The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1907-04-27
president ATTENDS
jamestown Tercentennial EXPOSE
ton Formally Opened.

JdMeSlUWu leICtlltnlldl EXpOSl.
ton Formally Opened.
MANY DISTINGUISHEDGU GUESTS
Unfinished Condition Of the Buildings
and Grounds Detracts Greatly From
the Beauty and Impressiveness of
the Ceremonies.
Norfolk, Va, April 27.-The James,
town Tercentennial exposition-a land
and water display such as never was
attempted In this country or on foreign
shores-was opened during the day
with that pomp and ceremony which
always attends an event where the
president. of the United States is a
central figure and diplomatic represen-
tatives of foreign nations, governors
OF states and like dignitaries are hon
ored guests and participants.
Incident to the opening President
Roosevelt reviewed from the deck of
the MayfloWer the war vessels an.
chored In Hampton Roads. He reached
Discovery landing, having been trans
ferred in naval launch from his
yacht, shortly before noon and amid
applause from the thousands gathered
to voice their welcome he was re.
ceived by the exposition management.
Then followed the programme for
opening to the public the enterprise
commemorating the 300th anniversary
of the first English settlement in
America, which programme included
an address by Harry st. George Tue
ker, president Of the exposition, and
one by President Roosevelt; singing
by the exposition chorus of 700 trained
voices; the pressing of the gold button
by President Roosevelt, which marked
the formal opening, and review by
the president Of the assembled mill
tary forces.
Distinguished Guests Dined.
After the impressive opening cere-
monies the president Of the United
States, his cabinet, members of the
diplomatic corps, committees from
both branches of congress, governors
of states and official guests of the ex-
position were served luncheon in the
Auditorium Annex. During the lunch
con the parade grounds were cleared
and the great crowd sought places
around the walks to witness the mill
tary pageant. On the reviewing
stand, besides the president, were
members Of his cabinet and other off,
cial visitors as we'll as several hun
dred especially invited guests.
While the military feature was not
large it was of a splendid character.
It was commanded by Major General
Fred D. Grant as grand marshal, who
was attended by his entire staff. In
addition he had about score of hon
orary aides, chosen largely from I'm
ion and Confederate societies and his
torical associations. In the parade in
the order named there were detach-
ments of marines and seamen from
foreign warships, the Twenty-third
regiment of United States infantry, a
battalion of United States coast artil-
lery, six battalions of the naval brigade
from The United States Atlantic fleet,
the Third battery of United States
field artillery, the Second squadron Of
the United States Twelfth cavalry, the
seventy-first regiment of Virginia vol
unteers and Batteries and D, First
battalion of artillery, Virginia volun-
teers.
Buildings Far From Completed.
The pressing of the proverbial gold
button invariably used in connection
with the opening of an exposition was
not as important function in itself
as had been expected. On account of
the unreadiness Of the buildings and
the grounds there was little machin-
cry to set in motion and many of the
buildings had not been supplied with
flags to be unfurled. The coolest and
most backward spring in the annals
of Virginia, marked by severe rain
storms in the past month, is respon-
sible for the opening ceremonies be-
ing married by incompleted structures
and uninstalled machinery. Although
the exposition management displayed
marked energy In meeting situation
that for several weeks has been over
whelming they were powerless to
bring anything like order from the
chaotic conditions. Contractors were
unable to complete many of the build
ings in time for the installation of
exhibits and as for the removal of the
debris with which the grounds are
strewn and the scaffolding that en-
closes large part of the buildings
the effect must be likened unto ants
trying to move a mountain. Freight
congestion on the railway and steam
ship lines vexatiously delayed the ar
rival of shipments and it was utterly
to unload, unpack and in
stall the thousands Of consignments of
exhibits. Labor famine contributed
largely to these misfortunes.
Maddened Mob Beats Motorman.
New York, April 27.-The sight of
the horribly mutilated body of six
teen-year.old boy who had been ground
to death under its wheels transformed