Columbia courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1902-1905, 1904-05-06

of People.
Worlds Fair Grounds. St Louis,
April notwithstanding the predic-
tion of the government forecaster, who
prophesied rain for the latter part of
the day and lowering skies for the
morning, St. Louis put forth her best
and bravest effort in honor Of the
opening of her great exposition. The
morning was bright. The crowd was
fully as large as that which filed the
grounds one year ago wnen the expo
sition buildings were dedicated.
Promptly at the hour set the Off
GERS and directors of the exposition,
the members of the national commits
sion and the board of lady managers
were gathered at the administration
building, where, as rapidly as possi-
BILE, they were formed into a process
sion and moved to the plaza of st.
Louis, where the formal exercises were
conducted.
At the head of the column were a
detachment Of guards. Then came
the scouts band, followed by the Phil
ippine scouts, an imposing body of
men, who marched well. Behind them
and leading the officers and directors
of the exposition came Sousa's band.
Following the officers and managers
were the national commission, and last
of all were the lady managers.
A third column formed Of repre-
sentatives of the state and territorial
governments of the union then came
At the base of the louisiana monu
ment a small stand had been erected
for the speakers and seats provided fol
the listeners. The. assemblage was
called to order without delay by Pres
ident d. R. Francis Of the exposition
who requested the multitude to rise
while Rev. Frank w. Gunsaulus Of Chi
cago delivered the invocation.
DIR. Gunsaulus concluded his eloquent
invocation with the Lords prayer, in
which the audience Joined. President
Francis, as the chief executive Of the
exposition, then delivered an address.
At the conclusion Of his address
President Francis recognized William
H. Thompson, of the committee on
grounds and buildings, who presented
Isaac s. Taylor, the director Of works.
Mr.. Taylor delivered to President Fran
els the keys of the exposition and pre-
sented diplomas OF merit to the chiefs
of his staff.
After the rendition of the march
Louisiana" by Sousa's band, Presi-
dent Francis transferred the exposi-
ton buildings to Frederick ]. 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.
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 and Its
words by E. Clarence Stedman.
President Francis then introduced
Mayor Rolla Wells Of st. Louis. who
spoke briefly, extending to the people
of the country cordial welcome to the
exposition.
Hon. 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 Mr.. Carter's ad-
dress President Francis introduced a
member of the senate. This was Sen
ator Burnham of New Hampshire, who
made an address.
Following him came James A. Taw-
ney of Minnesota, who spoke for the
national house of representatives. He
those who conserved
and accomplished this marvellous re-
suit as a means Of celebrating the an.
niversary of the purchase of the terri
tory of Louisiana" on their magnificent
success.
For the domestic exhibitors, Edward
H. Hartman, president OF the New
York commission, delivered an address.
The speakers for the foreign exhib-
itors was Commissioner General NJ.
La Grave of France.
The chorus America" was then sung
and the Hon Mr.. Taft. as the repre-
of the president of the Unit
ed States, delivered the last address
of the day.
The conclusion Of the speech of