Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-04-26
PRESIDENT PUSHES
BUTTON AT JAMESTOWN
Gorgeous and Impressive Scene Marks the
Beginning Of the Ter-Centennial
Exposition
GUNsBOOM, BANDSPLAY, CROWDS CHEER

land It was commanded by Major Cen
eral Fred u. Grant. as grand marshal
who was attended KY his entire, stan.
In addition, he had about a score OF
honorary aids, chosen largely from the
union and confederate societies of his
torical associations.
Reception to President.
A reception will be rendered the
president in the rotunda of the aud1to-
rum this afternoon, by the officers and
directors of the exposition. All the dis
tinguished guests who occupied posi-
tions in the grand stand We're invited.
It is not planned that the president
shall visit any of the exposition build
ings,l as he intends to pay visit to
the exposition on Georgia day, in June.
Immediately after the reception. the
president will proceed to Norfolk, on
either the Mayfiower or the Sylph. In
the evening he will be the guest of
Messrs. Tucker and Barton Myers. OF
the exposition management, at dinner
given at Mr.. Meyers home.
The pressing of the proverbial gold
button invariably used in connection
with the opening of an exposition, was
not such an important function in itself
as had been expected On account OF
the unreatliness of the buildings and
grounds, there was little machinery set
in motion and many buildings had not
been supplied with flags to unfurl.
Many Buildings incomplete.
The coldest and most backward
spring in annals of Virginia, marked
by severe rainstornls in the past
month, is responsible for the opening
ceremonies being marred by incomplet-
ed structures and uninstailed rnachin-
cry. Altho the exposition manage
ment displayed marked energy in maxi
ing the situation that for several
weeks has been Overwhelming, they
Were powerless to bring anything like
order from the chaotic condition.
Contractors were unable to complete
many buildings in time for the installa-
tion of the exhibits, and as for the re-
moval of the debris with which the
grounds are strewn,, and the scaffold-
ing that encloses large' part of the
buildings, the effect must be likened
unto ants trying to move mountain.
The freight congestion on the railway
and steamship lines vexatiously delayed
the arrival of shipments, and it was
utterly impossible to unload. unpack
and install thousands of consignments
for the exhibits The labor famine
contributed largely to these misfor-
tunes. May Is has been fixed as the
day when the directors of the exposi-
ton hope to be able to open all the
features of the show. There seems
ample ground for the, belief that most
of the buildings and streets will be
ready in a few weeks. The United
States government building, forming
undoubtedly one of the most interest
ing features Of the exposition is all
ready, and will of course, be opened to-
day. The states exhibit palace is also
complete in every detail of construc-
ton, and installation.
Tho Naval Display.
In the naval pageant, the United
States had thirty-eight ships, repre-
senting almost every type of vessel
known to the navy, while the foreign
fighting craft numbered twelve. All of
the vessels of the combined fleets were
dressed" in f1uttering flags of the ma
tions, and brilliant hued pennants and
bits of bunting. During the salutes to
the president, white puffs of powder
smoke floated away like tiny fecks of
summer clouds amid the f1uttering flags
that decorated the ships, the effect be-
ing one of unexpected beauty.
The magnificent Atlantic fleet, under
command OF Rear Admiral Robley D.
Evans, presented a picture of impress
sive fighting strength notable in the
naval annals of the world The foreign
vessels were given position of honor in
the line. stretching nearest and par
allel to the shores of the exposition
grounds. The dark drab-colored squad
rons sent by Great Britain, Austria,
Germany and the Argentine Republic,
loomed in deep shaded relief against
vessels, whose glistening white sides
sparkled in the light of rays reflected
from the water, and whose light buff
superstructure and stacks lent har-.
nlonious setting to the many-hued flags
floating from the masitheads and peaks
from the fighting tops and flying
trucks. The American vessels at the
naval gatherings abroad have always
been an attractive center of interest.
because of their graceful lines ana
clean-cut appearance. Today assem-
bled in the full strength of the home
protecting fleet. they made an impress
sion which will live long in the MEM
ory of those who looked with the pres
ident, who as cornmander-in-ch chief,
doffed his hat in acknowledgment of
each thunderous salute which marked
the progress of the review.
Not the least impressed of those who
this inaugural ceremony
were the military and naval officers,
and ministers of the
thirty-seven nations of the world.
Foreign diplomats and officers were on
board the steamer Newport News,
which was given a position of vantage
over the hundreds Of excursion steam
ers and pleasure craft of every i'm
aginable description which formed a
frame about the anchorage grounds of
the assembled fleets. After passing up
and down the lines Of war ships, the
yacht Mayhower, bearing the presi-