Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1897-02-12
GOOD OPPORTUNITY.
The Centennial Exposition Is
the Only National Event
of the Year 1897.
Happy Combination Of Circum'
stances that Made the
Enterprise Possible.
Special Correspondence Of the Courier.
Nashville, Feb. 10.


will serve as an appropriate de-
monstration of patriotism and
enterprise upon the Threshold Of
a new century in the history of
the state, and Of new awakening
in the South.
The sold Volunteer State" is
fortunate in the absence of any
similar national attraction during
the year; fortunate in the wealth
its resources, which are yet TO be
developed; fortunate in the CEN
trail geographical position, which
makes Nashville the most access.
ible point in the South, and no
less fortunate in the spirit of en-
terprise and zeal of her citizens,
who have made this vast under
taking possible. Being one ofthe
most highly favored states in the
union, in the great variety of
wealth of soil, hills and forest, the
material for the essential features
of a great industrial exposition
are found within her own borders.
However, this is not to be
merely display of commercial
and industrial progress. History,
education, art and scince are to
have the preference in the arrang-
ement of the displays and the
chief aim of the managers of the
Exposition is to show the patriot
ism of the people Of Tennessee,
to illustrate the perfection of art,
the progress Of science, the gent
us of invention, the progress Of
civilization, and incidentally to
promote industrial and CONNER.
cial enterprise. 1t was fortunate
for the state that in and around
Nashville, were found the men
who had faith in the outcome OF
an exposition pitched upon SO
high a plane. And even here
the most faithful and sanguine
friends of tho Centennial met
with many discouragements, moi
only in the unfavorable condition
of business throughout the coun
try, but from the lethargy of the
people throughout the state. But
having put their hands to the
work they went forward, meeting
all difficulties and overcoming all
obstacles until success was assur
ed. No other city in the country
has ever accomplished so great Q
work unaided, and under such
difficulties, this fact is recognized
by other cities. The Buffalo Elk
press, in a full.page art supplement
illustrating and describing the
exposition, said:
"This article would be incom
plete without a complimentary
reference, well deserved, to thu
city of Nashville, which has as
aumed the chief burden Of thil
ambitious undertaking. Nashville
has fairly earned the proud cogno
men "The Athens of the South
With a population of only 100,
600, at most, it has ventured fear
lessly into a field where far NOR,
influential communities have hith
erto feared to tread. Think o
Buffalo undertaking such labol
of love and assuming such a trem
endous financial responsibility
Without the added attraction O
an exposition Nashville is wei
} worthy of a visit. 1t is an admir-
ably laid-out, favorably locate
and excellently drained city wit
many substantial business block
and numerous handsome resider
ces. A large amount of Norther
capital has been invested in il
development "since the war;" an
. it is one of the largest, ifnot ac
ually the leading manufacturin
center of the South"
The wilderness Of Tennessee
reached the dignity Of Statehood
June 1, 1896. 1t was the thir
/; state coming INTO the Union afte
f the original thirteen, and in tn
century which has passed sine
, it's admission, it's institutions, man
+, of which have become famous
7 have been thoroughly grounded
+. and its greatness and stabilit
s have been firmly established
Tennessee has furnished MOI
than her quota of men for til
highest Office in the gift of tn
American people, and her state
men and soldiers have won hone
on the battlefield and fame in til
:, halls of legislation, while Other
have won distinction on til
e bench and at the bar, and in pr
@ fessional, commercial and publ
, life. Her earlier citizens wo
worldwide fame as volunteers intE
:, defense of the nation, and theret
u earned the distinction for Ten
Q essee as the "Volunteer State.'
j, The characteristics of the ear
e settlers of the state, their hig
sense of honor, devotion to pri
ciple, their bravery and determi
n alton, tempered with hospitalit
s and intelligence and unfinchir
}. devotion to their country, ha,
A decended to the present gener
ton, and today her best poop
III - 4 T.. a. c.1,I ro,.I-.