Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-02-21
PANAMA FAIR is
NOW UNDER WAY
Wilson Gives Signal Formally Open
ing International Exposition at
San Francisco.
DAY OF TRIUMPH, SAYS JOHNSON

! SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20.--The
Panama-Pacific International expo
sitlon was formally opened at noon
today. Pacafic coast time.
President Wilson. in the White
House, by the touching OF a button,
completed telegraph circuit which
automatically worked a relay key in
the flreless station at Tuckerton, N.
]. Instantly powerful electric waves
leaped out across the continent
A fraction Of second later they
we're received on arlals strung from
the Tower of Jewels, in the exposi-
ton grounds. Another, relay instru-
ment transmitted them to apparatus
which swung open the doors Of the
Palace OF Machinery, unloosed the
pent waters OF the Fountain OF en-
ergy and detonated signal bombs In
token Of receipt.
Day OF Triumph, Says Governor.
To-day n the triumph" said Governor
johnson. speaking for California. ''of q
San Francisco that nine years ago lay
prostrated In ruins."
| Owing to the presence OF Secretary Lane.
representing President Wilson, there was
no exchange by telephone. Rs had been
planned, OF messages between tine White
House and President Moore OF the expo
sition. Instead Secretary Lane trans
mitted the greetings OF President Wilson
| and In return announcement was sent 70
him by telegraph that the exposition was
open.
"rhls Is the world In epitome." said
DIR. Frederick J. v. sklff the dlreotor-in-
chief, In a brief dedicatory address.
''Within the enclosure OF these exposition
grounds there are no foreigners, All
may stand and stop upon this soil as II I,
were their native land"
Lane ana johnson March.
Saivos OF artillery salutea,. shrieking
whistles and sirens. pesling bells. rolling
drums and piercing flies had Weakened
tho city at dawn. The day had .hecn de-
clared q legal holiday ard nearly all the
business houses and factories were closed
to permit their employees to march in the
gigantic parade. which early took posses
sion Of the grounds.
Marching in the parsde were secrotary
Lane of tho Department OF the Interior
/ representing President, wilson; Governos
johnson, the senate and assembly oi
California; tho governor and entire ieGis.
llature OF Nevada. Mayor Rolph OF sar
Frnncinco, Mayor Rose cf Los Angeles
IAnd the mayors Of many other calfornis
Ths formal aspect ot the a.disa.io.
was made es short ana simple as pos
sibsel
/ tinited~< states soldiers and marine,
1 iescorted Secretary Lane Governor John.
SON and the othor officials TO a stand fac
ing the main entrance TO the exposition
where they were welcomed by President
Charles @. Moore and the other executive
officers. .att
Secretary Lane'a Address.
In opening his address Secretary Lans
said In part.- t III
ITO you, PresIdent Moore and to your
colleagues, ladies' and gentlemen. benr
the congratulations OF the nation on The
openins Of this international exposition.
This morning I have from the president
the following telegram:
Please convey my hearty oongratula-
tons 70 the authorities Of the exposition
and express my hope that their highees
expectations for its distinguished success
viii be more than realized +"
All records for opening day attendance
at worlds fairs were broken by the ex-
position Less than two hours after the
gates had opened ana while the crowds
were still streaming IN. the turnstiles
showed iso,ooo admiesions as against 1s.
oof Tor the Chicago fair In 1898. and l76 lSs
for the 81 Louis fair in 1904.