Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-03-21

buildings. it must be understood that the
work, which is now in progress, is simply
the first step-the demolition of the build
ings which now cover the site. This Is
one of the facts which indicate the de-
termination of France to excel the world.
Never before has an immense section OF
a citys heart been torn 10 pieces In an
effort TO provide room for an attraction
of sufficient magnitude 10 make THIS busy
world pause and wonder.
While all the details Of the architec-
ture have not yet been worked out, it
is certain that the Palace of the
Trocadero, which was utilized, both
for the expositions of 1873 and 1889 will
be used. as we'll as several Of the great
exposition halls of 1889 in the Champs
de Mars. although there will be changes
I'm all of them. on the site of the Palace
Of Industry, in which the exposition OF
1885 swas held will rise splendid
structure to be used as the line art hall
Of the Expositione Universale. Just
west Of this location and on the same
side of the Champs Elysees. the ground
has been broken for the hall of liberal
arts. which Is to be a permanent edihce.
A broad avenue Will extend between
these two buildings from the Champs
Elysees 10 the Seine. At its meeting
place with the river. the stream will be
spanned by a stately bridge, which viii
be known as the Alexander bridge, for
the present Emperor laid the corner
stone Of the foundations thereof the last
time he visited Paris. 1t Is promised that
this bridge win not only be remarkable
for its strength, but equally notable for
it's architectural beauty. This bridge,
too, will connect the Champs Elysees
and the Esplanade des Invalides.
Thus it can be fairly said, and for the
first time, that the work Of constructing
the exposition has begun. The plans, as
revised are as stated. The keynote OF
IL all, however, is the determination OF
France to excel everything in the way OF
expositlons that the other nations Of
the earth have accomplished. 1t is
their purpose 10 spare neither time
nor money. Genius is at their command.
The brightest minds Of Europe and
America have contributed their quota.
The extravagant imagery OF France has
developed what may. possibly. be term
ed the most extraordinary suggestions
that ever emanated from human brain.
The Eihel Tower was a wonder. The
Ferris wheel astonished the world. 1t
is no extravaganza whatever to assert
that the Expositione Unversaie will give
birth TO a marvel, at which the nations
Of the earth will gaze in amazement.
1t is almost stupendous when you stop
to think of il, that eighty-four features
have been suggested which the Expo
sition Commission deem wortiv of con-
sidcraton. Harking back 10 the days OF
the old Crystal Palace, Of which England
was so proud. and which Is still the boast
OF every Londoner, IL Is doubtful II all
that period that interviewed has produced
more than very small proportion OF the
number OF ideas Of the sort which exposi-
tions seek. IL should be understood that
what can be looked upon as the feature OF
an exposition is something far above and
beyond that which genius ordinarily con-
ceives. Therefore, when you think OF
cighty-four such features 1t does not
seem at all improbable that among them
is one that will Indicate the progress OF
the world In g manner which nothing che
has ever brought home 70 us.
All these facts so to show that the
claim Of the Frenchman is not without
reason ..,rhe Expositione Universale is
practically under way, for II begins 10
become a fact just as soon as the work
of construction opens. II is time the
Americans began 10 think that the qaurels
which the Columbian Exposition brought
them are in danger Of being entwined
with the lilies OF France.