The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1907-05-16
HON. E. |. Smith
RETURNS HOME
EXPO. BUILDINGS NOT COMPLETED
Grand Military Display-yisits Many
Points OF Interest-InteryIews
Ma X Twain.

dIternoon. MI. Smltn was appointed
by Governor Chamberlain to iepIe
sent the state OF Oregon at the open
ing exercises Ul tie Jamestown expo
sition.
Mr.. Smith left Hood River in tim,
to be present when the initial cere
monies we're to take place, and wa
on the gIuDud when the presiden
touched ,Ao vIeclii, Untton that Sc
in motion the vast nun Dor Of steam
andselectrical appliances Of the fair.
Mr.. Smith stated that the fair haC
been built on collosal scale, ant
that the idea Of beauty and conven
ience has Eeen made a prominen
feature In the construction. The fail
will not be entirely completed Tor I
month Rt least Most of tho exhibit
buildings are still in course of cen
struction, and not one of them was il
entire readiness to receive the exhib
its awaiting their placement.
The cause for this tardiness on the
part Of the management was due to
several causes. In the first instance
the government appropriation was
very slow in making its appearance,
and next the workmen went on a pro.
tracted strike. These three causes
seriously mitigated against the ar.
rangements and original plans of the
contractors in their course of con-
| struction.
The buildings are made OF a pecul.
iarly colored brick which is native to
that locality. The structures will be
made permanent, and at the ocnclu-
sion Of the fair they will be used as
assembly halls for national gatherings
On the opening Gay 60, 600 persons
passed through the turn-stiles to view
the grand pagantIy of the day, and
witness the ceremonies of oratorical
excellency prepred for the hour. The
presidents speech was the feature OF
the day and was delivered in mas.
teily way, and received with great
applause.
Mr.. Smith stated that the dress pa
rade and military display surpassed
anything that he had ever witnessed
before. The land forces were in CON-
mand of General Fred Grant, who
sustained the reputation of his wor.
thy sire as commander among men.
The troops were reviewed by PIesi-
dent Roosevelt as they passed before
the grand stand, and a, the changing
colors passed he would salute by lift
ing his hat. The land forces were
made up of detachments from every
department of the army, and the
grand spectacle revived the proud
feeling of American citizenship in the
breasts of all who we're there to sur
vey this magn iticent scene.
The navy also presented her very
most efficient specimens of warfare,
as she lined Up for parade In the
Chesapeake bay, and for several hours
displayed the wonderful skill of the
United States marines as they named
their cruisers and men OF war In hon.
or to the nations call.
The facilities for reaching the fair
grounds were ample for all emergen
cies. The grounds could Ee reached
by either boat, steam, or electric
lines.
One of the most interesting occa-
sions OF Mr.. Smiths visit east was
his conference with many of the not
ed men of the nation in political and
literary circles. Mr.. Smith had the
opportunity Of meeting President
Roosevelt, and several hours we're
spent in an interview with Mark
Twain. Americas most profound
humorist.
Mr.. Smith stated that President
Roosevelt was exceedingly popular in
Virginia, and that no democratic can
didate could defat him in this state if
he should become nominee for
third term. The president has been
very loyal to the exposition, and to
all of the interests OF the state, and as
a result has made himself very popu-
lar with the masses.
Several days we're spent in visiting
with DIR. s. A. Robinson, who has
been q previous visitor in our city
and valley. DR.. Robinson owns
farm near Charlottesville and is a sue
cessful grower of apples In that re-
gion. When the doctor was in Hood
River some years ago he took lot OF
apple scions from our trees to use in
his home orchard in Virginia and to
adopt some of our methods Of apple
packing which have proven financial
success. MIR. Smith brought two New
towns from his orchard and they are
on display In Laraway's store win
dow. It will be seen at glance that
they are not equal to our product.
They are deficient In color, solidity
and size, and are without that super
excellent flavor of our famous New
towns. MIR. Smith stated that the
doctor had one of the finest farms in
that section of the state, and that his
visit there was marked with the high
est degree of hospitality.
"The valleys OF old Virginia are dot
ted with elegant mansions, but many
sections of the country are sadly neg. |
lected. The orchards are not in prime |
condition; they have been topped too
high, but this defect will be remedied |
N the young orchards. The rising |
generation is not inclined to the in
dustry of husbandry, but rather enjoy |
The busy pursuits OF the more congest- |
I'D maits OF trade. There is vast do
main of rich and fertile soil awaiting |
the touch of the skilled and energetic |
husbandman. Mrs. Roosevelt is also
the owner of a beautiful farm near |
My visit to this city |
was one of the enjoyable occasions |
Of my trip. 1t is most beautifully To-
,ated, and its historic interest is
world famed. To be in the place |
where the immortal jefferson, the
Trainer of the Declaration of lndepeDd-
ence, was born, is rare privilege, |
and one frsught with the highest in
to the most useful citizen
ship. Charlottesville is also the seat |
Of the famous Charlottesville universi- |
by. The campus is very srtistically |
designed and cared for in most |
splendid manner. There are now ap- |
800 students in attend
ance, and the university is doing an
work.
Our trip was not marked with sny