Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-05-04

ton walked down the main aisle to his
place at its outer edge, tumult of
cheers shook the air. He and those ac-
him We're soon seated. and
shortly after ten o'clock the opening
began with the perform
ance of Paine's Columbian march, fol
lowed by PRAYER by Blin1 Chaplain
NIilburn. of the United States senate.
Then Miss Jessie Coutheir. the dra-
mite reader recited the rhyned proph
eSy, by ". A. Cruffut. Of Washington.
After the orchestral overture. Director
General Davis, as master of ceremon-
les, made the opening address as fol
lows:
Director Davis began with an allu-
sion to the dedication ceremonies of
last October, and then stating that it
was no time for Il resume of the eff
forts put forth to complete the work.
praised in fitting terms the work of
co-officers and the official staff, who
fo1m the great organization which
made the contamination of the great
exposition possible. He .eulogiZed the
labOrS of the national commission and
board of lady managers, to which
great agencies, wisely selected by con-
eress, he thought the gratitude of
the people was due, as well as the COR
dial recognition of all foreign repreSen-
tativeS.
With passing reference to the SyS-
tematiZing the work he turned to the
department of finance, which, with 4
disinterestednesS remarkable. with Il
courage undaunted, successfully pro-
vided for the great work, upward Of
works, which in twenty-One months
transformed into beauty and splendor
the unsightly, uninyitirg and unoccu-
pied stretch of landscape, he returned
thanks. Indeed, in all departments
the chiefs had confirmed the wisdom of
their selection, and today every state
and territory of the union, every land
on the globe that has a language,
is represented or has been given ample
opportunity
Continuing he said: This enclosure,
containing nearly 700 acres, covered by
crowded with a display of the achieve
ments and products of the mind and
hand of man such as were never be-
fore presented to moral vision, the
habits and customs and life of the peO-
pie of all lands, while the beautiful ed
ifices constituted a central scene of the
social and friendly amenities among
the different people of the earth.
While the great mechanical, scientific,
industrial and agricultural exhibition of
the world was not yet fully in pace.
he was gratified to be able to present
to the president of the United State
an official catalogue containing the
description and location of four thous-
and participants, while the number of
exhibitors, when everything is in place,
will exceed fifty thousand. He felt the
people would always be proud of the
support of congress, financially and
morally. TO the states of the union
the exposition is largely indebted for
financial support; to foreign nations
represented by grand exhibits he
bowed in grateful thanks; to the cit
liens and corporation of Chicago who
furnished $11,OOO,OOO and loaned 3d.
100000 were due the grateful &C
acknowledgements of the people; to tens
of thousands Of exhibitors who contrib
uted more than all others combined
were due the deepest obligation; to the
women of Chicago and of our great
land, whose enthusiasm and cO-opera-
ton had turned the eys of the world
toward the exposition, he extended IN
stinted recognition.
1t was hoped that the exposition may
inaugurate Il new era of moral and ma
terial progress, securing stronger friend
ship and lasting peace The grand con-
certed illustration of modern progress
here presented necessitated an outlay
largely in excess of $1O0,O0O,0O0. eve
have given it our best thought, our most
devoted service, our greatest energy.
and now in this central city of this
great republican continent discovered
by Columbus Whost distinguished de-
scendants are present, the honored
guests of our nation. it only remains
for you, Mr.. President, if in your opin-
ion the exposition here presented is
commensurate with what the world
should expect of our great country, to
direct it to be opened to the public, and
when you touch this magic key the
ponderous machinery will start in its
revolutions, and the activities of this ex-
position will begin"
The director general then presented
President Cleveland, who was kept
waiting several minutes until the ap-
plause should subside, when, with barred
head, he spoke as follows:
II am here to join my fellow citizens
in congratulations which befit this Occa-
sion. Surrounded by the stupendous re
suits of American enterprise and activity
and in view Of the magnificent evidences
of American skill and intelligence, we
need not fear these congratulations will
be exaggerated. We stand today in
the presence of the oldest nations Of the
world and point to the great achieve
ments we exhibit here, asking no allow
ance on the score of youth. The enthu-
siasm with which we contemplate our
work intensifies the warmth of greeting |
we extend to those who have come |
from foreign lands to illustrate with |
is the growth and progress of human
endeavOr in the direction of higher
We who believe that pop
llar education and the stimulation Of
he best impulses of our citizens lead
he way to a realization of the proud
rational destiny which is our faith,
gladly welcome the opportunity here