New York at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis 1904
by DeLancey M. Ellis · English · Gutenberg #9308 · 624,607 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: New York at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis 1904
Author: DeLancey M. Ellis
Release date: November 1, 2005 [eBook #9308]
Most recently updated: January 2, 2021
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NEW YORK AT THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION, ST. LOUIS 1904 ***
Produced by Michael Oltz and PG Distributed Proofreaders
NEW YORK
AT THE
LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION
ST. LOUIS, 1904
REPORT OF THE
NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION
PREPARED AND COMPILED BY
DELANCEY M. ELLIS
1907
[ILLUSTRATION]
REPORT
ALBANY, N.Y., _March_ 25, 1907
Hon. CHARLES E. HUGHES, _Governor_:
DEAR SIR.--We beg to submit herewith, in accordance
with the provisions of the statute, the final report of the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission of the State
of New York.
Very respectfully
EDWARD H. HARRIMAN
LOUIS STERN
EDWARD LYMAN BILL
WILLIAM BERRI
FREDERICK R. GREEN
LEWIS NIXON
JOHN C. WOODBURY
FRANK S. McGRAW
JOHN K. STEWART
JAMES H. CALLANAN
JOHN YOUNG
MRS. NORMAN E. MACK
CHARLES A. BALL
_Secretary and Chief Executive Officer_
[Transcriber's note: Certain cross-references originally appearing as
"See page N" have been changed to refer to chapter and section
instead.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
1. Introduction and historical sketch
2. Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission, State of New York
3. New York State Building
4. Functions held in the New York State Building
5. Dedication Day
6. New York State Week
7. Brooklyn Day
8. Thanksgiving Day
9. Educational exhibit and schedule of awards
10. Fine arts exhibit and schedule of awards
11. Agriculture and live stock exhibit and schedule of awards
12. Horticulture exhibit and schedule of awards
13. Forest, fish and game exhibit and schedule of awards
14. Mines and metallurgy exhibit and schedule of awards
15. Social economy exhibit and schedule of awards
16. Financial statement
Table of Full Page Illustrations
[this table did not appear in the original book]
Frontispiece: HONORABLE BENJAMIN B. ODELL, JR. GOVERNOR 1901-1904
Page
8 FESTIVAL HALL AND GRAND BASIN
15 EDWARD H. HARRIMAN, PRESIDENT, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION
25 WILLIAM BERRI, VICE PRESIDENT, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION
35 EDWARD LYMAN BILL, TREASURER, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION
45* LOUIS STERN, CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, NEW YORK STATE
COMMISSION
50 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT BUILDING
59 NEW YORK STATE BUILDING
71* JOHN K. STEWART, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER
80 NEW YORK STATE BUILDING, MAIN ENTRANCE
87* JAMES H. CALLANAN, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER
95 NEW YORK STATE BUILDING, ASSEMBLY HALL
104 APOTHESIS OF ST. LOUIS (NIEHAUS)
109* LEWIS NIXON, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER
112 GERMAN PAVILION
121 NEW YORK STATE BUILDING, ENTRANCE HALL
(See section "THE ARCHITECTURE" in chapter III)
126 EAST PAVILION AND CASCADE
133* JOHN C. WOODBURY, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER
145* FREDERICK R. GREEN, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER
155* FRANK S. McGRAW, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER
162 PALACE OF LIBERAL ARTS
171* JOHN YOUNG, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER
181 MRS. NORMAN E. MACK, NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER
190 STATUE OF JOSEPH HENRY, ELECTRICIAN (FLANAGAN)
195 CHARLES A. BALL, SECRETARY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NEW YORK
STATE COMMISSION
200 PALACE OF EDUCATION, WEST ENTRANCE
207 EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT
215 EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT, COMMON SCHOOL STATISTICS
227 EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT, FOURTH GRADE ALCOVE
239 EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT, TRADE SCHOOLS, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, BUSINESS
EDUCATION ALCOVE
250 "SHOOTING UP THE TOWN" (REMINGTON)
257 FESTIVAL HALL AND CASCADE GARDENS
267 DE LANCEY M. ELLIS, Director of Education and Social Economy
CHARLES H. VICK, Superintendent of Horticulture
CLARENCE LUCE, Architect
J. H. DURKEE, Superintendent of Agriculture and Live Stock
HARRY W. WATROUS, Chairman Committee on Art
277 GRAND BASIN AND PALACE OF ELECTRICITY
284 FLORAL CLOCK AND AGRICULTURAL BUILDING
287 AGRICULTURE EXHIBIT, DISPLAY OF VEGETABLES
301 AGRICULTURE EXHIBIT, DISPLAY OF SEEDS
313 AGRICULTURE EXHIBIT
325 NEW YORK CITY BUILDING (See chapter VI)
337 EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT, FROM ENTRANCE (See section "THE
INSTALLATION" in chapter IX)
349 LOUISIANA PURCHASE MONUMENT, PLAZA ST. LOUIS, AND VARIED
INDUSTRIES BUILDING
360 GRAND BASIN, BOAT LANDING
365 HORTICULTURE EXHIBIT
373 HORTICULTURE EXHIBIT, DISPLAY OF GRAPES
385 HORTICULTURE EXHIBIT
397 EXHIBIT OF STATE INSTITUTIONS FOR JUVENILE DELINQUENTS
(see section "STATE BOARD OF CHARITIES" in chapter XV)
409 EXHIBIT OF BERTILLON AND FINGER PRINT SYSTEMS OF IDENTIFICATION
(see section "STATE DEPARTMENT OF PRISONS" in chapter XV)
421 MINES AND METALLURGY EXHIBIT, SLATE MANTEL
(see section "SLATE" in chapter XIV)
427 FOREST, FISH AND GAME EXHIBIT, CAMP ADIRONDACK
436 APPROACH TO WEST PAVILION
445 FOREST, FISH AND GAME EXHIBIT, NATIVE BIRDS
457 FOREST, FISH AND GAME EXHIBIT, CAMP ADIRONDACK, INTERIOR
(see section "ATTRACTIVE FEATURES" in chapter XIII)
470 PHYSICAL LIBERTY (MCNEIL)
477 MAGNETIC SEPARATOR WORKING ON NEW YORK ORES
487 MINES AND METALLURGY EXHIBIT
495 MINES AND METALLURGY, LIBERAL ARTS, AND LAGOON
500 MACHINERY BUILDING AND LAGOON
507 ANCIENT AND MODERN METHODS OF CARING FOR THE INSANE
515 EXHIBIT OF STATE DEPARTMENT OF PRISONS
(see section "STATE DEPARTMENT OF PRISONS" in chapter XV)
523 EXHIBIT OF STATE BOARD OF CHARITIES, CARE OF DESTITUTE ADULTS
(see section "STATE BOARD OF CHARITIES" in chapter XV)
528 ON THE PIKE
535 EXHIBIT OF STATE COMMISSION IN LUNACY, HOSPITALS FOR THE INSANE
(see section "STATE COMMISSION IN LUNACY" in chapter XV)
* These photographs are also labelled "Copyright 1903 [or 1904],
by Pirie MacDonald, Photographer of Men, N.Y."
CHAPTER I
Introduction and Historical Sketch
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
[ILLUSTRATION]
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition was held in the city of St. Louis in
1904, in commemoration of the acquisition in 1803 of the vast territory
west of the Mississippi, then called Louisiana. The transfer is
generally regarded as one of the most important events in our national
history and stands on record as the greatest acquisition of territory
ever made by peaceful methods. An American historian of great prominence
says: "The annexation of Louisiana was an event so portentous as to defy
measurement; it gave a new face to politics and ranked in historical
importance next to the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of
the Constitution."
The territory was ceded to France by Spain by the secret treaty of San
Ildefonso in 1800. This aroused to intense excitement the people of the
West, who were inclined to give credit to the rumor that the army of
forty thousand men sent by Napoleon (who was responsible for the
negotiation of that treaty) were in reality to take military possession
of Louisiana and the Floridas instead of to suppress the insurrection in
San Domingo, the ostensible object. France and England had been
struggling for many years for supremacy in the Western Continent, and in
the possession of this vast territory Napoleon foresaw a prosperous New
France. But there were many complications arising at home. Important
political questions demanded attention, and the great Napoleon soon
realized that he could not hope to cope successfully with the two great
problems lying at such a great distance apart.
NEGOTIATIONS FOR TRANSFER OF TERRITORY
At that time our country was interested in procuring possession of the
site of New Orleans and the free passage of the Mississippi river
forever for all American citizens, and negotiations were opened for
their purchase by Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of
Independence, and at that time third President of the United States.
During the negotiations Napoleon suggested the transfer of the whole
Louisiana territory and the transaction was brought to a most successful
conclusion, the signers of the treaty being James Monroe, Robert R.
Livingston, and F.B. Marbois, the representative of Napoleon. It was a
significant bargain. By it Napoleon formed closer bonds of friendship
between France and the United States, and prevented any possibility of
the territory falling into the hands of Great Britain. He prophesied
that this Republic would eventually become a world power and a
commercial rival to England. How completely his prophecy was fulfilled.
