Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-12-02
Genuine Regret Felt by the MuItitudes
as tho Hour of Midnight Arrived
/, and the Lights Were Turned Off the
/ Splendid Scene Foreve-The Clos
1 Ing Scenes.

having comprised the most representa-
tive collection Of the resources, in
dustries. art, peoples and customs of
the world ever assembled. From the
inception Of a project to hold an ex-
position to fittingly commemorate the
one hundredth anniversary of the pur-
chase of the Louisiana territory until
the portals were thrown open and the
world was invited to enter and enjoy
the completed exhibition of the worlds
life, occupied a period of seven years.
The duration OF the exposition has been
seven months. and during that time
nothing has occurred to throw a damp
ening effect on the interest or to de-
tract from the exposition in any way
The best of order has been maintained
thruout: there have been but few
fires but all were Of small moment with
the exception Of the destruction of the
house Of Hoo Hoo, and the partial de-
structioG Of the Missouri building re-
Gently. The former was Immediately
rebuilt. No loss of life has occurred
during the exposition from accidents.
st. Louis has preferred her most graci
GUS hospitality to the world and it has
been accepted.
Ihrongs of visitors have poured in
to attend the exposition with the ex-
Nectation Of being pleased and salts
fed. The opinion has been expressed
that the Louisiana Purchase exposition
has been g. success. Consratulato..y
messages were received in large num-
bers from all parts of the country and
from abroad conveying Fluctuations
upon the success of the exposition.
Honor to Francis.
The man probably most prominently
known in connection with the worlds
fair. Is the president, David R. Francis
and it was deemed fitting that the
final day should be designated as
Francis day" in his honor.
The c'osing exercises We're held at
tha base Of the Louisiana purchase
monument n the plaza of st. Louis,
where were hell! seven months ago
the exercises that formally opened the
gates to the world. On the opening day
the vast assemblage was buoyant in
spirit and filled with unanimous desirs
to give expression to good feeling; yes
terday depression prevailed generally
because the conclusion was at hand
and 1t was rather a mournful assem-
blage that formed a solid phalanx
around the tall monument and listened
to the farewell addresses. There was
cheering. hut It was the cheering of
final leave taking, ond not he spontan-
eous cutburst Of enthusiasm. The prin-
clnal speeches de .veied were by Gov
eraor Dockery cf Missouri and Presi-
dent Francis. Mayor Wells spoke
briefly and rtieduced Governor Dock
cry who said in part:
In bidding farewell to the world S
fair I want to pay a t4ibute to the
kindly feeling expressed towards this
exposition by the president Of the
United States. In the execution of this
exposition we have been Americans
and not partisans. We have united in
doing everything possible to contribute
towards it's success, and the president
has shown unqualified Interest thru
out
"And could not proceed without
paying tribute also to old st. Louis, a
city fifth in the manufacturing in the
country and unrivaled by any in hos
pitalty and enterprises; a city whose
people contributed s10,0O00OO towards
the establishment Of this exposition.
I'VE are going to whip in commerce
If in no other way. After this exposi-
ton will come a better understanding
among the nations and I trust will re-
suit in peace that Is universal"
The introduction of President Fran
els was greeted with an ovation of
cheering. With bowed head President
Francis received the plaudits of . the
and when quiet had been
restored, President Francis made an
eloquent and impressive address, con-
Guiding as follows:
II tender sincere thanks for this
manifestation of your good will. which
/ shall ever hold in sweet remem-
brance. To have served our fellows
with all of the strength and ability
granted to us Is a duty, the discharge
of which is Of itself sufficient reward.
Those who can feel that their efforts
have been devoted to the uplifting and
the welfare of humanity are ever fill
Ell with a sense Of regret that they
could not have accomplished more.
But lest we forget, let us unite in ex-
our gratitude to the Almighty
God that turnout this work in which
we have been engaged He has spared
us from pestilence, preserved our health
and strength and blessed us with all
May this enterprise with
which we have been connected for
nearly seven years past bring into still
closer brotherhood all the nations and
all the peoples who have participated
IN it. May it deepen our patriotism.
May it strengthen our love for a be-
nign Providence that smiles upon u.s."
Silver Service 70 Francis.
After the cheering following Presi-
dent Francis speech had died away,
festus ]. Wade of st. Louis, member
OF the board Of directors, was intro
duced and presented to President Fran
els a beautiful silver service, as to-
ken OF esteem from the exposition |
A similar gift was pre-
sented to Treasurer William II.
Thompson. Unfortunately. Mr. |
Thompson was unable to be present,
Is he was confined at his home with
! severe cold. President Francis, who
has probably been more closely con-
lected with Mr.. Thompson than any
Dthsr one official from the beginning