The Southern herald., 1893-04-28
ne worlds Fair.


Columbian exposition. Aiter long
contention between two factions Of
The local directors, one Of which
disired to have the ceremonies held
in The small ball in the presence Of
about 400 invited guests, the
board Of control suddenly con-
eluded that il had something TO say
concerning the opening program
and determined that the exercises
shall be held in the open air. This
decision is due 70 the board and
Lofty public spirit of President
Palmer Of the national commission
and Director General Davis, both
Of whom have from the first ad-
vocated open-air-ceFsmOnies These
gentlemen eonemded that the best
place for the ceremonies would be
on the plaza in front Of the Ad-
ministratiOn building, and OppO-
sition TO this plan fell away after
the board Of control officially de-
clared in its favor. The Admins
tralion building stands al the head
Of the grand basin, which is 500 feet
wide. Between the basin and the
building is big square, which, il
is estimated, will accommodate
100000 people. North Of the basin,
and running to the lake, is another
broad walk. fronting the Mines and
Mining, Electricity and Manu-
features buildings. On the south
side Of the basin is another walk
extending along Machinery hall
and the Agricultural building to the
lake. This is the central portion
Of the worlds fair grounds, and the
one on which the most expenditure
has been layished. Looking east.
ward from the Administration
building the eye sweeps over the
broad basin to the Peristyle, be-
tween the lofty columns of which
may be seen the lake. For these
reasons il was deemed fitting 10 let
the people gather in the choicest
/ portion of the grounds TO see the
ceremonies. To increase the ac-
commodations for the crowds the
steam barges and electric launches
which are to ply the lagoons will
be massed in the basin and filled
with people. On the bridges more
people will gather. On the Peri
style and in the balconies and
hundreds of windows of the sur.
rounding buildings will be still
others, and altogether the scene
will be an inspiring one for Presi'
dent Cleveland.
The speakers stand will be erect
ed along the east front of the Ad
ministration building, and seats tC
the number of at least 2, 900 will b'
provided. The distinguished guests
will be members of the cabinet
diplomatic corps, judges OF th'
supreme court, members Of con
gress, governors of states, nationa
commissioners, worlds fair di
rectors. members of the board o
lady managers, Chicago city council
members of the board of education
park commissioners and a selec
list Of dignitaries, social, collegiate
and official.
The program arranged is simple
the reading Of an ode having beel
dispensed with owing to lack o
time. The exercises will begiI
promptly at 10 o'clock and the fol
lowing features will be presented
Music Columbian Hymn and March
John X. Paine.
Prayer.
Presentation Of chiefs Of departments an
foreign commissioners by the directO
general.
Musc-'1n Praise Of God" Beethoven.
Adde'S and opening Of the exposition b
President Cleveland.
Starting of machinery, during which tim
the chorus win sing the "Hallelujah
chorus from HandePs messiah"
President Cleveland has not ye
made known his plans to the com
mittee on ceremonies, but it is ex
pected that he will reach Chicag
on Sunday, April 30, and will b
the guest of President Higinbothau
during his brief stay in the city
If this plan is not satisfactory t
the president, he can occupy tn
rooms secured by the ceremonie
committee at the Auditorium. Bu
it was thought fitting that the presi
dent Of the nation should be th
guest of the president Of the ex
position, and it is more than likel
that the magnificent home of Nj
Higinbotham, twcnty-ninth stree
, and Michigan avenue, will be th
, place of Grover Cleveland while i
lChicaoo. It is not likely that III