Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-30
BIG FAIR OPEN { D
Continued from First Page.)

the keys of the exposition and presented
diplomas of merit to the chiefs Of his staff
After the march Louisiana had been
played by Sousa's Band. President Francis
transferred the exposition buildings to
Frederick ]. " Skin, the director of ex-
hibts, the performance being emblematic
of the facts that the buildings had been
erected by the men in charge of that por-
ton of the work, and were now ready and
waiting for the installation of the exhibits
through Mr.. Skiff's department. Mr.. Skif
then made an address.
The grand chorus, Hymn of the West,
was then sung by a choir led by Alfred
Ernst. The music of the hymn was by
John Knowles Payne, and its words were
written by Edmund Clarence Stedman.
President Francis then introduced Mayor
Rolla Wells of st. Louis, who spoke briefly,
extending to the people of the United States
and to the residents of countries abroad a
cordial welcome to the city of st. Louis
when they should visit the exposition.
Ex-senator Thomas H. Carter president
OF the national commission. then spoke on
behalf of the body of which he is the head.
AT the conclusion of Senator Carriers ad-
dress President Francis happily introduced
member of the United States Senate. who
spoke on behalf of the senior house of Con-
gress. This was Senator Henry E. Burn
ham of New Hampshire. whose address
was brief. but effective.
Following the speaker for the higher
DTanch or Congress came the represent
atiVe OF the more numerous department.
James "A. Tawney of Minnesota who spoke
ioI the national House of Representatives.
For the domestic exhibitors Edward II
Hartman, president Of the New York state
commission. delivered an address
me speaker for the foreign exhibitors
was commissioner General Albine r. Nun
clio or Mexico, who was the first commis-
sloher general of foreign country to erect
pavilion on the exposition grounds
th Srnol Nunclo gracefully expressed the
treatment which had been accorded them
ana phophesied eloquently for the bri1Iia ~ 7
success of the exposition.
me chorus of America" was then sung
ana the Hon. VIM. r. Taft, Secretary of
war. acting as the representative af .t ~
PRESIDENT of the United States doi;verad
follows; ' Sp'He as
Secretary Taft's Address.
MT Chairman and Fellow-citizen.: When
one sees the expense and the effort and the
energy necessary to make the exposition
Ihe opening OF which we celebrate TODAY
IL is natural to doubt whether the good
Is commensurate with the cost. In less
than a year this city of magnificent .truc.
lures VIII have disappeared. this collec-
ton OF everything from everywhere will
| have been dissipated. and nothing will re-
main but the site where 1t was and the
memory OF It's beauty and grandeur
The doubt though a natural one is only
evidence that we do not feel as we should
| the meaning of this exposition 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 expo
sftion, 1t has handled and added to the tall
| ent confided to its care. This is the union
| of nations In progress toward higher ma
| terial and spiritual existence
1T Is the measuring rod Of that for which
| myriads of hands and myriads Of brains
| have been striving-an increase in the con-