Omaha daily bee., 1898-06-02
SCENE AT The WHITE HOUSE
President Presses the Button Which Formally
Opens the Exposition.
NEBRASKA DELEGATION ALL PRESENT
Several other Western and
ConRressmen I'm the Party Mt
she Man
sion.

WASHINGTON, June 1.-(Special Tele-
Rram)-Conditions were we'll nigh perfect
when, at 1880 o'clock today, Washington
time, corresponding to 1890 Omaha time,
President Mckinley pushed the button, for
mally opening the Transmississippi and In
ternational Exposition.
1t had been the intention of officials con-
nected with the Transmississippi EXPOSE
ton to have the president deliver his address
through the long distance telephone, but be-
ing fearful that some slip might occur the
president decided to rely on the telegraph
and especially as he was not accustomed to
use the telephone since his term as presi-
dent began. In order to conform to the ar
rangements the hour OF formally recognize
ing the Tralsmississippi and international
Exposition az open was deferred until 1:3o
O'Clock, at which time there was emb
in the presidents reception room the fol-
lowing distinguished party: Senators Allen
and Thurston, Representatives Mercer.
Stark, Sutherland. Maxwell and Greene.
Mrs. Sutherland and daughter, Mrs. Greene
and daughters, Bert Wheeler, Repre-
sentative Fleming of Georgia, Representa-
tive Johns of North Dakota, and Senator w.
b. Allison of Iowa.
Considerable delay was experienced by
Captain Montgomery in getting a wire out
VI CbiNhbo IA ~ " II cNDOSlllOn
grounds, but finally the welcome sound
'omaha" came to the alert telegrapher and
there were flashed these words by Mont
gomery:
This Is White House, Washington. When
this key closes, president will close it.
Everything Is ready, Mr.. President" said
Captain Montgomery, and the chief execu-
tive, gracious in manner, stepped to the
key OF the instrument and depressing 1t with
his right hand closed the circuit. Thos,
In the room stood during this ceremony, o.
little interest to laymen, but of greater in.
terest to those gathered in the cool recep.
ton room-and at 1:53 o'clock, Washington
time, the president announced that his par,
OF the ceremony was over and the exposi.
tion was formally open.
There was ~clapping OF hands and con.
gratulations and thanks showered upon tn,
executive for his patience and his affabilit,
In taking so much time from the affair
OF the nation to give the Transmississipp
Exposition the benefit of his benediction an,
good wishes. Immediately after the pres
sure upon the button the presidents mes
sage OF congratulation was sent, which wa
followed by congratulatory kilograms of tn
Nebraska delegation. terminating a mos
suspicious occasion for Omaha and tn
west.
hi'oi hol CONGRATULATIONS INFORMALLY
made between President Mckinley and tn,
members OF the Nebraska delegation on tn,
successful beginning of the exposition, tn,
chief executive read his congratulatory tele
gram to President G. w. Wattles.
Immediately after the congratulatory mes
sage OF the president had been sent and in
dications given from Omaha that SO far a
the president was concerned his work ha
been done, Executive Clerk Montgomery sen
the following wire to President Wattles:
The members of the Nebraska delegation
assembled In the executive mansion, be
ieaVe to extend their congratulations upo
the suspicious beginning of SO vast an en-
terprise as the Transmississipp and Inter
national Exposition, and regret their in
ABILITY to be present and to PERSONAL
participate in its accomplishment.
V. ALLEN,
]. M. THURSTON,
ID. Fl. MERCER,
SAMUEL MAXWELL,
w. A. STARK,
r. ID. SUTHERLAND,
w. l.. GREENE.