Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-05-05

st. Louis, May international
Day." the second OF the trio devoted
to the dedication OF the Louisiana pur-
chase exposition was devoted to greet
ings to and responses by the repre-
sentatives of the foreign nations which
will have buildings at the far. Al
though the hour set for the commence
ment of the days exercises was II
O'Clock it was long past that time when
the diplomats and their escort arrived
at the Liberal Arts building. The de-
lay in the proceedings did not cause
any discomfort to the many people
for the crowd showed no great
interest in the official pro-
gram The invocation was delivered
by Rev. Carl Swensson, following
which Ex-senator John M. Thurston
of the national commission was intro
duced as president of the day.
Francis Gives Welcome.
President ID. R. Francis in his well
come today said in part:
The universal exposition of 1904 ex-
tends cordial greeting to the dis
tinguished representatives of foreign
countries who favor us by their pres
ence on this memorable occasion. An
assembling of ENJOYS OF organized
governments, however limited in their
number, and whatever it's object may
be, is characteristic OF a high civil.
cation; but when that convening is as
general in its character as this, il in
dicates marked progress in the estab'
lishment of a better understanding be
tween interest and policies long antag-
onistic and at variance. And when the
object OF such meeting is, as in this
case, to establish and cement friendly
relations between people who differ in
form of government, in religion, in race
1t means distinct step toward the or
ganization of a parliament of man, al
accomplishment worthy of the highest
endeayor, because it's consummatior
would result in a universal peace.
When the civilized nations of the
earth meet in friendly rivalry, theil
better acquaintance engenders in
creased respect. The closer CONNER
cial relation that follow are conductive
to mutual benefit They efface pre-
JUDGES, they broaden sympathies, they
deepen and widen the foundations O
human progress.
The civilization of past ages would
= nave experienced no OVeTtlrOWS II
they had been based on the intelli
gence of the masses and had been i'm
bued with that broader humanit,
which distinguishes and ennobles tn
fraternal spirit Of the twentieth cen
tury.
The international exposition whose
dedication you honor by your presenc
was conceived in an effort to common
crate great achievement which has
proven potent factor in increasing
our wealth and sustaining our institu
tons and perpetuating our independ
ence. The interest manifested by tn
Z governments and the people whom yol
represent in pledges of participation
has been encouraging and helpful il
the highest degree, and we are glad o
this opportunity to express our dee
gratitude.
That this exposition may be pow
erful aid in the elevation and advance
Anent of the human race is the praye
of those who organized and hav
brought 1t to its present stage of pros
ress. That the countries for whic
you stand may unite with us in pr
noting an undertaking fraught wit
such good to humanity is the earnes
wish Of the local management ant