Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-09-18
Opening Exercises of the Atlanta
Exposition.
NEARLY ALL HHE EXHIBITS READY
A Vast Amount of Work in the
Last Hours.
THE WEATHER PRQPITIOUs

ATLANTA, Ga, September lS-Tbe
morning of opening day of the south's
greatest show, the cotton states and inter-
national exposition, dawned auspiciously
bright and clear, affording to the thou
sands Of northern visitors in the city a
sample of typical southern September
weather. As the day wore on the heat be-
gan TO pass the limit OF comfort, but the
ruoyant crowds on the streets do not seem
TO mind the temperature, and good humor
reigned supreme.
During the night the finishing touches
mad been put on a number of the buildings.
and every effort had been made to get the
grounds in good shape for the opening.
and those who left the park yesterday af-
ternoon found this morning that great
TRANSFORMATION had been wrought From
the tops OF the 347 fagstaffs on the build
lngs around the grounds there foated The
pennants and flags of the nations of the
earth, and the doors Of the buildings which
nave been closed for several days. were all
thrown open.
Nearly All Exhibits Complete,
In the interior Of the buildings a great
deal of work had been accomplished. Over
nine-tenths of the exhibits were complete.
and neatly appareled attendants stood ST
each booth. The policemen had advanced
and were patrolling the grounds. exposi-
ton guards were everywhere and every
thing was ready for the crowds
AS the day grew older the crowds who
had not been admitted to the grounds
gathered about the gates, and anxiously
awaited the appearance of the military and
the directors
Awaiting the Parade.
Down town preparations began early
for the parade to the grounds, and the uni
forms of United States regulars and vis-
fsing and local military lent a martial tone
TO the mrltitudes that congrcgated in the
neighborhood of the corner of Broad and
Marietta streets. where the marching
forces were Elobj!ized.
The city is mass of bunting and the
waving decorations. the flying fags the
bands of music and the general atmos-
phere of gayety offer the strongest pos
sib,e contrast to the dismantled Atlanta
of "a. SO familiar to many of the yete,.
ans oi the federal army who today par-
ucipated in tie celebration of the great
est victory of peace the south has ever
won.
The Opening Signal.
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 1 o'clock the procession, under COM
mand of Col w. L. Kellogg of the United
States army, began to move In the line
We're the fifth regiment. U.S.A.; the Wash
ington. Artillery. New Orleans crack
B: Richardson; the fifth n regiment t
of Georgia and various visiting
state troops, making twenty-five COM
panies In ALL Five bands, including Gil
more's famous organization, headed by
Victor Herbert, furnished music for the
tramping column which swept its bril-
liant length out toward the exposition
park between continuous lines of admir-
ing and cheering spectators.
AS the heed of the column reached the
gate, the companies were matted and the
exposition directors and their guests in
the military companies marched in, stop
PED on IL G plaza, stacked arms, and We're
taken to the barbecue stand, where they
while.
The guests and directors followed to the
auditorium, where the formal opening oc-
Cured. Speeches We're delivered on the
small stage, which was profusely deco
rated.
The Opening Exercises.
While the crowd was still gathering.
Victor Herbert's band rendered his new
and original Salute to Atlanta" amid
great applause. Vice President Hemphill.
as master of ceremonies. presented Bishop
Cleveland kinlock Nelson, who offered the
opening prayer
Mr.. Hemphill presented Col Albert How
ell, who read the exposition ode. written
by Frank l.. Stanton.
Then Mr.. Hemphill introduced President
Collier. who delivered the opening ad-
dress. President Collier was followed by
Mrs John Thompson, president of the
board OF women managers who spoke in
behalf of the women's department
Booker Washington, the principal of the
Tuskegee Normal Institute, then delivered
an address N behalf of the negro depart
ment.
Mayor King spoke for the CITY,
When He Will Press the Button.
BUZZARD'S BAY, Mass, September Is
Owing to delay in the adjustment of the
southern end of the. wire connecting the
presidential residence with machinery hall,
en- the Atlanta exposition grounds, it is an
nounced that the button will not be pressed
until $50 pm, Boston time.