Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-08-31
FORTY THOUSAND PRESENT.

Opening the Northwestern Interstate
Fair Mt Tacoma, Wash.
The northwestern interstate fair was
opened Wednesday afternoon at Tacoma,
Wash, with a street parade and literary
exercises in the manufacturing building in
the evening. 1t is estimated there were
10000 persons on the grounds. The whole
city was decorated.
1t was seven months ago when the idea
Of holding a northwest interstate fair was
conceived IN the brain of Tacoma man,
Henry BUGGY He Immediately started to
put 1t into execution. Business men
throughout the northwest seized upon it
eagerly and lent it their support. Fffty-six
acres Of park land in the residence portion
Of Tacoma were secured and an organiza-
ton effected.
Lack of money was the first obstacle en-
cOmtcred. 1t, however, did not delay work
a day. A clearing bee was held, in which
the governor of the state, professional men
and laborers worked side by side, giving
their labor free. This gave confidence and
money began to flow freely. The great
floods and then the strike by cutting off
tranScoE tinental communication did almost
overwhelming damage, but the western
spirit rose superior to aid these drawbacks
and the fair went. The whole state be-
came interested.
The contagion spread to British Columbia
Canada's westernmost province, and then
to Alaska.
Oregon came in enthusias ticaily. Idaho
and Montana each realized the advantages
to result from such an enterprise and went
in for 1t with heart and soul.
fair has resulted unique in every way,
far more extensive than any exposition
ever seen west of the Mississippi, save only
the midwinter fair. and above all. thorough
ly representative and characteristic Of the
Pacific northwest. co.. l....
On the grounds is a series of beautiful
buildings In which are to be seen display ed
the forestry. the agricultural and horticul-
tural, the mining and fish resources of this
region. The fisheries building Is a particu-
larry attractive one, 1t being so arranged
as to be furnished with q constant supply
Of salt water direct from the sound. In its
tanks are to be found all varieties of fish
that abound in these waters.
huge manufacturing and liberal arts
building contains the foreign department.
which is under the direction of the foreign
commissioner Joseph N. Stiles who oc-
cupied similar position at the midwinter
fair. Extensive exhibits are presented from
sixteen foreign lands. American manufac-
turers have also exhibited on a big scale
There is "Plaisance' feature to the fair
that Is almost as cosmopolitan in char
acter as that Of Chicago. A wild west
snow, an Indian village, an Esquimaux viii
lage, Turkish village, Hawaiian musicians
and host of 'spielers'' Of all nationalities
rake an odd collection. In addition to the
concessions named there is a cyclorama a
scenic railway, German beer garden, and
score or more other features besides in
Vulnerable smaller shows.
The situation of the grounds is admirable
They slope away to the sound in such
manner as to command a magnificent view
OF the water in its setting of the fir-clad
hills. The jagged peaks of the Oiympics line
the horizon in one direction. while those of
the Cascades, with Mt. Tacoma, 14,44i feet
of whiteness rising in the center bound the
view in the other.
Fifteen acres of the ground were given
up to a delightfully."- wild and romantic little
park. bit of the evergreen states most
characteristic forest scenery
The fair will be opsned until November /