Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-10-25

llaol0n vista Omnh0 end Sci SOea
. Ohafmiag site.

s.ate Comnlssion visits Omaha end Sslscsl
OhaFmiag site.
Illinois will be strongly in evidence
at the Trans-AississipPi and Interna.
tional Exposition as Omaha next
year, its desire to participate having
been substantially shown by IN act
OF the last general assembly appro-
priating as, 900 for . building and
exhibit Of the states products aud
resources. A board of state commits
sioners. known a. the Illinois Trans
Mississippi and International COM
mission, was likewise recommended
by the legislature, and the governor
empowered to appoint. Inspired by
social as we'll a. important CONNER
cial ties, Illinois, as one of the great
agricultural producing and manufac-
turing states in the Mississippi
region, was one Of the first to extend
hearty encouragement and financial
aid In behalf Of an enterprise brilliant
in its undertaking. grand in its COM
pleteness and surroundings. and des-
tined to mark in q marvellous degree
q new era of commerce, industry and
agriculture in the trans Mississippi
region. Prolific in manufactured
products of all kinds, building ma
terials. food and clothing. as also
in sugar and lead, sandstone, granite
and other valuable building stone,
the Illinois exhibit promises to be Q
very extensive one. The Illinois
commissioners pro6ted by the les.
sons Of the Worlds fair, and they
have undertaken the work of prepar-
ing state exhibit with Q foreknowl.
edge born Of experience-in short,
they are adopts at the exposition
business.
The site for the Illinois state build
ing. chosen during . late trip by the
commission to Omaha, is admirably
adapted for the intended representa-
tive exhibit. The plat OF ground 10
200 feet wide and $50 feet long, situ-
ated on the bluff tract overlooking
the broad valley of the Missouri. Al
the base the river sweeps gracefully
along, lending q Charming scenic
effect to the ragged bluffs ON tn q
Iowa side. The Northwestern 70 ad
on the one side and trolley lines on
the other run within stones throw
Of the site of the Illinois buildin 2.
The location was made with vie Y
to sightliness and accessibility. The
building contemplated by the state
commission will cost about go, 900,
the remainder Of the appropriation,
$26, ZOO, being devoted to exhibits.
The classic order of architecture will
be beautifully revealed In the design
Of the building. and the interior
studied for convenience. as we'll a.
beauty and effect. A spacious audi
torium will be arranged for state
and official ceremonies, and also can
be used for banquets, balls and re-
ceptions. Suitable apartments will
be provided for use Of the officials
and committees. A large fountain
in the center Of the grand court
of the building will radiate with
wondrous beauty "a thousand pris-
matte coiors from its spray, height
ened in effect by the odor of per-
TUNED flowers. The space outside
the building will be adorned with
pretty little parks Of flowers and
shrubbery. with gravel walks. set
tees and shade, where the visitor can
seek comfort and rest at times. Di-
rectly to the south, across o narrow
ravine. to be made an attractive fea-
ture. the Nebraska building is now
in progress Of erection. Az this will
be the Mecca of thousands. the site
OF the Illinois building will be COM
msnding. Landscape effects of rare
beauty have been planned for this
part Of the grounds. Work ON the
building will begin as soon as the
architects plans are prepared.