The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-09-07

1--WE had to haul the money away in
drays," said President Cosgrove, of the
State Agricultural society yesterday
noon as he watched two wagons drive
out of the gates of the fair ground.
THAT shows the kind of business we
have been doing in the past five days."
Each dray contained a ton of silver
coin, which the visitors had given up
for admission to the grounds and grand
stand. The most of the $4,000 was in
cart wheels" of the dollar denomina-
ton.
1--WE take the silver to the bank" said
President Cosgrove, because it is too
bulky to keep. The paper money is
more easily handled and we need con-
siderable to pay off our premiums and
purses. Some of the exhibitors want
checks and some money, and we make
1t a rule to give them what they want.
All Records Beaten.
There is no question about it," con-
tinued the president. 1--WE have beaten
the record, not only for this state, but
for all other states. Over 100000 visit
ors and net profit of $4,000 is the
record of the forty third fair of the So
ing the bread and butter state, but
this week has also given it the name
of the state which holds the greatest
and biggest fair in the union.
Some claim that the Toronto, On
tario, fair draws larger crowds, but 1
don't believe it. We will have about
$4,000 left after paying all expenses,
but this is only a flea bite to the
amount we want and should expend for
improvements. The legislature gave
the Agricultural society 100000 sew
enteen years ago, and since then $4,000
has been appropriated in driblets.
1--WE want 100000 from the state to
make the improvements needed and
the legislature should make the appro-
priation at the next session.
Springfield Is Competitor.
illinois has appropriated $450,000
In the past three years from the state
treasury for the agricultural society
of that state, and an attempt is be-
Ing made to make the grounds at
Springfield the best in the country.
The city has only a population of 81,
900 people, while here the fair grounds
are midway between two cities con-
tanning 100000. The $4,000 which we
expect to have as a surplus this year
will not last long when we start in
making improvements.
"It will take $4,000 for the perfec-
ton of the system of water mains,
beverage and toilet rooms which must
be made. Another $4,000 is the least
we should eXpend for stone sidewalks.
A new agricultural building is needed,
as at the present time the exhibits in
this department are obliged to use a
portion of horticulture hall, and this
crowds things so that this year five
counties which desired to make an eX-
hibit were prevented.
"There should be an amphitheater
erected in which to show and judge
cattle instead of having tent for
the purpose. Provision should also be
made for a fish exhibit in keeping with
the display made by the state game
and fish commission. A suitable build
ing for this would cost $4,000
Cramped for Space.
"The space now devoted to the ma
chinery, aside from being too cramp-
ed, is too close to the center of the
ground. If we can get an appropria-
ton from the legislature, it is the in
tention to move the machinery back
to the north of the grounds, and open
an avenue 200 feet wide from the main
avenue in the grounds to the machi-
merry exhibit. This would allow the
restaurants and other stands to be
removed from the center of the
grounds and give firms who are de-
sirous of erecting buildings a chance
to do so.
"This year one firm put up a hand
some structure in the center of the
grounds. OF course it was an adver-
tisement, but 1t helped out the man
agement, for the reason that it gave
the visitors some place to rest. We
need places where people can sit down
and take a few moments comfort, and
the erection of buildings of this kind
will be of great benefit to the society
and the visitors.
Next year we intend to do away
with the fellows who rush through the
grand stand, especially the reserved
seat portion, selling pop corn, peanuts
and chewing gum. We shall also do
away with the sale Of programmes for
the grand stand attractions, and by
securing advertisements, for the pro-
grammes will be able to give away one
to each persons admitted to the stand