The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1897-05-06

The cradle" certainly has been a pro-
gressive spirit in the building of this
great undertaking, and the work has
been well done.
At II o'clock President John W. |
Thomas came forward and, picking up
an historic gaval made from the cele-
brated Boone tree, raped three times
for order. The vast assemblage be-
came absolutely quiet. The gavel used
was presented by Col. John Allison,
who received it from DR.. J, A. Kirk
patrick.
AT oHILDRRN's BUILDING.
While the exercises of the Auditorium
where the principal and the most i'm
portant the dedication of the children's
building in the afternoon was by no
means lost sight of, and formed one of
the most interesting features of the day.
The exercises were begun at 8 o'clock
at which time the building was crowded
to the DOORS
The children of the West Nashville
School occupied the stage and rendered
the singing under the leadership of
Prof. Sykes. The opening number of
the program was song, entitled :
zone Hundred Years DID," which was
rendered in excellent manner by the
children.
Bishop Fitzgerald, of the Methodist
church, then performed the ceremonies
of dedicating the building, which was
followed by a song entitled, "Tennes-
see, rendered by the school.
Prof. Gilbreath, State Superinten-
dent of Public Instruction delivered
the address of the day which was fire.
quently punctuated with applause. He
said
In the lives of individuals there are
incidents which lend a hue to their
thought and feelings long after the in
cidents themselves have disappeared.
AS with individuals, so with common
wealths. Great events in the history
of state affect the welfare Of its people
for ages afterward and oftentimes con-
! trolls its future destiny.
The Tennessee Centennial and Inter.
national Exposition, which was born
of the patriotism of the people of the
Volunteer State, and which grew be-
cause of their superb loyalty and un
faltering support, reaches its zenith
this day, and its influence for good will
be felt long after its gates shall have
been closed on the last lingering visitor
even as the stars of the heavens shine
ages after the stars themselves have
disappeared.
These buildings are not merely whit
: ened walls. They mean more. They
are monuments to the good qualities o
every Tennessean, they tell Of thu
aspirations and hopes of a brave ant
generous people.
This exposition shows in a large
measure the advancement, not only o
, Tennessee, but of humanity, of arts
science and knowledge, thus typifyins
the magnifcence with which the TWEEN
tieth century shall burst upon the world
A happy history of our commonwealth
is being written, the story of this da.
L will be the brightest of the gloriu
chapter telling of this celebration, ant
on this page no more inspiring line will
be found than the one which will tell o
' the struggles and final success of tn
children's department.
q To Tennessee be all honor for beinl
r the first of the sisterhood of states t.
( celebrate.the centennial of its admission
n into the union, but to Tennessee b
j.. greater honor for being the first t
q recognize in great celebration the in
o terests of her children, as children.
At the Worlds Fair in Chicago
building was erected especially for tn
children, but it was not a part of tn
original plan, but was secured throug
g the individual efforts members Of th
woman's board.
4 In the Atlanta Exposition the claim
s of the children were not recognized i
building of their own, but they wer
!, forced to content themselves with a
interest in the educational building.
To the management of the Tennessee
Centennial Exposition Company be
longs the honor of being the first in th
history of expositions to include sepal
" ate department in the original plan de
voted exclusively to the interests of th
q children, and the idea was first sue
y gested in meeting Of the public schoC
officers association of Tennessee, he'll
= in the winter of 1894, For the develop
ment Of this idea the greatest share c
praise is due the chief, Prof. W. I
Davis, whose efforts have been untirine
and whose courage has been unfaggin
even in the face of difficulties whic
seemed insurmountable. No depart
ment of the exposition had a happie
selection in its chief, and pleasing in
deed must be his reflections this day, q
he recognizes that success, absolute
5 unqualified success has awsrded hi
labors.
TO him the happiest of happiest ai