Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1893-05-03
Onenina Of The Opposition.


The Columbian Exposition was formally
opened al noon Monday last the first day
Of Nav. The ceremonies took place on the
Fair ground. in front Of the Administration
Building. commencing with a Columbian
march. composed for the occasion and rem
dered bv six hundred instruments under
the leadership Of Theodore Thomas Prayer
was offered by DR.. Milburn, chaplain. elect
Of the Senate; the poem Of the day, by W.
A. Crofut. a Washington journalist, was
read and Director General Geo. R. Davis
made brief statement Of statistical facts
about the fir-four hundred buildings
sixty thousand exhibitors and total ex-
penditure Of one hundred million dollars
nearly an the governments Of the globe
represented. Before pressing the key
which should start the machinery, and
which Is described as an ordidary form Of
Victor telegraph key, such as IS in use IN
mos. telegraph Offices, except that 1t was OF
gold instead Of steel with a button Of ivory
instead Of rubber, President Cleveland
said:
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
Il am here 10 Join my fellow-eitizens in
the conrratulations which bcfit this occa-
sion. surrounded by the stupendous results
OF American enterprise and activity, ana
In view of magnificent evidences OF Amer
lean skin and intelligence, We need not
fear that the congratulations Will be exag-
geratcd We stand to-day IN the presence
of the oldest nations Of the world, and point
20 the great achievements wherever exhi0-
tied. asking no allowance on the score oil
youth
-.Tbe enthusiasm with which we contem
plate our work iutensifies the warmth OF the
greeting we extend % those who have come
from foreign lands 20 illustrate with Us the
growth and progress Of human endeayor IN
the direction Of higher civilization.
-We. who believe that popular education
and the stimulation Of the best impulses OF
our citizens lead the way 70 realization Of
the proud national destiny which our faith
promises. gladly welcome the opportunity
here afforded Us 20 see the results accom-
pEshel bv efforts which have been exerted
longer than ours in the field of mans I'm
movements: while. In appreciatiye return,
we exhibit the unparalleled advancement
and wonderful accomplishments Of young
nation aud present the triumphs Of a vigo-
rous. self-reliaut and independent people
We have buil- these splendid edihces, but
we have also built the magnificent fabric
ola popular government, whose grand pro-
portions are seen throughout the world
We have made, and here gather together,
objects of use and beauty, the products OF
American skill and invention: but we have
also made men who rule themselves.
1T is an exalted mission in which we and
ourruests from other lands are engaged, as we
co operate I'm the Inauguration OF an enter.
prise devoted 20 human enlightenment; and
in the undertaking we here enter upon we
exemplifv in the nOblest sense the brother
hood 0f nations.
Let Us hold fast TO the meaning that I'M
derlies this ceremony and let Us not lose the
impressiyeness Of this moment As by a
touch the machinery that gives life 70 tins
vast exposition Is now SET in motion, so at
the same instant let our hopes and asplra-
ton, awaken forces which in all time 10
come shall influence the welfare, the digni-
~ and the freedom of mankind"
IHE~- EI LME El-LL4AlN hl A4VNs
As the last words fell from the Presidents
lips. De pressed his finger upon the button.
This was the signal for a demonstration,
difficult Of imagination and infinitely more
So of description. vt one and the same
in,tan, the audience burst into a thunder
ing shout the orchestra pealed forth the
strains OF the ~Haueluiah chorus" the
wheels Of the great Aliis engine in machin-
cry hall began to revolve, the electric foun-
tains in the lagoon threw their torrents to-
ward the skv. q flood of water gushed forth
from the McMonnies fountain and rolled
back again into the basin, the thunder Of
artillery came from the vessels in the lake,
the chimes in manufacturers hall and on
the German building rang out merry peal,
and overhead the flag, at the tops Of the
poles IN front of the platform fell apart and
revealed two gilded models of the ships in
which Columbus first sailed TO American
shores. At the same moment also hundreds
Of fa., ofau nation, and all colors were I'M
far,ed Within sight of the platform. The
largest was q great sold Glory, which fell
into graceful folds from the top Of the cen
ire staff I'm front of the stand. The roof of
the manufacturers building was gorgeous
in red goniai0ns. while the agricultural
building was dressed in ensigns of orange
and white. Ii was a wonderful scene Of
transformation, and amid it all cannon con-
tinued 70 thunder and the crowd TO cheer.
It was fully ten minutes before the demon
s-ration subsidized.
MdrtiRSbWrg Matters.