The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1897-05-03
TENNESSEE OPENS
HER EXPOSITION
President Mckinley Pushed the Button
Saturday at 1914 O'Clock.
GOVERN0R TAYLOR MADE AN ADDRESS
A Number of Other Prominent Men
Raised Their Voices in Praise
of Tennessee.

Nashville. Tenn. May 1.-The Tennessee
Centennial exposition YVES thrown open to
7he world today under suspicious circun-
stances and amid impressive ceremonies.
The day dawned cloudless and cool after
rainy night which threatened at one
time to interfere with the festivities of the
inaugural day.
At o'clock the gates of the exposition
were opened and the people began to ar
rive. BY IL o'clock, the hour fixed for the
exercises in the auditorium. that building
holding G0OO people. was filed.
The brief. simple. but impressive pro-
gramme was carried out before one
of the most brilliant gatherings ever as
scmbled in Tennessee
on the platform were the exposition off,
GERS and committees. Governor Taylor and
his staff. the chief Justice and associate
justices Of the supreme court, members
or the woman's board. the mayor of Nash
VILE United States Senator w. b. Bate.
Hon. J. w. Gaines and hundreds Of promi-
nent citizens.
President john W. Thomas. at II o'clock.
with n historical gaVel. raped for order,
and Ri Rev Thomas Z, Gailor. coadjutor
bishop OF Tennessee, offered prayer
After America" had been played in
most impressive manner Major J. W.
Thomas president Of the Tennessee Expo
siticn Company, arose and was received
with cheers and applause. lie spoke short
~ but cioqucntly.
Speech of the Governor.
Loud and continuous cheering followed
the conclusion OF President Thomas's RE
marks. and the band struck up The star
spanRled Banner" amid tumultuous cheer
ing and waving of hats and handkerchieIs.
The next address was by Hon. Robert l..
Tavior. governor of Tennessee. As he adj
vancCd toward the front Of the PLATFORM
tho crowd arose a. one man, ana II was
several minutes before his cXcellency could
proceed with his address.
At tie conclusion of the address the band
struck up Dixie" and then the very earth
itseie seemed TO shake with the thunders
OF applause 1t was sight never TO DO
forgotten
When order WAS restored, or rather when
quiet oncc more rcigned, Major r. G. Lewis
the director general Of TIA" association. IN
der whose skiliful guidance the marvellous
project materiaized ana came into being.
stepped forward. His address was brief and
characteristic and was wen received
Cnief Justice Snodsrass, William Nc
Curtuy. John Thompson, speaker of the
senate. and Morgan 9. Fitzpatrick, speak
or OF the hOuss OF representatives,. delivered
bricf addresses. After the addresses Pres
idcnt Thomas dictated from the stage the
following message Go President Mckinley:
ITO the President Of the United states OF
y 4upilttl. Us ti~+i tblli lic l'AoAit' ~ ANh-
nessce send ereet,ns and request that YOU
now put lon motion The machinery Of the
Tennessee Centennial exposition"
In 4 few minutes the roar of artillery was
heard e,hOug uad re-echoing through the
buildings and over the grounds. President
Mckinley mad pressed the button, tae ca
position was opened. the machinery had
started at 1874 o'clock
The exercises IN The auditorium ended
and the people gathered around the I'M
monse fountain representing Electric city.
built by Moretd 60 witness the ceremony
OF It's presentation TO and acceptance By
Mrs. " - Kr<man, president OF tho
wonan's board
Governor Taylor introduced Mrs. Kirk
man IN a brief but happy speech. Mrs
KirIIman briefly accepting the honor,
touched the button and tho waters gushed
forth
Luncheon Served to the Ladies.
A luncheon was then served to the mem
bers Of tho wouan's board and guests and
Il reception followed. During the inter-
noon one of the most charming buildings,
Tho chiidreu's was formally opened with
kiudersarteu exercises. and this building
was one Of tho chief centers of attraction
during the afternoon.
Among the distinguished visitors upon
the auditorium stage were: ExVlce Pres-
dent Adla L. Stevenson. OF Illinois. ard
Governor stephens, or MISSOURI
An open-air concert and music In tho
auditorium attracted the growing crowds.
and as the afternoon heightened the at
tendance Increased until after o'clock,
when the tide set cityward
The agricultural building had caught tho
fancy Of visitors. lts decorations. artistic
yet peculiarly unique. drew well. and the
building was filed all day. Tho minerals
ana forestry building. with exhibits nearly
complete was mach freQueuted.