Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-30
BIC. FAIR OPENED
Auspicious Ceremonies
in St Louis Today
CITY IN GALA ATTIRE
Many Distinguished in Amer
ican Life Present.
NOTABLE ADDRES SES
MACHINERY STARTED BY PRESI-
DENT PRESSING BUTTON.
Many Banners Released at Once From
Building-Flling of the La
goons Spectacular.
NOTABLE ADDRES SES
MACHINERY STARTED BY PRESI-
DENT PRESSING BUTTON.

ST. LOUIS. April 30. Worlds fair grounds.
Notwithstanding the ominous prediction
of the government forecaster who proph-
ested rain for the latter part of the day
and lowering skies for the morning, St.
Louis put forth her best and bTavest effort
today In honor of the opening of her great
exposition The morning, at least, was
bright. and the most was made of it.
The official hour for the commencement OF
the exercises was 0 o'clock. at which time
the officials of the exposition, members of
the national commission and of the board
Of lady managers were scheduled to meet
at the administration building. Although
no special effort was made by the manage
ment Of the exposition to secure large at
tendance for the opening day, the crowd
was fully as large that which filled the
grounds one year ago, when the exposition
buildings were dedicated with so much
pomp and ceremony.
Promptly at the hour set the officers and
directors of the exposition, the members of
the national commission and of the board
OF lady managers were gathered at the ad
ministration building. where rapidly
possible they We're formed into a procession
and marched to the plaza of st. Louis, in
the center of the grounds, where the for
Ildl eAtTClSeS Ol llt opening were COI-
Quoted.
AS the column from the administration
building entered the plaza a long line Of
representatives of foreign governments
which had assembled in the hall of con-
crosses. came pouring into the plaza from
another avenue. This column presented by
Tar the gayeSt appearance of the day, for
the foreigners made a prodigal display Of
gold lace and bright colors in glttering
contrast to the black silk hats and dark
frock coats which were so prominent among
the officials and dignitaries of the exposi-
ton.
formed of representatives of the states and
territorial governments in the Union.
The participants in the exercises quickly
took their places at the base of the Lou g.
lana monument, where a small stand had
been erected for the speakers and seats
provided for the listeners. The assemblage
was called to order without delay by Presi-
dent D. r. Francis of the exposition. who
requested the audience to rise while the
Rev. Frank NJ. Gunsaulus of Chicago de-
livered an invocation.
Dr. Gunsaulus concluded his eloquent in
vocation with the Lords prayer. in which
the audience Joined. President Francis, as
the chief executive of the exposition, then
delivered the following address,
President Francis Address.
"a great thinker has said. The senti-
ment from which it springs determines the
dignity of any deed This universal ex-
position was conceived in a sense of obli-
cation on the part of the people of the
Louisiana purchase to give expression to
their gratitude for the innumerable bless
ings that have flowed from a century of
membership in the American Union, to
manifest their appreciation of the mani
fold benefits of living in land whose eli
mate and soil and resources are unsur-
passed and of having their lots cast in an
age when liberty and enlightenment are
established on foundations broad and deep,
and are the heritage of all who worthily
strive. To rise to the full measure of such
sentiment required an undertaking of
comprehensive proportions and the partic-
ipation OF all races and of every cline.
six years have passed since the concep-
tion began to assume form. The first year
was devoted to arousing the interest of
this community and securing the cooper
alton of the states and territories of the
purchase The next two years were spent
In enlisting the sympathy of other sec
tions of our own country and in gaining
the recognition and assistance of the gen
eral government Three years ago the
work of preparation was begun 1t has
been vigorously prosecuted on every sec
tion of the globe.
Unequaled Exhibit.
1.-The exhibits o. every country and every
people. classified they are III manner
unequaled for clear and competitive com
parison and by a system and in an order
that records the develo pment of man and
bis accomplishment, bear testimony to the
advancement of civilization, and show that
their arrangement is the result of thought.
full experience. and Is for the edification OF
all who desire to 'earn
so thoroughly does ii represent the
worlds civilization that if all mans other
works were by some unspeakable catastro.
phe blotted out the records here established
by the assembled nations would afford al
necessary standards foI the rebuilding o
our entire civilization.
by bringing together sections and peo
pies hitherto remote end unacquainted ant
thereby promoting mutual respect 1t Is &
distinct step toward establishing that uni
vsrsal peace for which all right-mnded peo
pie are striving. and which the exposition ;,
gifted ulptor has 50 fittingly typfied IL
the grs sful figure that crowns the nobl,
monum~ Mt at whose base We stand
The Louisiana purchase exposition helt
ir comnAemoration Of the acquisition of al
empire by deed of the pen, salutes tn.
Representatives. executive and legislative O.
the federal government, and tenders mos
profound thanks for the recognition extend
ed and assistance rendered. 1t acknowl
edges obligations to states and territorfe.
and foreign countries for cooperation anc
contribution. and makes it's obeisance Il
commissioners ard exhibitors.
open ye gates. Swing wide We portals
Enter herein ye sons of men. and behold
the achievements of your race. Learn tn,
lesson fere taught and gather from It inspi
ration for still greater accomplishments
At the conclusion of his address, Presi
dent Francis recognized VIM. H. Thomp
son OF the committee on grounds and build
ings. who presented to Pres dent Francis
Isaac 8. Taylor. the director of works.
Keys Of the Exposition Presented.
Mr.. Taylor delivered to President Franci
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