The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1895-12-06
THE ATLANTA EXPOSITION.

Exposition has followed Exposition
as decade has followed decade. While
all thought the climax had been
reached as each exhibition closed, it
has been discovered that the march
OF human progress is ever onward
Each preceding effort has been uni
formly eclipsed by that which follow
ed. There is no cause to think the
verdict of history will now bereversed
On the contrary, the Cotton States
and International Exposition will
shine as the brightest star of the CON
stella,ion until another comes to claim
the honors.
The original idea, as to the object
and scope. gradually broadened until
a Cotton States and International
Exposition, to be opened on Ssptem
Der 18th and closed December 3Ist,
1895, was decided upon, and the
world invited to participate; the
prime object being to cultivate closer
trade relations with South. Central,
and Latin American republics.
Once started, the project OF holding
a great exposition moved So rapidly
that the first week of 1894 saw it take
permanent form. A company was
organized with two hundred thousand
dollars capital and charter was OBJ
tained from the State of Georgia.
The city of Atlanta, as a corporate
body, contributed $4,000, fire and
police protection, and water supply
to the enterprise. Fulton county
contributed $4,000; the several
railroads centerlng at Atlanta con
tributed an aggregate of $4,000 and
guaranteed low freight and passenger
rates.
Commissioners to other States and
foreign countries were appointed and
entered actively upon the work of
interesting the other States and Amer
can, European, and Asiatic Nations.
Recognition of the United States
Government was secured and an ap
preparation of 100000 obtained for
the purpose of constructing buildings
and making an exhibit. Georgia ap-
propriated $4,000 for the same pur-
pose. Various other States followed
the example of the National Govern
ment. Numerous foreign nations also
recognized the importance OF the
enterprise, and appropriated money,
appointed commissioners, and made
other arrangements to accept Atlantas
invitation and participate In the Expo
sition. The support has been enthus
iastic, liberal, ,and active on every hand
The Exposition is divided into
seventeen general departments, each
fully organized and equipped for that
portion of the work specially CON-
mitted to its charge The work has
bean carried on under the special
direction of the Chiefs of Departments,
who have worked with untirlng energy
and zeal
The grounds are located north OF
the city of Atlanta, two miles from
the Union Passenger Depot, and
were formerly known as Piedmont
Park. They were acquired ea'9 in
1894, by lease, of the Piedmont
Park Co., for nominal sum, with
the privilege of purchase within a
given time at stated price, and Will
probably pass to the Exposition Com
pany or to the city of Atlanta before
the option expires. The latter is a
cousummauon devoutly wished tor
by Atlantians.
THE BUILDINGS,
Administration the name sug-
gests, this building is used for general
administration Offices. Here the
visitor can find any particular official
with whom he may have business, or
readily ascertain his Whereabouts.
Auditorium.-The body of this
building is grand amphitheatre de-
voted to entertainment purposes. Inc
express, telegraph, postofhce' ana
police headquarters occupy portions
of the Auditorium.
Agricultural.-Here may be iouno