The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-05-29
THE CENTENARY EXPOSITION.

The CENTENARY EAHOSlI1ONe
The plan for a world fair in Florida in 1921 in
celebration of the centenary of the acquisition
of this state by the union, has aroused much dis
cussion throughout the country, and even those
who are disinterested, seem to be agreed that
the anniversary should be observed in some fit
ting way.
The celebration of this anniversary in app
propriate manner has been frequently urged in
the past by The Journal, which has pointed out
in its editorial columns not only the propriety of
such celebration, but the enormous benefit it
would prove to the state, from publicity stand
point, as well as from many other important
angles.
The last five years, however, have so longest
ed accommodations in Florida, through the enor-
nous influx of visitors to this state, and the
housing facilities in every large city in the state
have been so taxed, that it behooves those who
are agitating this subject to take some imme-
diate steps to make possible such a celebration,
following the federal appropriation, which will
doubtless be made
In view of the fact that accommodations in
every section of the state are SO inadequate to
meet even the present needs, would it not be adj
visabIe in the event that the government makes
an appropriation for the celebration, to make it
statewide instead of combining the centenary OBJ
servance to any one city?
Commenting on the movement, the Manufac-
turer's Record says:
ct is proposed in Florida to celebrate in 1921
the acquisition of that state by the United States
The plan contemplated is for world exposition.
The Importance of Florida to the United States
as one of the nations great assets is worthy of
a fitting commemoration, equal in Importance to
a world exposition, but afraid that world
exposition is an undertaking of such vast magni-
tude that it is too ambitious to be carried through
within the brief time between the present and
1921
It would seem, therefore, that Florida must
either postpone this exposition for year or two,
or else undertake some celebration less vast in
ITS magnitude than would be real world expo
sition. We are inclined to feel that there should
not be postponement, but that there should be
some form of celebration exposition in 1921
worthy in its scope and Importance of that great
event in American history.
1t would not be possible within two years to
provide hotel facilities adequate for a worlds
fair. Indeed, we believe that if the entire hotel
facilities of Florida could be doubled within the
next II or 10 months they would even then
scarcely be adequate to the regular tourist travel
which by that time win be seeking to spend the
winter or portion of it in Florida. Many peo-
pie are kept away from Florida by the knowledge
that the hotel facilities not equal to the reg
ular tourist business. During the last few win
tiers every good hotel in the state, SO far as we
have been able to learn, was overcrowded, and
had to turn away many guests. The first great
movement in Florida therefore, should be a
vigorous and aggressive work for bringing in an
era of hotel building, even if there was no plan
for a centennial celebration.
If, instead of calling its celebration world ex-
position, Florida would adopt the term of Flor
ida Centennial Exposition it would, we feel sure,
make a wise move. The name would be less am
bilious, but it would be ambitious enough to meet
the situation, and the result could be made great
enough to be worthy of the occasion.
It is difficult to speak in moderate terms about
Florida It is well-nigh impossible to exaggerate
the possibilities of that state. Marvelously en-