The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1895-09-28

In its account Of the event the
Constitution says:
The South's greatest exposition
was formally opened
Twenty-Five thousand people saw
the opening. The largest and long.
est military parade ever seen in the
city marched from the city to the
grounds to witness the ceremonies.
Over half the states in the Union
were represented by distinguished
representatives Many foreign coun-
tries had representatives in line.
The opening exercises were deeply
impressive. From the rendering of
the grand new air, salute to Allan
ta," to the benediction by Bishop
Becker, everything on the program
was intensely interesting.
1t was a scene that marked an era
in the South's history. 1t marked
the industrial awakening of a great
section and signalized new depar-
ture in the relations of the races.
What was happening on the stage of
the auditorium, where the opening
exercises we're held, possessed moth
ing less than the significance of a
historical drama
The first day of the great show
was immensely gratifying. 1t far
surpassed in point of attendance and
interest the highest expectations of
the directory. 1t was a great day, a
memorable day, a day to be remem-
bered
1t started the exposition upon a
career which promises many rich
triumphs to those who are the bone
and sinew of the enterprise.
With the sonorous accents of ar.
tillery the birth of the fair was an
nounced, and when the echo of the
deep rumble died away a mighty
shout from the thousands on the
grounds proclaimed the opening
1t was successful-the opening ex-
ercises-in every way. Everything
was propitious. The patriotic speech
es of the South's greatest orators,
the inspiring strains of GiImore's
famous band-all added to the honor
and glory of the occasion.
Early in the afternoon an immense
crowd packed the auditorium to over
flowing. Every seat was taken and
people pressed in at the doorways
and filled every inch of standing
room. The soldiers in their fashy
uniforms, the bright colored flags fut
tering from their position on the
walls and the stirring airs Of the
bands on the outside made the scene
in the building one of eager expec-
fancy.
At just O'Clock the long line of
militia reached the main entrance.
There was a rush of the crowd, the
scampering herdics, the rattle of the
snare drums, and then, in military
splendor, the troops entered the
grounds and filed down The broad
drives with steady step In the plaza
the troops halted and while the
bands were playing "Dixie" they
stacked arms and broke ranks.
At 3:l5 o'clock Victor Herbert en-.
tered the auditorium and was given
an ovation by the large crowd. In
quick order his band of more than
sixty pieces followed.
When Victor Herbert glanced up
to acknowledge the applause he faced
a vast audience. 1t was a perfect
sea of faces. Stretching from the
top rows of seats down to the orches-
ira circle ten thousand people beam
ed down on the musicians.
Every seat was occupied and in
the aisle and open doorways the
crowds had surged until there was
not room for any one to stand 1t
was representative audience, too,
and one thoroughly capable of appre-
ciating the skill of the men who
stood behind them.