Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-13

Is engraving plates. The entire work of
making matrices and casting rlates pro-
Ceeds In order, and In an incredibly short
time the cylinder folding press is printing
lie Petit Bleu'' on paper which the visitor
has seen made from plates cast before his
eyes, that were cylindrical reproductions
of the types he had seen set by a machine.
1t might be said that even before the paper
was completely dry and cool from its
making the printed paper was being sold
throughout the grounds and buildings by
the uniformed newsboys. One can well
say that this was the most instructive eN-
hihit at Brussels, ard the crowds about
ii were frequently persistent in watch
ing the printing features that the pro-
prietor stopped the machinery ostensibly
TO make repairs, but in reality to cause the
oniookers to move away so that others
might enjoy the rare spectacle of seeing
newspaper made literally from the stump.
The United States exhibit was neces-
sarial!y small, because of the very meager
appropriation our Congress saw fit to make.
but still We had. because of the classifca-
ton In force, more exhibits than were in
cluded in what was styled the United States
section. There are eight sections larger
than ours, while there are eighteen that
are smaller. In one group. tools and tool
making machinery, We received two grand
prizes, while the rest of the world obtained
only two in all. Out of three grand prizes
given for bicycles we obtained one. In the
science section we We're conceded by all to
occupy the first place. while our large dis
-.
the jury declared that one American sew
ing machine was so well known for its SUI
perior qualities. and had received so many
awards that an additional one could not
add to its glory.
The Stars Award.
But the award that pleased me especially
was the diploma of honor to our exhibit of
twelve of our leading dailies. In order that
The Star may rejoice with me. it must be
while the diploma of honor is for pre-emi-
nent excellence. 1t is also gratifying to
know that no other newspapers received
an equal award. Our press exhibit was a
source Of great wonder and surprise to the
foreign visitors, and of joy to our own peo-
pie, as giving them the very latest news
from home. The Star contributed by its
regular appearance to the completeness of
this exhibit, and in a few weeks IL will
receive the tangible evidence of apprecia-
ton in the way of handsome diploma.
The Congo exhibit was especially interest
ing. Special commissioners had worked for
the past two years in the Congo basin col
lecting specimens Of the natural resources
of the country, complete lines of manu-
featured products, and. above all. about 200
natives Of the most typical tribes. These
occupied a village built of material brought
from home, and here lived and carried on
such vocations they would have done if
they had not been carried across the seas
to entertain and instruct their white
victors.
1t was a most complete chronological ex-
hibit, with living figures and natural sur
roundings. The lake which their village
skirted was the scene of mimic battles and
friendly boat races. The trained Congo SOL
der and the school of native children
showed what civilizng agencies were ac-
complishing. and the great display of
natural resources and articles of import
told the men Of commerce what they could
hope for from Congo as a field for their
ODeratiOlS. To all If
did much toward reconciling the many
who have disapproved of the loss of life
which the opening up of this great basin
has cost. However rich the Congo may
become 1t cannot be made TO yield up its
thousands of victims, but it is sure to fur
rish wealth to many of their now sorrow
ing children.
Our Champagne.
Another cause for surprise was the ex-
hibit of American champagne. All French
men thought no country but France could
produce. champagne and the majority of
Europeans Endorsed that opinion. 1t was,
therefore, amusing at our dinner to see
them smack their lips over our American
champagne, call for more, and finally ask
Tor label, that they might convince skep-
tics and know what to order when they
visit our country.
The revised list of awards has not been
announced, but the commissioner of awards
let me understand that We would receive
the highest percentage of high awards of
any nation exhibiting. With this result and
the assurance that our relations with all
officials have been the most pleasant add
ed to the fact that in our intercourse with
the American representatives at Brussels
Col. Roosevelt, our efficient consul, and
Bellamy Storer, our minister, who I'm his
few short weeks stay in that city has won
the respect, esteem and admiration of all
We feel that our sojourn in Brussels has
not been in vain and our labors for the
American exhibitors has not been fruitless
j. HI G.