The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1901-10-04

ofthe formative period. For more than
two years the Psn-American exposition
has been practically complete. Details
h ID been consummated, aud all effort
was along prescribed and harmonious
lines for longer period than some en-
terprising Oregon citizens will give for
the entire work here. II the PROPOSE
tions Of the Pan.American exposition are
to be rivaled, not day must be lost from
the present.
But few persons following the duties
of ordinary callings have had occasion
to measure the work necessitated in Gre
ating Worlds Fair. Those who have
not would be appalled, by closer exam
ination. Until considerable familiarity
is possessed it is unwise for person to
endeavor to guide action either for or
against. II the state was not committed
to the enterprise, there would be some
excnse for people to preach without
knowledge. Abandonment OF the pro.
ject now means humiliation, but not 80
intense as must be suffered II further
pretensious are made only to be followed
b. ultimate defeat. wretched and
ludicrouE effort at holding a fair will in.
iure the state more than success will
benefit it. Two sickeninR alternatives
are ahead, as against one Of good cheer.
Unremitting and immediate effort only
can secure the latter, while such prog.
ress as is now being made and as iI ar
IDENTIFY advocated by many, will bring
ous or the other OF the two nightmares
now lowering over the business inter-
ests Of the state.
So much for the time OF action. Those
persons believing small sum of money
sufficient for creating Worlds Fair are
as hopelessly in the dark as their com.
rades in the struggle against success he
are advocating delay Of action. Nothing
can be done without money. Worlds
Fairs use the million for unit. Ifa
smaller scale is taken the people will
understand a corresponding decrease lie
made in the attractions offered. II
millions are to be raised for the Lewis
and Clark Centennial, the State of Orc
gon must do a heavy part. Portland
will be called upon for more than her
business men will assent TO give, or than
they will feel able to donate to any expo.
siti'n enterprise. In proportion ts the
population, and even benefits received,
Portland will bear the brunt Of effort.
Talk of 100000 sum for Portland is
ridiculous. II is the standard OF contri.
button, the State will contribute from
100000 to 100000, and perhaps the
same sum can be raised by other states
of the northwest and coast. This will
be sufficient for decent State fair, or
perhaps the scope might be broadened
some and Northwest title given the
enterprise. The height Of absurdity
would be reached in bestowing larger
or mole significant name.
In reply to the tone Of some structures
passed, we would emphasize that we as
a newspaper are not benefited by an
extra session OF the Legislature, or a
81 100000 appropriation. These were
suggestions in the interest Of the fair.
Ii this exposition is TO be lifted from the
plane OF ordinary State fairs in our
judgment the move for creditable
appropriation must me maintained. II
the people believe the burden too great
and would prefer to drop the fair rather
than undertake the task, We shall lose
all further interest in a special session
or appropriation OF 100000. A rea-
soning, intelligent mind is indicated by
reiraining from insihuation that there is
benefit. When affairs Of this
importance are up, personalities must
be dropped.