Our country attained possession of a vast territory embracing more than
a million square miles, an area greater than the combined areas of the
British Isles, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and
Italy, the consideration being a figure less than that representing the
value of a single square block in any one of our great cities, or an
amount much smaller than has been yielded by any one of many mines
within the boundaries of the territory. Twelve flourishing states and
two territories have since been carved out of Louisiana, and the center
of our population is rapidly moving towards that region which was once
known as the wilderness of the West.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON
It is a matter of the utmost gratification that the State of New York
played so important a part in this great event in the person of Robert
R. Livingston, who was then United States Minister to France. Dr.
Livingston, the title of LL.D. having been conferred upon him by the
University of the State of New York, was one of the leading statesmen of
his day. A graduate of Kings (now Columbia) College, he began his career
in the practice of law in New York city, and was made Recorder of the
city in 1773. Elected to the Continental Congress in 1775, he was
appointed one of a committee of five to draft the Declaration of
Independence, but enforced absence from Philadelphia made it impossible
for him to sign the document. He was soon after elected Chancellor of
the State of New York, and as such administered the oath of office to
George Washington as first President of the United States. His previous
training in public affairs admirably fitted him for assuming the
important duties leading to the transfer of the Louisiana territory, and
to him as much as to any individual belongs the credit for the
successful consummation of the transaction.
At the Exposition a handsome statue of Livingston, by Lukemann, was
erected in the Cascade Gardens, on the approach to the West Pavilion.
Upon the front of the New York State Building appeared this legend:
"Robert R. Livingston of New York, Minister to France 1801-1805,
inaugurated the negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase and was the
first to sign the treaty."
ORIGIN OF THE EXPOSITION
The first action looking towards the commemoration of the Louisiana
Purchase was taken at a meeting of the Missouri Historical Society in
September, 1898, when a committee of fifty citizens was appointed to
take the preliminary steps looking to the observance of the occasion.
This committee recommended the submission of the question to a
convention of delegates, representing all the Louisiana Purchase states,
and at this convention, which was held at the Southern Hotel, St. Louis,
January 10, 1899, it was decided to hold a World's Fair as the most
fitting commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the
acquisition of the Louisiana territory. An executive committee, with the
Hon. David R. Francis as chairman, was appointed to carry out the
undertaking, and this committee determined that at least $15,000,000,
the amount paid to France for the territory, would be needed.
ACTION BY CONGRESS
Congress passed a bill in June, 1900, carrying a provisional
appropriation of $5,000,000, and pledging governmental support if the
city of St. Louis raised $10,000,000. The people went to work with a
will and had raised $5,000,000 by popular subscription early in January,
1901, and the following January thirtieth an ordinance was passed by the
St. Louis Municipal Assembly authorizing the issuance of $5,000,000 in
city bonds. On March twelfth President McKinley appointed a National
Commission of nine members, and in August issued a proclamation inviting
all the nations of the world to participate in the Exposition. Owing to
labor difficulties and delay in securing construction material it soon
became evident that it would be impossible to hold the fair during the
year 1903, as originally planned. Legislation being necessary in order
to provide for the necessary postponement, a bill was passed by Congress
and approved by President Roosevelt June 25, 1902, authorizing the
holding of the fair in 1904 instead of 1903, as originally determined.
Beginning with the basic appropriation of $15,000,000, [Footnote: In the
winter of 1904 a bill was passed by Congress authorizing a Government
loan of $4,600,000 to the Exposition Company, to be repaid in
instalments from the gate receipts. The loan was entirely canceled
early in November, 1904.] as described above, to which had been added
$1,000,000 appropriated by the State of Missouri, the great enterprise
was projected on a $50,000,000 basis. It was planned to make the
universal Exposition at St. Louis the most comprehensive and wonderful
that the world had ever seen. How well its projectors succeeded is a
matter of recent history. How completely all previous expositions were
eclipsed has been told many times in picture and in print.
THE SITE
The site chosen for the Exposition included the western portion of
Forest Park, one of the finest parks in the United States. Its naturally
rolling ground afforded many opportunities for effective vistas, which
were quickly embraced by the Exposition Company's landscape artists.
Containing 1,240 acres, it was a tract approximately two miles long and
one mile wide.
The grounds might be said to have been divided into two general
sections, the dividing line being Skinker road. To the east was the main
picture, so called, which was formed by the grouping of eight
magnificent exhibit palaces around Festival Hall, the Colonnade of
States and Cascade Gardens.
THE MAIN PICTURE
Festival Hall stood upon a rise of ground well above the principal
exhibit palaces, and its majestic dome surmounted by a gilded figure of
"Victory," the first "Victory" to take the form of a man, was visible
from most any part of the grounds. The grouping of the exhibit palaces
was geometric in arrangement, in shape like an open fan, the ribs of the
fan being the waterways and plazas between which the exhibit palaces
were located.
THE ARCHITECTURE
The architecture, while varied and in some instances striking, was still
so modified as to make a most harmonious whole. For purity in
architecture the best example was the Palace of Education, which was
built on the lines of the Italian Renaissance. For most striking
architectural effects the Mines and Metallurgy building was invariably
pointed out. It was of composite architecture, comprising features of
the Egyptian, Byzantine and Greek. The stately obelisks which guarded
its entrance ways and the bas-relief panels which formed its outer
facade, were objects of universal interest.
To the southeast of the main group of buildings, and gracefully
clustered among the trees, were the state pavilions. Along the extreme
northern portion of the grounds for a mile stretched the amusement
highway, known as the Pike.
OTHER FEATURES
To the west of Skinker road were located the Administration buildings,
and, with one or two exceptions, the pavilions of foreign governments,
the Agriculture and Horticulture buildings, the Philippine Reservation
and the Department of Anthropology. The Intramural railroad, seven miles
in length, passed the principal points of interest and enabled visitors
to get about the grounds with speed and comfort.
To convert this great tract of land into a beautiful park with well-kept
roadways embellished with velvety lawns and magnificent flower beds,
would seem to be a task greater than man could perform within the short
space of time available for the completion of the Exposition. That it
was done, and well done, is a matter of history.
PROCESSES AS WELL AS PRODUCTS
It was early determined that the great Fair should be one of processes,
as well as of products; wherever possible there should be life and
motion; that the exhibits should answer the question, "How is it done?"
as well as "What is it?" The result was that the Exposition became a
constantly changing scene of moving objects and an educational force
many times greater than any of its predecessors. The student of
Mechanics, Electricity, Pedagogy, the Applied Arts, and other kindred
subjects could obtain here within a limited area valuable data, which
otherwise could only be collected at the expense of much time and
considerable money.
DEDICATION CEREMONIES
The formal dedication ceremonies covered three days, beginning April 30,
1903, the actual date of the Centennial Anniversary of the signing of
the treaty, and one year previous to the opening of the Exposition. Our
commonwealth was fittingly represented at that time, a special
appropriation of $50,000 for the same having been made by the
Legislature. Governor Odell and staff, State officers, a joint committee
from the Legislature and the members of the Louisiana Purchase
Exposition Commission attended. There were also present a provisional
regiment of infantry of the National Guard, under command of Colonel S.
M. Welch, N.G., N.Y.; a provisional division of the Naval Militia under
command of Lieutenant E.M. Harman, Second Battalion; and Squadron "A" of
New York, under command of Major Oliver H. Bridgman.
THE FIRST DAY'S PROGRAM
The program for the first day consisted of a grand military parade in
the morning and exercises in the Liberal Arts building at two o'clock in
the afternoon, followed by fireworks in the evening. The day was cold
and unpleasant, and a chill wind blowing from the north caused visitors
to seek comfort in heavy wraps.
The Governor of the State of New York and her troops met with a
continuous ovation along the line of march of the great military parade,
and from every side compliments and felicitations were bestowed upon the
State's representatives for so hearty and imposing a participation in an
event a thousand miles from home.
The occasion was graced by the presence of the President of the United
States, Theodore Roosevelt, and by ex-President Grover Cleveland, both
of whom made extended remarks at the afternoon exercises.
ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT.
The address of President Roosevelt was replete with historical allusions
and pointed epigrams. He drew many lessons from the valor and patriotism
of the early settlers of the west, and said, among other things:
"Courage and hardihood are indispensable virtues in a people; but the
people which possesses no others can never rise high in the scale either
of power or of culture. Great peoples must have in addition the
governmental capacity which comes only when individuals fully recognize
their duties to one another and to the whole body politic, and are able
to join together in feats of constructive statesmanship and of honest
and effective administration. ... We justly pride ourselves on our
marvelous material prosperity, and such prosperity must exist in order
to establish a foundation upon which a higher life can be built; but
unless we do in very fact build this higher life thereon, the material
prosperity itself will go for but very little. ... The old days were
great because the men who lived in them had mighty qualities; and we
must make the new days great by showing these same qualities. We must
insist upon courage and resolution, upon hardihood, tenacity, and
fertility of resource; we must insist upon the strong, virile virtues;
and we must insist no less upon the virtues of self-restraint,
self-mastery, regard for the rights of others; we must show our
abhorrence of cruelty, brutality, and corruption, in public and in
private life alike."
ADDRESS OF EX-PRESIDENT CLEVELAND
Ex President Cleveland delivered an eloquent panegyric and in closing
said:
"... We may well recall in these surroundings the wonderful measure of
prophecy's fulfillment, within the span of a short century, the spirit,
the patriotism and the civic virtue of Americans who lived a hundred
years ago, and God's overruling of the wrath of man, and his devious
ways for the blessing of our nation. We are all proud of our American
citizenship. Let us leave this place with this feeling stimulated by the
sentiments born of the occasion. Let us appreciate more keenly than ever
how vitally necessary it is to our country's wealth that every one
within its citizenship should be clean minded in political aim and
aspiration, sincere and honest in his conception of our country's
mission, and aroused to higher and more responsive patriotism by the
reflection that it is a solemn thing to belong to a people favored of
God."
THE SECOND DAY'S PROGRAM
The second day was designated "Diplomatic Day," and was devoted to a
luncheon to the visiting diplomats in the Administration Building,
followed by exercises in Festival Hall, at which time addresses were
made by Honorable John M. Thurston of the National Commission, who was
president of the day; Honorable David R. Francis, president of the
Exposition Company; M. Jean J. Jusserand, the French Ambassador, and
Senor Don Emilio de Ojeda, the Spanish Minister. In the evening a
brilliant reception was given to the Diplomatic Corps at the St. Louis
Club.
