The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-05-03

PARTY.
Of interest Tens of thousands of specta-
tors could view the scenes, experience the
emotions caused by the successive steps in
the programme, and be thrilled by the ell
thusiasn of its climax.
1t is impossible to convey by words an
adequate conception of the frame work in
which the panorama of Il ction was set at
Is the most beautiful scene in the world"
was the exclamation uttered by man who
has Travelled in every cline and has seen
nature adorned and unadorned by art in all
Its phases. The central court" us it is
often termed, Is i'll reality vast unroofed
court, but of dimensions so enormous as
to make it seem rs though section of all
outdoors had been set apart and inclosed
within series of lofty and noble facades
composed of porticos, columns, cornices,
friezes, cntabulars and heroic statuary,
and as if the space thus enclosed had re
ceived with lavish hand all the beauty that
arts most lavish and yet chastely guided
could confer.
Scene of Opening Ceremonies.
Imagine, if You can, this vast space,
thanked by the white facades of the ire
mendous palaces of Manufactures on one
side and of Agriculture on the other. The
head of this Enclosure is crowned by the
aspiring front and soaring dome of the
Administration building, while it's foot,
outstretched toward the dancing waters of
Lake Michigan, is guided as by jeweled
anklet with the Peristyle, cleaning
portico of columns supporting graceful
freize upon which stand heroic statues.
In the center Of all, stretching from the
front of the Administration building to
the Peristyle and passing beneath the
structure by flying arches into the lake
itself, is the central basin, IL long lagoon
of sparkling water.
In this lagoon, Mt either end, are two of
the most beautiful and imposing objects
of art within the white city. The first of
these is the triumphal Barge of State,
magnificent yet light and full of action.
Thanking this, directly in front of the
Administration building, are the two cleo
trio fountains, which all summer long
will throw jets $50 feet into the air. At
the other end of the lagoon, facing the
| flying barge, rises the colossal Statue of
the Republic, lis feet high, entirely COW
cred with gold. The effect of this rich
| decoration from the midst of its surround
ings of almost universally pure white is
peculiarly striking.
The Gathering of the Crowd.
The people first packed the space in
front of the Administration building The
grand stand in front Of that building,
although built to accommodate 5000 peo-
pie, looked like little patchwork of tim
Der rising only little above that sea of
block coats and upturned faces.
Still more thousands came and fiocked
l9to the porticos, crowded the Peristyle at
the far end of the lagoon and found points
Of view In more lofty and seemingly dan
| gerous positions.
| Tho nitizap for oxvav ~, H. Doz..4.I.. l.
the foot of the lagoon could drink in as
much of the beauty of the scene and ap-
preciate as fully every detail of the cere-
monies that was visible as though he were
occupying chair on the grand stand next
10 the president himself He could see the
gayly painted gondolas.. propelled by
swarthy Venitians, skimming like tropi-
CAD birds the ripping waters of the basin.
He could see flights of aquatic birds now
SWIMMING the water and now rising in
graceful curves high in the air. He could
see the electric launches, propelled by I'M
seen power, Swimming swift as swallows
from point to point. He could see the
great gold figure of the Republic looking
with the pendant white drapery yelling her
face like sOsn, Persian beauty in the DAYS
when the dream of the Arabian Nights
might have been in reality waiting with
outstretched ayms for the coming of her
bridegroom. Fn
The Sublime Climax.
All this and more. and gazing upon them
he could easily imaginE that these inspir-
ing figures wers themselves inspired with
life which treInbled with readiness to leap
into action beneath their cold and still ex-
terror.
The strain of waiting became intense
Men almost held their breath and women
Continued on page 5.