The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1897-03-23
A RELIGIOUS EXPOSITION

NJ. Auguste Delaigne, the well know lit
terateur of France, has arrived in this
country, for the purpose OF introducing
his scheme OF an onalreligious ex,
/, position. This expos itiol is to be held
the same time as the p aris Worlds Fair
but entirely independent of the World
Fair proper. The idea originated with NJ
| Delaigne and Able Crestey, or St.Jean dc
Ballyille, Paris. and has received the CO
| operation of p ope Leo XIII, and cardinal.
of the Catholic Church, as well as the help
| OF prominent statesmen and Christians in
| every country.
The object OF NJ. Delaigne is to build
| palace, of colossal proportions, which win
eclipse anything OF its kind ever known
| in the worlds history. 1t will cover an
area as large as the Esplanades des fnya-
lides, and the architects have already ex-
| ecuted the designs on paper. Despite its
enormous dimensions, the artistic side will
not be sacrificed, bat complete harmony will
prevail, that the beauty and holiness of
its construction will be the admiration OF
all who view it. The dome will measure
one hundred metres, or 1923 feet, at the
base, and the interior will be lighted by
ricbl y-colored windows
No aspect OF church or museum will
he visible in this prodgious production.
1t Will be veritahle palace with its
spacious terraces,e hanging gardens, and
aerial installations, which has a central
spire situated at, a height of over 900
rect. Under the cupolas that surround The
central dome will be established new sys-
TEN OF panoramas, which will produce
life size the principal events of Christ
ianlty, commencing with the life and
death OF Jesus Christ, and following with
the scenes of martyrdom endured by the
Christians during the Dark Ages. The
different religious piIg rimages will he
shown in the great garden suspended 300
feet above the earth. Special sections
being reserved for the Virgin Mary and
the Sacred Heart. The statues of the
savants, heroes and saints will he grouped
together according to the epoch of their
lives. Many of these works of art are in
existence, having been executed by such
master as Raphael, Van Dyck, Dore,
Angelic, MuriIlo, and other famous artists
who dealt with religious subjects These
will he secured, if possible, but should
some he unobtainable, the most perfect
copies will he shown
M DeiaiEne says III is Impossible To es-
innate the influence OF art upon the I'M
cultured mind, and he thinks the reproduc-
lions OF religious scenes, so classified and
grouped will exercise great influence over
the rough classes Of society, who do not
care for religion.
An styles of architecture will occupy a
place, as well as sculpture, engraviugs,
ceramic art, printing, tapestry
A distinctive feature will be the splendid
religious theatficals, and the concerts of
900 voices and 800 instruments, with the
largest and most powerful organs, will
illustrate the progress OF music
Much is expected from this mighty
country, the United States says NJ
DelaigBc, land tina is why / am here l
have received much encouragement from
Archbishop Keane, former rector of the
Catholic University in this city, and hope
TO accomplish much.''
He thinks this country should take the
foremost place in this international re-
lgious congress, owing tn its steadfast
adherence TO all principles of Christianity