The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-05-04

The Grounds. in Beautiful Order-Prc.
of the Opening Proceedings
Adlai f. Stevenson Arrives.
Nashville, Tenn, April 3O.-In spite
of constant rain for a week, delaying
and retarding work in every depart
ment, order has been made to take the
place of confusion and the Centennial
city, practically complete, with exhib-
it's in every building, is ready to throw
open it's gates tomorrow morning.
Visitors have been coming all day,
brought in more.
Hon. Adlai Stevenson and party,
Governor Lon. V. Stevens n Mrs.
Stevens, of Missouri. have already
come and will participate in the simple
opening ceremonies. Though some of
the buildings, including the govern
ment building and some of the special
state buildings, will not be fully COM
pleted for some days, every building
that is to contain exhibits is ready
for occupation and in all of them are
exhibits.
In twelve large and commanding
structures busy scenes have been en-
acted night and day this week., while
exhibits were put in place and finish
ing touches given. These are the au-
ditorium, parthenOn, which is the art
gallery; commerce, WOmen's, agricul-
tural, machinery, minerals and forest
ry, transportation, children's, histori-
cal, government negro and railway.
The roads and walks, shrubbery and
grass are in excellent condition, but
the Indictment weather has prevented
the removal of the flowers and plants
from the green houses. The Cincinnati,
Knoxville and other city buildings are
ready.
The exhibits made by railroads, both
north and south, are extensive and
complete, and consist in large measure
of Out-of-door displays of minerals,
plants and trees. The official ceremo-
MES tomorrow will be brief and sim
pie, with no special effort at display,
but marked by dignity. The following
programme will be Observed:
Parade of the Ancient Essence order
and other orders, with 5000 mer in line,
starting promptly on Broad street at
S:45 o'clock, as an escort to Governor
Robert E. Taylor, who will be accom-
panied by state and city officials and
his staff.
Opening exercises in the auditorium
at IL o'clock a. M, with prayer by
Bishop Gaylor and her Governor Tay-
lOr, President Thomas, Director Gen
eral Lewis, Chief Justice SnOdgrass, OF
the state, speaker of the state senate
speaker of the house and Mayor Nc
Carthy will deliver short addresses.
Starting the machinery with the
electric signal by President Mckinley
Formal reception of the Moretti foun.
tain of electricity, on behalf of the
Woman's board at the wOman's build.
ing, where Mrs. V. L. Kirkman, presi.
dent Of the woman's board, assisted
by the four vice presidents Of the wo.
mans department, Mrs. Florence K
Drouillard, Mrs. G.. N. GrOsvenor, Mrs
K. w. Thomas and Miss Mary B.. Tenn.
Pile; the secretary, Miss Ada Scott Rice
and the treasurer, Mrs. R. F. Weakley
will be handed the key with which tC
turn on the water and start the foun.
tain.
Public reception on the woman's
building.
Opening exercises in the children's
building, beginning at 4 o'clock p. m.
Grand open air concert at the band
stand mead Lake Watauga. T.
At night the domes and fronts of al
the buildings will be Illuminated with
electric lights, and the thousands OF
lights about the grounds will be turn.
ed on.
Another open air concert will be
given and the days festivities will close
with a grand display Of fire works.
Nashville is decorated with flags and
bunting and the day will be a public
holiday.