
lent system of fire, police and hospital
service at the exposition grounds, and
she has done all and even more than
she promised to do when the location of
the fair was settled.
There is one thing however that Chi
cago will stand on her rights for, and
that is the prices charged for hotel and
restaurant accommodations. 1t is use
less for the people way back in the
country to think they can come to Chi
cago, see the fair and stop at the best
hotel while doing so for the same money
that they pay for hotel rates at home.
Chicago is big city and the rates are
always higher in a city than in small
country villages. A visitor can get good
board and room in any part of the city
for about $500 per day, and he can buy
a good meal at any restaurant for fifty
cents, but if he comes here expecting to
live on $500 per week and take in the
big show out of that, he will be much
mistaken. In fact it will cost money to
see the fair, and it will be money we'll
spent, too.
A historic relic reached the city yes
terday, and is now in the custody of one
of the safety deposit companies. 1t is
the sword of Washington. 1t is a bay
onet plated, full dress sword, with
parchment scabbard and silk hilt and
cord attached. 1t was manufactured in
1850. 1t is not yet determined Just what
disposition will be made of the sword
during the fair, but 1T will probably be
on exhibition in the Government Build
ing.
The Pennsylvania worlds fair head
quarters will be i'll good shape Monday
morning, The carpets are all laid and
the rich furniture is being put in to-day
The pictures are all hung and the dec
Grating is finished. The building is
substantial one and resembles some
what the independence Hall in Phila-
delphia. In the center of the structure
is great rotunda running up through
the building, and far up into the clock
tower where it ends in a dome, ruchly
frescoed and brilliantly lighted by
electric lamps sunk in the ceiling. 1t is
under this dome that the famous Lib
erty Bell will be placed. The Woman's
department is artistically designed and
is furnished for a reception room. A
cloth of gold carpet made on special
order in Paris, covers the triangular
shaped room. Some very fine pictures
painted by Pennsylvania women adorn
the walls. The Keystone State has re-
sponded bountifully in the way of ex-
hibits in the main building. Eight
thousand square feet are occupied in
the Horticultural building. This is fit
ted up handsomely and it is intended
to have a very fine display Of pomology
and viticulture. Pennsylvania is IA
nous the world over for its coal, and
coal will be king in its exhibit. Great
pyramids of selected pieces with solid
chunks are placed around, and in the
center is large model of the well
known coal breaker and mining appli-
ances, showing just how the work is ac-
complshed in the great anthracite
region.
The sun shines with bright glory to-
day; giving bright, warm welcome to
the many visitors in our city Two
O'Clock is the hour set for removing the
Liberty bell to jackson Park This will
be fine parade. The Chicago guards
will escort the party to the grounds.
They are rushing things in every build
ing. 4 visitor can hardly hear himself
think for the noise of the hammers, the
rolling of trucks and the wrenching
apart of box tops. The odor of paint
and varnish fill the air, as every work
man puts the finishing touches to every
nook and crevice. The fair will close
tonight with a. thankful sigh that every
thing is III good shape as il is
NOTES
The dedication Of the Turkish nlosqllt.
at the Turkish village on midway pIs,is-
ance yesterday afternoon attracted more
than I 4,OGO people. many ri whom sj0Ud
in ram and water Without being t.
warded L glimpse OF tl1e chief actors III
the ceremonies.