The oasis., 1894-03-22
THE MIDWINTER FAIR.
RAILROAD RATES DKEATLY REDUCED SAN FRANCISCO and RETURN AT ABOUT ONE-HALF THE
 USUAL COST.

IT VIII HUI Bt htW1 tD UihU9 It"NtIt or IHk 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 len architectural adjuncts sprang into being in so short time.
 There is palace of Manufactures and Lib- eral Arts, d palace of Mechanical Arts, pal ace of Fine Arts. and palatial Admnistra- 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 particularzed. Many of Calfornia's neighboring states have erected exposition structures of their own, and not 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 picturesqueness and perfection of oflandscape effects this midwnter 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 site by the promoters. The park has worldwide fame for it's 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 25O feet above ground level; aifording magnificent views of the grounds park and surroundings for miles in all directions. From the top are operated two powerful nash-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 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 Heid- elberg Castle, which represents an expendi- ture of s500OO. For the average European this splendid feature needs no description. 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 chestral and vocal concerts Bits of old Paris, Turkish theatre, Street in Cairo, Cafe Chantant, Alaskan Village, Japanese Village Japanese tea garden, Chinese Village, q 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 is a 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 observ- ance and celebration by the various interests represented For instance. England, France Germany. Italy, Austria, Russia, etc, the sev eral American states, Pacific Coast states and counties, societies and industries, each have their special day of jubilee, and these iubilees will be memorable events
 But the question of most serious moment in connection with the Midwinter Fair is, how can we all get theref
 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 a visit to san Francisco and