THE THIRD DAY'S PROGRAM
The third day, Saturday, May second, was officially designated "State
Day," and the exercises consisted of a huge civic parade, which consumed
two hours in passing a given point, and exercises at two o'clock in the
Liberal Arts building, over which ex-Senator William Lindsay of the
National Commission presided. Addresses were made by Governor Dockery,
who welcomed the governors and delegations from the various states and
by Governor Odell of New York, who responded. His brilliant address,
which was frequently punctuated by applause, follows:
ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR ODELL
"_Governor Dockery, Ladies and Gentlemen:_
"There is no phase of American history which should inspire us with
greater pride than the consummation of the purchase of the Louisiana
tract, an event which opened the pathway to the West, and made possible
the powerful nation to which we owe our allegiance. Trade, the
inspiration for travel, which brought about the discovery and
civilization of the Western Hemisphere, would have demanded inevitably
the cession to the United States of the vast regions beyond the
Mississippi. Except, however, for the peaceful and diplomatic measures
adopted through the wisdom of Thomas Jefferson, this territory could
only have been acquired by the sacrifice of human life and the
expenditure of untold treasure. That Robert Livingston, a citizen of the
Empire State, became the ambassador of the great commoner at the court
of France and that it was due to his skill and intelligence that
Napoleon was brought to an understanding of the conditions as they
existed and of the determination of our then young Republic to prevent
the building up of foreign colonies at our very threshold, is a cause
for congratulation to the people of the State I represent, and renders
the duty which has been assigned to me, therefore, doubly pleasant.
Memorable as was this event, and of great importance to the future
growth of the Republic, it left its imprint not only upon America, but
upon Europe as well. Through it the Napoleonic ambition to develop a
vast plan of colonization which threatened the peace of the world was
thwarted. The dismemberment of the French possessions which soon
followed resulted in the grouping together of the various states of
Europe into vast empires whose relations with our country are such that
encroachment or territorial aggrandizement upon this hemisphere are
forever impossible. Spain, whose waning power was then apparent, was no
longer a menace, and thus rendered possible the acquisition of the
remaining stretch of territory which made our possessions secure from
the Gulf to the Canadian line. While, therefore, as Americans we are
prone to the belief that if the necessity had arisen we should have been
able to wrest this rich and fertile territory from even the strongest
hands, it is well for us to understand, however, that even the diplomacy
of which we boast would have been futile except for the failure of
Napoleon in San Domingo and his pressing need of funds to permit him to
face the enemies of the French. 'Westward Ho!' was the cry of the Old
World. From the time when the genius of Columbus accepted the theories
of the earlier astronomers the imagination and cupidity of adventurous
spirits had been excited by tales of 'far off Cathay.' One hundred years
ago the protocol for this territory was signed; one hundred years of
history has been written; a nation of three millions has expanded into
an empire of eighty millions of souls. Our country has not only become a
power among the nations of the world, but has taken an advanced position
in the progress and work of civilization. A westward passage to India
was sought by Columbus and was still the aim of La Salle in his
adventurous voyage along the mighty Mississippi. To-day the American
flag floats at the very gates of China, and almost in sight of its
walls, placed there by American valor and by American arms in a struggle
for human rights, and liberty. Trackless forests and undulating prairies
have become the highways for the speeding engines bearing the burdens of
traffic to the Orient. No longer are they the pasturage for the buffalo,
but the source of food supply for the whole world. Treasures of untold
value have been laid bare by the ingenuity of man, but far beyond this
wealth are the products in grain and lowing kine which add their
hundreds of millions to the resources of our country, extending even
beyond the dreams or the imagination of those who sought only the
precious metals with which to return with a competence to their native
land.
"This is but the span of a century and to commemorate its glories we
come from the eastern section, from the earlier colonies to congratulate
the people of the West upon the results which we as a nation have
achieved. So few the years, yet how notable the history. Upon this soil
began those battles which ended in the emancipation of the slave. From
this border, and almost from within this territory, came the great
Emancipator, a man who struggled with the vicissitudes of fortune in
early life, who aided in developing the great West, and whose name will
be forever enshrined as the one who in his act as chief magistrate of
this country removed the stain which the earlier Dutch had fastened upon
our body politic like a 'festering sore.' The past, with all of its
achievements, with all of its successes, is to us but an incentive and
guide for the future progress of our country. America still beckons to
the oppressed of all lands and holds out the gifts of freedom, and we at
this time, and upon this occasion, should renew our adherence to those
policies which have made us great as a nation. The future is before us,
and the patriotism and self-sacrifice of those who made the country's
history so glorious should be an inspiration to us all for higher ideals
of citizenship. Through the golden gates of commerce pours an unceasing
stream of immigration, which must be amalgamated with American ideas and
American principles. From the earlier settlers has come a blending of
the vigor of the Anglo-Saxon with the Teutonic and Latin races,
resulting in that composite type which we are wont to recognize and
regard as the type of the true American. Aside from the commercial and
industrial results which followed the acquisition of this vast and
fertile territory, and the building up of the large marts and towns
which everywhere blend with its magnificent scenery, the definition of
the power and extent of our Constitution was most important. At its
inception, coming at a time when the framers of the Constitution were
not only able to interpret their work, but to give to it their moral
force and support, it was demonstrated that no constitutional
limitations should retard the onward growth, the onward rush of American
civilization, until it should have reached the farthermost bounds of the
far-off Pacific. The barriers to human progress were by this
interpretation removed and ranges of new States have given effect to the
democratic principles of our great Republic, and have made of our
country a Union--not of weak, impotent States--but a commonwealth of
nations, bound to each other through a centralized government by ties of
allegiance, common interest and patriotism, where freemen rule and where
suffrage is more esteemed than wealth.
"These rights and their protection should receive our earnest thought.
The battles of the past have been for freedom and liberty, and the
struggles of the future will be for their preservation, not, however, by
force of arms, but through the peaceful methods which come through the
education of our people. The declaration which brought our Republic into
existence has insured and guaranteed that liberty of conscience and that
freedom of action which does not interfere with the prerogatives or
privileges of a man's neighbors. Capital and labor are the two great
elements upon which the prosperity and happiness of our people rest, and
when, therefore, aggregations of the one are met by combinations of the
other, it should be the aim of all to prevent the clashing of these
great interests. The products of toil are worthless unless there be some
means by which they can be substituted or transferred for that which
labor requires. The concrete form in which these transactions are
conducted is the money power or the capital of the land. Without work
all of these fertile fields, these teeming towns, would have been
impossible, and without a desire to benefit and elevate humanity, its
onward progress would have been useless. To work, to labor, is man's
bounden duty, and in the performance of the tasks which have been placed
upon him, he should be encouraged, and his greatest incentive should be
the knowledge that he may transmit to his children and his children's
children a higher civilization and greater advantages than he himself
possessed. Trade conditions which would permit to the toiler but a bare
sustenance, the bare means of a livelihood, would be a hindrance to
human progress, a hindrance not to be removed by all of the maxims of
the philosopher or the theories of the doctrinaire. Promise without
fulfillment is barren, but when you can place before the mechanic the
assured fact that the performance of his duty means success in life, and
that his non-performance means failure; when you can show him that this
law is immutable, you have made of him a useful citizen and have
instilled into his mind a firm belief that the freedom and liberty of
which we boast is not an inchoate substance to be dreamed of and not
enjoyed. But this desired result cannot be secured if combinations of
capital, which produce the necessaries of life cheaper and better, are
assailed as the enemies of mankind. There is always a mean between those
who seek only a fair recompense and return for that which they produce,
and those who seek undue advantages for the few at the expense of the
many. The laws which have been enacted, if properly executed, are
sufficient in their force and effect to encourage the one and to punish
the other, but in our condemnation let us not forget that with the
expansion that has come to our country, an expansion of our business
relations is also necessary. This growth has brought us into intimate
contact with the markets of the world, and in the struggle that is
always before us, the competition of trade, if we are to hold our own
among the world's producers, we should encourage and not hinder those
who by their energy, their capital and their labor have banded together
for the purpose of meeting these new conditions--problems which our
individual efforts alone cannot solve, but which require the
concentrated force and genius of both capital and labor. Incentive for
good citizenship would indeed be lacking if there were taken from us the
opportunities for development, the opportunities for the young man to
follow in the footsteps of those who have written their names in the
history of our country as the great captains of industry. Success will
always follow perseverance and genius. Every heresy, every doctrine
which would teach the young man of this country differently, is an
insult to the intelligence of our people, and is in the direction of
building up a dangerous element in American society which in time would
threaten not only the peace and prosperity we enjoy, but our very
institutions themselves. When you have placed before the young man all
of his possibilities, you have made it impossible to make of our
Republic a plutocracy controlled by the few at the expense of the many.
The individual should count for as much as the aggregation of
individuals, because an injury to the one will lead to the destruction
of the many. The question of adjusting and harmonizing the relations of
capital and labor is the problem before us to-day and is one which will
become more urgent in the future. Its solution must be along those lines
of constitutional right which every citizen has been guaranteed. Every
man is entitled in the prosecution of his work to the broadest possible
liberty of action and the protection of law, of that law which is the
outgrowth of necessity and which seeks to encourage and not to oppress.
