Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1893-05-11

and Chicago may never have another,
yet should she have a dozen she could
have none which would bring her more
glory and honor than does this. her
grand celebration of the discovery of
America by Christopher Columbus.
Just now the eyes of the entire world
are upon her, and her name is upon the
tongues of all nations, and it is hardly
putting it too strong to assert that for
the time there is no greater city on
earth.
True, the 10Th Of October last, the day
on which the dedication took place, was
a great day, but that was simply fore
taste of the real grandeur that has
since been revealed. The fame of the
dedication wasrheralded throughout the
globe, and countless thousands have
read of the wonders witnessed on that
day, the mammoth audience, the mighty
buildings, etc, but that was only a
forerunner of the great event. Then
there was an air of incompleteness
about the whole thing. which has given
place to finished grace and beauty, and
untold features have been added, maxi
ing of the whole perfect picture OF
wonderland.
just about three years ago we We're
in the throes of anxiety as to the out
come of the vote in congress on the
worlds fair city. For time it looked
as if it would be New York, but
through Chicago energy sufficient pres
sure was brought to bear to outweigh
New YorEs claims and the prize became
ours.
Having gained it it seemed at first
like an elephant on our hands, but upon
a thorough siz1ng-up of the project it
soon resolved itself into an undertake
ing within the range of posi- bilities,
and being possible it soon became SIM
ply matter of push. and, as the whole
world knows, there is plenty of push
in Chicago.
AS will doubtless be remembered
much time was lost in the selection of a
site suitable for so large an enterprise.
The west side and the city lake front
were talked of, all of which is such
recent history it is not necessary to give
particulars. Finally Jackson park was
settled upon. and then the demand for
money arose. In the course of few
weeks thousands of Chicago's laboring
people came to the front and subscribed
for from one to ten or twenty shares of
stock. The men of wealth came
down literally and soon the nucleus
of a large fund was in hand and
building operations were begun at
once. The first spring month of 1892
witnessed the breaking of ground, and
before the expiration of summer the
southern end of Jackson park had be-
come forest of upright timbers. Work
men from all parts of the country
focked to the grounds and the White
city grew apace.
In all kinds of weather and in the
face of all kinds of opposition the work
went on. Labor troubles have from
the time the first spade was stuck into
the earth hindered the progress of
building. Among the first laborers en-
ployed were lot of Italians, who, be-
inG obnoxious to the Irish-Americans,
were driven from their work by those
who wanted their places. Further diff
ficulties We're encountered in procuring
sufficient material for so many great
buildings Then the elements con-
spired to hinder the progress of the un-
dertaking. Severe storms on several
occasions wrought serious damage 30
some of the buildings. notably the
great Manufactures and Liberal Arts
building, which last year had the east
wall partly blown dc IN, md this year
part of the roof cAr red in, causing
heavy loss
In addition to all this there have been
damaging stories set afloat by the enc
mics OF the fair. and the actions OF the
fair officials have been severely and I'M
justly criticised in various quarters,
and more than once the committee On
finance has been convulsed with fear
lest operations should haze Il, cease for
lack Of funds to carry on the work