The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-05-02
TENNESSEE EXPOSITION.
Opened Yesterday With Simple But
Impressive Ceremonies.

Nashville, Tenn, May LIN spite OF
constant rain for week. delaying and
Ietar"ing work in every department., or.
Ger has been made to take the place OF
confusion, and the centennial city prae
ticaliy complete, with exhibits in every
building, WAS ready to throw open its
gates this morning.
visitors we're coming in all day yester-
uay ana last night trains from all direc.
lions brought in more. Hon. A. f. Ste.
venson and party, Governor Lon ". Ste.
vens ana Mrs. Stevens. of Missouri, have
aireahy come and participated in the sim
pie opening ceremonies. Though some Of
the buildings, including the government
building and some of the special State
buildings will not be fully completed for
some days, every building that IS TO con-
tain exhibits is ready for occu pation, and
In all Df them are exhibits.
In twelve large and commanding struc-
lures, busy scenes have been enacted
night and day this week, and finishing
touches given. These are the auditorium.
parthenon. which is the art gallery; com.
merce, women's, agricultural, machinery,
minerals and forestry, transportation,
chiidren's historical, government, negro
ana railway. The roads and walks
shrnbbery and grass are in excellent con-
has
prevented the removal of the flowers and
plants from the green houses. The Gin
cinnati, Knoxville and other city build.
lngs, ale ready.
The exhibit made by railroads both
North and South, are extensive and COM
plete,anu consist in large measure of out
ot-door displays of minerals, plants and
trees. The official ceremonies to. day were
hrlet and simple, with no special effort
ut display, bit marked by dignity. The
following programme was observed:'
Parade of Ancient Essenic Order and
other orders, with 5000 men III line,
promptly on Broad street at S:45 O'Clock,
as an escort to Governor Robert l.. lay
lor, who was accompanied by State and
city officials and his full staff.
Opening exercises in the auditorium at
II n. ~. with prayer by Bishop Taylor,
and when Governor Taylor, President
Thomas. Director General Lewis, Chief
Justice Snodgrass, speaker of the State
senate, speaker of the house and Mayor
Mccarthy delivered short addresses.
The starting of the machinery by an
electric signal by President MCKINLEY
took place ut noon.
Formal reception of Moretti fountain
of electricity on behalf of the woman's
hoard Of the woman's building, where
Mrs. V. L.. Klrkman, president OF the
woman's board assisted by the four vice,
presidents of the woman's department.,
Mrs. Florence Droullard, Mrs. C. N.
Grosvenor. Mrs. X. w. Thomas and Miss
Mary b. Temple, the secretary; Miss Ada
Scott Rice and the treasurer, Mrs. r. +.
Weakley, were handed the key with W hich
to start the fountain.
Public reception in woman's building.
Opening exercises in the children S
building ut p. M.
Grand open air concert at the band
stand near Lake Watauga
Tonight the domes and fronts on al
the buildings were Illuminated with cleo
trio lights, and the thousands of light:
about the grounds We're turned ON ant
open air concerts We're given. The day.
festivities closed with grand display O.
fireworks.
Nashville was decorated with flags and
buntings and the day. was Observed ms Il
public holiday.