The oasis., 1894-04-12
THE MIDWINTER FAIR.
RAILROAD RATES GREATLY REDUCED IAN FRANCISCO and RETURN AT ABOUT ONE-HALF THE
 USUAL COST.

OASIS that there is now in progress In San Francisco an international Mldwinter Ex- position But much that concerns that tre- mendous enterprise, what may be seen there. its daily doings. and why it is to the interest of all to see it. will be news of character eagerly sought by everyone who reads.
 In the first place. what may be seen there. Since August 24 last there has grown up in Golden City park the most beautiful group of industrial places that the western sun ever shone upon, and it will be the wonder of the world for years to come how these five main exposition buildings and their three-score and ten architectural adjuncfs sprang into being in SO short time.
 There is palace of Manufactures and Lib. eral Arts, palace of Mechanical Arts, a pal ace of Fine Arts.'and palatial Administra- tion Building; and these are finished and filled with exhibits from every quarter of the globe material evidences of every ind try and art.
 To these main buildings have been added special state and county buildings, in which the products Of different sections are emphat- ically particularized. Many of CalifornIa's neighbOring states have erected exposition structures of their own. and not a few of her own counties have added county buildings to the group. The area of the California Mid winter Exposition is nearly two hundred acres. and it includes more than seventy structures.
 Some of these buildings, as works of arch itectural art, are superior to the buildings of the Columbian Exposition, and competent critics have said that for rpicturesqueness and perfection oflandscape effects this midwinter ,1 forts ever made in that direction. This Is largely due to the generosity of nature and the happy selection of a site by the promoters. The park has worldwide fame for its great natural beauty. independent of its recent ac- quisition. Combine with this the artistic ar ngement of these splendid architectural masterpieces and the effect must be simply incompatible.
 The grandest engineering feature of the Exposition is the Bonet Steel Tower. which rises to an elevation of 272 feet from the cen- ter of the quadrangle described by the four great palaces Elevators ascend almost to the top. and at stated intervals are three con venient balconies, the highest 250 feet above ground level; aiiording magnificent views of the grounds. park and surroundings for miles in all directions. From the top are operated two powerful flashlights and the sides are 8 succession of dazzling and variegated incan- descent bulbs, which at night time light up with intermittent splendor the whole superb setting.
 It has been the endeayor of the manage ment to make the bolder features of the Mid winter Fair distinctly typical of western life, though individual enterprise has not been lacking to make many foreign features ex- ceedingly prominent and interesting. Among the latter may be mentioned, as meriting special attention. the reproduction of Hed- elberg Castle. which represents an expensi- ture of si0O00. For the average European this splendid feature needs no description. The mere sound of the name brings a rush of joyful memories of "das Naterland" Then there is the Public Prater of Vienna, where refreshments are accompanied by grand or cncstral and vocal concerts Bits old Paris, Turkish theatre Street in Cairo, Cafe Chantant, Alaskan Village. Japanese Village Japanese tea garden Chinese Village, Cy- clorama of the famous Hawaiian Volcano and umerous mother attractions may be found among thc Oriental concessions.
 TO delight the heart of the old ar~onaut isa genuine mining camp in full operation, old adobe huts with tiled roofs. tyaical of the days of 70; Indians, Cowboys, and bucking mustaugs.
 Special days have leen set apart through out the fair season for the individual ohserv- ance and celebration hy the various interests represented. For instance EaEland. France Germany, Italy, Austria. Russia. etc. the sev eral American states, Pacific Co,st states and counties. societies and industries, each have their special day of jubilee, and these iubilees will be memorable events.
 But the question If most serious moment in connection with the Nlidwinter Fair is, how can we all get theres
 ! Answered in twinkle rne SOUTHERN l PACIFIC COMPANY has made for this special occasion the most liberal rates ever offered ] for the benefit of the public and placed with l in easy reach of every person on the Pacific Coast not only visit to san Francisco ane ' the Fair, but inc chance of a llfe lime to visit