The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-12-01
SUNDAY. DECEMBER i, 1907.
The fnirest lives nrc those which
regularly accommodate themselves
to the and human models;
without miracle. without cftrnvn-
runcc.-MontniEne.
THE EXPOSITION IN HISTORY.

THE EXPOSITION IN HISTORY.
In saying ndieu to tho jamestown
Exposition we have q mingled feeling
of regret and resentment. We are re-
gretful that 1t was the victim of a
chain OF adverse circumstances, and
we are rcsentful hat 1t was kicked
and cuffed without mercy and without
justice. And our resentment is aggra-
waited by the conviction that in some
cases at least It's enemies were ami
mated by the malevolence OF section
alism.
The Jamestown Exposition was con-
ccived in a spirit of broad patriotism.
1t was designed to commemorate the
greatest event in American history. IT
was held as a foundation celebration.
In fact. under the plan rs originally
conceived and carried out, the exposi-
ition was merely an incident of the
celebration, a means to an end. 1t
was necessary to have an attractive
rallying place. but the object OF the
celebration primarily and essentially
was to exploit history as an agency
of instruction, as a means OF stimulate
ing patriotic sentiment and of ad-
vancing moral and material progress.
To that end historical buildings were
reproduced on the grounds, and an
tiques. records and manuscripts were
displayed in profusion, as among the
most notable of tho exhibits. These
served to impart valuable instruction
and, in many instances. by contrast, to
emphasize modern progress. In addi-
tion to these exhibits, special days
were set apart to celebrate notable
events in our history and the fame of
making the republic and It's institu-
tons. Hence 1t can be truthfully said,
not only that the patriotic plans of the
founders were carried out faithfully
and efficiently. but that the jamestown
Exposition was pre-eminently the
greatest educational exposition ever
held in the United States. Had 1t
served no other purpose, 1t would be
entitled TO distinction as the expo
.sition of sentiment, proudly differen-
tiated from the expeditions of COM
mercialism; and entitled again to the
gratitude of the American public. Nor
is this distinction HAIRED or modified,
but enhanced, by the fact that it
proved to be in one sense n financial
fcilure."
But 1t was not altogether a financial
failure by any 1t was directly
profitable to Norfolk, 10 Newport
News and to all the cities and towns
in the immediate vicinity. It was dl-
rectly profitable to Richmond. 1t was
profitable directlycand indirectly to the
STATE of Virginia. Our State exhibits
were excellent, and they made a pro-
found impression upon all intelligent
observers. They gave the Old Dominion
the best advertisement In her history;
and the good results Will be felt for
yea to come. North Carolina and
other States which made creditab.e
displays will derive similar benefits,
1t was also profitable to many, 81
not most, of the private exhibitors. Az
an evidence OF this. it is publicl,
stated that two-thirds OF the exhibi,
tors in the Manufactures and Liberia
Arts Buildings petitioned for a re.
opening next year and through, til,
machinery exhibit was sold more ma,
chinery than at any previous fair ii
the history OF America.
Blu its greatest work in a matsria
way was its incentive to e~nterprisin:
endeavor, which viii be felt for year.
TO come in all parts of the Union.
k comprehensively, 1t was Ii
design and execution an ideal expo
sition, and we believe that it was NOR,
thoroughly seen and studied ana MOI,
genuinely enjoyed by critical observer
than any exposition which has pre
ceded 1t.
AS President Tucker said in his con
Guiding address, the history of the OK
position III made. bnt not yet written
but when tho record Is finally mad
lip 1t VIII he found that the merits an
dement's so far o%ptnpmber and out
weigh the mistakes and shortcom
tngs as to make the latter unworth
OF mention. We oncpr also IN til
statement Of MIR. Ticker that the his
tory of The exposition viii record til
interchangeable energy of a small boil
OF men selected from Underwater vi,
sginia. who have in their complete
work builded more wisely than the
anticipated. ant nave given the wor
ln exposftien which. In beauty
sesign architectural taste and fitne
y location, Is uneScelied BY any ey,
developed III this country. wa subscril
fagther W his trlbute to the courag