Such recognition can always be secured if there is a determination upon
the part of those charged with the responsibility of government to have
it. And who is not? Every man possessed of a ballot is responsible and
has the power, not only to formulate but to criticise and to punish as
well. If this right be properly exercised, an honest and efficient
administration of our affairs can always be secured. To aid in this work
we have given to the press the broadest possible liberty, a freedom
which, however, should never be abused. It should never be used as the
medium for the circulation of charges or of calumnies which are without
foundation, and which please but the fancies of those in whose minds
there always exists envy and discontent. Such a misuse of privileges
should be condemned by all right-minded citizens. In its virtuous
indignation with those who abuse public place and power, it should be
careful to do exact justice because in our busy and active lives we have
come to depend to a very great extent upon the wisdom and the honesty of
these who edit our newspapers for the information rightly to judge of
the conditions, events and necessities of our country. By means of the
press, and with an intelligent citizenship, we may always feel sure that
there will come into our public life influences for good which will
render our government more stable, will add to its renown and to its
glory and will insure for all the perpetuation of those principles which
have come down to us through the wisdom of our forefathers and which
have been amplified by the knowledge of succeeding generations.
"The greatest solvent for political heresies, for doctrines which are
antagonistic to popular government, is education. To the educated mind
there comes a conception of duty which is not possible to the ignorant.
The great colleges and schools with which we are blessed are performing
a vital work, and these institutions for developing a higher order of
citizenship are of far more worth and of greater importance than all of
the ships of war or the arms of the nation in maintaining and upholding
those policies which have been adopted for our protection against
foreign and domestic foes. But it is not alone a theoretical education
which is necessary for this higher citizenship. It must be linked with
the knowledge which comes of the study of the character, of the manner
and methods of other nations than our own, which leads the artisan to
inspect and to improve upon the ingenuity of his fellows of other lands.
It is this feature in the exposition which is to take place upon this
ground next year that is particularly significant and important in the
solution of the problems to which I have referred. It is the contact,
the friendly rivalry thus created, which brings about a betterment and
improvement of conditions. It is appropriate, therefore, that at the one
hundredth anniversary of this great event of our nation's history, we
should gather here all of the ingenuity and the genius of the past and
the present, that we may contrast and make note of our progress. This
will be an inspiration for us in the performance of our duty, and will
add to our affection for our native and adopted land, and thus make of
America a still greater power for good. A patriotic people is possible
only when there exists a love of country which has been inspired by the
stories of the past. It is the stories of the glorious past which
encourage us to grapple with the problems of the present and to look
with disdain upon those who fail to solve them. What fills our mind with
more gratitude; what inspires us with greater heroism; what instills
more patriotism than the struggles of the early colonial wars? The
Anglo-Saxon energy which swept from this continent the dominion of those
who sought only wealth, and which substituted the thrift of the voyagers
of the _Mayflower_ and of the settlers of Jamestown--which Speaks
of the battles with the Indians, which tells of the glories not only of
victories but of the defeats of the heroes of the Revolution--all are
incentives for purer and better citizenship. And so, too, as we recall
the struggles to the death of the descendants of these earlier settlers
in the greatest civil war that the world has ever known, let us to-day,
both in charity and in patriotism, remember them all as heroes. While we
may differ as to the principles for which they fought, there is no
conflict of opinion, no divergence in thought, which bids us to-day to
withhold our admiration for all those who took part in that great
struggle. It was but a page in our nation's history, but a page shaded
by human blood. It was but the working out the will of Divine
Providence, so that from its baptism of blood our republic might emerge
greater, stronger and more powerful than ever before, that there might
thereafter be no sectional hate, no dividing line in the patriotism of
our people. This it is which should inspire us to-day. More progress, a
further advance in civilization, the extending of a helping hand to the
afflicted and the welcoming word to the oppressed, should be concrete
evidence of America's greatness and of the devotion of her people. Then
it will be that our flag, now honored and respected, honored because of
the power and the intelligence of our people, will take on additional
lustre and additional significance as that of a nation that has accepted
its duty to protect humanity at home and abroad, and to stand as the
pacificator and preserver of the peace of the world."
At the conclusion of the afternoon exercises Governor Odell reviewed the
New York State troops on the plaza in Forest Park. The review was held
in the presence of a large assemblage and was an inspiring sight.
OPENING DAY
One year later, on April 30, 1904, the Exposition was formally opened to
the public; elaborate exercises being held at eleven o'clock at the foot
of the Louisiana Purchase Monument on the Plaza St. Louis. There were
present a distinguished assemblage, including a delegation of the Senate
and the House of Representatives, the National Commission, the Board of
Lady Managers, representatives of foreign governments, Governors of
States and their staffs, State Commissions, United States Government
Board, Exposition officials, and others. The exercises were opened by a
prayer by Rev. Frank W. Gunsaulus of Chicago, which was followed by an
address by President Francis. The Treasurer of the Exposition, William
H. Thompson, as chairman of the committee on grounds and buildings,
introduced Isaac S. Taylor, who delivered the gold key to the buildings
to President Francis and presented diplomas to his staff. An address
followed by Director of Exhibits F.J.V. Skiff, who presented commissions
to his staff, the chiefs of the various exhibit departments. Next
followed addresses in behalf of the city of St. Louis by Hon. Rolla
Wells, Mayor; in behalf of the National Commission by Hon. Thomas H.
Carter, its President; in behalf of the United States Senate by Senator
Henry E. Burnham; in behalf of the House of Representatives by Hon.
James A. Tawney. New York State was especially honored in the selection
of the president of her commission to speak in behalf of the domestic
exhibitors. Hon. Edward H. Harriman was then introduced by President
Francis.
ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT HARRIMAN
After briefly complimenting the President and Directors of the
Exposition, Mr. Harriman said:
"Our 'Domestic Exhibitors' could have no higher testimonial than that
furnished by the magnificent buildings and grounds of this Exposition.
We have here combined in brilliant variety the charms and beauties of
garden, forest, lake and stream, embellished by these splendid
structures, forming an harmonious whole certainly not equaled by any
former Exposition. All credit is due the President and Directors, whose
intelligence and untiring labors have conquered all obstacles and
brought this World's Fair to a most auspicious and successful opening.
One cannot view the result of their labors without being deeply
impressed with the magnitude of their undertaking, and when we consider
the exhibits which have been assembled within these grounds, we are led
irresistibly to an appreciation of the multitude of forces which
contributed to this great work, and particularly to the co-operation
which must have existed to produce the result before us.
"I have the honor on this occasion to speak for our 'Domestic
Exhibitors.' They are well represented by their works before you, and by
these works you can know them.
"These exhibits represent in concrete form the artistic and industrial
development of this country, and in viewing them one cannot but be
impressed with the great improvement in the conditions affecting our
material and physical welfare and with the corresponding advancement in
our intellectual and esthetic life.
"Let us consider for a moment the processes by which this result has
been reached. We have here collected the products of our artistic,
scientific and industrial life. The raw materials of the farm, the
vineyard, the mine and the forest have been transformed by the skilled
artisan, the artist and the architect into the finished products before
you. By the co-operation of all these resources, of all these
activities, of all these workers, this result has been accomplished.
From the felling of the trees in the forest, the tilling of the soil and
the mining of the ore, through all the steps and processes required to
produce from the raw material the complicated machine or the costly
fabric, there must have been co-operation, and all incongruous elements
and resistant forces must have been eliminated or overcome.
"The chief factor, therefore, which has contributed to these results is
the co-operation of all our people. The first law of our civilization is
the co-operation of all individuals to improve the conditions of life.
By division of labor each individual is assigned to or takes his special
part in our social organization. This specialization of labor has become
most minute. Not only is this true in scientific and philosophic
research, in professional and business life, but in the simplest and
earliest occupations of men, such as the tilling of the soil, the
specialist is found bringing to the aid of his industry expert and
scientific knowledge.
"... In the division of labor and the resultant specialization of human
activity we have necessarily different classes of workers, some of whom
have adopted the co-operative idea by forming organizations by which
they seek to better their conditions. No doubt each class of workers has
its particular interests which may be legitimately improved by
co-operation among its members, and thus far the labor organization has
a lawful purpose, but while standing for its rights it cannot
legitimately deny to any other class its rights, nor should it go to the
extent of infringing the personal and inalienable rights of its members
as individuals. On the contrary, it must accord to its own members and
to others the same measure of justice that it demands for itself as an
organization.
"In working out this problem there has been much conflict. Indeed,
according to human experience, such conflict could not entirely be
avoided, but in the end each class must recognize that it cannot exist
independently of others; it cannot strike down or defeat the rights or
interests of others without injuring itself. Should capital demand more
than its due, by that demand it limits its opportunities, and,
correspondingly, the laborer who demands more than his due thereby takes
away from himself the opportunity to labor. No one can escape this law
of co-operation. Self-interest demands that we must observe its just
limitations. We must be ready to do our part and accord to all others
the fair opportunity of doing their part. We must co-operate with and
help our colaborer. We should approach the solution of each question
which may arise with a reasonable and, better still, a friendly spirit.
He who obstructs the reasonable adjustment of these questions, who
fosters strife by appealing to class prejudice, may justly be regarded
by all as an enemy to the best public interests....
"In conclusion, permit me to advert to the Louisiana Purchase, which we
are now celebrating, and call attention to the importance of that event
in securing to our people the fullest benefit of the co-operative idea.
Manifestly, if our Government were restricted to the original territory
of the United States, as defined by the Treaty of 1783, we must have
encountered in many ways the opposition of governments, some of them
European, which would have occupied the territory beyond our original
south and west boundaries. Our trade and commerce moving from or to our
original territory would, necessarily, have been largely restricted by
hostile foreign powers. The Louisiana Purchase not only more than
doubled our territory by adding a country rich in material resources,
but gave us control of the Mississippi river, and made possible the
acquisition of the Oregon Territory, the Mexican cessions and the
annexation of Texas. ...
"Though much has been done towards the development of this imperial
domain, yet we may truly say that we have only seen the beginning of
that development. The possibilities for the future are boundless. With a
land of unparalleled resources, occupied by a people combining the best
elements of our modern civilization and governed by laws evolved from
the highest and best progress of the human race, no eye can foresee the
goal to which a co-operation of all these forces must lead."
