Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-05-02
GATES OPEN,
President Cleveland Pressed
the Electric Button
And Worlds Fair Machinery Re-
sponded to the Signal.
10000 People visitsd the Expesitisa On
rs Opening Day.

I
| rs Opening Day.
CHICAGO, H., May l.--Grover Cleye.
land, President Of the United States, sur.
rounded by members of his cabinet, by
high officials of various states, BY numer
Gus and distinguished representation from
lands across the seas, and by a mighty
lhrong Of American citizens, today pressed
the electric button which set in motion the
miles of shafting, the innumerable engines
and mechanism and the labyrinth of belt
ing and gearing which make up the ma
chinery of the Worlds Columbian Exposi-
ton.
At tie same moment a national salute
peaied forth from the guns of the govern
ment vessel, Andrew Johnson, lying of tine
exposition grounds in Lake Michigan and
700 flags, released from their stays at a
concerted signal, sw lng loose and reached
out under the sky in scarlet, yellow and
blue
Over in Machinery hall a great roar arose
as the wheels began to turn and a great vol
ume of sound arose from the throats of the
Iconcourse of people who thus acclaimed
the opening of the grandest achievement of
American pluck, enterprise and generos-
ity.
Nearly all night there had been con-
tinuous, soaking, drizzling rain, that caused
the spirits of the Worlds Fair officials to
sink to serious point, the rain continued
till o'clock when the clouds parteI and
through break far over the lake there was
a gleam of cold sunshine.
| 1t lasted only for moment, however,
and though the rain ceased, the clouds still
hung sodden and lowering over the city,
the wind blew family from the east, flap
ping the banners and other decorations in
dismal fashion, and except on the asphalt
boulevards the mud lay thick and deep.
| 1t was half past eight when the Duke of
Eeragua and party, accompanied by an es-
cort committee, left the auditorium, and 10
minutes later they were shaking hands with
President Cleveland in the blue parlOr of
| the Lexington.
| While the handshaking was in progress
, Vice President Stevenson and his party
put in appearance.
Meanwhile the procession was in the
course of formation on the avenue north of
,, its intersection with 22d street, and prompt
ly at . o'clock Major Baldwin of the 7th
United States cavalry, who was in COM
mand of the escorting division, was pre-
pared TO give the signal for the procession
to move and magnificent procession it
was.
At the head to clear the way was a de-
Ia aebment of mounted police. Next in line
was Co. d of the 7th United States cavalry
and Co X of the eth United States cavalry.
Carriages containing the Fair officials and
the distinguished guests came next.
President Cleveland sat in the seventh
carriage, accompanied by President Palmer
of the Worlds Columbian Commission,
and President Higginbotham of the Worlds
Columbian Exposition. Vice-President
Stevenson rode with the two Worlds Fair
ex-presiients, Ly man J. Gage and William
7. Baker.
The foreign division was headed with the
fourteenth carriage. This was occupied by
the Duke of Veragua, the first Vice-Presi-
dent of the Commission Ex-Governor Wal
ter of Connecticut, the first Vice President
Of the Exposition, Fred W. Peck and Com
mander Dickens of the L. s. Navy.
In the vehicle which followed was the
Ddcbess of Veragua escorted by Mrs. Pot
ter Palmer, who did the honors as president
of the board of lady managers, and by Mrs.
Commander Dickens. The carriage of
Mayor Harrison brought up the extreme
r.ar. The procession was attended by al
most an unbroken diapason of cheering.
1t was an inspiring scene that met the
Wis on of the Chief Executive of the nation
~ he was escorted to his seat. After the
President, the duke of Veragua and all
other dis ,nguished guests had taken the
seats assigned to them. everything was then
in readiness for the Inauguration of the ex-
err ses proper.
1t had been intended to preface the
speschmaking with a grand chorus of 1000
| voices, but owing to an oversight in draw
ing the plans of the platform this feature
was eliminated and in its place was rem
dcrei Columbian march composed for the
occasion by Prof. John K. Paine. Theo
I Thomas wielled the baton and 600 instru-
| mcnts responded to his wand.
As the music died away the blind chap
| lain of the United States House of Repre-
sentatives, Rev. DR.. W. II. Milburn, was
| led forward to tie front of the platform and
| made prayer.
As he retired to his seat Miss Jessie
Couthoui of Chicago was escorted to the
speakers stand, and in clear impressive
| tones that could be heared distinctly by the
! 2 600 guests upon the platform, and which
| to read the opening stanzas Of the poem of
the day. This was entitled, "The Pro-
nsec," " and is the production of 4. A.
rro.ful, a member of the journalistic pro
| fession NJ the national capital
| Hearty applause rewarded the reader a.
.,,. e,.tirri AMI it was renewed when, after
the orchestra had rendered the ''Rienzi"
nvrture hv Wagner, Director General
/ n IL. III 1T at1 lffnr how q
to the Chief Magistrate and to those sur
| r,nn ting him, began his address.
| pr,-sid, M Cleveland, at the conclusion of
| pa,i.'s address. slow lv arose from his seat
| aud swept his eyes over one of the creates
/ audienccs tina. man ever faced. 4 chee
went up that seemed to shake the massive
dome of the building behind him and which
r.yrrhcra.,d through the grounds like the
| rafting of musketry.
| Foreigners and natives alike joined in the
acclsim TO the highest representative of the
sovereign people of the republic Tie
ovation coFtuned for several minutes. and
the tt,,,n WED with the women in maintain
ing the demonstration.
Al the while Mr.. Cleveland stood erect,
lis Lfl hani behind him, his right nervous
" fiog ring the button of his frock coat.
At last, whens semhlance of quiet once
more came over the throng, he commenced
his address. This is what he said
II am here TO Join my fellow citizens in
the congratulations which befit this occa
sim. Surrounded by the stupen ious re-
suits of American enterprise and activity
and viewing the magnificent evidences of
. American skill and intelligence, we need
not fear that these congratulations will be
j exaggerated
"We staud today in the presence of the
Oldest nstions of the world and point to the
, great achievements We here exhibit, asking
no allosance on the score of youth
"Tle enthusiasm with which we conteu,-
pat. our work intensifss the warmth of
ii.e greeting we extend TO those who have
come from foreign lands TO illustrate with
, az the growth an,i progress of human en-
dcsvor in the direction of higher civiliza
ton.
I'VE. who believe that popular education
snd the stimulation of the best impulses Of
cur citizens lead tile way To ,ae realization
of the nationsl DESTINY which our faitt
pr,,uise giaily welcome the opportunity
b..-. afforded to u. to see the results accom-
pi,ha.i by the efforts which have been ex
ert..t longer than OURS in the fell of man
improvement; while in spprecia,ive return
we exhibit the unparalleled advancement
and wonderful Accomplishments Of youns
nation and present the trinmphs of a Wig
orous. self-reiians and independent reo
pie.
I'VE have built these splendid esiifces
Ihu. ,-e have ais, b.,ilt the magnificent fab