The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1895-09-19

ATLANTA, Ga, Sept. 1s.-The morn
Ing of the opening day OF the South's
greatest show, the Cotton States and
International Exposition, dawned au-
sp!ciously bright and clear, affording to
the thousands OF Northern visitors in
the city sample Of typical Southern
September weather. AS the day wore
on the heat began to pass tho limit cf
comfort, but tho buoyant crowds on the
streets did not seem to mind the tenn
peraturo, and good humor reignod gu
premo.
During the night the finishing touches
had boon put on number of the build
ings, and every effort had boon made to
get the grounds in good shape for the
opening, and those who Left the park
yesterday afternoon found this morning
that great transformation had been
wrought. From the tops of the 347 flag
s,sffs on the buildings around the
grounds, there hoase6 the pennanss and
flags Of the nations of the earth, and the
doors of the buildings, which have been
closed for several days, were all thrown
open.
In tho in erior OF the buildings
great deal of work had been accom-
plished. Over nine-tenths OF the ex-
hibits were complete and neatly ap-
pareled attendants stood at each booth.
The policemen had advanced and wero
patrolliDg the grounds. Exposition
guards were everywhere, and everything
was ready for the crowd As tho day
grow older, the crowds who had not
been admitted to the grounds, gathered
about the gates and anxlously awaited
tho appearance of the military and the
direct tors
Downtown preparations began early
for the parade to the grounds and tho
uniforms Of the United States regulars
and visiting and local military lent q
material tone to the multisudes that
congregated In the neighborhood of
the corner of Broad and Marietta
streets, whore the marching forces were
modified.
Tho city is a mass of bunting and the
waving decorations, the flying flags,
the bands OF music and the general at
mosphere CT gayety of the strongest
possible contrast 20 the dismantled
Atlanta Of ga so familiar to many of
the veterans Of the federal army who
to-day participated in the celebration of
the greatest victory Of peace the South
has ever won.
at high noon every steam whistle in
the city broke forth into noisy chorus,
the crowds in the streets cheered long
and loud, and the festivities of opening
day were fairly begun. At o'clock the
procession, under command OF Col. w.
L. Kellogg, OF the United States Army,
began to move. In the line were the
Init
the Washington Artillery, New Orleans
crack company, commanded by Col.
John b. Richardson; the Fifth regiment
OF Georgia and various visiting State
troops, making twenty-five companies
In all. Five bands, including Gilmore's
famous band, headed by Victor Herbert,
furnished music for the tramping
column, which swept its brilliant length
out toward the Exposition Park between
continuous lines OF admiring and cheer
ing spectators.
AS the head of the column reached
the gate, the companies were halted and
the exposition directors and their guests
in carriages passed into the grounds,
then the military companies stepped ON
the plaza, stacked arms and were taken
to the barbecue stand, whore they were
guests OF the exposition for short
while.
The guests and directors went to the
auditorium. where the formal opening
occurred. Speeches were delivered on
the small stage which was profusely
decorated. While the crowd was still
gathering, Victor HerberL's band rem
dered his new and original Salute to
Atlanta" amid great applause. ExGov
K. b. Bullock, as master of ceremonies,
presented Bishop Clelsnd Kinlock
Nelson. who offered the opening PRAYER.
Governor Bullock presented Col.
Albert Howell, who read the exposi.
ton ode, written by Crank L. Stanton.
Then Governor Bullock introduced
President Collier, vino delivered the
opening address. President Collier was
followed by Mrs. John Thompson,
president of the board of women mana
gers, who spoke in behalf of the
women's department. Booker WASH
ington, the principal of the Tuskegee
Normal institute. then delivered an
address in behalf of the negro DEPART
ment. Mayor King spoke for the city.
The parade TO the grounds was one of
the most notable ever seen in the South.
II included members of the government
board IN carriages, also mem bers OF the
staff OF the government of Louisiana.
The foreign countries represented were
as follows: Venezuela, Mexico, Argeu.
tina, Costa Rios, France, Great Britain
and Italy.
Among the State commississioners
were representatives Of the following
State boards: Connecticut, Illinois, Mas.
sachusetts, New York, Arkansas, and a
number OF others.
unique feature was the appearance
in the line Immediately following the
carriages Of the woman's board of g