The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-04-30

the rostrum. President Francis intro
Gueed the Rev. Frank w. Gunsaulus, of
Chicago. who offered the invocation.
Then President Francis said. in part:
"A great thinker has said the senti-
ment from which it springs determines
the dignity of any deed. This universal
exposition was conceived in a sense of
obligation on the part of the people OF
Louisiana Purchase TO give expression
to their gratitude for the innumerable
blessings that nave flowed from a cen
fury of membership in the American
Union. to manifest their appreciation OF
the manifold Dement'S OF living In lanG
whose climate and soil and resources
are unsurpassed, and OF having their
lots cast in an age when liberty and en-
lightenment are established on Iounda-
tons broad and deep, and are the heri-
tage OF all who WOrthily strive.
|''Discoura gements We're frequent
enough, but were never disheartening'
and are now all forgotten. We remem-
Der only the words of cheer and com
mendation, the patient consideration
given to what was often looked upon as
misdirected enthusiasm. but which was
persisted in and almost invariably con-
verted indifference or skepucism into
helpful and active interest.
THE Louisiana Purchase Exposition,
held in comrnemoration of the acquisi-
salutes the representatives, executive
and legislative. of the Federal Govern
ment. and tenders most profound thanks
for the recognition extended and the as
sistance rendered. 1t acknowledges OBJ
legation to States and Territories and
foreign countries for cooperation and
contribution and makes Its obeisance 10
commissioners and exhibitors.
Then open, We gates Swing wide, We
portals Enter herein We sons of men
and behold the achievements OF your
race.
Learn the lesson here taught, and
gather from It inspiration for still
greater accomplishments
Keys Turned Over.
At the conclusion of his address,
President Francis received the keys Of
the Exposition from Treasurer Thomp-
son and Director of Works Taylor. The
exhibit palaces were transferred next
TO Director of Exhibits Skiff, and a
chorus Of 500 voices sang the Hymn Of
the West" Mayor Rolla Wells, Of St.
Louis. was next introduced and said.
Twenty years ago there was
inaugurated in the city OF Philadelphia
the Centennial Exposition, in commem-
Grafton of the completion OF the first
century Of our national existence.
Historical Achievement.
Now on this Goth day of April, 1904.
We are assembled to commemorate the
l00th anniversary of that historical
achievement-the purchase Of the Louis
lana territory. and as evidence Of great
er maturity we are celebrating as
50 600 900 of Americans, occupying forty
five prosperous States and five Terri
tories. Among this number are the
States which are located within the
boundaries of the Louisiana purchase
he 81 fffz Of rs-bf I bav
the honor Of representing on this mem
or4ble occasion.
I'VE bid a most cordial welcome 10
all nations. We thank our national and
OF foreign countries, We thank the in
diVidual exhibitors. for the honor con-
ferred upon our municipality through
their participation In this exposition.
Above all, we reVerently acknowledge
the kind favor Of heaven which has %
smiled upon this, our great undertake
ing"
He was followed by Senator Thomas
II. Carter. president Of the national
commission; Representatives James A.
Tawney, and Edward II. Hartman,
president Of the New York State com
mission.
Secretary Taft Speaks. -
After the band played 1.-THE Star
Spangled Banner" Secretary of War
Taft. the representative OF the Presi-
dent. was introduced. and said:
Secretary Taft's Address.
Mr.. Chairman and Fellow Citizens:
When one sees the expense and the
effort and the energy necessary to make
the exposition. the opening of which we
celebrate today. 1t is natural TO doubt
whether the good is commensurate with
the cost.
In less than a year this city Of mag
nificent structures viii have disappear
ed, this collection of everything from
everywhere viii have been dissipated,
and nothing VIII remain but the site
where it was, and the memory Of its
beauty and grandeur
The doubt. though a natural one, Is
only evidence that we do not feel as
we should the meaning Of the exposi-
ton II is a great milestone in the
united progress of the world. Each
nation is here striving to show how,
since the last great worlds fair. It has
handled and added 70 the talent con
hded 70 its care.
Progress Of Nations.
This is the union Of nations In
progress toward higher material and
spiritual existence. IL is the measuring
rod OF that for which myriads Of hands
and myriads OF brains have been striv-
ing-an increase in the control which
mind and muscle have over the in
animate resources that nature furnishes.
From each of the great expositions OF
the world can be dated the worlds ia
miliarity with some marvellous inven-
ton, so quickly adopted in our life that