The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-06-10
SCENE From THE PoRTIco OF THE MINING

SCENE FROM THE PoRTIco OF THE MINING
building, the only exposition structure
which is not ivory white. At first glance
visitors do not like the coloring of this
building. 1t seems gairish and inconsist-
ent with the surroundings. But like any
thing else here it worms itself into your
alfe ctions. In day or two your prejudice
az st IL is overcome. A day or two more
anG you are enthusiastic overit, for IL adds
bit OF warmth and color to the scene
which only emphasizes the whiteness and
the purity of the neighboring structures.
But this is not the vista to be seen from
the bridge TO which / desired to call your
attention. Under your feet is one of the
gondola stations, and a number Of the
craft are at rest there, the gondoliers bask-
ing In the sun and smoking pipes OF
cigarettes in the most unromantic Of pos
lures. Just beyond lies the leafy expanse OF
Wooded island-the wooded island which
impresses me as much as anything else in
the exposition with the genius of man and
the power Of money. Only year or so ago
saw this island when il was nothing but
mass Of black mud thrown up by the big
steam dredges. There were no trees upon
It, no verdure or flowers. No one seeing
IL then could have foreseen what il is now,
no macter how much he strained his
imagination New 10 is Il little purarffse.
You smell the fragrance of the flowers
and watch the water fowl and birds AT
their sports. Through the branches you
dimly perceive the logs of the hunters
cabin, and over them your eye beholds the
glorious dome Of the Administration
building. Your view of 1t is framed by
the splendid facades of Electricity and
Mines 1t is a scene which thousands of
visitors pause on the rustic bridge to be
hold.
Go down to the peristyle and stand
where two of the great columns Of that
magnificent structure will frame you a
picture looking to the west. The Golden
Republic has her back to you, and you
will note the perfection of her massive
drapery. Though Of stupendous size, she
has all the grace Of one Of the marble
Madonnas In the Palace of Fine Arts. She
Is looking in the same direction you arc
at the Administration building, which Is
thing Of beauty, creation that completely
satisfies and rests the eye and the soul
from whatever point 1t may be viewed.
Your picture comprehends but part of
the basin, with its moving spectacle, and
perhaps but a glimpse Of the plaza at the
right or'left, along which thousands Of peo-
pie are sitting or walking, with the
colossal horses or bulls at the waters
edge to enable your eye in part at least to
realize the vastness Of the scene.
There Is vista which not many people
note, though it is sublime. Go to the In
dian school In the southern end of the
grounds. Stand on the piazza there, and
l<<,Ir IN <bxa IL H.
you pas variety and magnifcence into a
perfect bower Of architecture and land
scape charms In the far background. At
the left the eastern end of Agriculture,
surely one Of the most beautiful buildings
man ever made. AT the right glimpse
from the middle ages, the ancient Convent
of LaRabide. Near It the classical Casino
Between the two, and little farther, the
Golden Republic with craft circling about
her feet. Then q long stretch of grandeur
the lake front of the giant structure, vast
In expanse and altitude, but symmetrical
rs babe In tho distance the vision is
lost amid bank of domes, towers, nina
rets, and trees-the circular annex Of Fish.
cries, the varied elevations of the foreign
buildings, and, finally, bits of the Art pal.
ace and the many state buildings which
lie beyond.
You will see these and hundreds more
enhancing vistas when you come to the
fair. And having seen them and delighted
your senses with them, you will not only
pardon the enthusiasm of one who has
been here long time only to have his adj
miration constantly increased, but will
thank him for directing your attention to
these perspectives of perfection.
ROBERT GRAVES.