The Mexican Commissioner, A. R. Nuncio, spoke in behalf of the foreign
exhibitors. The concluding address was made by Hon. William H. Taft,
Secretary of War, who attended as the special representative of the
President. At its conclusion the President of the United States, in the
White House at Washington, pressed a key that started the machinery,
unfurled the flags, set the cascades in motion, and thus opened the
Exposition.
BENEFICENT RESULTS
To the question "Was the Louisiana Purchase Exposition a success?" the
answer must be an unqualified affirmative. The value of any great
exposition cannot be measured in dollars and cents any more than it can
be measured in pounds and ounces. The great Fair at St. Louis was not
projected as a money-making undertaking. It was held to commemorate a
great event in American history and was designed to arouse a popular
interest in the story of the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory and
its glorious results; to more closely knit together the peoples of the
earth in good fellowship and brotherly love; to give to all nations an
opportunity to demonstrate to each other their progress in material
things; to awaken in the American people a sense of civic pride and a
determined resolution to maintain and advance the prestige which they
now enjoy among the nations of the earth. Having fulfilled all this, who
shall say that the Exposition has been a failure?
FAIR OFFICIALS FROM NEW YORK
The State of New York has every reason to be proud of her connection
with the great Fair, not only in her official participation, which
through the generous action and hearty support of the Executive and the
Legislature was on a most liberal and comprehensive scale, but many of
her sons were prominent in its building, in the creation of its artistic
effects, and no less in the administration of its various departments.
At the very inception of the work New York was honored in the
appointment of Martin H. Glynn, of Albany, N. Y., as a member of the
National Commission. Mr. Glynn was afterwards elected Vice-Chairman of
the Commission and was one of its most active members. Laurence H.
Grahame, of New York city, was Secretary of the National Commission. His
genial personality, his wide acquaintance and his long experience in
newspaper work admirably fitted him for the duties of the position,
which he performed with fidelity. Mrs. Daniel Manning, of Albany, was
President of the Board of Lady Managers. The position was one requiring
marked executive ability, dignity and tact. Mrs. Manning performed the
arduous duties falling to her lot with a grace and cordiality which won
for her the love and esteem of the official delegates to the Exposition
from throughout the world. She was signally honored on many occasions
and is one of New York's most distinguished daughters. Judge Franklin
Ferriss, the general counsel for the Exposition Company, and one of St.
Louis' most eminent lawyers, went forth from our State many years ago to
seek and find his fortune in the West.
CHIEFS OF EXHIBIT DEPARTMENTS
Of the thirteen chiefs of departments in the division of exhibits New
York lays claim to six. The Department of Education and Social Economy,
as well as the Department of Congresses, was under the direction of Dr.
Howard J. Rogers, now Assistant Commissioner of Education of the State
of New York, and formerly Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction;
also United States Director of Education and Social Economy at the Paris
Exposition in 1900.
Milan H. Hulbert had charge of the great Department of Manufactures and
Varied Industries. Mr. Hulbert is a native of Brooklyn and a graduate of
the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. He was in charge of the Department
of Varied Industries for the United States Commission to Paris in 1900.
The Art Department was presided over by Professor Halsey C. Ives, now of
St. Louis, but formerly of New York State. The old school house in which
he received the ground work of his education still stands at Montour
Falls, Schuyler county. Professor Ives was also Chief of Arts at the
Columbian Exposition in 1893. The Chief of the Department of Machinery,
Thomas M. Moore, is a native, and has always been a resident, of New
York city. He was in charge of the Departments of Machinery,
Transportation, Agricultural Implements, Graphic Arts and Ordnance at
the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo.
Of late years Dr. Tarleton H. Bean, Chief of the Forest, Fish and Game
Department, has been a resident of New York State. In 1895 he became the
director of the Aquarium in New York city and rebuilt that
establishment. He was Chief of the Department of Forestry and Fisheries
for the United States at the Paris Exposition in 1900.
The Chief of the Department of Physical Culture, James E. Sullivan, has
always been a New Yorker. He is an acknowledged athletic record
authority and editor of the official athletic almanac. He was in charge
of the American contingent that competed in the Olympic games at the
Paris Exposition, and was also director of athletics at the Pan American
Exposition.
SCULPTORS
The heroic equestrian statue "The Apotheosis of St. Louis," generally
considered one of the finest works of its kind, which stood at the very
gateway to the Fair grounds, symbolizing the cordial welcome extended by
the city to her guests from every part of the world, was the work of
Charles H. Niehaus, of New York city. The sculpture of the Louisiana
Purchase monument, the surmounting figure typifying "Peace" and the base
decoration of groups representing scenes connected with the purchase,
was by Karl Bitter, chief of sculpture of the Exposition, another New
Yorker. Just in front of the monument and looking upon the grand basin
were four groups portraying frontier life, entitled "The Buffalo Dance",
"A Step to Civilization", "Peril of the Plains", and "A Cowboy at Rest",
all being the work of Solon Borglum, another New Yorker. The crowning
artistic and architectural effects of the whole Fair were embraced in
Festival Hall and the Cascades. These were the work of two New York men,
Cass Gilbert and Emanuel S. Masqueray. Mr. Gilbert was the architect of
Festival Hall and Mr. Masqueray designed the Cascades and the Colonnade
of States. Mr. Masqueray had other notable pieces of work in evidence
about the grounds.
The Palace of Manufactures, standing just to the east of the Plaza St.
Louis, was the work of Messrs. Carrere and Hastings, also New Yorkers.
It was regarded as one of the most successful structures upon the
grounds from an architect's point of view and it was appropriate that to
New York men should have been intrusted the construction of the building
in which exhibits of manufactures were displayed, in view of the
pre-eminence of our State from a manufacturing and commercial
standpoint.
And so throughout all the departments of the great Fair and throughout
the season, one constantly encountered those who by some tie were bound
to New York. Many of her sons who had gone forth in their youth came
back and called at the New York State building and recalled some
pleasant incident of the old days or made grateful acknowledgment of
some benefit which had come to them from their native state. One of the
most delightful features of all the experiences of those who had the
honor officially to represent the Empire State at St. Louis was the
meeting of the sons and daughters who had long since left home.
CONCLUSION
The gates had scarcely closed for the last time when the work of
destruction and demolition began. All of the beauties of the dream city
which for seven months had been the admiration of thousands and an
inspiration to all to do higher and better things, were swept away
almost in a night and soon the whole scene will be restored to a park.
To those who had come to love its majestic structures, its placid
waterways, its attractive vistas and its fairy like illumination, comes
a pang of regret tempered with the feeling of gratefulness that it ever
existed and that it was their privilege to witness it secure in the
knowledge that it shall always be theirs to remember and to dream of.
Most effectually was the whole story told in an address on Chicago Day,
by Ernest McGaphey, a poet from that city.
"In its truest sense this Exposition is epic and dramatic. The mere
prose of it will come to lie neglected on the dusty shelves of
statisticians, but its poetry will be a priceless legacy to generations
that will follow. And thus there is one light only which may not fade
from the windows of Time--one glint to illuminate the flight of the
dying years--that gleam which lives in fancy and in memory.
"And when this vision of magic departs; when the ivory towers have
vanished, and the sound of flowing waters has been stilled, there will
exist with us yet the recollection of it all. And so at the end the most
enduring fabric known to man is woven of the warp and woof of dreams.
The canvas of the great painters will crumble, the curves of noble
statuary be ground into dust by Time, and all this pageantry of art and
commerce disappear. But memory will keep a record of these days as a
woman will treasure old love letters, and in the last analysis the
height and breadth, the depth and scope of this splendid achievement
shall be measured by a dream."
CHAPTER II
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission, State of New York
[ILLUSTRATION]
The first steps looking toward the official participation of the State
of New York in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition were taken by the
Legislature of 1902, which passed the following act, receiving executive
approval on April 7, 1902:
CHAPTER 421, LAWS OF 1902
An Act to provide for the representation of the state of New York at the
Louisiana purchase exposition at Saint Louis, Missouri, and making an
appropriation therefor.
Became a law, April 7, 1902, with the approval of the Governor. Passed,
three-fifths being present.
_The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact as follows:_
SECTION 1. The governor is hereby authorized to appoint twelve
commissioners to represent the state of New York at the Louisiana
purchase exposition to be held at Saint Louis, Missouri, beginning on
the first day of May, nineteen hundred and three, and ending on the
thirtieth day of November, nineteen hundred and three, and for the
purposes of this act such commissioners shall be known as the "Louisiana
purchase exposition commission." Such commission shall encourage and
promote a full and complete exhibit of the commercial, educational,
industrial, artistic and other interests of the state and its citizens
at such exposition, and shall provide, furnish and maintain, during the
exposition, a building or room for a state exhibit and for the official
headquarters of the state, and for the comfort and convenience of its
citizens and its exhibitors.
2. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their
services, but shall be entitled to the actual necessary expenses
incurred while in discharge of duties imposed upon them by the
commission. Such commission may provide a secretary whose compensation,
to be fixed by it, shall be at the rate of not to exceed twenty-five
hundred dollars a year for all services to be performed in carrying out
the provisions of this act, and may also provide such other clerical
assistance and office facilities as it deems necessary, but no salaries
or expenses shall be incurred for a longer period than ninety days after
the close of the exposition.
3. The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be
necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the treasury not
otherwise appropriated for the purposes of this act. Such money shall be
paid by the treasurer on the warrant of the comptroller issued upon a
requisition signed by the president and secretary of the commission,
accompanied by an estimate of the expenses for the payment of which the
money so drawn is to be applied. Within ninety days after the close of
the exposition, such commission shall make a verified report to the
comptroller of the disbursements made by it, and shall return to the
state treasury the unexpended balance of money drawn in pursuance of
this act. No indebtedness nor obligation shall be incurred under this
act in excess of the appropriation herein made.
