The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1893-05-25
LETTER FROM CHICAGO.
Special correspondence of the Gold Leaf.
W. ID. BOYCE's CORRESPONDENCE


WORLDS FAIR GROUNDS, May 22nd.
Last week was one given over to
dedicatory exercises. and still there's
more to follow:
The memorial art palace, situated on
Michigan avenue, foot Of Adams, was
first, and after its formal sprinkling the
| worlds congress Of representative
women planted their banners therein.
From the attendance Of many women,
| both representative and otherwise. it is
safe to say, if numbers count for any
| thing, their congress was success.
The different sessions were addressed
by delegates from many lands, prom
inent in their several departments of
| woman's work.
The buildings Of the State Of Mime
sofa, and the far off country Of Norway,
were both dedicated the 18th Of May.
Gov. Knute Nelson Of Minnesota took
no part in the sprinkling with cham
payne Of Minnesota's home, but was
conspicuous in the exercises connected
with the opening Of the Norsemens'
abode, so much so, that he addressed
|
| Certainly Illinois has reason to be
proud of her efforts, for in the building
among the last to be dedicated during
the week, nothing seems to have been
omitted. True there was a good deal
Of money appropriated, but good use
has been made of it. Gov. Alleged
and staff did their part toward the
successful carrying out Of the pro-
gram, and he was ably seconded by
Chicago's mayor, Carter Harrison.
Perhaps the chief attraction was the
discussion of the caterers art, fault
lessly furnished on the second floor.
AS foreshadowed in our last weeks
letter, the days of the autocrat of the
baton, Prof. Thomas, are numbered,
as Director-General Davis has re-
quested his resignation.
1t is to be regretted that the manage
ment do not pay more attention to the
carrying out Of the agreements made
by the cOncessionaires, notably so, in
keeping the free toilet conveniences fit
for service. 1t looks very much as If
a screw was loose somewhere, for there
are numerous instances of absolute
neglect Of this important and necessary
adjunct.
Perhaps many of our readers will
not credit the statement that there are
over six miles of paintings in the art
gallery alone, not mentioning the
many more miles Of them in the
woman's and different state buildings.
The gallery itself is divided into so
many rooms and wings that it is like
getting caught in Chinese labyrinth !;
you are almost obliged to have guide
to get out. Undoubtedly there is
enough oil and white lead used on these
stretches Of canvas, to paint the town
Of Vermillion, South Dakota, red. It's
a days work, and hard one at that, to
walk through the different rooms.
Last week was largely given oyer to
business and Worlds Fair sightseeing
by the visiting journalists, who
gathered in national assemblage, from
New England's rockbound coast, and
California; golden sands, from the
everglades Of Florida, the home Of the
alligator, to the land of the Dakotah' s
and Minnehaha. Some thought they
were eating simon pure Turkish pie,
in the plaisance. 1t was home pro-
duction. made by Chicago pie COM
pany.
One of the finest sights is the
electric fountains, when night becomes
like unto day. In the west end Of two
great lagoons before the administ ration
building, three fountains, with pris-
matte colors, almost bewilder the
| vision.
The Examinations of the buildings,
and this whole electric display must be
seen to be appreciated, for words are
inadequate to describe its beauty.
The building devoted to this special
exhibit, was one mass Of light on the
evening of the great illumination and
if now in its incomplete condition the
effect is SO brilliant, what wealth of
daylight is in store for those who tarry
evenings as the fair progresses.
Last week a man was robbed of
81, 100 which he carelessly carried in
the inside pocket Of his unbuttoned
overcoat. He was in acrowd near the
manufacturers building, and the pick
| pocket IOOkk advantage.
One can't be too careful, and it's
foolish to cary any such sums around
loose in your clothes.
You may speak with your friends in
far away states, through the long dis
lance telephone connection, made
direct from the fair grounds, with
important eastern cities.
| Tho nvhibitS il, tho ,n;poo o,,J mir,
ing building are rapidly being placed.
Michigan contributes copper in its
crude as we'll as in its finished state.
Pennsylvania is bound to be seen, with
its obelisk of coal, shooting fifty feet
heavenward. Kentucky nearly has its
home finished, and exhibits some fine
specimens of her black diamonds
These are only snap shots taken here
and there, in passing, as the exhibits
in many instances are far from being
complete.
If one were to Judge by the pyramid
of oranges from California as seen in
horticultural hall, as being a sample of
the number they can raise in that
state. he would say, that Florida was
not in it. In this building there is a
very large display Of small fruits from
home and foreign chimes. Many are
; in glass jars, Others being in their
natural state. Who would think OF
finding here apples from New South
Wales, and yet the specimens looked
very tempting. One end Of this hall
is given over to the fermented and
unfermented products Of the vineyard,
and each exhibitor seems to vie with
his neighbor in having his exhibit the
best.
We had almost forgotten to mention
the dedication OF Canada's beautiful
building. Prominent among the distin-
guished personages there were the re-
Gently appointed governor general and
his wife and the count and countess of
! Aberdeen.
Then last but not least came the
6e1ino fioD of old Niapoo bo