New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-07-27
DRUMMERS HAVE THEIR DAY.
THEY FORM THE CHIEF ATTRACTION AT
THE FAIR.
ENTERTAINED BY MANAGERS AND ExHIEmoRs
MAYOR HARRISON MAKES TIE SPEECH
OF WELCOMED MAGNIFICENT DIS
PLAY OF FIREWORKS
IBr TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIpuSy1

Chicago, July 26.-The commercial travellers Of
the United States were the chief attraction at the
Fair Grounds to-day. There is no association of
men who are more capable of enjoying coming to-
gether and having a good time than the class known
as the "drummers." Individually they are used to
travel and TO going hither and thher In all parts
of the country. and from their occasional unex-
pected meetings In out-of- the-way places in the
course OF their travels, and at times perhaps when
they are feeiing little lonesome, strong ties OF
friendship are formed among them and spirit of
good fellowship is developed which obterates all
sense of irritation springing from rivalry compe
tion in their several lines of trade. There was
goody representation of the ten thousand men
nected with this association. and by reason of
their identification with the trading interests of the
country and the relation of these ntrests to the
industries represented in the Exposition the mana
gers of the Fair arranged In advance a cordial re-
ception a LITTLE out of the line of the ordinary. The
exhibitors themselves were also conspicuous par
Elephants as hosts. and when the men reached the
grounds they encountered in the terminal station
something quite unlocked for.
The experience of General st. Clair, the Worlds
Fair Commissioner from West Virginia, who was
so roughly handled by the guards and gatemen
few days ago is still fresh in the public mind. One
of the drummers said as he passed from the plat
form to the floor of the terminal station that he
thought the association might have been exempt
from the practice of punching" so widely ad-
one OF the features connected with entering the
grounds. But the exhibitors had kept watch of the
advance Of the body and had arranged long
table. on which there several bowls of good
punch. and this was applied promptly 10 the
mouths OF the visitors they made their way
from the train to the Enclosure. They were met
also with bands of music. and the arrangements
of the Fair officials included orchestral concerts for
the special honor of the guests. After partaking
OF refreshments the body marched TO Festival
Hall. While regular programme had been pro-
yided, there were many persons there 10 receive
them. among them Mayor Harrison. who made
short speech of welcome. 1t was characteristic
speech which pleased the members of the assoc
citation greatly. and the Mayor on its conclusion
was adorned with a badge of the order ana ac-
cep.ed az an honorary member Pleasing re-
sponses were made by John G. Fennimore, OF ONO,
and w. F. Mitchell of Iowa.
The men were there. however for fun. and they
were impatient over any prolonged formalites by
way of reception. They soon started out on the
rounds OF the Enclosure under the care OF the
American Exhibitors Association. Midway Pais-
ance had attractions for many and the badges oil
the association later in the day were seen in large
numbers on the bosoms of the handsome fellows
at particular points of attraction in this remark
able group of attractions. In the course OF ule
day a visit was made TO the Administration Build
ing, where the party were formally received by
the National Commission, the address Of welcome
being made by F. d. Buene, of Missouri. who
spoke on behalf of Mr.. Rucker. the absent chair
man of the Committee of Invitation. This even
ing there was a special display of fireworks In
honor Of the association, and the fine weather
which has prevailed all day and continued into the
evening drew large attndanc
This being Turner Bund Day. there were also
on the grounds a large number of representa-
tives of German-Amercan Turner societies. These
evening displays of fireworks. which supplement
the illumination of the Grand Central Court by
electricity have become Of the most attrac-
tive features of the Exposition. The magnificent
sheet of water to the east of the Manufactures
Building, where the displays are given. afords a
splendid base and the scene is dreamlike in its
charming effect as viewed from some good point
Of observation. 1t is customary when these dis
plays are announced beforehand for people to
begin grouping themselves the pier which eX'
tends far into the lake from the southern end of
the peristyle. and along the entire water front
porthward TO the point on which the Victoria
House is located, half mile distant mere the
throngs collect. and they non only nave the au-
vantage of witnessing the brilliant coors against
the sky overhead, but see also the beautiful Ell
feet produced by renecuon upon the sihoo'" i"N'
Of the water. ,,,.
To-night's display was probably the most brilliant
except that the Fourth of July, which mas mus
far been devised. II included among other Things a
design representing the Falls of Niagara, $50 fee
long descending from height OF eighty Ieet ana
embracing many beautiful prismatic enects.
special design. forty by sixty rect ap,y aPputeu
10 the commercial travellers vacation was also N,
cuded in the scheme. Altogether the commercial
travellers day at the Fair has been one OF uh-
usual interest not only TO the men themselves put
TO those who were witnesses OF thelr ehJoymsht Oh
the occasion. which was marked py MANY eNiueh|0S
Of fell