The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1895-05-02
Commission Finds ii Impossible 10
Hold an Exhibition.
A DEFICIT SURE TO Be The RESULT
strong Reasons why It Would Ne
Unwise 20 Attempt N Fair This
Fall-An Unanimous Vote for a
Postponement.

ing, it was decided that the state would
not hold its expected fair this fall. The
motion made at the last meeting was re-
considered; and, pending discussion after
the reconsideration had been accorded,
motion was made that no fair be held.
President Weed, in support of the mo-
ton, read strong letters from Hon. A. w.
Engle, of Seattle, and Hon. John r.
Reavis, OF Spokane, the outside members
OF the commission, highly commencing
the proposition to abandon the idea of
holding the fair this fall. Both of these
gentlemen felt that only positive def
cheney could result, were any attempt
made to carry out such plans as had al
ready been made for the holding of
fair. They conceded that the scarcity of
money in all parts Of Washington would
make it very hard to secure the sums
necessary to carry on an exhibition this
fall-citing the race feature of the pro-
gram particularly. Oregon's state fair,
which is to be held at the same time,
offers thousands of dollars in purses for
speed contests; and, as Washington can
not use any Of her appropriation for such
purses. it would be extremely difficult to
get any horsemen to come to Yakima
when more could be gained by making
the Oregon fair visit. Messrs. Engle
and Reavis saw no difficulty in the way
OF utilizing such means as remained OF
the $4,000 for grand exhibition next fall.
The maintenance Of the grounds and
other light and necessary expenses would
encroach but little upon the appropria-
ton this year; and, with no competition
on the part OF Spokane (Which city could
not change the dates it had already as
signed for its '95 fruit fair, and which
dates are identical with those provided
by law for the holding of the state fair
in '96, successful and creditable exhibit
ton could easily be held. Mr.. Reavis
felt that the abandonment OF fair this
fall was absolutely necessary; Mr.. Engle
was equally pronounced, agreeing that
such course was the only safe one dur
ing the present depressed condition of the
industries OF the state.
President Weed stated that he had
merely written the outside members OF
the commission asking their opinion in
the matter; and he offered the letters as
pertinent in the discussion then obtain
ing with the local members. He also
said that he had interviewed nearly all OF
| the prominent business men of the city,
and felt that their opinion could but be
taken as a criterion or evidence OF the
feeling OF merchants and farmers in the
state at large. He felt that failure this
year would seriously embarrass the COM
mission in its efforts in the fall OF '96 !;
and, for his part, he deemed it not only
ill-advised but almost absolutely impos-
sible to hold fair this year without
creating a mighty defect. Such action
could only entail another donation on the
part of citizens OF North Yakima, or the
commissioners themselves would have to
make good the amount of shortage; be.
cause the deficiency bill passed by the
, last legislature made it impossible for the
state to again step in and relieve the com
mission Of financial embarrassments. He
had gotten the opinion Of Senator Lesh
and Representative Milroy-both OF
whom heartily agreed with him, and had
declared in favor Of postponement.
Treasurer Parker said that he regretted
D the necessity Of postponing the usual ex-
hibtion for year, but he felt that such
: necessity undoubtedly existed. He had
gone through one year OF the work, and
had gained some idea OF the expenditures
3 to be made and the work to be done, and
he felt it extremely unwise to attempt to
hold fair this fall With the competi-
! ton to be met in the Spokane fruit fair,
J with Oregon and her large purses and
premiums, with the scarcity of money
+ presaging small attendance and conse-
q quent large deficit (which the commits.
8 sion might have to guarantee) he could
see no other feasible plan save postpone
j. ment. All lines OF trade in private enter
: prises and all state institutions had been
] curtailing expenses and Steering close to
: the wind" during the present depression ;
, and it WAS certainly wise to be careful in
I this instance, where the money paid by
: the taxpayers was to be handled by them
! as they might deem proper. He thought
e that it would not require over $1,000 to
keep the grounds in good condition this
! year. and that would leave at least $1,000
' for the expenses OF the fair in '96. II
would be easy for the hop pickers and
local farmers to hold a county fair this
|, fall. The Jubilee" last year was pro-
: nounced success, and might be made
, equally 80 this year. He could not see
! how many manufacturers could be per
suaded to bring displays here during the
y coming month Of September, unless they
: were assured of an attendance sufficient
ly large to justify the expense necessary
|, in coming. In this connection he fell
e that the races drew largely, and be wa.
! positive that no purses to be compared
!. with those offered by Oregon could bG
I chung up" that would mean no fast
t horses, comparatively small attendance
J. and consequent deficit at the close o.
the exhibition.