The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-17
Ii Was Probably Due to the Fact that
the People Got Into the
Grounds Free Gratis.
EXHIBITORS HAD A BUSY DAY
TODAY EVERYTHING WILL BE IN
READINESS FOR BIG CROWDS.
Weeks Racing Programme VIII Be
gin This AfternOOn-A Memorial
Service on Thursday.

Officers OF the state fdlr, nOrSemen, eAHlD-
itOrs. refreshment-stand owners, fakirs,
peanut and hot-sausage vendors and stable
boys all made the same wish at the fair
grounds yesterday-that the weather the
rest Of the week would be as pleasant and
propitious for a grand week of amuse-
ment and entertainment as it was yester-
day. They were all of the same voice-that
it was an ideal day-the only wall coming
from the men who hope TO increase their
worldly goods by selling ice cream and a
concoction of water, sugar, lemon rinds,
tartaric acid and aniline.
From early i'm the morning until late at
night there was "a busy scene on the fair
grounds. Big wagons carried exhibits TO
the fair and men and women hurried about
preparing for the formal opening to-day.
Moving machines, harvesters. corn hullers.
wagons, carriages and everything in the
way of a vehicle either for pleasure or
practical use. was unpacked and placed in
position. Wind mills were started, thresh-
ing machines were given steam and even
pianos were given a final tuning for the
opening. In the stables men and boys were
busy busting the hogs. currying the cows
and horses and giving sheep bath. Some
of the more enthusiastic owners of fine
cattle dressed the bovines with the care
of "A tOnsOrial artist or a hair dresser
There was just as much activity In the
other departments on the grounds; Elk
hIbitors of fine fruit stood around eye
ing suspiciously every person who ad-
vanced near their exhibits. The fuZz on
the peaches was protected with as much
care as the lace designs in the Art Hall.
Every person was hurrying 10 put the fin
ishing touches of decoration on the ex-
hibiting halls and the exhibits.
FIRST DAYS ATTENDANCE.
a. F,;.. h.
first day than ever before III the history of
the fair This was probably due to the
camp of Patriarchs Militant on the grounds
which attracted a large crowd Hundreds
took advantage of the gates being open to
the public and during the afternoon there
was desire to see the exhibits and camp.
There seemed to be a joyful absence of
fake shows on the grounds. but those who
come to the city prepared to give up the
price of admission 10 see the wonders of
India Just from the Worlds Fair at
Paris and the Oriental Theater will not
be disappointed The performers of the
India aggregation were doing their regu-
lar Monday laundering yesterday in the
rear of their tent washing variegated rib
crowd of men and boys stood by watching
them. The Oriental Theater performers
were not TO be seen on the outside of the
tent. IL will require dime to have the
twentieth century.
There was hardly a minute during the
entire day that there was not ''try-out''
the track by one or more horses. The
track is in excellent condition and it is eX-
pected that it will be very fast to-day and
the remainder of the week when it is prop
eriy narrowed and Scraped this morning.
The horsemen are enthusiastic over the
prospects of a very successful week for the
races. Yesterday there were several i'm
pronptu races among the horses on the
track, which attracted the attention of the
free sightSeers.
The first of the races will be given to-
day, the programme calling for the 2:10
trot for a purse of $780, and the 2:25 pace
stake, $1,000. The stake event will be one
OF the best races of the entire programme
as there will be large field of starters and
there is more money offered for the win
ners than in any other event
THE USUAL RUSH
The fair was practically opened at 1
o'clock in the afternoon. There was the
usual first-day rush to get the exhibits
into place. While none of the officers of the
State Board of Agriculture had signs up an
nOuncing that il was his busy day their
surroundings indicated the fact very
strongly. President Mcdonald spoke en-
couragingly of the outlook and predicted
that with favorable weather the fair would
be one of the greatest in the history of the
State.
The only change made in the original
Mckinley memorial service on Thursday
The heads of the various departments
are actively at work getting the exhibits
in shape and to-day nearly every display
is expected TO be in ship-shape. The ma-
chinery display is more extensive than
ordinarily and the interest in this branch
OF the fair is great The art hall is being
put into shape rapidly and with the addi-
tiOnal space afforded this year the exhibit
promises to be more interesting than ever.
In the agricultural hall the visitor is i'm
pressed with the memorial arch in honor of
the late President Mckinley Ii is in
black with the top piece in corn and other
cereals. On the opposite side of the east
aisle is an artistic arch built of corn. A
miniature train loaded with corn for the
drought-strickeR regions is one of the fea-
lures. The corn display is better than ex-
pected, while other grains and foliage are
better than last year. Superintendent
Colt Barnett, of Logansport, and his as
in charge.
THE FLORAL DISPLAY.
Superintendent Mason J. Niblack says the
outlook for the floral display, which is rap
idly being put in shape. is better than ever.
The exhibit of plants will exceed that of
former years. The perishable fruits will
not be displayed until to-day
One Of the greatest attractions is the
display of live stock, the exhibit of horses
being especially fine. Indiana surely has a
prominent place In horse breeding. Judging
from the Splend1dly bred exhibits in the
various classes. The sheep, cattle and
swine displays draw many admirers The
pet-stock display is a feature.
The band stand is ready for the Sousa
concerts, and judging from the many in
quries. officers say the musical pro-
grammes promise TO be the most interesting
feature OF the week. President McDon-
aid was requested by Sousa TO permit a
change in the time OF the arrival of the
band in this city, but declined. This neces-
STATED arrangements for a special train,
and Mr. Sousa and his musicians viii arrive
this forenoon from Pittsburg i'm time Ia
participate in the programme according to
Schedule. Concerts will be given to-mOr-
row and Thursday evenings Reserved seats
may be had at Huber drug store.
MemLers OF the State Board of Agricul-