The oasis., 1894-03-08
THE MIDWINTER FAIR.
RAILROAD RATES GREATLY REDUCED SAN FRANCISCO and RETURN ATABOUT ONE-HALF THE
 USUAL COST.

OASIS that there Is now in progress in San 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 see 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 >hone 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- e ral Arts, a palace of Mechanical Arts, a pal ace of Fine Arts. and palatal 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 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 1t includes more than seventy structures.
 Some of these buildings as works of arch itectnral art, are superior to the buildings of the Columbian Exposition. and competent critics have said that for rpicturesqueness and perfection of landscape effects this midwnter display in Golden Gate park surpasses all ef- forts ever made in that direction. This is largely dus 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 it's recent &C., quisitiOn. Combine with this the artistic ar ngement of these splendid architectural master pieces and the effect must be simply incomparable.
 The grandest engineering feature of tho Exposition is the Bonet Steel Tower. which rises to an elevation of 2T2 feet from the csn- 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; affording magnificent views of the grounds, park and surroundings for miles in all directions. From the top arc operated two powerful flash-lights, and the sides are succession of dazzling and yariegated 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- ceedngly prominent and interesting Among the latter may be mentioned, as meriting special attention the reproduction of Heid- elberg Castle, which represents an expendi- ture of s5O000. For the average European this splendid feature needs no description. The mere sound of the name brings a rush of joyful memories of "das Vaterland" Then there is the Public Prater of Vienna where refreshments are accompanied by grand or 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 umerous mother attractions may be found among the Oriental concessions.
 To delight the heart of the old argonaut isa genuine mining camp in full operation, ola adobe huts with tiled roofs. typical of the days of 4g; Indians, Cowboys, and bucking mustangs.
 Special days have been set apart through out the fair season for the individual ooserv- ance and celebration by the various interests represented. For instance, EnSlaud, France Germany. Italy, Austria, Russia, etc., the seV cral American states Pacific Coast states and counties, societies and industries each hav, their special day of jubilee, and these !ublees 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 m easy reach of every person on the Pacific Coast not only visit to San Francisco anc AL. ..,fa fa itrfs fn ilif