The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-10-31
THE END OF THE FAIR.

THE END OF THE FAIR.
The closing of the Worlds Columbian Ex-
position marks the successful consumma-
ton of one OF the greatest Of human under
takngs. In holiness of conception, grand
eur Of outline, fertility Of resources and
completeness of execution it was a mar
ders of the fair. and they were almost
numberless. by far the greatest was
that men could have been found
with the originality, the daring, the
sstless energy and the splendid ex-
ecutive ability to conceive organize and
execute work so unique. so vast and so
magnificent. After the formation of the
rebellion nothing in American history has
reflected greater credit on the American
people than the successful carrying through
of the stupendous enterprise. For. after
making due Acknowledgements to foreign
governments and exhibitors. the fact re-
mains that the fair was from beginning to
end. from top to bottom. through and
through, an American achievement. 1t
was organized by American minds, created
by American money and energy, perfected
by American genius located on American
soil, in the most typical of American cities,
and conducted on American lines to a
grand American Honor
thanks to foreign governments and exhibit
ors for their participation. but even they
must admit, doubt they frankly do,
that the fair was essentially and pre-
eminently American.
To say that it far surpassed and COM
pletely threw in the shade all previous
worlds fairs Is but to repeat the universal
comment of those who arc competent to
judge. To say that 1t will never again be
equaled would, perhaps, be hazardous
prediction. We can only speak with GER
tainty of the past; we know not what the
future may have in store. One thing. how
fore the great exposition is equaled. The
clock of time has struck twelve in this one,
and 1t will not strike twelve again soon.
The next international exposition must
have the patronage of some government
and city, and it will be hard to find any
government and city in tho world that will
take the risk of raising even half as much
money as was invested in the fair just
closed. The Journal believes there is only
one government and one city besides Chi
caCo that would venture to undertake 1t,
and these are the government of the United
States and the city of New York. Perhaps
the worlds international exposition in 1893,
held at New York, In honor of the five
hundredth anniversary of the discovery of
America, may surpass the one just closed,
but we doubt If 1t will be equaled during
the next hundred years.
It should be a matter of pride and con-
graduation with all Americans that the
great fair has proved a financial success.
It's business management has been marked
by the same degree of skill and genius that
entered into every other department. There
may have been some extravaganza. some
looseness of expenditure, but this was in
separable from so vast and novel an en-
terprise. 1t is enough that there have
been no embezzlements. no scandals, and
that the fair comes out with a handsome
surplus instead of a deficit
A Chicago paper says: Expressions Of
regret that the fair must close come from
all quarters and every class Of people"
This must be qualified. Everybody who has
visited the fair admits that it was mag
nificent beyond description. Every such
visitor is glad to have seen it, and will
treasure it's memories as long as memory
lasts. All would be glad to visit it again if
1t were TO continue and all will regret
that such an aggregation Of art, beauty
and utility must, necessarily be dissolved.
Yet, when we come down to the last an
alysis, there will be an immense amount
Of quiet satisfaction that the fair has
closed. Great as it was. it has also been
great tax on the energies and resources of
the country, and the people will be rather
glad that it has come to an end. They can
now turn their attention and devote their
spare change to something else.
A RADICAL CHANGE NEEDED.