Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1915-02-26
THE BIG FAIR.

exposition, which has been IN course
of preparation for more than three
years, is now open, and promises to
outshine and outclass in many re-
spects any of the preceding so-called
worlds fairs. Exclusive of exhibits
its represents an outlay of approx
mately $50,0O0,000, which has been
put to such good use that the Pana-
ma exposition has been described as
veritable jewel Of artistic setting
and general attractiveness. The
grounds, buildings and adornments
combine in a harmony of arrange
ments that is said to be practically
perfect, and everything that human
skill and ingenuity could contrive or
suggest has been done to make this
great exposition the "last word' in
affairs of this kind.
All that now remains to make this
exposition the success which it richly
deserves to be, is patronage on the
part of the general public. The bulk
of this patronage, moreover, will have
to come from the people of the Uni
ted States. This would be true even
in ordinary times, but it is more than
ever true with Europe disturbed and
torn up by the great war, with Can
ada and Mexico, our next door neigh
bors, similarly involved, and with
practically every other nation more or
less concerned in the unusual crisis
which today confronts the whole
world. On account of this condition
it is not likely that the Panama-Pa
cifc exposition will receive any large
amount of foreign patronage, and
what it loses in this direction will
have to be made up by the American
people themselves.
Fortunately, the disadvantageous
influences which affect the Panama
fair will be offset, in measure, by
influences distinctly favorably to the
success of the exposition. For in
stance, with popular routes Of foreign
travel suspended or shut off entirely,
and with little chance or incentive
for Americans to leave their own
country during the coming season, at
tention naturally will center on this
great attraction in our own land, all
so on the side attractions which will
be taken into consideration Herewith.
California, Oregon and the other
states of the Pacific coast offer a rich
and inviting field for the tourist and
sightseer, and there will be safety and
comfort for the traveller such as can
be found in no other part of the
world at present. 1t is, therefore,
reasonable, to expect that the tide OF
American travel for this year will
strongly turn toward the great west,
with the Panama fair the chief mag
net and center of attraction.
For months the railroads of this
country have been preparing for the
anticipated rush of Americans to Cal
ifornia and other western points, and
the people of the west have been pre-
pairing to receive, welcome and enter
tain the expected guests. 1t is going
to be a great year for the Pacific
coast, and also a great year for the
American people as whole. For of
course everyone will ultimately share
in the advantages and benefits of this
home travel and home visiting by the
American people. The latter will be
spending their money at home, where
i will help and stimulate home in
lustry and trade in every direction,
md they also will be getting better
acquainted with the beauties, attrac-
ions and opportunities of their ma
i've land. And the Panama fair will
lelp this along, 1t has come at a most
'pportune time to fulfill this mission.