The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1897-10-16
AMIDST The ROCKIES.
Glowing Word Pictures Of Dem
ver's Festival.

tanning Letter Describing a Colo
RADIO Fete--Three Days of Grand
Spectacular Displays---vivid De-
scription ofthe Magnificent Affair."
Lessons to be Drawn from 1t.
DENVER, Colorado, October 8, 1887
The spectacular opening of the third an
nual Festival OF Mountain and Plain was
witnessed by 100000 people in Denver,
October 5th. The scene presented more
magnificent splendor than was ever be-
held in the great West. The sky was
as blue as ever hung over famed Tus-
cany, the breezes were as balmy as
though they came from some fair 0rien-
tai cline; standing room was at
premium. Thirty bands made melody
for the multitude. The great pageant
OF moving floats began the line OF march.
Hundreds of Indians in gaudy paint
rode in the procession. Old pioneers in
wagons OF long ago passed in solemn ST.
lence, but their gray hair and the letter
ing on their wagons, 1--WE saw the Rock
les in 1850, spoke eloquently OF bygone
years. Miss Lillian Hurd, the queen OF
the festival comes, followed by her
maid Of honor. Cheer after cheer rent
the air, as the people recognize the
queen and her maids, each Representing
a county of the state. Then came the
substantial story OF Colorado's greatness
in agriculture, horticulture and live
stock. Kings OF old with their fiocks
upon thousand plains were not in COM
parison. Pyramids of glistening gold
and shining silver, gave graphic story
of Coloradois mineral lined mountains.
Following the mineral productions was
the manufacturing exhibit, the display
OF mining machinery was the most in
teresting on account OF the great and
growing mining interests OF this state.
The Chinese division was the most
weird, fantastic and gorgeous feature of
the entire pageant; the great dragon,
and sacred josses, the silk banners OF
fabulous cost, and music, such as the
Chinese rendered, is q complete discord
to Occidental ears. The pioneer display
was calculated TO recall pages of history
to the memory OF the young, and thrill
ling "reminiscences to the minds OF the
old. D. w. Griffey ,one of the pioneers,
was bugler in the historic charge OF
Balaklava, made famous by the poetic
genius Of Lord Tennyson. The home of
the cliff jewellers was aptly illustrated
by float, the miners cabin OF long ago
was duplicated, showing the shelter of
menwho in early days dug for the earth's
riches. "The Wild West" was illustra-
ted by the Apaches, Utes and Santa
Claras, the ancestors of whom met the
great Italian explorer on the Western
shores 400years ago and afterward filled
the old pioneers life with peril and ro-
nance.
The appearance of the dragon, ma
tional emblem Of the Chinese empire,
was hailed with applause. 1t was one
great mass of skillful color blending and
glittering tinsel. The dragons head
was feet in diameter, its eyes were A
inches in diameter, the monster was
200 feet long, and had every appearance
of ferociousness. 1t was borne by forty
Chinese whose step caused 1t to fall and
rise in life like manner.
Little Fe Ba was the Chinese queen
her dress was OF silk and velvet, and
was "fearfully and wonderfully made. "
Among the many brass bands was
one OF Indian boys, who are students at
Teller Institute.
The second day opened merrily, the
many lands, the grim-faceG Indian, the
COW boy, the rugged mountaineer, and
the fair haired daughters from the hills
and wales of the centennial state were
all in good humor. Many lovers of mu-
sic crowded around the grand stand
to listen to the band contest.
Twenty-Five thousand masked people
marched in the great mask parade, rep
senting every age, color, and condition
OF mankind.
The third day was opened by military
parades, the X. of =. and the Sons Of
Italy, and varions organizations were
represented
In the afternoon cavalry maneuvers
were performed at City Park. When
the tactic possibilities of the squadron
drill had been exhausted, the troops
gave the double quick charge, learned
from the Sioux Indians.
An Indian attack upon stage coach
closed events at the park. Exit Car
SON. was the stage coach used, formerly
it was used ON the Leadville and Denver
route. The Utes attacked the stage and
the exchange of shots was very lively.
While the battle ragged twenty-five cow
boys appeared upon the scene, and
drove the Indians away defeated.
The cowboys then gave some exhibit
tions of daredevil riding, such as was
common ON the plains few years ago.
Thus ended the daylight exhibitions OF
Denver's great three day, picturesque,
panoramic pageant, at night there was
given the closing ball in the Broadway
theater. OF all the displays made by
the various counties, it would be diff |
cult to say which was best Montezuma
county had the finest display of grains
and fruits. Miss Gertrude johnson OF
Pitkin county was the most handsome
maid. Bent county furnished the finest
specimens of live stock, one hog on ex-
weighed 1000 pounds, he was
and very much more genteel
than some human hogs, one meets in
crowded car occupying two seats.
The great Festival was not without
its lesson. The dim past, and the grow
ing present joined hands, and stood
shoulder to shoulder. In the mimic |
past, we saw what was; in our every
day experience we see what is. Those |
passing from life's fitful stage have !
wrought may the genera
lion now coming buoyantly upon the
stage of life, have said to them, at the |
end of their race-"Well done, good |
and faithful servants "
w. l.. WHARTON.