The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-04-01
of these architectural lessons within

of these architectural lessons within
the hearts of the American people2
Tt is, however, not enough to have
evoked, like a mirage floating over the
plains, these phantasmagorial delights
which fill our lives with JOY and our
memories with dreams. The president
of the French republic in the decree
which laid the foundation of the expo
sition of 1900 declared the purpose of
that great enterprise to be "a presenta-
ton of the works of art and of indus
trial and agricultural products''-an as
semblage of exhibits. That is without
doubt the central, the formative, idea
Of the Pan American Exposition. With
out exhibits there can be no exposition.
Each new and we'll arranged exposi-
ton is a new edition of a worlds ency-
clopedia constructed by a scientific and
exhaustive arrangement of material
things. 1t is also landmark, mile
stone in the history of the worlds prog
ress and the development of mankind.
No one may expect, no one should de-
sire. to read through from first to last
the marvels presented in a universal
exposition. AS well expect to memorize
the Library of Congress or of the Brit
ish Museum. But. We're the exposition
or the library truly universal, every
man should find therein the latest ut
terance which the world can give upon
any subject within the scope of human
inquiry Unless this be the fact the
exposition is in some degree deficient
in the fulfilling of its whole duty. It's
duty may be expressed, less exhaustive
ly, perhaps, but with more practical
truth, thus: It>is place not in which
anybody will learn all it can offer, but
in which anybody may enlarge the
scope of his information. How far the
Pan-American Exposition can realize
this criterion of completeness and of
excellence win depend upon the area of
space at its disposal and the skill of
its officers in the mana cement of that
space 1t looks now as if it will become
not an encyclopedia of all knowledge,
but an edition de luxe of the most ex-
cellent selections.
In this phase of the Exposition will
be found its most instructive value.
Whether it will also be the most educa-
tive will depend upon the individual
who is the recipient.
The Exposition has a third phase.
rendering another element of education
through its power of amusement. Amid
the whirl of sounds and scenes in the
exhibit departments mind and body ac-
quire intense fatigue which Graves
rest The toll of simple observation
becomes Wearisome. Music becomes a
restful solace. The magician's wand
lends new life to tired limbs. There
was some froth in the Chicago Midway.
lapse of seven years one is convinced
that out of it came more of enduring
and practical information and educa-
ton than there was of mere ephemeral
foam. Years of travel leading to some
of the remotest quarters of the earth
would have been required to give even
the casual observer so much insight
into the manners, customs and conduct
of peoples differing from us in race,
color, religion and habits of life and
in single journey up and down the
condition of the Midway was it's con-
centration. While it was of the expo
sition, it was wholly by itself. Some
things shown illustrated the processes
of important business methods, like the
of ostriches, the work of the diver in
medieval structures, like the Castle of
of Constantinople Some were wholly
Cairo. filed with innocent fun. These
American. but others equally in
structive. equally interesting, equally
amusing, will be shown.
Above all, around all will be display
ed the effects of scientific manifesto
lions, particularly of electricity, with
such exuberance of force and such va
heretofore seen. The picture may not
be overdrawn. The most marvellous
anticipation will be realized.