The oasis., 1894-03-01
THE MIDWINTER FAIR.
RAILROAD RATES GREATLY REDUCED --sAN FRANCISCO and RETURN ATABOUT ONE-HALF THE
 USUAL COST.

Francisco an international Midwinter 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 sec it, will be news of a 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 adjuncts sprang into being in SO short time.
 There is palace of Manufactures and Lib- ral Arts, palace Of Mechanical Arts, a pal ace of Fine Arts. and a palatial Administra- tion Building; and these are finished and filled with exhibits from every quarter of the globe material evidences of every industry and art.
 To these main buildings have been added special state and county buildings, in which the products of different sections are emphat- ically particuarized. Many of California's neighboring states have erected exposition structures of their own, and not few of her own counties have added county buildingsto 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 picturesqueness and perfection of landscape effects this midwinter display in Golden Gate park surpasses all ef- 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. Tine park has worldwide fame for its great natural beauty, independent of its recent ac- quistion. Combine with this the artistic ar ngement of these splendid architectural master pieces 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 212 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; afTording magnificent views of the grounds park and surroundings for miles in all directions. From the top are operated two powerful fash-lights and the sides are 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 endeavor of the manage ment to make the boder features of the Mid winter Fair distinctly typical of western life, though individual enterprise has not been | lacking to make many foreign features eN- ceedingly prominent and interesting. Among { the latter may be mentioned, as meriting l special attention, the reproduction of Held elherg Castle which represents an eHpendi- ] ture of s50O00 For the average European this splendid feature needs no description. 1 The mere sound of the name brings rush Of | joyful memories of "das Vaterland.' Then there Is the Public Prater of Vienna, where ] refreshments are accompanied by grand or 1 chestral and vocal concerts. Bits of 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 numerous mother attractions may be found among the Oriental concessions.
 To delight the heart of the old argonaut isa genuine mining camp in full operation, old adobe huts with tiled roofs. typical of the days of '49; Indians, Cowboys, and bucking mustangs.
 Special days have been set apart through out the fair season for the individual ooserS- ance and celebration by the various interests
 represented. For instance, Enxland, France
 Germany, Italy, Austria, Russia, etc, the sev
 eral American states, Pacific Coist states
 and counties societies and industries, each
 have their special day of jubilee. and these
 iubiloes will be memorable events.
 But the question of most serious moment in
 connection with the Midwinter Fair is, how
 can we all get thereg
 Answered in a twinkle The SOUTHERN PACIFIC COMPANY has made for this special
 occasion the most liberal rates ever offered
 for the benefit of the public, and placed with
 in easy reach of every person on the Pacific
 Coast not only visit to san Francisco and
 inc Fair. but the chance of a life time to visit
 many other attractio ions of California. It may