The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1905-1910, 1910-03-01
Tampa and The Panama Canal Gel
ebration.

passed resolutions endorsing Tampa,
Florida, as the most suitable place for
holding a celebration COMMUNICATING
the beginning Of work on the Panama
Canal. The chief reason for this selec-
ton was Tampa's nearness TO the canal,
II beng nearer TO Colon than any other
gulf port having adequate railroad ter.
minals.
The original purpose was TO hold the
celebration in the winter Of 1908, but
business conditions throughout the eoun
try made It's postponement necessary
Some months ago extensive prepare
tons began 10 be made to hold the
great celebration from Feb. ~ to rs
Governor Gilchrist invited the govern
ors Of all the States and Territories to.
be present; invitations and tickets were
sent all over this State and many other
States; the city put on her most gor-
geous apparel to be in readiness for her
guests and for weeks the cry Of thous-
ands has been ION to TampaH The
city is crowded as never before; hotels
and boarding houses are overlooking
and hundreds are turned away each
day. Brilliant events Of every descrip-
ton hade been planned. Hundreds and
hundreds Of soldiers are camped just
outside the city and each morning they
are open TO visitors. Several warships
are IN the harbor and they are open to
inspection at some time each day.
More than 30 conventions Of various
kinds have been and will be held dur
ing the celebration. Military bands are
heard on all occasions; automobiles and
carriages are decorated with flags al d
pennsnts; business houses are draped
in patriotic colorss sirships make daily
flights and even -ths most sedste and
pessimIstie are etpstrained TO join in
the merry-makisg.
An event Of Unusual interest at the
beginning Of the celebration was the
visit Of the Britain Ambassador. Hon.
James Bryce He was met by compa-
mics Of soldiers and escorted TO the
Tampa Bay Hotel. Tampa's pride.
where he was lavishly entertained dur
ing his stay in the city. A beautiful
reception was given to him and Mrs.
Bryce at this famous hostelry. The U.
s. flags which decorated the msgnih-
cent rooms and the costumes Of the ar
my and navy officers made an attrac
tive setting for this brilliant event.
The u. s. military band furnished the
music and altogether. il was an occs-
sion long TO be remembered by those
fortunate enough TO be present.
The Ambassador made an address at
the court house. in which he thanked
the people Of Tampa most sincerely for
the cordial welcome given him and as
sured them that both he and Mrs. Bryce
felt that lit was good to have been
there"
A feature Of last week was the
Hookworm Conference. DIR. Stiles. the
greatest expert in America on the
hook worm disease and who is chief Of
the Department Of Zoology Of the U.
S. Public Health and Marine Hospital
Service, and who also is member Of
the Rockefeller commission for the ale
Walton Of the hook worm. addressed the
crowd In most interesting way. We
are thankful TO say this disease has not
invaded our city.
For those religiously inclined treat
was in store In the way Of Bible stu
dents convention. the principal speak
er Of the occasion being the noted Chas.
7. Russell. of Brooklyn.
The parade Of Feb. % was the most
beautiful spectacle yet presented dur
ing the festivities. About 100 floats
were in line. the beauty of which can
not be described. Uncle Sans infant
ny. cavalry. artillery and marine COM
panies. accompanied by machine guns.
proved an attractive feature. The
many foreign societies were arrayed IN
national costumes. Scores Of automo-
biles. gaily decorated and representing
many cities Of the State. occupied an
important place 10 the pageant. Gov
ernor Cilchrist added his presence to
the parade. SIX magnificent bands fur.
nished patriotic music; but space viii
not permit further descriptsns VISA
wished very much that eur Kentuekyt
people might be here to participate IN
this National affair -