The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-05-02

their way to seats indicated by their
tickets upon the grand stand. Rapidly
then the spaces were filed up, Among
the early comers was the earl of Aher-
deem, attended by two OF the British
fair commissioners, A 1.-THE man Of
nervous temperament, he viewed the
gathering OF the people with quick and
lively interest He beheld the repre-
sentatives OF the press Of the country
huddled in pens upon the ground level
on either side Of the jutting circle OF
platform on which President Cleveland
would be seated. These quarters for
the press were protected against the
crowds that might come only by light
wooden rail, Meantime the skies had
again thiCkened, and while not obscur-
ing absolutely, they dimmed again the
outlines OF aIl tho structures round
about.
At 10 o'clock several guards had
placed upon the Presidents platform q
small square table over which was
draped an American flag. Two electric
wires were uncoiled from the floor and
carried up to the table. Upon the table
was placed square, pyramid stand
which was covered with gold and blue
plush. Up through this little pyramid
the electric wires were run, and were
then adjusted to golden telegraph
key, the button oil whichy should be
pressed by Mr.. Cleveland as q signal for
the machinery to start.
DISTINGUISHED MEN.
The diplomats OF foreign powers had
not como to the opening in body, but
more in an individual capacity. Down
the broad aisle OF the grand stand tall
white haired man sought a place In
front. II was Baron Fava, Italian min.
lister 10 the United States. Fred
Douglass next took place ON the
stand, Minister Romero, OF Mexico,
followed closely and then, without par.
ticular order or attendance, the consular
corps strolled down the aisle to their
places. Meanwhile, tho second regi.
ment had been formed obliquely from
the south corner Of the grand stand
across the plaza and the regulars Of tho
fifteenth regiment took relative posi-
ton from the north corner OF the stand.
AT the base OF the centre flagstaff
man in white shirt, with yellow and
black trousers, took position and
seized the ropes OF the waiting flag
aloft. Two men similarly attired laid
hold OF the ropes at the other two
stats and there waited their signal.
Meanwhile rapidly arriving trains and
street cars we're pouring forth their
freight at the gates OF the grounds.
Streams Of people were flowing towards
the great plaza before the grand stand
Short time was required for such rap
idly arriving throngs to blacken the on.
tire space, aud when II o'clock como
the spectacle thus presented was
notable one.
Ten minutes later great. cheer went
up from those at the rear ot the stand,
and white haired Director Davis came
down the main aisle side by side with
President Cleveland. The rattling
shout near the great sounding board
had attracted every eye thitherward,
and as the familiar figure ofthe nations
executive was discovered by the people
hats flew in the air, shouts shook the
clouds and echoed through the white
facades OF the surrounding buildings.
Behind the President came Secretaries
Gresham, Herbert, Smith and Morton.
Scarcely had they been seated when u
brilliant group Of figures appeared in
sight and followed along. The duke OF
Veragua and his party were recognized
instantly, and generous shouts Of vel,
come greeted them as they seated them.
selves little to. tho rear and side OF
President Cleveland. The duchess and
Secretary Herberts daughter entertain.
cd each other during the brief waiting.
A corps Of photographers, mounted
on the platform at a little distance
from the plaza, at this time became
busy with their work. AT twenty min.
utes past the hour the orchestra, with
grand burst, opened tho Columbian
march and hymn which had been writ.
ten by John K. Payne. Then rraycd