Americus times-recorder., 1904-05-01

S'ShSlo houC d plOulSdI ulSpdly OF
gold lace and bright colors in glitter
ing contrast to the black silk hats
and dark frock coats which were so
prominent among the officials and dig
nitaries of tn exposition.
audience Listened to Speeches.
A third column came shortly after
ward formed of representatives of the
states and territorial governments in
the United States. The participants
IN the exercises quickly took their
places at the base of the Louisiana
monument, where stall stand had
been erected for the speakers and
seats provided for the listeners. The
assemblage~ was called to order with.
out delay by President D. r. Francis,
OF tne exposition, who requested the
audience to rise while tn eRev. Frank
M. Gunsaulus, of Chicago, delivered
the invocation.
DR.. Gunsaulus concluded his elO-
quent invocation with the Lords pray
err in which the audience joined. Pres
ident Francis, as the chief executive
OF the exposition, then delivered his
address.
At the conclusion OF his address,
President Francis recognized William
H. Thompson, of the committee on
grounds and buildings, who presented
to President Francis Isaac S. Taylor,
the director of works. Mr. aylor
delivered to President Francis the
keys of the exposition and presented
diplomas of merit to the chiefs of his
STATS.
Exposition Buildings Transferred.
After the March Louisiana" had
been played by Sousa's band, Presi-
dent Francis transferred the exposi-
tion buildings to Frederick j. V. Skiff,
the director Of exhibits, the perform
ance being emblematic of the fact
that the buildings had been erected by
the men in charge of that portion of
the work and were now ready and
waiting for the installation Of the ex-
hibits, through Mr.. Skiff's department.
The grand chorus Hymn of the
West, was then sung by choir led
by Alfred Ernst. The music of the
hymn was by John Knowles Payne,
President Francis then introduced
Mayor Rolla Wells, of St Louis, who
spoke briefly, extending to the people
Of the United States and to the resi-
dents of countries abroad a cordial
welcome to the city of st. Louis, when
they should visit the exposition
Hon. Thomas H. Carter, president
of the national commission, then spoke
on behalf of the body, of which he is
at the head.
At the conclusion of Senator Car
ter's address President Francis hap
PLY introduced another member of
the United States senate, who spoke
on behalf of the senior house of con-
gress. This was Senator Henry E.
Burnham, of New Hampshire
Following the speaker for the higher
branch of congress came James A.
Tawney, of Minnesota, who spoke for
the national house of representatives
The speaker for the foreign exhib-
itors was Commissioner General AL
bine r. Nuncio, of Mexico, who was
the first commissioner general of
foreign country to erect a pavilion on
the exposition grounds.
Senor Nuncio gracefully expressed
the thanks of the foreign exhibitors
for the treatment which had been ac-
corded them and prophesied eloquent
ly for the brilliant success of the ex-
position.
The chorus of America" was then
sung and the Hon. William H. Taft,
secretary of war, acting as the repre-
sentative of the president of the Unit
cd States, delivered the last address
o. the day
Roosevelt Touches Golden Key.
The conclusion of the speech of Sec
retary Taft was the signal for the
opening of the fair. In the White
House at Washington President
Roosevelt was waiting for the signal
to touch the golden key that would
formally open the fair and set its man.
fold machinery in operation.
Secretary Taft had not turned to re-
sumo his seat after concluding his
speech before the signal had been
flashed to Washington over the wires
of the Postal Telegraph company
Instantly there was a returning flash
which started the machinery in the
machinery hall in operation the foun-
tains to playing and the great exposi-
tion was open.
willing to Demonstrate.