Arizona republican., 1901-12-03
CHARLESTON FXPOsITIoN
The Machinery Set in Motion by
 President Roosevelt.

Charleston, s. C., Dec. 2.-From the White house President Roosevelt start ed the electric spark which communi- cated the energy to the shafting Of the cotton palace and industrial buildings. and amid the turnultuous shouts of thousands. the music of a score of bands and the waving of flags, the wheels began to turn. The South Car olina and West Indian exposition was realty and the dedicatory exercises were over. An event of such magnitude could not have been inaugurated under more favorable auspices, from the ma ment the grand pageant formed in the city until it dispersed at the grounds, concluding with the speecn-making and music. everything moved with admir- able smoothness, amid the music of the bands, the cheers of the great throngs and the animated scenes in and about the picturesque structures composing the exposition.
 The crowds were even greater than the enthusiastic promoters had expect ed. The various structures on the ground were crowded early in the day and the shaded avenues and river front swarmed with men, women and children. Toward noon the scene was one of greatest activity. Everything was in motion. The buildings glittered in gay decorations and everything throughout the 16O acres presented an animated appearance
 It was 10 o'clock when the parade completed it's forma ton and moved to- ward the exposition grounds. It was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Morris. U. s. A. and comprised attachments of United States marines. several companies of infantry and the various local military and semi military organizations.
 Following the arrival of the process sion at the grounds the formal deiica- tory ceremonies were held in the ex- position auditorium. The oration of the day was delivered by Senator Chauncey M. Depew or New York. Other speakers were President r. G. Wagner of the exposition, Governor McSweeney and Mayor J. Adger Smyth. The musical portion of the pro gram was furnished by the First Ar tillery band. Tonight the days pro gram concludes with an elaborate pyro- technic display.
 The South Carolina Interstate and West Indian exposition does not, like other great fairs, commemorate the anniversary of some past event, but, on the other hand. is designed to open new industries and commerce. It's spe- cific purpose Is to promote commercial relations with the West Indian islands. On account of it's peculiar southern at mosphere the exposition enjoys certain original features impossible at other great shows of its kind. The exposi- tion grounds cover an area of 160 acres. including a large frontage on the Ash ley river. The principal buildings are the cotton, agricultural, minerals and forestry. administration, auditorium. woman's, negro and transportation and machinery. The building scheme is southern in style. and instead of road ways and asphalted streets leading from one building to another, there are winding paths under spreading live oak trees.
 The most imposing building is the cotton palace, which covers 50,000 square feet. The live stock exhibit. covering fifteen acres, is also an i'm portant part of the exposition. Several of the West Indian islands have spe- cial buildings. as have also Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois and several other states. In the way of lighter enter tainnent there is a Midway which compares favorably with similar feat ures seen at previous expositions.