Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-04-30


Their Assistance, and Encourage
the Project.
The Board of Trade is entering with a
commendable degree of enthusiasm into
the project for carnival week in July,
and it promises to be the biggest thing
in the line of entertainment ever given
In this city. A special meeting was
held last night. for the purpose of dis
pussms the matter with Mr.. Benson, and
1t was well attended. The meeting was
called to order by President Laughlin,
who briefly explained its object. For the
purpose Of acquainting the members
with the steps already taken, the secre-
kary read q portion of the minutes of
the last meeting.
President Laughlin then introduced
Mr.. Benson, who made an address 70 the
Heard, roughly outlining his plans for
the carnival. He said it was proposed,
in the first place. to bring to Wheeling
the biggest crowd ever assembled with
in the city; and second, to entertain the
visitors that all will leave with warm
heart for wheeling.
Mr.. Benson said It was proposed 10
have the formal opening on Mondey
night, with addresses, concerts and a
ceremony In which the rosebud will
be lifted that will throw on all the
dlluminatiens. It is proposed to have
the most elaborate illuminations in the
history of the city, feature to be an
electrical fountain IN some central lcca-
ton.
Tuesday night Will witness the naval
battle On the river, ending in victory
over the enemy Dull Care" the arrival
Of the King and his attendants; their re-
ception at the pueblo landing by the Of
fcials of the city and OF the carnival;
their escort to the scene Of coronation;
the ceremony Of the coronation; the
presentation Of the Keys Of the city to
the Lord Mayor; to be followed by
concerts and games for the benefit Of
the King and his court.
On Wednesday afternoon will occur
the floral parade. Mr.. Benson explain
ed that this cannot be given without
the cooperation of the people, the "a
dies In particular. He said he had talk
ed with many persons, and believed
that this feature would be a complete
success. Wherever it had been given, 1T
was regarded as the most beautiful feat
ure of the carnival.
The grand Rex parade will take place
Thursday night. The theme to be car
ried out will be Prince in Fairyland,'
showing the haps and mishaps Of Prince
Venturesome, in his tour of the world
and fairyland, by means Of line of
fifteen or more pictorial floats. There
will be brilliant Examinations and tab
ieaux This will be reproduction Of
the fetes in New Orleans, st. Louis and
Kansas City, and Mr.. Benson says It
will be the fourth in magnitude in the
United States.
Friday nights feature will be the
court BALI The King and his court,
and royal subjects, will be escorted to
the Casino, where a throne will he
erected After the reception and con-
certs there will be programme Of
smusements, to be followed by the ball
opening with the court set
Saturday will be carnival day. There
will be general marking, free use Of
confetti, etc.
Mr.. Benson told about the growth of
the carnival movement, commencing
with the New Orleans Mardi Gras in its
infancy, before there was any intention
to give it 10 attract visitors from dis
lance He told how strangers began to
be attracted, until now New Orleans Is
the Mecca of the entire country in the
winter. ST. Louis profited Dy the idea,
and now conducts it's annual Yelled
Prophet celebrations. Mr. Benson said
he was confident the success of the cell
eoration in ST. Louis was largely re-
sponsible for the preparations now be-
ing made in that city for the greatest
Worlds Fair ever given. Kansas City
is also giving the Priests of Pallas cele-
brations, carrying out the same carnival
idea.
Mr.. Benson said the growth had been
slow until recent years. but cities are
grasping the idea so generally that last
year there were more than four hun
dred carnivals given In the United
States. He thought it was hardly neces-
sary to say more in favor of it, but he
would go into details concerning sew
eral cities. In Kalamazoo, where he
conducted one OF his first carnivals, the
bankers held clearing house meeting
at che close of the carnival, and stated
that 1T had brought 100000 into the
city. In Saginaw, Mich, the crowds
were so large that they could not be
handled, and trading was very heavy
Richmond, Va, last year raised $4,000
for the carnival, spent over 5000, and
had a balance OF $1,000 at the close oil
tine fair VIII, Hhic nouali1c that cify