Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1897-06-11
which was the International Exposition
Df 1856, the first of the series of French

which was the International Exposition
Df 1856, the first of the series of French
expositions. -~ ~..-.-.-.
1t really seems as If every ingenious
schemer the world over has been de-
voting himself to making suggestions
for striking features for the exposition.
There is the marvellous city in the air
to be sustained by a gigantic balloon.
The city is to drop down to the ground
at convenient intervals and take aboard
such additions to its population as
may be inclined to thus rise in the
world, or to permit the debarkation Of
persons who are tired of remaining
so long within one city's limits. The
woman's building, which has practi-
cally been decided upon, is likely to be
in the form Of composite head, this
head being made in accordance with
composite picture of the most beauti-
full women in the world. The head is
to possess many unique features, be-
sides containing all sorts of comforts
from the rooms, where women may
gossip in easy chairs to the restaurant,
where they will gain at the same time
new ideas and excellent meals. One
Of the most unique ideas submitted was
that of a gigantic fountain to be placed
IN the center of great basin or lake.
Tremendous force is to be applied to
the jets, forcing them to a height of
200 feet. The papers have already de-
scribed at length the great globe, the
aerial railway, the gigantic telescopes
and other big features OF the exposi-
ton. Among the other propositions
presented, and there have been 250 Of
them, is a palace for the accommoda-
ton of the public in general, gorg-
eous affair, which, it is declared, shall
contain everything that heart could
wish and money can buy.
Then there will be an exhibition of
the works of man from an early Pc
Rod up to date This will apply par
ticularly to the more notable lnven-
lions of great artists, and will include
portraits, statuary, manuscripts, etc. A
two hundred ton clock is under con-
sideration. A wine vat that will hold
$4,000 gallons is another suggestion.
Mines and geological exhibits without
number are among the plans submit
ted. Camille Flamm arion, the famous
astronomer, wants tremendous moon
constructed, around which those who
desire shall circulate in balloon. AS
for theaters, panoramas and other
amusements, there are suggestions
without number. Or course, it is pro-
posed to have the Passion play. An
other idea is to have submarine thea
ter. Then comes the usual Alpine pam
Drama and another, which it is alleg-
ed will represent the mysteries of the
ocean. The doings of the recent expe-
dition of the French to Madagascar
are what some one wishes to exploit
on canvas. And so it goes.
The entries have now closed, and the
members of the exposition committee
must deliberate over what is before
them. While eighty-four suggestions
have been held to be worthy of con-
sideration, really not more than six
ty-one of these projects are at all in
accordance with the general plan of the
exposition. One of the commissioners
has gone so far as to say that only
twenty-three of them are at all appro-
pirate, but this question must be set
tied by the commissioners as whole.
To fully appreciate the immense
amount of labor required to place tho
site of the exposition in proper condl-
tion for the beginning Of the erection
of the buildings, it must be understood
that the work which is now in progress
g simnlv the first sten--+h'' demolition