The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-05-05
OUR WORLD'S FAIR LETTER.

(from our special Correspondent
CHICAGO, April 3o.-Only one more
day and then the Fair will be 4 thing
Of the present. Although the daily
visitor will see but little difference
next Monday from the appearance of
the grounds, as they are in fine con-
dition, still! the Fair will seem differ
ent. 1t will be on the stage Of action
and the thousands Of visitors next
Monday are not going to be disappont.
ed in 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 hind.
cred the work very much. The finish
ing touches are being put upon the
white gown Of the wonderful "city by
the lake." and they will be ready to
throw wide open the gates, and invite
critical inspection from their many
guests next Monday morning at 9
o'clock. Chicago is proud of the Fair
and on a whole has done her duty in
preparing to receive and entertain and
care for the visiting multitude. She
has placed the city in first class sani-
tary condition. She has organized an
efficient system Of fire, police and hos
pital service at the exposition grounds,
and she has done all and even more
than she promised to do when the To-
cation Of the Fair was settled.
There is one thing however that
Chicago will stand on her rights for,
and that is the prices charged for hotel
and restaurant accommodations. 1t
is useless for the people way back in
the country to think they can come to
Chicago, see the FAN and stop at the
best hotel while doing so for the same
money that they pay for hotel rates at
home. Chicago is a big city and the
rates are always higher in the city than
in small country villages. A visitor
can get good board and room in any
part of the city for about $a.oo per
day, and he can buy 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 ou; of that, he will be much mis-
taken.
In short, it will cost money TO see
the Fair, and it will be money well
spent, too.
A historic relic reached the city
yesterday, and is now in the custody
of one of the safety deposit companies
1t is the sword Of Washington. 1t is
a bayonet plated, full dress sword,
with parchment scabbard and silk hilt
and cord attached 1t was manufac-
tured in 1850. 1t is not yet deter.
mined just what disposition will be
made of the sword during the Fair,
but it will probably be on exhibition
in the Government Building.
The Pennsylvania's Worlds Fair
headquarters will be in good shape
Monday. The carpets are all laid and
the rich furniture is being put in to-
day. The pictures are all hung and
the decorating is finished. The build
ing is substantial building and re-
sembles somewhat the Independence
Hall in Philadelphia. 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 dome, richly frescoed and
brilliantly lighted by electric lamps
sunk in the ceiling. 1t is under the
dome that the famous Liberty Bell
will be placed. The woman's depart
ment is artistically designed and is
furnished for 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
bountifully in the way of
exhibits in the main building. Eight
thousand square feet are occupied in
the Horticultural building. This is
fitted up handsomely and it is intend
ed to have a very fine display of pomo-
logy and viticulture. PENNSYLVANIA is
famous 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
centre is large model of the well
known coal breaker and mining ap-
places, showing just how the work is
accomplished in the great anthracite
region.
The sun shines with bright glory
to day, giving bright warm welcome
to the many visitors that are 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 rush.
Ing things in every building. A visi-
tor can hardly hear himself think for
the noise of the hammers, the rolling
of trucks and the wrenching apart of
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