4. The commission shall, as requested by the governor, from time to
time, render to him reports of its proceedings.
5. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE COMMISSION
Pursuant to the provisions of this act, Governor Odell named as the
twelve members of the Commission: Edward H. Harriman, of New York city;
Louis Stern, of New York city; Edward Lyman Bill, of New York city;
William Berri, of Brooklyn; Cyrus E. Jones, of Jamestown; Lewis Nixon,
of New York city; John C. Woodbury, of Rochester; Frank S. McGraw, of
Buffalo; John K. Stewart, of Amsterdam; James H. Callanan, of
Schenectady; John Young, of Geneseo; and Mrs. Norman E Mack, of Buffalo.
A few months after the appointment of the Commission, Cyrus E. Jones, of
Jamestown, resigned, and the Governor named Frederick R. Green, of
Fredonia, in his place.
The results accomplished by the Commission as attested by the number of
awards received in all of the exhibit departments; in the beauty and
utility of the State building; in the careful procedure as to the
expenditure of State funds, all bear testimony to the wisdom of the
Chief Executive in the appointment of a Commission, all of the members
of which were of acknowledged prominence either in professional,
business or social life.
Throughout its entire existence the Commission worked with a singular
unanimity and with a hearty interest but seldom found in commissions of
this character. It held twenty-five regular meetings and two special
meetings, the aggregate of attendance at all meetings being two hundred
thirty-one, making an average attendance of eight and fifty-nine
hundredths at each meeting. When it is considered that each member had
large personal interests, and that he served the State absolutely
without compensation, only necessary expenses being allowed by statute,
and that a majority of the members of the Commission were obliged to
travel from 160 to 450 miles to attend the meetings, its record for
faithfulness to duty as shown by the above figures is one in which it
may take a pardonable pride.
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMISSION
By virtue of being first named by the Governor, Edward H. Harriman, of
New York city, became President of the Commission, which completed its
organization as follows: Vice-President, William Berri; Treasurer,
Edward Lyman Bill. Executive Committee: Louis Stern, Chairman; William
Berri, Lewis Nixon, John K. Stewart and James H. Callanan. Auditing
Committee: James H. Callanan and John K. Stewart.
There was but one name presented for Secretary of the Commission, that
of Mr. Charles A. Ball, of Wellsville. He was unanimously elected, with
compensation of $2,500 per annum, the appointment taking effect December
8, 1902. In its choice of this officer the Commission was most
fortunate. Efficient, faithful and courteous and with a wide circle of
acquaintances, particularly among the prominent men of the Empire State,
Mr. Ball was peculiarly qualified for the duties of the position. He was
popular with his superiors and his subordinates, and so directed the
work of the several departments within the Commission's jurisdiction as
to procure the very best results.
Anthony Pfau was later appointed bookkeeper and assistant to the
Secretary, and in the handling of a vast amount of detail work displayed
commendable skill and patience. Seward H. French, stenographer to the
Secretary, was always at his post of duty and cheerfully and faithfully
served the Commission at all times. Herman Kandt, assistant bookkeeper,
completed the office force.
An informal meeting was held in September, 1902, shortly after the names
of the Commission were announced by the Governor. At this meeting an
invitation was extended on behalf of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition
Company to attend the ceremonies in connection with the allotment of
sites for the various State buildings. The President appointed
Commissioners Stewart, Woodbury and Callanan a committee to represent
the Commission on that occasion, and on behalf of the State of New York,
to accept the site for its building. The ceremonies in connection with
this occasion are described elsewhere. The first formal meeting of the
Commission was called on December 3, 1902, at 120 Broadway, New York
city.
At this meeting the Commission determined to maintain offices at 120
Broadway, New York city, until such time as the New York State building
was opened at St. Louis, and for the expedition of business the
following by-laws were provided:
BY-LAWS
_First_. The officers of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition
Commission of the State of New York shall consist of a President,
Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.
_Second_. Regular meetings of the Commission shall be held in the
rooms of the Commission in New York city on the second Wednesday of
every month, at two o'clock P. M., and all members shall be notified by
the Secretary one week in advance of such meeting.
_Third_. Three members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum
at all regular meetings.
_Fourth_. An Executive Committee of five members, appointed by the
Commission, shall choose one of their number for Chairman, who shall act
also as Chairman at the meetings of the Commission in the absence of the
President or Vice-President. The Executive Committee shall meet at least
once a month, and shall report at the regular meetings of the
Commission. Three members of the Executive Committee shall form a quorum
for the transaction of business.
_Fifth_. Any three members of the Commission may call for a special
meeting, through the Secretary, of the entire Commission, at any time,
by giving one week's notice.
_Sixth_. There shall be an Auditing Committee of two, whose duty it
shall be to examine and audit all bills and accounts when properly
verified. Such Committee shall report to the Commission at each meeting
the amounts of bills and accounts so audited, together with the total
thereof.
_Seventh_. A Treasurer shall be appointed by the Commission, who
shall pay all bills when they have been properly verified and audited by
the Auditing Committee.
_Eighth_. The Secretary shall prepare and forward to each member of
the Commission a copy of the proceedings of the previous meeting in his
regular monthly calls for meetings.
_Ninth_. The order of business at monthly meetings shall be as
follows:
1. Reading of minutes of previous meeting
2. Report of Executive Committee
3. Report of the Treasurer
4. Report of regular and special committees
5. Unfinished business
6. Communications
7. New business
A STATE BUILDING
These preliminary formalities over, the Commission began in earnest the
work of preparation for the State's participation at St. Louis.
Believing that the most conspicuous feature of the State's participation
in the Exposition, especially so far as the impression which would be
made upon visitors was concerned, would be her State building, the
Commission gave its first attention to this feature. Having been
assigned such a commanding site, the Commission kept in mind that it was
incumbent upon them to erect upon it a building of appropriate dignity
and dimensions. It soon became evident that, with the appropriation
already made, it would be impossible to erect a suitable building,
maintain it and make suitable exhibits in the great departments of the
Fair in which the State of New York stands pre-eminent. Steps were,
therefore, taken to procure an additional appropriation from the
Legislature of 1903, the matter being placed in the hands of the
Executive Committee.
THE ARCHITECT
At the April meeting Mr. Clarence Luce, of New York city, was appointed
the Commission's architect, and the plans for a State building presented
by him were accepted. On June thirtieth a special meeting was called for
the purpose of considering bids for the erection of the building and
hearing the report of a special committee, consisting of Messrs. Luce
and Van Brunt, who had visited St. Louis to further the interests of the
Commission in this matter.
THE CONTRACTORS
Bids were received from several firms of contractors, ranging from
$80,000 down to the contract price of the building, viz., $56,518, at
which figure Messrs. Caldwell & Drake, of Columbus, Ind., contracted to
complete the building in accordance with plans and specifications of the
architect. The construction work was immediately inaugurated and was
pushed forward so rapidly that the December meeting of the Commission,
which was held on the eighteenth of that month, took place in the New
York State building on the World's Fair grounds. After inspecting the
building and carefully noting the progress which was being made, the
Commission adjourned to meet at the Planters Hotel at seven o'clock in
the evening. Through the courtesy of Honorable George J. Kobusch,
president of the St. Louis Car Company, the private car "Electra"
conveyed the members of the Commission to the grounds and return.
EMBELLISHMENT AND FURNISHING
An offer from the Aeolian Company, of New York city, to install, at its
own expense, a pipe organ in the building was accepted, and an
appropriation of $3,500 was made for an ornamental case to contain the
organ which would be a distinctive addition to the decoration of the
entrance hallway. In the meantime the matter of furnishing the State
building had been in the hands of a Furniture Committee, who had made an
exhaustive investigation upon the subject. In March a contract was made
with Herter Brothers, of New York city, for furnishing the State
building, in accordance with specifications prepared by the Commission,
for $18,000.
THE COMPLETION OF THE BUILDING
By dint of prodigous effort the building was completed, entirely
furnished and ready for the reception of guests on the opening day of
the Exposition, at which time the offices of the Commission were opened
in the State building, the New York offices remaining open throughout
the summer in charge of Harry A. Sylvester.
The architect was commended for the prompt completion of his work in the
following resolutions:
"*Whereas*, in originality of design, perfection in detail and
attractiveness in equipment, the New York State building at the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition is thoroughly representative of the
dignity and position of the Empire State,
"_Resolved_, therefore, that the thanks of this Commission be
tendered to the architect, Mr. Clarence Luce, as a token of our
appreciation of his skill, talent and artistic tastes in creating a
structure which meets with the warmest approval of this Commission, and
which is a fitting home for New York at the World's Fair of 1904.
"_Resolved_, that the secretary be instructed to forward to Mr.
Luce a copy of these resolutions, suitably engrossed."
Throughout the entire Exposition period there were but very few days
that from one to three Commissioners were not present at the State
building.
By resolution the Commission determined that the lady Commissioner and
the wives of Commissioners, assisted by the official hostess, should be
hostesses of the State building during the period of the Exposition, and
in the absence of those, that the official hostess should act in that
capacity, and it was further determined that any Commissioner or a
majority of the Commissioners present at the New York State building at
any time should constitute a house committee, and have full charge of
the State building.
PLANS FOR PARTICIPATION
During the earlier meetings of the Commission they were waited upon by
representatives of the Exposition Company, and by committees or
representatives of organizations within the State either offering to
co-operate with the Commission in the preparation of exhibit material or
requesting appropriations from the Commission's funds to enable them to
prepare exhibits.
