Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-05-06

DEDICATED
Impressive Ceremonies Mark ,he
Launching of the Louisiana
Purchase Exposition.
AN AssEMsLAeE OF NoTABLEs
Highest Civic, Military and Church
Dignitaries Of the Land Par.
ticipate in the Exercises.

st. Louis, April 30.-With impress
sive ceremonies, participated In by
many of the most distinguished cit.
izens of the United States, the chief
executive of the nation, and preceded
by a military parade of 11,000 sol
diers, the Louisiana Purchase expo
sition was formally dedicated in the
liberal arts building here today.
The weather was far from propit-
ious, but spectators alike declined to
have their ardor cooled by the chilly
atmosphere, and did their utmost to
make the day what 1t will always
be-a red letter event in the history
of the state and city.
The parade of the 11,000 soldiers
down Lincoln boulevard to the worlds
fair grounds comprised pageant
never to be forgotten, and In the val
liant columns where many veterans,
whose heroism upon the field OF bat
tie, in days gone by, has become a
part and parcel of the country's un-
dying history. The parade over, co.
900 people crowded into the auditor
ium. where, in the presence of offi-
cial Representatives OF all OF the CIV
ilized nations of the world, the words
of dedication were spoken by the
president of the United States.
AS the last syllable fell from the
speakers lips and the dedication of
one of the worlds greatest fairs was
completed, 10000 voices rose in a
prodigious bass note of applause.
President Roosevelt, ex-President
Cleveland and an imposing company
of diplomatists, governors, senators,
congressional representatives, gov
ernment officials and representatives
of the exposition came direct to the
liberal arts building from the lunch
which was served in tents on the
ground.
Distinguished Men Present
President Roosevelt, ex-President
Cleveland, President Francis of the
exposition, President Carter Of the
worlds fair commission, members OF
the cabinet and the supreme court
took seats in the center Of the plat
form. At the presidents right sat the
visiting diplomatists, a distinguished
looking contingent, which attracted
much attention. In this section also
were other distinguished foreigners
and representatives of the state de-
partment at Washington, headed by
Assistant Secretary of State Loomis.
To the left of the president sat the
Joint delegation of senators and rep
resentatives, representing congress;
the foreign commissioners to the fair
and General Miles, Adjutant General
Corbin and General John C.. Bates,
with many others scarcely less dis
tinguished.
Governors and Staffs.
The two front sections of the audi
torium proper were occupied by the
governors of states and their staffs,
the national worlds fair commission
ers. the United States board, United
States senators and congressman who
were not members of the congression-
al Joint delegation and other notable
guests. Across the aisles was bril-
liantly gowned assemblage of wom-
en-, including wives or guests OF the
men connected with the ceremonies,
and hte board of lady managers.
Back of these rose tier on tier. the
thousands commonly spoken OF as the
general public" Those in the rear
of this contingent had difficulty In
hearing the speakers. for the hall Is
large one and the aisles of bunting
and flags, exhibiting the mingled col
- IN
States, impaired the props OF the
building. Although many could not
hear, all could see, and the rear guard
cheered the appearance OF the speak
ers as heartily as the more fortunate
ones did their words.
The Participants.
Besides President Roosevelt, who
were participants in the ceremony,
were Cardinal Gibbons, Bishops Z. X.
Hendrix and Henry c. Potter, former
President Grover Cleveland. Thomas
Fl. Carter, president OF the day. aid
David r. Francis.
At the conclusion OF the speeches.
this being the one hundredth ami
yersary of the signing of the treaty
which transferred the Louisiana Fur
chase from France to the United
States, a continental salute OF 100
aerial guns was fired.
The weather was the only disapoint.
ing factor of the day. The troops
mobilized early in a sprinkling OF rain
and marched in a temperature close
to the freezing point. For a few mo.
ments snow fell. but only enough OF
II to give visible evidence of the tenn
perature.
Women In Blankets.
In the grand stand men in their
heavy overcoats shivered while WON.
en- garbed in elegant but inadequate
laces suffered much more severely. II
was all taken gOOd-naturedly, how
ever.
Mrs. Odell, wife of the governor
of New York: Mrs. James l.. Blair
president OF the board of lady manag
ers. and a number of others found
relief in thick army blankets furnish
ed by Captain Larimore OF the First
Missouri. The supply was soon ex.
hausted and the attentive captain was
left disconsolate with a score OF un,
filled orders for time. Later a fresh
suppIy was secured and the brilliant
array of gowns which had graced the
stand earlier took on the appearance
OF an encampment Of Indians in De
cember.
Hot Drinks Popular.
Back OF the stand was tent where
among other things. 1t was possible
to secure hot coffee and chocolate
Gentlemen dressed In the height OF
fashion were kept busy for two hours
carrying liquid refreshments TO the
suffering ones exposed to the wealth