New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-15
PARIS BRILLIANTLY DECORATED.

republic, in the presence of thousands of invited
guests.
PARIS BRILLIANTLY DECORATED.
The citys public buildings are decorated with
flags and banners. The streets are given
over to open air dancing. The aspect of
Paris approaches that of a national holiday,
but without the warmth and joy of the
mid-July sun. 1t is bitterly cold, the weather it
self being almost as backward the Exposi-
ton. chilly northwesterly wind
comfortable shivering among the civilian con-
tingent of fourteen thousand guests assembled
to witness the opening ceremonies, for all per-
sons not entitled to military or diplomatic
uniforms are required by the protocol to appear
in evening dress with white ties.
The Parisiaus to regard to-day's cere-
monies as sort of premature necessity. There
is no enthusiasm; there is severe criticism for
the perhaps unavoidable official unreadness,
but 1t is apparent to any mingling in the
crowds that throng the streets that the domi-
mating sentiment is pride and satisfaction In
the third Worlds Fair held under the regime
of the French Republic, and absolute confidence
that within a few weeks the Exposition will
realize the prediction made by M Jules Roche
when he was Minister oe Commerce. III
decree ordering its organization he described it
as "a synthesis Of the philosophy and civillza-
ton of the nineteenth century,
Meanwhile, within the las; forty-eight hours.
wonders have been accomplisheG. All the cleo
tricians, skilled workmen aDc gardeners have
been engaged at wages amounting in many in
stances to $50 a day. Three regiments OF in
fantry and eleven companies of engineers have
been working without break. The interior of
the vast Sale des Fetes was finally completed
at O'Clock this morning The general view is
magnificent. The architectural and decorative
effect is admirable. The vest stained glass roof
in the cupola. of form somewhat like that of a.
tightly drawn tent. and composed with celestial
designs in reds greens and yellOvs. and hap
PLY conceived representation Of the Milky Way,
meets with the highest praise. The Water Pal
is ready, also the Alexander III Bridge. and
no trace Of scafodng remains. Gardens have
sprung up like magic between the two main
palaces ia cling the Avenue Nicolas II. The
Champ de Mars. which Wednesday was
waste of mud and rubbish is transformed into 9
beautiful lawn with flower beds and neat
borders of box. rhododendrons, exotic trees ana
alleys of shrubs and palms.
AMERICAN SECTIONS IN THE LEAD,
The An1ricans present al to-day's ftte were
gratifed to see that the United States sections
are unquestionaby in advance of those of all
other countries The scaffolding has been re-
moved in the interior of the buildings and the
Vorkmen are putting up glass cases for ex-
hibts; but in the American departments as
elsewhere, the boxes still unopened. Nr
Caudwell, the Art Commissioner has collected
the pictures in the six rooms which form the
American art section in the Grand Palais The
wall decorations and frezes completed and
next week some paintings will be hung. AL
though the American art department is in read
mess, nothing further can be done until the
French authorities have completed the mosaic
flooring of the various rooms and stairways.
American flags to-day more numerous in
the Exposition than those of any other country.
The American Commissioner General. Mr.. Peck
two occasions to-day paid graceful and ap-
preciated compliment TO President Loubet by
having the American guards, fifty in number.
IN smart blue uniforms, salute the head of the
State with large French flags. This was done
first in front OF the American Agricultural
Building, which is next to the Sale des Fetes,
and again before the American National Pavil-
ion the President passed by it on a river
steamboat.
President Loubet himself and his advisers ad-