The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1914-12-29
SAN DIEC0'S BIG FAIR, SET IN
PURPLE MOUNTAINS, will BE
DAZZLINCTO EYES OF VISITORS

SAN DIEGO, Cal, Dec. 20. -
A MEDIEVAL city, of Spanish archi-
lecture, set I'm a. background of
tropie verdure, with purple noun
tains northumberland Is the
magic effect of the San Diego ex-
position, which opens here Jauu.
AIRY 4.
Ii was five years ago that the
10000 people of this city voted
by an overwhelming majority to
build beautiful exposition to
commemorate the opening Of the
Panama canal. The Panama-Cal-
ifornia exposition was the name
officially chosen.
Several million dollars were
raised, and the indomitable per-
sistenee of the people of San Iii
ego has put through the great un-
dertaking so thoroughly that to-
day IL Is complete and the ex-
hibits all installed.
So pure and striking is the ar
chitecture of the San Diego expo
sition that visiting architects have
declared it will exert a decided
influence on landscape and struc-
tural grouping not alone in the
west, but throughout the coun-
try.
Impressive Exhibits
The exhibits will be made i'm
pressive by showing action. Prim-
tive irrigation, for instance, and
its progressive steps to modern
times will be an impressive feat
ure. The same process of dem
onstration will characterize other
departments. The evolution of
all the arts and crafts, even the
art of living" will be por-
trayed thus.
Among the more remarkable
exhibits here will be the horti-
| cultural collection, with it's nur-
series of rare plants, shrubs, or
| chids, orange and lemon groves
In bloom. The botanical build
ing Is constructed of lath, but so
mild is the winter climate of San
Diego that further protection is
not necessary for even the most
delicate plants. Many specimens
OF practically unknown species
have been successfully propa-
gated.
Wonderful Eiaduct
A great concrete viaduct with
| seven arches, known as the Ca
brillo bridge, spans the Cabrillo
canyon, leading to the exposition
gates across a lake, $50 feet be-
low, adorned with water-lilies.
Immediately inside the grounds
stands the imposing California
! building, a permanent structure
or reinforced concrete whose
tower reaches the highest eleva-
tion in the city. Its portals are
surrounded by ornamentation
copied from the famous cathed-
rails and palaces of the old world.
Connected with the California
building by a series of arches is
the palace of archaeology, with
its collection from the Smithson-
ian institution at Washington.
Ancient Spanish City
Once inside, the visitor is in a
veritable Spanish city of ancient
days. In the corridors. plazas.
courts and gardens thousands of
pigeons flutter and coo on the
red-tiled roofs.
The patio, or inner court. Is n
feature of nearly every building.
FIower-lined and enhanced by
acacia and other trees and vines
OF which the average easterner
knows nothing, these courts will
offer grateful shade to the visitor
during his midday siesta.
Like all expositiOns, the San
Diego fair has its "joy street"
Here IL is called the .'Isthmus."
On New Years eve. when the fair
is formally opened by President
Wilson pushing the button that
will flash on the myriad lights.
every place of amusement of this
giddy street will throw open its
doors and turn loose its bankers.