The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-05-01
TENNESSEE'S CENTENNIAL.
The Gates Of the City 10 be Thrown
Open to the World To-Day
WITH IMPOSING I'M lAL CEREMONIES
President Mckinley, ut His Ohsce In tho
White House, Will Press u Button Puts
ting the Machinery in MotioD-A
Wealth of Exhibits.

NASHVILLE, TENN, April 30.-In
spite of constant rain for a week, delay
ing and retarding work in every depart
ment, order has been made TO take the
place of confusion, ana the centennial
clty, practically compete, with exhibits
in every building, is ready TO throw open
lts gales tomorrow morning. Visitors
have been coming all day, and tonight
trains from all directions brought in
more. hon. Aulai vi. Stevenson and par
~, Governor Lon v stevens and Mrs.
Stevens, ot Missouri, have already come,
ana VIII participate III the simple open
ing ceremonies. Though some OF the
building and some OF the special State
buildings, Will not be fully completed
Tor some days, every building that is TO
contain exhibits is ready for occupation,
ana IN ali OF them are exhibits.
THE FINISHING TOUCHES
In twelve large and commanding struc-
lures busy scenes have been enacted
night ana day this week while exhibits
were put in place and finishing touches
given. These are the Auditorium, Par
thenon (Which Is the art gallery, Com
merce, Women's, Agricultural Forestry,
transportation, Children's. Historical,
Government, Negro. and Railway. The
roads and walks. shrubbery and grass are
In excellent condition, but the inclement
weather has prevented the removal of
the flowers and plants from the green
houses. The Cincinnati. Knoxville, and
other city buildings are ready
Inc exhibits made by railroads. both
NORTH and South, are extensive and COM
piete' and consist in large measure of out
ol-door displays of minerals plants and
trees. The official ceremonies tomorrow
Will be brief and simple with no special ef-
Tort at display, but marked by dignity.
The following programme will be .observ-
THE OPENING CEREMONIES.
Parade Of the Ancient Essenlc order
and other orders with 5000 men I'm line
starting promptly on Broad street at S:4j
O'Clock. as an escort 10 Governor Robert
l.. Taylor. who will be accompanied by
State and city officials and his full staff
Opening exercises in the auditorium at
II A. NJ. with prayer by Bishop GaylOr
and when Governor Taylor. President
Thomas. Director General Lewis. Chief
Justice SnOdcrass. OF the State, Speaker OF
the State Senate. Speaker Of the House.
and Mayor Mccarthy will deliver short
addresses.
Starting the machinery with the cleo
trio signal by President Mckinley at noon.
Formal reception OF the Moretu fountain
OF electricity on behalf of the Woman's
Board at the Woman's Building, where
Mrs. V. L. Kirkman. President of the
WOmans Board. assisted by the four
vice. pit1lutill0 ol lht w NUHldn Dtpilt-
ment. Mrs. Florence X. Drouilard. Mrs.
G. y. Grosvenor Mrs. *. w Thomas and
Miss Mary y. Temple. the Secretary. Miss
Ada Scott Rice and the Treasurer, Mrs.
r. f. Weaklev. will be handed the key
with which 10 turn on the water and
start the fountain.
public reception in the woman's Build
ing.
O,pcning exercises in the Children's
Building beginning at 4 7. NJ.
Grand open-air concert at the band
stand near Lake Watauga.
At night the domes and fronts OF all
the buildings will be illuminated with
electric lights and the thousands Of lights
about the grounds will be turned on.
Another open-air concert VIII be given
and the days festivities VIII CLOSE WI"
grand display of fire works.
Nashville Is decorated with fags and
bunting and the day will be public hol-
iday.