Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1904-12-07
WORLDS FAIR
HAS CLOSED
Great Exposition Ends In a Blaze Of
Glory in the Presence Of I'm.
mense Crowds.
FRANCIS FAREWELL ADDRESS
Has Been Engaged for Four Years In
Fair Promotion and Calls u His
Life Work.

Life Work.
st. Louis, Dec. 1.-The Louisiana
Purchase exposition has ended. 1t
passes into history as probably hav-
ing comprised the most representative
collection of the resources, industries,
art, peoples and customs of the world
ever assembled. From the inception
of project to hold an exposition to
fittingly commemorate the one hun
dredth anniversary OF the purchase of
Louisiana territory, until the portals
were thrown open and the world was
invited to enter, occupied seven years.
The duration of the exposition has
been seven months, and during that
time nothing has occurred to throw
dampening effect ON the interest or
to detract from the exposition in any
way. The best order has been main
tanned throughout; no loss of life has
occurred during the exposition from
accidents. The man probably most
prominently known in connection with
the worlds fair lis President David II.
Francis, and 1t was deemed fitting that
the final day should be designated as
Francis Day" in his honor.
This exposition has been the work
of my life," said President Francis.
''It has consumed my entire time for
the past FOUR years. but every hour
has been an hour OF pleasure to me-"
The closing exercises were held at
the base of the Louisiana Purchase
monument, in the plaza of st. Louis,
where were held seven months ago the
exercises that formally opened the
gates to the world. There was cheer
ing, but 1t was the cheering of final
leave taking and not the spontaneous
outburst of enthusiasm. The princi-
pal speeches were delivered by Gov
eInor DOckery, of Missouri, and Pres
ident Francis.
Mayor Wells spoke briefly and in
troduced Governor Dockery, who said
In part:
In bidding farewell to the worlds
fair, | want to pay a tribute to the
kindly feeling expressed toward this
exposition by the president of the
Limited States. In execution OF the
duties in connection with this expo
sition we have been americans and
not partisans. We have united in do
ing everything possible to contribute
: toward it's success. and the president
has shown unqualified interest
throughout.
what lesson do we learn from this
worlds fair? i learned the lesson
long ago that the United States is the
, largest known power in the world to-
|, day. II is no longer ;. questionable
: United States is a world power. and
LII want 1t to continue an enlarging
power. The ST. Louis exposition takes
long stride toward that conquest OF
: the seas of which | now warn the ma
tiOns. We do not intend to send our
warships. but we do intend to send
our merchant ships, and we will con
test on the seas for the trade OF the
world. We are going to whip in com
] merce II no other way. After this ex
! position will come "a better under
standing among the nations, which
trust will result in peace that Is uni
{ versal."
The introduction of President Fran
els was greeted with an ovation oI
: cheering. When quiet was restored
he said:
"The results of this work cannot bt
! adequately measured by the beauty o
, it's landscapes, the grace OF its buifd
( ings, the comprehensiyeness OF its ex
hibits. the intelligence OF its congress
es, the elegance of its social features
nor by the ineffable pleasures cunferr
ed ON its patrons. but time will be re
/. auired To- demonstrate that Ll'
thought and the labor and the sacri
D fees that have entered into 1t were
| not ill-advisedly bestowed. The com
t pensatiOn will continue 10 iow for "a
: least a generation TO come. It's iniiu
: ence will be felt sald appreciated II
widening circles as years go by.
: "It is a credit for any state to have
: had such a gathering within its b,n
J ders and a glory to any city TO have
, been the scene of such an assemblage
! ID has brought all countries closer To
= Gether. and has elevated the world
"Those who have been engaged n
4 ahe work will never cease to look bacl
/ W II with pride. All wto have shar
! ed in the spirit of the undertaking
have had their views enlightened
their tastes cultivated and their sym
t.. FhA V.afli N
r visitors who have entered these gates
I have by their presence repaid thl'
e band of workers and let us hope hav'
e taken many pleasant recoilestions o
+ their experiences.
The distinguished guests which WI
5 have entertained have by their word
e of announcement and manifestation
!. of interest, lightened our labors ant
z melted us to renewed efforts. All wit
> have come have contributed TOWARD
the contamination of an understand
ing upon which this splurge OF pee
pie at the end of the task stamps IN
approval OF the people Of st. Lou,
a and Missouri.
MAY this enterprise with which w
e have been connected for nearly seV
I en- years past bring into closer Drotn
!. erhood all the nations and all the pee
: pies who have participated in II. Ma,
; il deepen our patriotism. May
: strengthen our love for benign Prov
: idence that smiles upon us.
|. After the cheering following Pres
!. dent Francis speech had dief away
/, beautiful silver services, as tokens o
!. esteem from the exposition manage
= ment. we're given to Mr.. Francis an
Treasurer William II. thompson.