The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1893-05-06


tible patience and kindness. Thou knowese<he
unexampled fertility of resources and the re-
sistless energy by which men and women, en-
trusted with the conduct OF this mighty UNDER
taking have brouget it to a triumphant consum-
nation. Crown their labors and victory with
Thy gracious word, well done, good and faith
full servant" and move the world TO echo Thy
plaudit. Upon this great city. which is the w0n-
der of the world, upon whose site, within the
memory of living men, has been found the pap
ture for wild beasts the lair OF the wolf and the
nest of the rattleenake, and which now sits en-
throned as one of the capitals or the earth, and
throws wide its gates of hospltable welcome ~
the people Of the world, send upon this city and
all classes dwelling within its borders Thy bles-
sing, which maketh rich and bringeth no sorrow.
'Oh, Lord God, accept our praise receive our
prayer, through Him whom Thou Taught us to
say: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be
Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
on earth as it il in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread, and forgive MS our trespasses as we
us not into temptation, but deliver MS from evil,
and Thine shall be the glory. Amen.
Apoem was read by lady, after which
Director General Davis delivered the
open speech, and then introduced Mr..
Cleveland. AS the director general step
ped back the President stepped forward
and the climax of the ovations of the day
was reached. For minutes the crowd
cheered over and over again, and men
500 feet away tossed their hats in the air,
waved their umbrellas and otherwise dis
ported themselves in frantic exhibitions
of enthusiasm. He spoke as follows:
II am here to join my fellow-citizens in
the congratulations which beft this occa-
sion. Surrounded by the stupendous re-
suits of American enterprise and activity,
and in view of magnificent evidences Of
American skill and intelligence, we need
not fear that these congratulations will
be exaggerated. We stand to-day in the
presence of the oldest nations of the world
and point to the great achievements we
here exhibit, asking no allowance on the
score of youth. The enthusian with which
we contemplate our work, intensifies the
warmth of the greeting we extend to
those who have come from foreign lands
to illustrate with us the growth and pro-
Rrese of human endeavor in the direction
of q higher civilization. We, who believe
| that popular education and the stimula-
ton Of the best impulses OF our citizens
lead the way to q realization of the proud
national destiny which our faith promises,
gladly welcome the opportunity here af
| forded rs to see the results accomplished
by efforts which have been exerted long
| or than ours in the field of mans improve
meut; while in appreciative return we ex-
hibit the unparalleled advancement and
wonderful accomplishments of young
nation, and present the triumps OF q Wig
orous, self-reliant and independent peo-
pie. We shave built these special ediffces,
but we have also built the magnificent
fabric of a popular government, whose
grand proportions are seen throughout
the world. We have made and here gath
cred together objects of use and beauty,
| the products Of American skill and inven-
ton; We have also made men who rule
themselves.
| ut 10 an exalted mission in which we
and our guests from other lands are en-
gagel. As we cooperate in the inaugu-
ration Of an enterprise devoted to human
enlightenment, and in the undertaking
We here enter upon, we exemplify, in the
noblest sense,the brotherhood of nations.
Let us hold fast to the meaning that I'M
derlies this ceremony, and let us not lose
the impressiveness of this moment. As
by q touch the machinery that gives life
10 this vast Exposition is now set in mo-
ton, 90 at the same time let our hopes
and aspirations awaken forces which, in
all time to come, shall influence the vel
fare, dignity and freedom of mankind"
At the conclusion of his address the
Presiden touched the electric button and
the Worlds Columbian Exposition Of
1893 was ushered into its official exis-
tence. The huge fountains threw vol.
ume Of water fifty feet into the air, and
the roaring of engines a quarter Of mile
away, told the multitude that the electric
spark had done its duty.