The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-05-03
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ABSOLUTELY PURE
CLEVELAND PRESSED THE
WORLDS FAIR BUTTON.
EXPOSITION OPENED.
ALL NATIONS WELCOMED.

CHICAGO. May lin the presence of people
] from every country and cline. surrounded
by his cabinet ministers, high officials Of the
great states. the diplomats and representa-
I tives Of foreign nations aud a vast ooDc0urse
| Of American citizens, President Cleveland
to-day pressed the button which released
the great mechanical forces OF the columbian
exposition. At once a heavy salute from
the guns of the United States ship Andrew
Jonson pealed forth the nations greeting
and 700 flags were released TO the breeze,
while a great wave Of mufic pesled forth.
Thus was the great exposition formally
thrown open to the world.
It was no ideal day which broke this
mornings clouds and fog made the morning
a dismal one, bat the rain has ceased Mud
was everywhere, however. The rains Of
yesterday put the streets in very poor con-
dition. The fair officials were up a; day
light. They declared rain or shine the ex-
ercises would be carried out fully. All roads
led to the fair grounds and railroads, street
cars. elevated cars and steamboat lines we're
taxed 10 their utmost capacity.
At lOo'clock, the hour for the opening
ceremonies. the rush reached its height. The
COMMITTEES to call Upon the president was at
the Lexington hotel early. The president
and his cabinet were ready, and the distin-
guished party was soon on its way to the
grounds. The duke of Yeragua accomPan-
led the presidential party, as did also Vice
President Stevenson, the members Of the IA
tional commission and the fair directors. It
was quiet procession mounted police and
military leading
The party, after entering the grounds,
drove rapidly to the administration building
where the exercises were held. Already
thousands were in the grounds. In the
center of the great platform erected for the
OCCASION there stood special stand upon
which President Cleveland, Vice President
Stevenson, the duke Of Veragua and officers
ofthe fair took their places. Immediately
in the rear sat the diplomats corps, and on
their right were the governors Of the states
army officers and other officials.
Aher the orchestra, composed Of several
Wilburn, the blind chaplain oflhe L. S. Sen
ate, offered prayer, after which an original
poem was recited by Miss Jessie Cautherer,
Of Chicago. Director General Davis follow
ed in lengthy address, which was 70 q great
extent history of the exposition. Presi-
dent Cleveland then briefly and to the point
delivered the address opening the far, and
extending Americas welcome TO the world
who may visit IT, He said:
lam here to join my fellow citizens in
the congratulations which befit this occa-
sion. Surrounded by the stupendons result
of American enterprise and activity and
in view Of the magnificent evidence Of Amer
lean skin and intelligence. We need no; fear
that these congratulations will be exsggerat-
ed. We stand to-day in the presence Of the
Oldest nations of the world, and point 10 the
great achievements We here exhibit, asking
no allowance on the score Of youth. The
enthusiasm with which We contemplate our
work intenSifes the warmth of greeting we
extend to those who have come from foreign
lands to illustrate with Us the growth aud
progress of human endesvor in the direc-
ton of a higher civilization We, who be
lieve that popular education and the stimu-
latiOn Of the best impulses of cur citizens
lead the way to realization Of the national
destiny which our fair promises, gladly vel
come the opportunity here afforded Us TO see
the results accomplished by efforts which
have been exerted longer than ours in the
field Of mans improvement, while in apprs-
ciative return We exhibit the unparalleled
advancement and wonderful accomplish
ments Of young nation and present the tri-
umphs Of a vigorous. self-reli,nt and inde-
pendent people.
We have built these splendid edifces, but
We have also built the magnificent fabric Of
q popular government, whose grand proper
tons are seen throughout the world. We
have made and here gathered together Ob-
jects Of Use and beauty, the product Of Ameri-
can skill and invention. We have also
made men who rule themselves. Il is an ex-
alied mission in which We and our guests
from other lands are engaged as we cooper
ate in the Inauguration Of an enterprise de
voted to human enlightenment, and in the
understanding here entered upon We exem-
plify in noble sense the brotherhood Of
nations. Let Us hold fast to the meaning
that under.ies the ceremony, and let Us not
lose the impressiveness Of this moment. As
By touch the machinery that gives life to
this vast exposition is now set in motion, so
at the same instant let our hopes and aspi-
ratiOns awaken forces which IN all time 10
come shall influence the welfare, the integ-
riiy. the freedom Of mankind"
Estimates of the number Of people who
entered the gates to-day are roughly made at
from $4,000 to 10000.