New-York tribune., 1901-05-02
THOUSANDS SEE THE FAIR.
NIGHT EXHIBITION DRAWS MANY
VISITORS
IBy Associated Press ]

Buffalo. May 1.-The beautiful electrical dis
play tonight the elimination of the open
ing day of the Pan-Amercan Exposition. The
attendance this morning small, owing TO
the threatening weather which kept away many
from nearby towns Later in the day. when the
sun broke through the gray clouds, the crowd
began 10 assume the proportions of an expo
siton throng. and tonight thousands passed
through the turnstiles.
The gates were opened this morning without
ceremony. the opening day ceremonies having
been postponed until May 90 when they will be
combined with dedication day exercises The
change in the date, however. did not cause a
moments relaxation Of the efforts being put
forth by every connected with the expo
sition to have everything nearly ready as pos
sible for to-day's opening. The appearance of
the buildings and grounds this morning bore
ample evidence Of their efforts. Storm, and the
inevitable delays incident to any undertaking
OF this magnitude. made impossible the realiza-
tion Of the hope that this might be the first of
the great eEpositions to be complete on its open
ing day. but so much more already has been
wrought than was deemed possible that all are
satisfied with the extent and beauty of the fair
as il appeared this morning. carried through as
it by the citizens of Buffalo without State or
Federal aid.
At the formal opening of the exposition in
the Government Building, at noon, the following
message from the President was read
Memphis Tenn May /.
The President directs me convey his con-
Fratulations to the citizens of Buffalo upon the
suspicious opening of the Pan-Amercan Ex-
position, rich in blossom and ripe in expecta-
tions. May the hopes and ambitions Of its pro-
roters be realized to the fullest measure.
BY direction of the President,
GEORGE B. CORTELYOU,
Secretary TO the President
At o'clock forty-six aerial bombs were fired
one in honor of each State of the Union At the
same time the flags on all the buildings were
unfurled TO the breeze. The Stars and Stripes
the Pan-American flag, with its yellow sun and
golden eagle; the green pine tree of Ecuador,
the spangled banner of Bolivia. and the faunt-
ing red and green Of Argentina. floating from
tower and spire. added glory to the al
ready beautiful sight.
The highest towers of the Agricultural Build
ing had the United States colors. The Canadian
colors held the centre. and New-York State,
Pan-American and South American flags came
in their respective order
On the four corners of the Electricity Build
ing Were the flags of England. France. Holland
and Denmark, with the flags of their depend
encies grouped with them.
The station was abIaze with colors From six
5O-foot poles upon the tribune futtered the
American flag. Fifty-six poles supported the
Pan-American flag, and forty-six poles held
streamers bearing the colors OF South American
countries. About fifty other streamers We're
floating from other points on the amphitheatre
There were eight fancy flags with a light
golden field upon the Temple Of Music, four Red
Cross flags upon the hospital and twenty-eight
United States. Pan-American and fancy flags
upon the service building. The three bridges
had ten Pan-American flags. and the two IS
foot poles on the grotto bridge had two stream
ers. with a gold field and red design. Two poles
south OF the Court of Lilies blazed with stream
ers. with red ground and design of gold
and green, and similar ones famed from the
Court OF Expresses. The Wonan's Building had
the United States flag floating from a pole out
side and rwenty-four South American flags upon
the roof.
PIGEONS BEAR INVITATIONS
At o'clock $500 homing pigeons were re-
leased Frank W Converse head of the live
stock and agriculture department of the fair
had charge Of the birds. which will carry the
news OF the opening of the exposition To distant
States. The message is a greeting signed by