The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-12-02
Gorgeous illumination Died Out
 1t F O'clock
PRESIDENT FRANCIS IGNORED
Beautiful Silver Service Is Presented to Him at Closing Exercises In Appreciation of the Work
 He Has Done.

Purchase exposition has ended. The stu pendous and magnificent exposition, the interest of which has extended into every portion of the civilized world, has run it's course, and now passes Into history as probably having comprised the most rep resentative collection of the resources. in- dustries, art, peoples and customs of the world ever assembled. From the incep- tion of the project to hold the exposition until the gates were thrown open, and the world was invited to enter, 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 dampening effect on the interest, or to detract from the exposition in any way.
 The best order has teen maintained throughout, and there have been but few fires, but all of small moment with the exception of the destruction of the House of Hoo Hoo, and the partial de- struction of the Missouri building recent ly. No loss of life has occurred during the exposition from accidents.
 St. Louis has proffered her most grac- ious hospitality to the world and it has been accepted.
 Exposition Has Been Success.
 The opinion has been expressed at all times, on all sides, and without reserve. that the Louisiana Purchase exposition has been a success.
 The man probably most prominently known in connection with the worlds fair is the president, David R. 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. Tt has consumed my entire time for the past four years, but every hour has been an hour of pleasure to me. l have exhausted ny stock of adjectives in trying to describe this fair. 1t is as difficult to do 1t justice as it is to paint the lily.
 The closing exercises were held at the base of the Louisiana Purchase monu- ment in the Plaza St. Lotus. where were held 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 desire to give expression to good feeling today depression prevailed generally because the conclusion was at hand, and it was rather a mournful as- sembage that formed a solid phalanx around the tall monument and listened to the farewell address
 The principal speeches were delivered by Governor Cookery of Missouri and President Francis. Mayor Wells spoke briefly and introduced Governor Cookery. who said in part:
 Governor Cookery Speaks.
 "In bidding farewell to the Worlds Fair, l want to pay a tribute to the kindly feeling expressed toward this exposition by the President of the United States. In the execution of this exposi- tion we have been Americans, and not partisans. We have united in doing everything possible to contribute toward it's success, and the President has shown unqualified interest throughout
 T want to pay a tribute to grand old Missouri She has thrown open her arms in hospitality and extended a welcome to the world.
 And I could not proceed without pay ing a tribute also to old St. Louis, a city fifth in manufacturing importance in the country, and unrivalled any in hos pitality and enterprise; city whose peo- pie contributed $10,OOO00O toward the es- tablishment of this exposition
 What lesson do we learn from this worlds fair? I learned the lesson long ago that the United States was the mightiest power known to the world to- day These exhibit palaces are the in- carnation of the mighty forces of this great republic. It is no longer a question that the United States is a world power. and I want it to continue an enlarging world power. The St. Louis exposition takes long stride towards that contest on the seas of which I now warn the na- tions We don't intend to send our warships, we do intend to send our mer- chantships. and we will battle on the seas for the trade of the world We are going to whip in commerce. If in no other way. After this exposition will come better understanding among the nations. and I trust will result in peace that is universal"
 Francis Given an Ovation.
 The introduction of President Francis was greeted with an ovation of cheering. With bowed head President Francis ye- ceived the plaudits of the multitude, and when quiet had been restored he said:
 'I am dazed if not dumb from the manifestations and expressions of this day. The manner in which the people of St. Louis have united with practical unanimity to honor me, is the more sur prising because of the sense of unworthi- HeSS OI Wnlcn l am 1nDued. With what l trust is not unbecoming me, I acknow- ledge my unspeakable obligation, and am sure you will not consider me wanting in appreciation when I say that the des- ignation of this as Francis Day is in- tended more as an indication of your estimate of the exposition, and as a tribute to the men whose unselfish labors for the success of this work has inspired us with respect and gratitude
 While l cannot feel that any service I have rendered merits the need of praise you have conferred on me, I do not question the sincerely of your ex- pressions. but at the same time you must believe me when I say that your estimat' of my services. is far. very far above thes work I have performed. An enterprise of this magnitude could only be accomplished by the efforts of patriot.. men working in harmony in a commol end. and making the achieve ment thereof paramount to any personal aggrandlzement. or selfish object. The directio.. of the exposition, the heads of it's grand divisions, the chiefs of it's departments. the commissions and the fcontInued on Eighth Pase)