The daily morning journal and courier., 1903-05-06
OUR STATE FINELY IGNORED
coy. CHAMBERLAIN AND STAFF HEADED THE LINE OF GUESTS.

In the Fig Procession at the Opening of
 the St. Louis Expositton-Features of
 the Stay of ConnectIcut's Representa-
 lives at St. Louis.
 Connecticut was splendidly honored at the St. Louis exposition, as will be seen by the following facts obtained from our townsman, Lieutenant Com mander Arthur H. Day, naval aide on Governor Chamberlain's staff, in an in- terview with that gentleman last even ing:
 "The trip of Governor Chamberlain and staff to the dedication of the St. Louis exposition was a most enjoyable one in all respects and the reports that no preparations had been made for the reception of notable invited guests are wholly unfounded. Governor Chamber lain and party arrived in St. Louis from Hatrford at o'clock on Tuesday evening of last week, the trip occupying from noon Monday,-a trip of thirty three hours. The party occupied two private cars, going by the Boston & AL bany, New York Central and Big Four railroads. Adjutant General Cole had sent out in advance Major Wise, a member of his executive force, who had made complete preparations for the re- ception of the party. They were met at the Union station at St. Louis by carriages and taken to the Southern hotel, where most comfortable rooms awaited them which had been assigned to them, on the parlor floor, without delay. The party had all of the follow ing day to themselves, the fair opening on Thursday. The party enjoyed them selves as they saw fit on Wednesday. it being an open day. On Thursday Governor Chamberlain and staff rode on horseback in the great military pa rade, occupying the leading position of honor at the head of the procession of civic guests, their position being ahead of the governors of all the other states, --so Connecticut received a most flat tering honor. This honor was duly ap- preciated. The Empire states repre- sentatives, Governor Odell and party, were second, coming next to the Con- necticut guests. The parade itself was headed by the military. The process sion of governors staffs, all in full dress uniform, made a very brilliant spectacl cle. and they were of course ob jects of great attention from the multi tudes along the line of march. Cover nor Chamberlain was greeted with tre- mendous applause all along the route. The governor acknowledged the honors paid him and through him to Connecti- cut by lowing right and left at fre- quent intervals. Governor Chamberlain and staff rode horses provided by the St. Louis fair managers. The process sion was reviewed by President Roose- welt on the fair grounds, where there was an immense multitude of people A delightful incident of the following day was a dinner given by Governor and Mrs. Chamberlain to the staff and other members of the party at the Southern hotel, which is one of the fin- est in the southern states. After the dinner all went to the reception given by the St. Louis club to the diplomatic corps and guests of the exposition. On the next day Governor Chamberlain and staff went out to the fair grounds III CctIIld5C5 u1CLo oL LllC SANlC pal ooC of that day, which was reviewed by all the governors from the reviewing stand on the fair grounds. After the return to the city the governor and staff were entertained at dinner at the St. Louis club by Mir. Parker, a former resident of Meriden and now one of the leading railroad officials of the west. Informal speeches were made by Governor Chamberlain and others of the Connec- tieut party On Sunday morning at S:3O the party left for home, arriving late Monday afternoon.
 "The fair authorities during the en- tire visit gave every attention in their power to their guests and the St. Louis people, who are noted for their hospi- tality, devoted all their time to the off, cial visitors and outdid themselves in showing every imaginable courtesy. The fact that the trip was absolutely com fortable and without a hitch or incon- venience of any kind is largely due to the efforts of Fair Commissioner Fred erick A. Betts of this city, Adjutant General Cole and Major Wise.