Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-04-30

81. Louis, April oO.-Ine rites, winch
present the Louisiana Purchase expo
sitoin to the world, were perform ed in
the liberal arts building today with all
the dignity and splendor befitting such
an occasion. The parade OF 1900
soldiers down Lindell Boulevard to the
Worlds fair grounds, formed the most
spectacular and brilliant prelude to the
ceremony of dedication. At the close
OF the parade over 10000 people
crowded into the big auditorium, where
in the presence of the official repre-
sentatives of all the civilized nations
of the world the words of dedication
were spoken by the President of the
United States. President Roosevelt,
Former President Cleveland, President
Francis of the Exposition company,
President Carter of the worlds fair
commission, members of the cabinet
and members of the supreme court
were seated in the center OF the plat
form
At the Presidents right sat visiting
diplomats, Cardinal Gibbons, Bishops
HendriXs and Potter, distinguished for
eigners and representatives of the
state department.
To the left of the President sat the
Joint congressional delegation, the for
eign commissions to the fair, General
Miles, General Gorbin, General Bates,
and many others scarcely less dis
4tinguished
Governors Section.
The two front sections of the audi
torium proper were occupied by the
governors of the states and their
10 ffe, 1n &c, ai
missioners of the United States gov
ernment and senators, congressman
and other notable guests. Across the
aisles was a brilliantly gowned assem-
! blage of women, including the board
of lady managers. Back of these were
thousands OF the general public.
Many Decorations.
The big hall was beautifully decor
ated with bunting and flags, exhibiting
the mingled colors of Spain, France
and the United States.
One Hundred Guns Salute.
At the conclusion of the speeches
today being the one hundredth ami
yersary of the signing OF the Louisiana
purchase treaty the centennial salute
days demonstration will conclude to-
night with a magnificent display of
fireworks.
Military Pageant.
The great military parade, which was
designed to be distinctively show
spectacle of the dedication ceremonies,
was held this morning and proved to
be all its promoters could wish and all
that the regular army officers, who
controlled 1t could hope for.
The marching thousands were
watched by President Roosevelt as
they filed past the reviewing stand,
with eager attention.
Roosevelt Shows Approval.
Every we'll set rank, every accurate
formation and very few were not ac-
curate, elected his hearty commenda-
ton. From end to end of the line of
march the cheers of the immense
crowd were as cordial as Roosevelt's
approval.
Imposing Spectacle.
The parade in all of it's features was
a most beautiful and imposing inaugu-
raj of the ceremonies. The swinging
TANKS, TlSluS anu ldiliuS III perfect
time, were moving rapidly on, while
the flashing steel and glittering
buckles and buttons, the tossing
plumes, the waving banners and the
martial music made a picture of bloom
and beauty of battle, splendor of war
that could not be surpassed.
Corbin Grand Marshal.
Although Adjutant General Henry G.
Corbin was the grand marshal and
chief figure in the parade the active
work of organizing the columns and
managing the parade was done by
General John A. Johnston, U. S. A., and
Lieutenant Colonel g. A. Goodwin of
the Ninth United States cavalry of Cor
bins chief staff.
Eleven Thousand In Line.
There were II 900 men in line, 3,100
regulars and 1900 national guardsmen,
New York being represented by 1000
officers and men; Illinois by 1000;
Iowa by $50; Missouri by 1900; Okla
home, 200; Ohio, 1000
Distinguished Guests in Lead.
The parade started promptly at 1920
o'clock, the hour set for the start. At
its head was a platoon of police fol-
inwad by 128 carriages. containing the