The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-02
WORLDS FAIR COMES TO EN~ .St. LOuis's Great ss W is Now Histeys.
 
 < FRANCIS DA ' THE LAST The Exposition Remarkable for Its Success. No Lives Lost Throush Accident and Only Two Fires of Consesuence occured--The Lights Put
 Out Last Midnight.

St. Louis, Dec. 1.-The Louisiana Purchase Exposition has ended. The stupendous and magnificent exposi- tion, the interest of which has extend- ed into every portion of the civilized world, has run it's course and now passes into history as probably having comprised the most representative coll lection of the resources. industries. arts, peoples and customs of the world ever assembled.
 From the inception of the project to hold the exposition until the gates were thrown open and the world in- vited to enter occupied period Of seven years. The duration of the ex- position has been seven months and during that time nothing has oc- cured to throw a dampening effect on the interest or to detract from the exposition in any way. The best or der has been maintained throughout and there have been but few fires, but all of small moment with the excep- ton of the House of Hoo Hoo and the partial destruction of the Missouri building. No loss of life has occurred during the exposition from accideSes. St. Louis has proffered her most gra- cious hospitality to the world and 1t has been accepted.
 The opinion has been expressed at all times. on all sides and without re- srev taht the Louisiana Purchase Ex- position has been a success.
 Much Due to Francis.
 The man probably most prominently connected 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.
 'sThis 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. I have exhausted my stock of adjectives in trying to describe this fair. It Is as difficult to do 1t justice as 1t is to naipt the lily"
 The closing exercises were held at the base of the Louisiana Purchase Monument in the Plaza St. Louis 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 feel ing; today depression prevailed gener- ally because the conclusion was at hand and it was a rather mournful assemblage that formed solid pha- lanx around the tall monument and listened to the farewell addresses.
 The principal speeches were deliv- cred by Governor Cookery of Missouri and President Francis. Mayor Wells spoke briefly and introduced Governor Dockerey who said in part:
 Governor D0ckery Speaks.
 "In bidding farewell to the Worlds Fair I want to pay tribute to the kindly feeling expressed towards this exposition by the President of the Uni- ted States. In the execution of this exposition we have been Ameri- cans and not partisans. We have uni ted in doing everything in our power to make the exposition success and the President has shown unqualified interest throughout.
 'I want to pay tribute to grand old Missouri. She had thrown open her arms in hospitality and extended welcome to the world.
 And I could not proceed without paying a tribute also to old St. Louis a city fifth in manufacturing import ance in the country and unrivaled by any in hospitality and enterprise; g. city whose people contributed $10.O00,- 900 towards the establishment of this exposition.
 
 worlds fair? I learned the lesson long ago that the United States Is the mightiest power known to the world today. These exhibit palaces are the incarnation 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 1t to continue an enlarging world power. The St. Louis exposition takes long stride towards that contest on the seas or which I now warn the nations. We don't intend to send our warships: we do intend to send our merchant ships. and we will contest on the seas for the trade of the world:
 we are going to whip in commerce If in no other way. After this exposl7 tion will come a better understanding among the nations and trust will re- suit in peace that is universal.
 Cheers for Francis.
 President Francis was greeted with an ovation of cheering. With bowed head President Francis received the plaudits of the multitude and when quiet had been restored he said:
 T 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 practi- cal unanimity to honor me Is the more surprising because of the sense of un- worthfness of which I am imbued. With what I trust Is not unbecoming modesty, I acknowledge my unspeak- able obligation and am sure you will not consider me wanting in apprecia- ton when I say that the designation of this as Francis Day Is intended more as an indication of your estimate of the exposition and as a tribute to the men whose unselflsh labors for the success of this work has inspired you with respect and gratitude.
 While I cannot feel that any ser vices have rendered merit the need of praise you have conferred upon me. I do not question the sincerity of your expressions, but at the same time you must believe me when I say that your estimate of my services Is far, very far in excess of the work have per formed. An enterprise of this magni- tudc could only be accomplished by the efforts of patriotic men working In harmony to a common end and making the achievement thereof paramount to any personal aggrandizement or sell fish object.
 "The direction of the exposition, the heads of its grand divisions, the chiefs