The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-05-13
AMERICAN PAVILION OPENED.
Formally Turned Over to Paris Ex-
position Officials.

Paris, May 12.-The American pavilion
at the exposition was formally turned over
to the authorities and public this after
noon. The inaugura ton took place in the
presence of embassy and consulate OIL
Gals, a number Of high French function
aries. foreign diplomats and commission
ers, and such a concourse of American cit
.zens that many who were provided with
tickets, We're unable 10 gain admlttance
to the building.
Before the hour set for the ceremony,
the crowd became so dense that orders
were given TO the police to keep the pep
pie at a respectable istance from tie
doors. The French officers adhered so
strictly to the letter of their instructions,
that even guests holding invitation tick
cts We're not allowed TO pass. Conslderao Die
confusion resulted from this cause, and
the United States Ambassador, Gen. Hor-
ace Porter, with his party, found their
passage barred until an official perceiving
nm from the building FASTENED to meet
him, and the Ambassadors party scrdm-
bed through.
The interior of the pavilion was bright
ly decorated VITA American flags and tri-
color bunting, with which the balconies
were draped, while from the summit OF the
dome around the golden eagle new the
Stars and Stripes and the French flag. The
balconies were occupied exclusively by in
vlted guests, while on the floor of the
building q double line OF American guards,
with white summer helmets, formed an
aisle through which the official party
passed for the main entrance to the spot
where the presentation took place. Be
hind these guards Americans who gained
admission stood and witnessed the pro-
ceedings.
ion was quite simple, consisting of an adj
dress by Ferdinand w. Peck, commission
er of the United States, handing over the
pavilion to NJ. Alfred Picard as the head
of the exposition and the latter's response
in accepting the transfer. Sousa's band
provided music and the selections played
were composed purely Of American airs
except for the Marseillaise.
Mr.. Peck reached the pavilion about 2
O'Clock to await the arrival of NJ. Picard
who, escorted by 3. D. Woodward. assist
ant United States commissioner, entered
the exposition gate at the Invalides bridge
at 2:30 O'Clock, and proceeded i'm
mediately along the Quai dOrsay to the
entrance of the American building, which
faces the Seine After a brief glance at
the equestrian statue of Washington
which guards the portals of the American
national pavilion, NJ. Picard assembled the
steps leading to the door. Here MIR. Peck
stood surrounded b. the members of che
United States commission and as he well
coined the French commissioner general
Sousa's band struck up the Marseillaise
All the spectators at once uncovered and
amid the strains of the. French hymn NJ
Picard was conducted by Mr.. Peck to the
center of the iotunda. The audience greet
ed the conclusion of the air with cheers,
which NJ. Picard acknowledged. No time
was lost in proceeding with the ceremony,
Mr.. Peck delivering his address and NJ
Picard replying in a brief but eloquent
speech which envoked enthusiastic hur-
rahs from the audience.
AT the conclusion of NJ. Picard's re-
marks a general reception was held. Sou
sa's band gave a concert during the re-
mainder of the afternoon.