The herald., 1893-09-08
THR MIDwINTBR FAIR TO BIZ Sue
CRSS.

There have been go many conflicting
accounts as to the status of the midwin-
ter fair in San Francisco that it was hard
to say for long while whether the
thing would prove a success or no. 1t
seems to be established, however, that
the people of San Francisco desire to
have the exposition and are showing
that they do by liberal subscriptions.
Tins far these have come mainly from
persons of limited means. General
Barnes has thrown himself into the gap
with great vigor and has almost given
up his business to devote himself to col
lecting funds. We learn that he is quite
confident of raising million dollars.
The general is indefatigable when he ia
interested in anything and caa size up
the city very we'll. The various commits
tees have already raised 1920, 900 in
small sums. TO this is to be added the
donation of soc, 900 by the Southern Pa
ciic railway. Spring valley will sub
scribe the equivalent of 100000, giving
$4,000 in money and $4,000 in water
for lakes and various easements. Foreign
ard other exhibitors have already taken
100000 worth Of space, and this will
doubtless be largely increased as the
feeling grows that the fair will be
success.
The big millionaires have not been
approached yet. They have to be han
died with great address, and there are
certain drawbacks that will have to be
removed to get some of them to open
their purse-strings. The presence of
Mr.. Alexander Badlam on the commit
tee OF management does not seem to
have given unmixed satisfaction. There
are great many people in San Fran
cisco who obstinately refuse to be capti-
waited by Alexis winning ways. 1t
would very greatly strengthen the move
ment if Mr.. Badlam would initiate Her
man Shsinwald and resign. Many San
Franciscans distrust any enterprise in
which he is engaged, and they will be
very unwilling to put their money where
it may come under the discriminating
eye OF Aleck. His methods OF managing
an insurance company are fresh in ev-
erybody's recollection. 1t is said that
ex-senator James g. Fair makes his sub.
scription, which he is supposed to be
willing to make $100, 900. contingent mp
on Mr.. Badlam's withdrawal from any
active participation in the management
Of the enterprise. Ii this insinuating
gentleman is really warmly in favor of
the fair he would prove it conclusively
by retiring from any active part in its
control.
With the 1920, 900 already assured we
ought to have fair that will be credit
to the Golden State. The project has
taken on such an aspect of business that
the several counties outside of San
Francisco are justified in making
preparations to be properly represented
therein, and we nope Los Angeles will
be in the van. Any arbitrary assess-
ment by counties wonld not meet with
any general favor. The most satia-
factory way to raise money would be by
the sale OF space. The plan of special
session of the Legislature having fallen
through, as most sensible people sup
posed it would, the several counties will
be unable to appropriate any money OF
the taxpayers in aid of the midwinter
fair. But that Angelefos will be on
hand with voluntary contributions we
do not doubt. While we have INDUCED
in little good humored persifage at
several aspects of the enterprise, the
HERALD has the utmost friendliness
towards it and heartily hopes that il
will be great success. We are pleased
to eee that the people OF the Golden
Gate are at last waking up to the neces.
city of showing some public spirit. Per.
hsps when they have surprised them.
selves by the display OF little energy
and liberality they may keep up the
good work and place their city in the
pathway OF enterprise. But they ought
on no account to allow the millionairet
of San Francisco to escape their share
in the work OF getting the fair under
way.