The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1898-05-05
GREAT ELECTRIC FOUNTAIN.
Which VIII illuminate the Omaha
ExpOsitiOn-A Magnificent
Conception.

a most important and interesting en-
gagement. The devices of invention
as yet but sparingly revealed to the
public eye will be there afforded for
unrestricted inspection, amid dazzling
architectural creations. The most dis
tinct mental photograph carried away
by visitors, however. will result from
the enchanted appearance OF the
grounds at night. 1t is then that cleo
tricity will reign.
The lighting of the exposition
grounds and buildings has been con-
signed 10 Mr.. Luther Stieringer, we'll
known electrical expert who has been
connected with the Illuminating fea-
lures of all the large expositions, and
particularly the worlds fair, where
Mr.. Stieringer was consulting electrical
engineer. His original conceptions at
Chicago were the chief delight of the
thousands of visitors, the famous cleo
trio fountain being an achievement
unique and unsurpassed, before or
since. Mr.. Stieringer has been in Omaha
for some time working on the problems
regarding the Examinations. which will
be one of the principal attractions at
the exposition grounds. Plans and de-
signs have been adopted for an electric
fountain in the west end of the lagoon
and lying directly before the noble
building of the United States govern
mcNt. The work is sufficiently adj
vanced to insure its certain compile
ton before the opening day.
The electric fountain is designated
"Nautilus." Neptune is seated on
high, viewing his realm with regal dig
nifty. Before him riot his waters in
holiday attire. assisted by the rain
bow subjects of a rival sovereign. In
Vulnerable sprays of var-coored crys-
tai fluid dart forth in rapid sequence,
now bursting into flaming red, then
quoting to subdued mother of pearl,
and again offering a bouquet of myriad
shades to the water god.
A careful study of the Illuminating
plans of the grand court shows a great
array of incandescent lights. Every
building is outlined with the glowing
bulb. Along cornice. around window,
on pillar, dome and water edge. the
cleaning freely OF the electric world
makes radiant the view. Fairyland is
before us. At the west end of the la
goon stands the Government building,
the salient points of its architecture be-
ing made distinct by electric star
points. On the other side are defined
the colonnades which connect the Gov
eminent building with its sister build
ings on the right and left by pillars
of light. To the left the Fine Arts
building rivets the attention with
domes light-encircled. cornices ablaze,
pillars and pilasters illuminated. OPP
posite, across the gently ripping water
mirror, is the classical Agricultural
building. 1t presents a brilliant OPP
portunity for incandescent decoration.
The upper lines, including the corner
towers, stand revealed by the numerous
electric punctuation points. The Ad-
ministration Arch shows its lofty spire
outlined in symmetrical lines of light
to the uppermost point. The Manu-
features building has the prominent
roof cornices, caps of columns, pedes-
tails. and others points of vantage en-
blazoned with incandescent light.
Across the lagoon the Arch of the
States is girded with band of light
and the Liberal Arts building is vivid
ly outlined along its cornices. The
Mines and Mining building is especially
adapted fo- this beautiful decoration
and right royalty has it been beribboned
and festooned. It's graceful portico is
clearly defined, the towers wear scin-
tillating crowns, the windows shine as
ifrevelry were within. Facing this struc-
ture is the palace of Machinery and
Electricity, with all effective points
pcnciled in light. The east end of the
lagoon, in front OF the last two men,
toned buildings. in company with the
adjacent terraces, landings and broad
viaduct leading away from it, is bril-
liantly lighted by incandescent lamps
supported by fanciful standards of spe-
cal design.
Suddenly dazzling figure of light
carries the observers attention back
to the starting point. There the ray
of e powerful searchlight is seen shoot
ing from the torch in the hand Of
the heroic figure of Liberty Enlight-
ening the World" which surmounts
the Government building. Liberty's
body is ieweled with incandescents,
about her head in scintillating tiara,
and the upheld torch is encircled. Be
meath, the figure several lines of light
completely grdle the cupola above the
dome. Streamers of light cover the
dome, apparently held to their places
by fYe-pointed stars on either side OF
the dormer windows. Below these an
other line of light completely surrounds
the base of the dome. Arising from
the roof on the central portion of the
building, a series of flambeauX sup
ported on shafts of artistic design cast
their radiance on surrounding objects
The allegorical figures on the upper
cornices and flanking the dome are out
lined tremendously and effectively
Clusters of light border the Mirror and
In the center Of this charming scene
plays the electric fountain Nautilus
bombarded from an invisible source
with light eve--changing in color and OF
great intensity, enshrined in luminous
Aoo +i,o lilies