The oasis., 1894-03-29
THE MIDWINTER FAIR.
RAILROAD RATES GREATLY REDUCED --sAN FRANCISCO and RETURN TADOUT OSE-HALF THE
 USUAL COST.

It will not be news to many readers of TBE OASIS that there Is now in progress in Sau Francisco an international Midwiuter Ex- position. But much that concerns that tr.- mendOus enterprise, what may be seen there, its daily doings. and why il is to the interest of all to see it. will be news of q 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 thrce-score and ten architectural adiuncts sprang into being in SO short time.
 There is palace of Manufactures and Llb- eral Arts. palace of Mechanical Arts, a pal ace of Fine Arts. and 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- ieally particularized. Many of Callforna'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 rpicturesqueness and perfection of landscape effects this mdwinter display in Golden Gate park surpasscs all cf- forts ever made in that direction. This is
 largely due to the generosity of nature and the happy selection ofaslte by the promoters. The park has world-widc fame for its great natural beauty, independent of its recent ac- quistion Combine with this the artistic ar ngemcnt of these splendid architectural masterpieces and the effect must be simply
 ncOmpanble.
 Tho 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 250 feet above ground level; aifording magnificent views of tho grounds, park and surroundings for miles
 in all directions. From the top are operated two powerful fiash-lights. and the sides are succession of dazzling aud varicgated incan- descent bulbs. which at night time light up with intermittent splendor the whole superb setting.
 IL 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- ccedingly 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 clestral and vocal concerts. Bits of old Paris. Turkish theatre Street in Cairo. Cafe Chantant, Alaskan Village. Japanese Village Japanese tea garden. Chinese Village. a Cy clorama of the famous Hawaiian Volcano ana unlcfOuS nOtutf dtlfdCilOilS may bt IpuNu among the Oriental concessions.
 To delight the heart of the old argonaut lsA genuine mining camp in full operation, old adobe huts with tiled roofs. typical of the days of is Indians. Cowboys, and buckn= mustangs.
 special days have been sei apart through out the fair season for the individual Observ- q, nce and celebration by tue various interest. represented. For instance. England. Franco Germany, Italy. Austria. Russia. etc., the ses eral American states, Pacific Coast states and counties, societies and industries, each have gheir special day of jubilee, and these jubilees will be memorable events.
 But the question of most serious moment in connection with the Midwinter Fair is, how can we all get there?
 Answered in 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