The herald., 1894-01-10
THE MIDW|NTER EXPOSITION,
The Semi-0fficial Opening on
the First.
The Departments Which Are Now
Open to Visitors.
A Large Attsndance-Prepara for
the Grand Opening-EditorIai
Courtssies-Hawaii
Day.
Special correspondence to the HERALD.

/
SAN Francisco, Jan. 8, 1894.
The semi-official opening of the Cali
fornia Midwinter International Exposi-
tion took place on the Let OF January,
according to the original announcement.
! Owing to the delay caured in shipping
foreign exhibits from Chicago, it was
understood, of course, that everything
would not be in readiness on that date,
but the buildings were completed, great
many OF the confessional features were
in full operation, and the exposition
was practically started on the road to
success.
The day could not have been more
beautiful if it had been made to order.
! Eastern people visiting California for
| the fret time went into ecstasiee over S
New Years day so much like the grand
est April day in other parts OF the world.
There were flowers blooming on every
hand, and the deep green foliage formed
| striking background for the gala day
costumes of the thousands OF ladies
who thropged Golden Gate park until
the sun went down. Early on this
beautiful midwinter morning flags were
hoisted on each and every flagstaff on
the building and in and about the expo
sition grounds; there were concerts dur
! ing the day by the great midwinter fair
band, and thousands OF people svsiled
themselves of the opportunity to view
the buildings and to witness the special
attractions which were offered.
| Among the concessions which opened
up on New YEARS. day were the Santa
Barbara sea lion exhibit. Boone's wild
animal arena, the ostrich farm, Heidel-
berg castle, the Vienna prster. the Col
/ orsdo gold mine, the Japanese garden,
the scenic railway, and great many
others. The Santa Barbara sea lions
will evidently prove to be one of the
great drawing cards OF the exposition.
! This is one of the entirely new features
-one that was not seen at Chicago.
/ Those who witnessed the performance i'll
the wild animal arena, and who had seen
the similar performance on the midway
plaisance in Chicago, say that Boone'a
show rivals Hagenbeck's in every pariic-
ular, and surpasses it in many. The
scenic railway did a remarkable busi
than could be easily accommodated. The
ostrich farm was also well patronized
while Heidelberg and Vienna were full
of visitors all day long. These conces-
sionalres, as well as others not specified
in this connection, are very we'll satisfied
with their start, and feel confident that
when the exposition gets in running or
der their dearest hopes in the line OF
money making will be realized.
Notwithstanding the fact that there
were no special attractions OF general
nature provided for this semi-official
opening day, there we're about 10000
people who paid admission to the
grounds. The price OF admission is only
25 cents as yet. The so cent rate will
not be established until the official cere-
moniaI opening. The date when the
opening ceremonies will take place has
not yet been definitely fixed. 1t will
probably be about the 18th or Goth of
this month. 1t will depend largely upon
the rapidity with which exhibits arrive
and are installed. All the buildings
are ready, and great many exhibits
are now being arranged, but it will be
fully the middle of the month before
every thing will be in readiness.
When the grand day of ceremonial
opening comes, there will be an elapo-
rate programme of exercises, in which
all the state, municipal end federal Off
cials of the Pacific coast will partici-
pate. The merchants and residents of
San Francisco are making extensive
preparations to decorate their stores
and residences and the exposition will
have the grandest 'send OFF, ever &C.
corded to any enterprise in this part Of
the world.
There have been received by the chief
OF the department of publicity and pro-
motion great many queries in regard
/ To oil trh 70 ha
extended during the exposition. Some
OF the querists seem to fancy that the
exposition will, in some way, arrange
for railway transportation for visiting
editors. This, however, is not the case.
The exposition management has moth
ing to do with transportation. but every
editorial visitor to San Francisco, upon
presentation of credentials to the de-
partment of publicity and promotion,
will be provided with pass to the ex-
position during the term of his stay in
San Francisco. Visiting editors may
rest assured, therefore, that they will be
taken care of in this regard, and that
any other courtesy which it is possible
for the exposition management to ex-
tend TO them will be gladly accorded.
Monday, the 11th OF June, is the day
that has been set apart as Hawaiian
Day." and that occasion will be taken
advantage of for the making OF a special
effort in the way of general entertain
ment in which the Hawaiian concession
aires will play the part of hosts. A part
OF the programme will consist OF parade
by the entire foreign contingent, headed
by the Hawaiian national band of forty
pieces. which was formerly the royal
band of Honolulu. Among other fea-
lures OF the day will be horse race
with female riders, sitting astride, as is
the native custom. There will also be
native field sports, including fencing,
spear throwing and hoola dancing. On
WAIKIKI lagoon, within the Hawaiian
village enclosure. there will be COM
prehensive exhibition of aquatic sports.
The event OF the day, however. will be
luau, or native feast, to which the
officials of the fair, the municipal off,
GERS. the press and others will be in
vited. Guests will sit on mats and eat
from table foot and half from the