Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-12-26
GROUND FOR IT BROKEN AT ST.
LOUIS.
WITH VAST FORMALITY
Something of the Trend Which the
Great Exposition is to Take-EVery
Department of Human Activity
Embraced in its Scope.-Work to
be Rushed From Now on.

mality ground was yesterday broken
for the great exposition which is to
be held in celebration Of the Centen-
ial of what is known in history as the
Louisiana purchase. By this transac-
ton the United States government, in
1903, secured from France all the land
lying between the Mississippi river
and the Rocky mountains, an area of
more than million square miles and
exceeding the territory of the United
States at that time Fourteen states
and territories have been created out
of the Louisiana territory, having a
total present population of 100000,
and an estimated wealth of 100000
900 900. The citizens and corporations
OF st. Louis raised by private sub
scription 100000, the municipality
Of st. Louis gave 100000, the state
OF Missouri appropriated $1,0000O0
and the United States has given
it's endorsement and help to the extent
of $5,000,000, besides appropriating
$250,000 for the government building
Appropriations have been made by
several states ranging from $4,000 to
$250,000
On the goth of August last the presi-
dent of the United States issued
proclamation addressed to all the ma
tions Of the world inviting them to
participate in the fair This invita-
ton was delivered through diplomatic
channels to the heads of the various
governments and favorable replies
have been received from a large
number of them, Indicating a world
wide interest in the exposition.
The site is in the western part of
the city, the authorities having set
aside more than 600 acres of Forest
park and an adjacent area having
been secured makes a total of nearly
1900 acres. Included in the fair
grounds are the buildings and grounds
Of Washington university, valued at
$4,000 900.
The principal buildings are to be
arranged according to a symmetrical
plan somewhat in the form Of a fan.
In the northeastern part of Forest
park section. The principal vista
will be that from the main entrance
loking southwest some three quarters
of a mile to the art palace, which will
crown an eminence SO feet above the
general level Of the main buildings
This avenue will be 600 feet wide and
there will be a transverse avenue 800
feet in width, Fronting upon these
beautiful avenues will be the manu-
facturers and liberal arts building
the educational and social economy
building, The mines, tnachinery. cleo
tricity and transportation BUILDINGS.
The structures will vary in size from
seven to fifteen acres in area. A
broad lagoon will encircle two of the
most central buildings. The palace
of art upon the hill at the southwest
will be permanent, and with its by
building will cost about 81 900 600.
The general style of the building is to
De that Of the renaissance with liberal
use of colorado effects upon all ey-
teriors. The slope from the palace
of art to the lagoons will afford an op-
Dortunity for cascade effects of a
most beautiful character. The GOV
eminent building and pavilion de-
voted to special purposes will occupy
position upon the elevation south.
east but conveniently situated with
reference to the main group of ex-
position buildings. Southwark from
the main group and beyond the palace
Of arts is considerable space which
will be devoted to state and foreign
buildings. Among these will be that
Of Missouri, which is to be permanent.
costing about 100000. The largest
building will be devoted to agriculture
and its allied industries 1t will
stand west of the main group ana
cover an area of more than 80 acres.
The new buildings of Washington uni
Versity which are nearly ready for
occupancy will be the administrative
headquarters as we'll as serve other
purposes
The fair will embrace in its scope
every department of human activity.
1t is the purpose of the management
to have it portray civilization in its
are to be divided into the following
MAN departments: education and So
clal economy. art. liberal arts; manu-
features machinery, electricity; trans
portatlon, agriculture and food prod
uctS' horticulture, yitaculture and
arboraculture: fish and game. mining
and metallurgy; forestry anthropol-
ogy, athletics. Throughout all de
partments, so far as it may be done,
the exhibits will show processes of
manufacture and the development of
the articles displayed. There will be
numerous complete installations of
manufacturing plants, and life and
activity will characterize the exposi-
ton and give it a unique individuality.
Sources of raw materials will in most
instances be shown, and step by step
the work of reproducing articles of
utility and value will be portrayed.
An effort will be made to have every
country as we'll as every department
OF human activity adequately repre-
scented. Commissioners have been ap-
pointed and have gone upon their mis-
slons to the various countries of the
world which have accepted the invita-
ton to participate, with view of as
s1sting so far as possible in the collec-
ton of exhibits. They carry with
them full knowledge of the plan and
scope Of the position, and are en-
powered to cooperate with The rep.
resentatives of the various govern
m6ntS in BRINGING foootbor f7;er1,-