New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-22
P0RTLAND'S EXPOSITION.
Centennial of the Exploration of the
Oregon COuntry.

By ali official act of Congress. followed by an
invitation issued by John Hay. Secretary Of State.
there vii! be held in 1895 Portland. Ore. an
tern stior d. exhibition. known the Lewis and
Clark Centennial and Oriental Fair This centen-
NAL Will extend through period OF four and one
half months, beginning June | and ending on
October 10 Il will commemorate exploration of
the great Northwest Territory the shores OF the
Pacific in ISIS. 1t IS the first international exhibit
ton held west OF the Rocky Mountains, and is de-
signed to mark an epoch of growth and develop
ment.
The Oregon country" that part OF America
then called. on becoming part of the United
States. divided into the States of Ore
gon. Washing ton and Idaho. and II also furnished
extensive TO Montana and Wyoming adding
over three hundred thousand square miles of rich
mineral fertile agricultural lands 10 the ma
uonal domain. The expedition which explored this
mo Mans Land under the leader
ship Of Captains Meriwether Lewis and William
Clark, by President Jefferson. in 1893 and 1t
reached the mouth Of the Columbia River In 1895.
The perIlous journey. three thousand miles
overland. was accomplished under most trying cir
cuIGst1aces The expedition composed OF
thirty-three men. Their way through the wilder
ness was beset with many obstacles and dangers
Lewis and Clark were the first Americans who
reached the Pacific Coast overland, and Il Is the
centenary Of this achievement that Will be cele-
brated az Portland.
AS the acquisition Of the Oregon country was
one of the most important events in American his
ing the United States great nation in territorial
extent. the American people IN general and those
Of the Pacific Coast in particular. supported by the
government. have determined that this centennial
shall be fttingIy celebrated When its gates are
officially opened. It will represent an expenditure
approxima ting 100000. and will occupy four
hundred acres in the suburbs of Portland overlook
ing Guilds Lake and the Willamette River
Portland, with 1000 inhabitants, is situated 10
miles from the Pacific Ocean. the Willamette
River. practically at its confluence with the CO.
lumbia- The city has a harbor and commercial
intercourse with the whole world. chief exports
being lumber -four, grain and the products OF the
many ralmon canneres situated the Columbia.
Portland does a wholesale bushes of $4,000 900
annually. Its factories produced materials worth
si9Se0 last year. and It is the first wheat port OF
the Pacific Coast and the only fresh water harbor
The centennial will provide ten exhibit buildings
and furnish ample space for all displays that are
offered Desirable building sites Will be allotted TO
those countries wishing special pavilions OF
1helr own; The main structures will be: Foreign
CuitSIal Tadcg; AgTicutura Palace. Electricity
ana Machinery Hail. Mining Palace. Alaskan Build
ing, government Exhibits Palace Hawaiian Build
ING ana oceanic Building. Arrange ments have been
made with the transportation Companies so that
exhibits e St Louis may be displayed at Portland
with little or extra cost OF TRANSFORMATION
through the opportunity offered by the free renrr
freight rates established on goods sent to the
moriG + ar Ior exhibit purposes. Portland is the
and. as the Willamette River Is one of the ho1In,'
dailes OF the centennial site ocean steamships also
can discharge cargoes directly on the grounds
The United States government officialIv nartic-
pates In the centennial with exhibits represent1-
i've OF every oIvsion OF governmental function and
resource. The following States have made anpro-
priations IN order 10 participate: New-York' Mas
s WSon6r Xrgnia MRnesota North Dakota
California Oregon and Missouri $4,000