In February, 1903, Honorable George L. Parker, a representative of
President Francis, addressed the Commission, urging them to see that New
York State was properly represented. He, stated that the people of the
West expected great things of New York State; that the city of St. Louis
and the territory the acquisition of which was commemorated by the Fair,
spent large sums of money in the city of New York alone, and for that
reason it was hoped and expected that New York should lead the other
States of the Union.
Later in the year, Dr. J. A. Holmes, chief of the Department of Mines
and Metallurgy, appeared before the Commission by invitation and made
some interesting remarks concerning the scientific exhibit, which he
felt it incumbent upon the State to make. He stated that there was no
geological survey, either national or State, as valuable as that of the
State of New York, and strongly advocated that a model oil well derrick
be erected.
The Legislature of 1903 passed two acts which affected either directly
or indirectly the work of the Commission. The first act provided $50,000
for participation in the dedication ceremonies of the Exposition and is
as follows:
CHAPTER 189, LAWS OF 1903
An Act making an appropriation for the due and appropriate participation
by the state in the ceremonies attending the dedication of buildings of
the Louisiana purchase exposition.
Became a law, April 22, 1903, with the approval of the Governor. Passed,
three-fifths being present.
_The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact as follows:_
SECTION 1. The sum of fifty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may
be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury,
not otherwise appropriated, payable to the order of the governor, as he
may require the same, to be expended by him in such manner as he may
deem proper, for the due and appropriate participation by the state in
the ceremonies attending the dedication of buildings of the Louisiana
purchase exposition, to be held on April thirtieth, and May first and
second, nineteen hundred and three, in the city of Saint Louis; and for
the transportation, subsistence and other necessary expenses of the
commander-in-chief and his staff, and of such portion of the national
guard or naval militia of this state as may be directed to attend, and
for the replacement by purchase of such military property of the state,
as may be rendered unserviceable by this duty; provided that officers
and men performing this duty shall serve without pay.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
The second act amended the original act providing for State
representation, and increased the Commission's appropriation by
$200,000, making $300,000 in all.
The act follows:
CHAPTER 546, LAWS OF 1903
An Act to amend chapter four hundred and twenty-one of the laws of
nineteen hundred and two, entitled "An act to provide for the
representation of the state of New York at the Louisiana Purchase
exposition at Saint Louis, Missouri, and making an appropriation
therefor."
Became a law, May 11, 1903, with the approval of the Governor. Passed,
three-fifths being present.
_The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact as follows:_
SECTION 1. Sections one, two and three, of chapter four hundred and
twenty-one, of the laws of nineteen hundred and two, are hereby amended
so as to read as follows:
Section 1. The governor is hereby authorized to appoint twelve
commissioners to represent the state of New York at the Louisiana
purchase exposition to be held at Saint Louis, Missouri, beginning on
the first day of May, nineteen hundred and four, and ending on the
thirtieth day of November, nineteen hundred and four, and for the
purposes of this act such commissioners shall be known as the Louisiana
purchase exposition commission. Such commission shall encourage and
promote a full and complete exhibit of the commercial, educational,
industrial, artistic and other interests of the state and its citizens
at such exposition, and shall provide, furnish and maintain, during the
exposition, a building or room for a state exhibit and for the official
headquarters of the state, and for the comfort and convenience of its
citizens and its exhibitors. Such commission shall have power and
authority, in their discretion, to sell or otherwise dispose of any
building, furniture, fixtures or other property which shall have been
acquired by it pursuant to the provisions of this section.
*§*2. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for
their services, but shall be entitled to the actual necessary expenses
incurred while in discharge of duties imposed upon them by the
commission. Such commission may provide a secretary whose compensation,
to be fixed by it, shall be at the rate of not to exceed four thousand
dollars a year for all services to be performed in carrying out the
provisions of this act, and may also provide such other clerical
assistance and office facilities as it deems necessary, but no salaries
or expenses shall be incurred for a longer period than ninety days after
the close of the exposition.
*§*3. The sum of two hundred thousand dollars, in addition to the sum of
one hundred thousand dollars heretofore appropriated by chapter four
hundred and twenty-one of the laws of nineteen hundred and two which is
hereby reappropriated for the above specified purposes, or so much
thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in
the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the purposes of this act.
Such money shall be paid by the treasurer on the warrant of the
comptroller issued upon a requisition signed by the president and
secretary of the commission, accompanied by an estimate of the expenses
for the payment of which the money so drawn is to be applied. Within
ninety days after the close of the exposition, such commission shall
make a verified report to the comptroller of the disbursements made by
it, and shall return to the state treasury the unexpended balance of
money drawn in pursuance of this act. No indebtedness nor obligation
shall be incurred under this act in excess of the appropriation herein
made. No member of such commission, nor such officer, shall be
personally liable for any debt or obligation created or incurred by him
as such commissioner, or such officer, or by such commission, or any
such officer.
*§*2. This act shall take effect immediately.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The title of the Secretary was thereupon changed to that of Secretary
and Chief Executive Officer, and he was clothed with all the authority
and duties pertaining to the latter position, his salary being increased
to $4,000 per annum. Later his duties were further prescribed by the
following resolution:
"_Resolved_, that the Chief Executive Officer shall exercise such
direction and management of the office as shall make effective the
various agencies employed. He shall nominate to the Commission all
clerks and employees in all the departments. He shall fix and establish
all salaries of officers, clerks and employees, subject to the approval
of the Commission. He shall in like manner have power to suspend,
without pay, for cause, upon charges made in writing and filed in the
office of the Commission, with such suspended officers, clerks or
employees, and with the Chairman of the Executive Committee, any and all
officers, clerks and employees of the Commission. Discharges or removals
of such officers clerks or employees must be approved by the Executive
Committee of the Commission. He shall have power to visit and examine
the work and management of the several departments created by the
Commission. It shall be his duty to make regular monthly reports to the
Commission, and at such other times as the Commission may be in session
or request such report."
CHIEFS OF DEPARTMENTS
At the meeting of the Commission held in June, 1903, the following
chiefs of departments were appointed:
Charles H. Vick, of Rochester, Superintendent of Horticulture and
Floriculture, to take effect July 1, 1903, at a salary of $2,000 per
annum.
J. H. Durkee, of Florida, Superintendent of Agriculture, to take effect
July 1, 1903, at a salary of $2,000 per annum.
DeLancey M. Ellis, of Rochester, Director of Education, to take effect
June 15, 1903, at a salary of $2,000 per annum.
Later Mr. Ellis's title was changed to Director of Education and Social
Economy, and he was placed in charge of the exhibits in the latter
department in addition to those of the Department of Education.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR EXHIBITS
The following appropriations were made for exhibits:
Horticulture and Floriculture $20,000
Agriculture, including live stock and dairy products 25,000
Education 20,000
Social Economy:
State Commission in Lunacy $1,800
State Board of Charities 1,200
State Department of Prisons 2,000
State Department of Labor 1,000
Craig Colony for Epileptics 500
General expenses 1,000
------- $7,500
Forest, Fish and Game 18,000
Scientific 7,500
Fine Arts 10,000
-------
Total $108,000
In the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Education and
Social Economy the work was placed in charge of the chiefs above named.
The Scientific exhibit was placed in charge of the Director of the State
Museum. All of the above exhibits were subject to the supervisory
control of the chief executive officer. The Forest, Fish and Game
exhibit was placed under direct control of the chief executive officer,
valuable assistance being rendered, however, by the Forest, Fish and
Game Commission.
The Fine Arts exhibit was provided for in the following resolution:
"_Resolved_, that Mr. W. H. Low, of the Society of American
Artists; Mr. H. W. Watrous, of the National Academy of Design; Mr. J.
Carroll Beckwith, a member of the Art Commission of the city of New
York; Mr. Louis Loeb, of the Society of Illustrators; Mr. Frank C.
Jones, delegate to the Fine Arts Federation from the National Academy of
Design; Mr. Grosvenor Atterbury, of the Architectural League of New
York, and Mr. Herbert Adams, of the National Sculpture Society, be named
as an executive committee on art for the State of New York, whose duty
it shall be to aid the chief executive officer of this Commission to
develop the New York State art exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase
Exposition, said executive committee to serve without expense to this
Commission."
By means of the various agencies provided for the preparation of
exhibits, the work was pushed forward as rapidly as possible, the
Commission keeping in touch with its progress through monthly reports
filed with the chief executive officer by the heads of various
departments.
ASSISTANCE BY EXPOSITION OFFICERS
By the time the Commission held its meeting in St. Louis in December
space had been assigned for most all of the State exhibits. There was an
evident disposition on the part of the Exposition Company to do all in
their power to assist the State of New York in making its participation
an unqualified success. In appreciation of this attitude the following
resolution was passed at the meeting held in the city of St. Louis in
December:
"_Resolved_, that the members of the New York Commission desire to
express to the president of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company
and the heads of the various departments with whom they have been
brought in personal contact, their appreciation of the delightful
courtesy extended them. It is obvious that there is a desire on the part
of the Exposition authorities to facilitate the departmental work of New
York in connection with the Exposition. We cannot fail to express our
admiration of the gigantic task which the officers of this great
international fair have carried to such a successful culmination. In the
entire history of expositions, there has been evidenced no greater
progress, and such work could not have been accomplished save through
the most prodigious efforts on the part of the projectors of this vast
enterprise. When St. Louis opens her exposition gates next year, it will
be to invite the world to witness the greatest exposition in all
history. And be it further
"_Resolved_, that the secretary be instructed to forward a copy of
this resolution to President Francis and the heads of the various
departments of the Exposition."
NEW YORK DAY
The Commission took considerable care in the choosing of a day to be
known as "New York Day." It was considered important that a date should
be named upon which it would be possible for the Governor to be present.
Moreover it seemed essential that no date during the heat of the summer
should be designated, as but few New Yorkers would be apt to be present
at St. Louis at that time, and, therefore, after mature consideration,
October fourth was designated as New York State Day.
