The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1893-05-02

How the Machinery of the Great
Worlds Fair Was Started.

How the Machinery of the Great
Worlds Fair Was Started.
All was now in readiness for the in
aueuration of the exercises proper. 1t
had been intended to preface the speech
making with grand chorus of 1000
voices, but owing to an oversight in
drawing the plans of the platform, this
feature was eliminated and in its place
was rendered Columbian march COM
posed for the occasion by Professor
John K. Paine. Theodore Thomas
welded the baton, and GOO instruments
responded to the wand of authority. AS
the music died away the blind chaplain
of the United States senate, Rev DR.
w. I'll. Milburn, was led forward. Fac
ing the throng with clasped hands and
bowed head. he besought the blessing
of the Almighty upon the proceedings
of the day, and the enterprise about to
be inaugurated.
The Prophecy.
Many of those about him joined in the
amen" with which the man of God
concluded his invocation. As he retir-
Chicago reader and elocutionist of
national reputation. was escorted to the
speakers stand, and in clear, impressive
tones, commenced to read the opening
stanzas of the poem of the day. This
was entitled The Prophecy. =, and is
the production of w. A. Croffut. a
member of the journalistic profession
of the national capital.
Hearty applause rewarded the reader
as she retired. and it was, renewed
when. after the orchestra had rendered
the Rienzi" overture by Wagner,
Director General Davis arose from his
seat. and after bowing to the chief
magistrate and those surrounding him.
faced the assemblage and spoke briefly.
President Cleveland Speaks.
1t was now the turn of the president
of the United States to present himself,
and as he slowly arose from his seat
there went mp cheer that seemed to
shake the massive dome of The building
behind. and which reverberated through
the grounds like the rattling of mus
kerry. All the while Mr.. Cleveland
stood erect, bis left arm behind him.
his right ne-vously lingering the but
ton of his frock coat At last, when all
throats and arms alike were tired and
semblance OF quiet had once more come
over the throng. he commenced his
address.
THIS Is What He Said:
am herr to join my fellow citizens in
the congratulations which befit this occa.
sion. Surrounded by the stupendous re-
suits of American enterprise and activity,
and I'm view OF the magnificent evidences
of American skill and intelligence, we need
not fear that these congratulations will be
exaggerated We stand today in the
presence of the oldest nations of the world
and point to the great achievements I'VE
here exhibit, asking no allowance on the
score of youth.
The enthusiasm with which we contem-
plate our work intensifies the warmth OF
The greeting we extend To those who have
come from foreign lands to illustrate with
us the growth and progress Of human en-
deavor IN the direction Of a higher civiliza-
tion. We who believe that popular edt-
cation and the stimulation of the best inn
pulses Of our citizens lead the way TO d
realization Of the proud national destity
which our faith. promises, gladly
welcome the opportunity here Afforded
us to see the results accomplished
by efforts which hare been exerted longer
than ours in the field OF mans improve
ment; while in appreciative return we ex-
hibit the unparalleled advancement and
accomplishments of you.ig nsss;or, and
present the triumphs OF q vigorous, self
reliant and independent people We have
built these splendid editices. but we have