Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-05-07

tant, the free navigation of the Missis-
sippi being the only part OF the prop
erty deemed worthy OF serious consid-
Grafton. The transaction was regard
ed by many as g. violation Of the con-
stitution and a menace to our form Of
government. The grave doubts OF
President Jefferson were only lsSolved
into action by his patriotic desire Tor
national supremacy over the river, and
his prophetic faith in the possibilities.
of the mysterious country beyond it.
The revelations of a century have
most amply justified his faith.
when the treaty Of cession was
concluded President Jefferson repre-
sented less than six millions OF people.
During these ceremonies President
Roosevelt, the executive of over eighty
millions of freemen, will dedicate the
buildings. The magical story Of local
development puts to shame the cTea-
lions of fiction. The contented and
prosperous inhabitants Of the LOuisi-
ana purchase today substantially equal
in numbers three times the total pop
ulation Of the United States in 1900.
The conquest Of space, forests.
streams and deserts and the founding
of cities and states IN waste places
within this territory, marks an ad-
vance unsurpassed in the history Of
human endeavOr.
''It is fitting that the celebration
should be International, for you will
in vain attempt to have a civilized
country whose sons and daughters
have not contributed to the glorious
triumphs of peace recorded here. In
vain will you seek q more cOsmopoli-
tan, and at the same time a more
homogeneous population than that of
the Louisiana territory. The purchase,
facilitated by the exegencies OF Euro
pean war, and made in a season Of
darkness and peril, has proven boone
not only to the grantor and the gran
tee, but to humanity at large, for here
the nations have cOmmingled and the
brotherhood of man has become de-
monstrated possibility.
CAS- a means Of giving expression to
the universal appreciation of what has
been accomplished for humanity with
in this field during the century, the
Louisiana purchase exposition was
organized under the authority Of an
act of congress. With the aid Of the
United States government, and the
city Of st. Louis. the exposition COM
pany, through its officers, agents and
employees, has erected the majestic
buildings, whose massive proportions
and classical outlines excite the wonder
and admiration of the vast multitude
assembled within and about their
walls
"To every one present is accorded
the privilege of assisting in the dedi-
cation of these buildings to their in
tended use. The president Of the
United States honors us by being here
to extend his greetings and to voice
the approving sentiments of his cOun-
trymen.
Moved by a broad and generous
spirit, the nations Of the earth, from
the empire of most ancient origin to
the republic of twentieth century crea-
ton, dignity the occasion by the pres
ence of their accredited representa-
tives Our home folks from all the
states, territories and districts betoken
by their numbers and enthusiasm the
interest of the body of the people in
the exposition and the great historic
event it is intended to commemorate,
I'm the name of the national CONF
mission directed by congress to pro-
vide for the dedication ceremonies, I
extend to you all cordial welcome,
and as responsive to this inspiring
scene of peace and generous feeling
call upon the chorus to favor US with
Beethoven's Creation hymn.