The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-27
WORLDS FAIR OIL 1880.
Already Paris Is the Scene OF Vast
Preparations for 1t.
Philadelphia Press.

They are taking time by the forelock in
France. The year 1900 Is more than four
years away, but already the vast exposition
of that future period is assuming magnih-
cent proportions. Our government has long
ago received its formal invitation TO partici-
pate, and President Cleveland's proclama-
Ifon on the subject will shortly be issued.
AS for Paris, that superb city is becoming
transformed. The general plan of the great
worlds fair is OF the most ambitious de-
scription, and the whole earth is under
tribute for its splendor. There can be no
doubt the coming spectacle will totally
eclipse anything or the sort ever witnessed
before in the world. Its most conspicuous
feature is TO be absolute novelty A radical
departure Is to be made from the traditions
of such enterprises, and visitors to Paris in
1900 are intended to witness what will be
actually new under the sun.
The idea is to locate the spectacle in the
far-famed Champs Elysees. The tortuous
bends of the Seine will be taken advantage
OF to render the laying out of the grounds
very picturesque. There Is to be a tri-
umphal bridge on the Espianade des In
valides, and the entrances to the grounds
will be monumental arches. ArchitecIurally,
the exposition will have more permanent
character than has hitherto been impaired
to these affairs. Many of the buildings are
designed 10 remain permanently, especially
the structure ambitiouSly designated as the
electrical palace. The archaeological resto-
rationS are likewise intended to nave dura-
bility. They are to include RESERVATIONS OF
the glory that was Greece and the grand
eur that was Rome
The cost Of the exposition will run I'D
10 $zO,OVO,OVO counting only the expendi-
lures OF the French nation. The ambitious
republic has to-day the greatest national
DEBT on earth-the biggest, indeed, ever &C.
cumulated in the history OF the world
but IL has not hesitated to Increase il in
the interest of the Exposition Univer-
selIe.''
The art of war will be presented at the
exposition on a truly colossal scale An
entire division of the French army is TO
be within the grounds, day and night, drill
ing, shooting, fighting sham battles, and
generally doing the country credit. There
Will also be historical panoramas of war
In all ages. including a siege of an ancient
town true to life. There are TO be Roman
towers such as Caesar mentioned in MS
Commentaries and Roman camps and
ramparts. The conquest of Gaul will be
told in fac-simile, so 10 speak. Then there
viii be forts and bastions and Gothic dun
geons, and fanfarole OF that description
Military science will be an open secret at
the vast exposition.
The American building at this gathering
OF the nations remains as yet unprotected
But il is 10 be a very imposing tfling.
Congress will be asked 10 appropriate u
100000 TO build IL, and the French are very
anxious TO have us adequately represented
American pianos and American machinery
will certainly be very much in evidence
at Paris in 1900. The manufacturers OF
these commodities in the United States see
very fine opening in this direction. and
In return for our friendly interest the
French government has promised 10 reduce
the duties on our mechanical products TO