The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1916-10-19
MISSISSIPPI'S CENTENNIAL
EXPOSITION.

ing at GAO for Gulfport, was
loaded with representative citi-
zens from all parts of the state
who had accepted the kind invi-
tation extended them by the
good people of Gulfport to visit
them on the occasion incident to
the breaking of ground for the
great exposition that is to be
held in that beautiful and at
tractive little city next year, be-
ginning December 7th.
Sixty-five out of the 81 coun-
ties were represented with good
delegations. The train was in
charge of Hon. H. E. Blakeslee,
director Of the centennial, and in
his usual happy manner, did
everything possible to add to the
pleasure of his guests.
At many points along the road
demonstrations were held, the
citizens turning out en- masse to
show their appreciation of the
undertaking, and to lend their
support and approval of the big
show to be held next year.
Speeches appealing to the pa
triotism of loyal Mississippians
were made at several stops by
Gov. Bilbo, Mr.. Blakeslee, May
or Taylor, Mr.. Strife and others.
Mr.. Connell, the live wire of
the Gulf coast and assistant di-
rector of the centennial, passed
through the train before reach
ing Gulfport and extended the
courtesies of1the city to the Wis
itors, supplying each one with
tickets which entitled them to
rooms at the Great Southern Ho-
tel, meals at the hotels and res
taurants and passes over the
lines of the Gulf Coast Traction
Co., which extend from Biloxi
to Waveland, a distance of about
40 miles.
After reaching Gulfport and
being assigned to rooms, the Wis
itors were carrid to Pass Chris
tan where a royal welcome and
reception awaited them at the
Mexican Gulf Hotel. After a
general hand-shaki G, refresh
ments were served and the
guests taken for an hours auto
mobile ride over the famous
shell roads that border on the
gulf. The people of this beauti-
full little city know how to enter
tain, and on this occasion they
certainly deserve special praise.
Returning to Gulfport late in
the afternoon, supper was served
and the visitors rushed over to
Biloxi where they we're tender
ed a magnificent reception,
punch, cigars and all other
things necessary to make the
average Mississippian happy, be-
ing freely served.
Friday morning at 1920 the
exercises incident ground break
ing occurred on the centennial
site, which is located on the
beach between Gulfport and BIZ
loxi. Gov. Bilbo was the chief
orator of the day and delivered
splendid address. He was fol-
lowed by Commissioner Blakes-
lee, Hon. S. J. Taylor and others.
At the conclusion of the speeches
Chief Justice Sydney Smith re-
moved the first shovel of dirt,
which officially set the actual
work of the great centennial I'M
der way.
This celebration of the Tooth
anniversary of Mississippi's ad-
mission to the union is going to
be the greatest event in the
states history. 1t is going to do
more in the way of advertising
Nississippi's undeveloped re-
sources than any other plan pos
sible; it is going to bring thous-
ands of homeseekers here who
will see the wonderful possible
ties of our cheap lands and ideal
climate, and after they have
seen the golden opportunities
that await their coming, they
will invest in homes among us
and help us to make this coun-
try the greatest on earth.
Every citizen of this state
should begin to make his plans
right now to go to Gulfport next
year and get acquainted with the
possibilities of your own state.
The exposition is going to be the
chance of your life and you can't
afford to miss it.
Every man, woman and child
who went to Gulfport last week
is boosting most enthusiastically
that section of country and the
great centennial. Get ready to
go!