Evening journal., 1904-04-30
WORLDS FAIR
Gates OPENED
CONTINUED from First Page0

was often looked upon as misairectcu ru-
thusiasm. but which was persisted In and
almost invariably converted indifference
or skopticism into helpful and active in
terest. The magnitude OF the enterprise
was never lost sight Of by its promoters,
but It's mammoth proportions, constantly
increasing as they developed, never for
moment shook the confidence. weakened
the energies or diverted from their well
defined purposes those who had been in
trusted with the responsibility and the
work. Today you see the contamination
Of their efforts.
The sincere and helpful interest OF the
federal government. the unanimous CO.
operation OF the states and territories and
possessions OF the United States. the par
ticipation Of almost every country on the
earth. Is evidence Of the wisdom and thor
oughncss OF the work Of exploitation and
establishes unquestionably the universal
character OF the exposition.
The magnificent structures whose grace
ful lines and imposing fronts have had no
peer IN architecture or design the en-
tranclng picture that holds your admlrlng
gaze on yonder lagoon and cascades. the
delightful vistas that meet you at every
turn. the inimitable adaptation OF the
beauties OF nature to the achievement OF
art. clearly show the skill and judgment
that have been exercised IN preparing re-
ceptacles for the products OF the world.
The exhibits OF every country and every
people. classified as they ara IN a manner
unequaled for clear and competitive COM
parison and by a system and in an order
that records the development OF man and
/ his accomplishments, bear testimony TO
the advancement OF civilization and show
/ that their arrangement Is the result OF
/ thoughtful experience and Is for the edih-
cation OF all who desire 10 learn.
Has the contamination risen TO the fun
measure OF the ambitious plan outlined AT
/ the inception Of tho onterprisc2 Has the
lofty sentiment that inspired the celebra-
ton found a realizing embodiment In the
picture you behold7 Does the exhibition
Of mans handiwork here Installed faith
fully portray his progress and develop
ment? Does this assembling OF the bes
i products OF all ages, brought together n
friendly rivalry by nationalities and racel
differing in faith and IN habits and iI
Ideals. form correct composite Of mani
achievements. Of the advancement Of 81
ence of the thought OF the twentieth cen
tury? II so this universal exposition 4
more than an exhibition Of products o
even OF processes; Il Is more than con
! gregating Of the grades Of civilization al
represented by all races. from the primi
| tive TO the cultured; Il Is even more thar
/ a symposium Of the thought OF the
thrones. Of the student and the moralist
II IS all OF these combined and the tout
| ensemble forms a distinct entity whose
impress on the present and influence on
the future are deep and lasting. 1t viii
have a place In history more conspicuous
than its projectors ever conceived. Fol-
more than a generation 20 come Il will
be a marker In the accomplishments and
progress Of man.
The Louisiana Purchase exposition, held
IN commemoration of the acquisition OF
an empire by a deed OF the pen, salutes
the representatives, executive and legisla.
tive, of the federal government and ten
ders most profound thanks for the recog-
milton extended and assistance rendered
IL acknowledges obligations 20 states and
territories and foreign countries for CO.
operation and contribution and makes it'
oheisance TO commissioners and exhibitors
open ye gates Swing wide yo portals
the achievements OF your race. Learn
the lesson here taught, and gather from
II inspiration for still greater accomplish.
ments.
At the close Of the presidents ad
dress the Louisiana March," by Var
der Stucken, was played, following
which the president transferred the ex
hibit palaces to the director Of exhib
its, Frederick j. V. Skif, with presen
tation OF official commissions and in
sigma Of Office. Director skif ther
made an address and presented TO hi.
chiefs their commissions and insignia.
The following hymn, written upor
invitation Of the exposition manage