The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1905-06-02
Cannon Boom and People
Cheer When Magic
Click Sounds.
ENTHUSIASM rs GREAT
Northern City Wears Gala
Garb in Honor of
the Occasion.

PORILARD, June Twin tne gentle
touch Of his hand upon a golden teie-
graph instrument President Roosevelt
from the White House, to-day gave the
signal which formally opened to the
world the Lewis and Clark Centennial Elk
position. a monument to the memories of
Captains Merriweather Lewis and VIII
liam Clark, the pioneers who, one hum
ored years ago, blazed the trail which
opened up 40 the world the "Old Oregon
Country"
A more auspcious day for the opening
OF the exposition could not have been
desired The early morning weather con-
difions did not augur well for the cele-
hration: clouds loitered over the city and
there was every indication that rain
would mar the exercises, but while the
military parade which preceded the open
ing was in progress the clouds rolled
away and glorious sun shone. gladden.
ing the hearts Of a people who had wait
&c for weeks and months for this great
Gay, and greatest in the history of Port
land and the Pacific Northwest.
The literary. exercises which preceded
the formal opening of the fair were of
extraordinary excellence. Seldom has
such an array of orators gathered on the
same platform and certainly never IN the
history. Of the Pacific Northwest have its
people been privileged TO hear in a few
short hours such eminent speakers as
Vice President Fairbanks, Speaker Joseph
Cannon Of the House Of Representatives;
Senator Clark Of Wyoming; Congress
man Tawney Of Minnesota; H. A. Tay-
Tor. Assistant Secretary OF the Treasury
Department.; Governor Chamberlain Of
Oregon. and Mayor Williams of Port
land
TERRIFIC APPLAUSE
When President Gosde Of the Lewis and
Clark Exposition took his position on the
speakers stand TO announce that the
ceremonies were about 70 commence Ne
was greeted with terrific applause from
tens OF thousands of people who had as
sembled within seeing distance Of the
speakers stand, and similar demonstra-
lions Of a happy people greeted. all the
speakers Of the day, perhaps the great
est enthusiasm being aroused by the APP.
pearance of Mayor Williams and of
Speaker Cannon upon the rostrum.
The programme was carried out with
but few changes insthe original idea. A
feature which was looked forward 10 with
great expectancy, the playing of
America upon the Ginning bells In the
Government building. was unaroidably
omitted, the electrical apparstus by
which the chimes are operated being
found out Of order at the crucial mo-
ment.
When all was in readiness for President
Roosevelt 20 give the long-awaited signal
from the White House. President Goode
OF the Exposition forwarded him the fol-
lowing telegram:
President Goode 81 the Lewis and clark Cen
tenniaf Exposition extends greetings 10 The
President OF the United states and has the
honor TO announce that the exposition MANAGE
ment awaits President RooseVeit's pleasure IN
transmitting the electrical energy 70 ring the
Sinner n the United states Government build
ing and start the machinery OF this exposition
Almost instantly, through thousands of
miles Of wire flashed the single click
which formally opened the exposition.
releasing hundreds Of flags to the breeze
and setting the psnderous machinery in
motion. Almost by intuition the great
throng knew that the exposition was
opened, and one wild cheer after another
echoed among the immense buildings sur
rounding the Sunken Gardens. at the
head OF which the speakers platform had
Been erected, .
ANSWERS PRESIDENT
Following the receipt of the Presidents
signal Goode forwarded the following
telegram to President Roosevelt:
In response to your telegraphic signal the
Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition has
been declared opened In the presence of vast
assemblage Of distinguished and enthusiastic
spectators from all parts OF the globe. The ex-
position manag ement desires me 10 express our
hearriest appreciation OF the honor conferred
by the Chief Executive of the whole nation in
formally inaugurating this centennial celebra-
ton on the important historic achievement
which resulted In our grear country's remark
able continental development.
Further clicking Of the telegraph in