The Legislature of 1904 passed an additional appropriation of $40,000,
by chapter 640, which is given below:
CHAPTER 640, LAWS OF 1904
An act, to make an additional appropriation to provide for the
representation of the state of New York at the Louisiana purchase
exposition at Saint Louis, Missouri.
[Became a law May 9, 1904, with the approval of the Governor.
Passed, three-fifths being present.]
_The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact as follows_:
Section 1. The sum of forty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may
be necessary, in addition to the money heretofore appropriated, is
hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the treasury, not otherwise
appropriated, for the purpose of providing for the representation of the
state of New York at the Louisiana purchase exposition at Saint Louis,
Missouri. The money hereby appropriated shall be applicable to the
purposes specified in chapter four hundred and twenty-one of the laws of
nineteen hundred and two, as amended by chapter five hundred and
forty-six of the laws of nineteen hundred and three, and shall be paid
out in accordance with the provisions of such act, by the treasurer on
the warrant of the comptroller issued upon a requisition signed by the
president and secretary of the commission, accompanied by an estimate of
the expenses for the payment of which the money so drawn is to be
applied.
*§*2. This act shall take effect immediately.
This made possible the elaboration of some of the plans which the
Commission had in mind.
HISTORY OF THE EXPOSITION PERIOD
The history of the Exposition period will be found in other chapters of
this report. A description of the State building, detailed accounts of
the dedicatory exercises and the exercises upon State Day, as well as
other important functions, are given. The exhibits in the various
departments are fully described, and the results of the inspection by
the juries are given.
Throughout the entire life of the Commission death did not enter its
ranks, nor the ranks of its attaches, nor did any untoward incident
arise, although early in the morning of November twenty-first a
catastrophe was narrowly averted. In the middle of the night a fire was
found smouldering in the basement of the building, which, through the
prompt action of the watchman on duty, was extinguished without doing
extensive damage. Many were asleep in the building at the time, and but
for the presence of mind and courage of those on duty the consequences
might have been too fearful to contemplate.
DISPOSITION OF EXHIBITS
At a meeting of the Commission, held just before the close of the
Exposition, the following resolution was passed:
"_Resolved_, that the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission of
the State of New York hereby authorizes the Secretary and Chief
Executive Officer, Charles A. Ball, to turn over to the Lewis and Clark
Exposition Commission of the State of New York any of the exhibits, or
such part thereof as the latter may desire in the various exhibit
departments working under the auspices of the Louisiana Purchase
Exposition Commission of the State of New York for the use of said Lewis
and Clark Exposition Commission, State of New York, with the proviso
that in the case of individual exhibits forming a part of said exhibits
the Lewis and Clark Exposition Commission, State of New York, must get
the consent of the owners of said exhibits and relieve the Commission of
all responsibility relating thereto and return said individual exhibits
to their owners at the close of the Lewis and Clark Exposition, it being
understood, however, that said Lewis and Clark Exposition Commission
must take possession of these exhibits not later than December 15,
1904."
Upon requisition from the latter Commission the Secretary and Chief
Executive Officer turned over to the Lewis and Clark Exposition
Commission the following material: The complete exhibit of the State in
the departments of Education and Social Economy; the complete exhibit in
the Department of Forestry, Fish and Game, with the exception of the
Log-cabin and the Forest Nursery and a portion of the State exhibits in
the departments of Mines and Metallurgy and Agriculture.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO PRESIDENT FRANCIS AND OTHERS
President Francis and the Exposition officials generally throughout the
entire Exposition period extended to the Commission every courtesy and
evinced a hearty interest in the work of New York, endeavoring to
further the interests of the Commission in every possible direction.
Desiring to express in suitable terms its appreciation of these
courtesies the Commission also passed the following resolutions at its
meeting held at the close of the Exposition:
"WHEREAS, the Empire State is about to close its official connection
with this, the greatest of World's Fairs; and,
"WHEREAS, the members of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission of
the State of New York, appointed by the Governor, desire to express to
the officials of the Fair their sincere appreciation of the hearty
co-operation which they have rendered the members of this Commission, in
every way facilitating the work of New York in each department of State
representation; and,
"WHEREAS, in all of the Commission's relations with the officers of the
Exposition, not only has every courtesy been shown the Commission, but
there has been a friendly desire to promote their interests; therefore,
be it
"_Resolved_, that the cordial thanks of this Commission be extended
to the President of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission,
Honorable David R. Francis; to the Secretary, Honorable Walter B.
Stevens; to the Director of Exhibits, Honorable Frederick J.V. Skiff; to
the Director of Works, Honorable Isaac S. Taylor, and to the chiefs of
each exhibit department of the Exposition, with whom the Commission or
its representatives have been brought in contact; be it further
"_Resolved_, that these resolutions be spread upon the permanent
records of the Commission and a copy of the same forwarded to each of
the above named Exposition officials."
COMMENDATION FOR STAFF
With the exception of closing up its affairs, this marked the end of the
Commission's work and before adjournment the following resolutions
commending the efficiency and faithfulness of its employees were spread
upon the minutes, and a copy was sent to each attache:
"WHEREAS, this Commission is about to close its work, and for this
reason must necessarily very soon dispense with the services of the
appointees who have served under it since its organization and during
the life of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, it is eminently fitting
that we make record of the faithfulness and loyalty with which said
appointees of every character whatsoever have discharged their
respective duties; therefore, be it
"_Resolved_, that we take pleasure in certifying to the efficient
manner in which our Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles
A. Ball, has discharged the important duties attached to his position.
From the very inception of the work upon which this Commission entered,
Mr. Ball has proven to be most loyal and faithful, and has ever been
ready and willing to carry out the instructions of this Commission. His
wide acquaintance with the people of New York State, and especially with
her official representatives, has been of inestimable service to this
Commission, not only while the various exhibits were being developed,
but also during the Exposition period itself. That Mr. Ball has
popularized the Commission's work at St. Louis is attested by the
universal commendation which he has received from New York people who
have come in contact with him during their visits to the Exposition and
to the New York State building. Mr. Ball has shown himself to be most
capable in directing the various appointees at the State building and in
the several exhibit departments in the discharge of their various
duties, and has not only carried an this work to the best interests of
the State, but in such a manner as to greatly endear himself to this
Commission and to all of its employees as well. His foresight in
providing for the necessary vigilance during the hours of the night in
the protection of the lives of those in the State building, once
seriously jeopardized by fire, as well as the property of the State from
loss by fire, is especially entitled to the sincere thanks and gratitude
of this Commission;
"_Resolved_, that in Chief Clerk Anthony Pfau, Stenographer Seward
H. French, Clerks Herman W. Kandt and Harry A. Sylvester, the experience
of this Commission has demonstrated that it made most worthy selections.
They have been faithful assistants to Mr. Ball in the discharge of his
duties and this Commission gladly records its commendation of the
ability with which they have discharged their duties;
"_Resolved_, that we extend to the Honorable Frank J. Le Fevre, the
Superintendent, and Mr. George B. Cowper, the Assistant Superintendent,
our sincere appreciation for the most praiseworthy manner in which they
have discharged the difficult duties falling to them, and our very
pleasant relations with them shall be ever held in grateful remembrance;
"_Resolved_, that we have been especially gratified with the highly
satisfactory manner in which Mrs. Dore Lyon, the hostess, Mrs. F. B.
Applebee, the assistant hostess, and Miss Laura C. MacMartin, the matron
at the State building, have acquitted themselves of the duties assigned
to them. We especially accord them our highest appreciation;
"_Resolved_, that this Commission especially commends the faithful
and efficient services rendered by Mr. DeLancey M. Ellis, Mr. J. H.
Durkee, Mr. Charles H. Vick, Mr. A. B. Strough, Mr. H. H. Hindshaw, Mr.
Harry Watrous and Mr. Charles M. Kurtz, and all their assistants in the
various exhibit departments, in which our State has signalized her
pre-eminence as shown by the large number of awards received. These
gentlemen have always proven loyal to the interests of the State and to
this Commission and they are entitled to the highest regard by this
Commission;
"_Resolved_, that for all the subordinate employees of this
Commission throughout the State building and all the departments working
under this Commission, this Commission desires at this time to make
complete record of their efficient loyalty and faithfulness in the
discharge of the various duties assigned to them, and we especially
attest our full appreciation for their efforts at all times to make the
work of this Commission in enhancing the interests of the State a
complete success;
"_Resolved_, that we cannot forget the efficiency of Mr. Hugh J.
Baldwin, who, we believe, by his watchfulness at the time of the fire in
the State building, saved the lives of many of the occupants of the
building as well as the property of the State; for Mr. Hugh W. Bingham,
also on duty during that night, who so efficiently aided Mr. Baldwin in
protecting life and property, we here record our sincerest gratitude;
and be it further
"_Resolved_, that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of
the proceedings of this Commission and the Secretary is hereby
authorized to transmit a copy of these resolutions to each of the
employees of this Commission."
[Illustration: VARIED INDUSTRIES BUILDING]
CHAPTER III
New York State Building
The New York State building was admirably located upon one of the most
attractive sites within the gift of the Exposition Company, to whom the
Commission, in behalf of the State of New York, desire to make grateful
acknowledgment.
THE SITE
The building stood on the brow of a hill, the land sloping off gently to
the north, and faced upon a broad plaza, through which ran one of the
most frequented highways within the grounds, known as Commonwealth
avenue. For its neighbors were the buildings of Kansas, Iowa,
Massachusetts, Ohio, Wisconsin and Oklahoma, while westward, at the foot
of the hill, was located the great cage erected by the United States
government, which held the exhibit of live birds from the Smithsonian
Institute.
To no state, with the possible exception of Missouri, the home state,
was so large a site assigned as to New York. Its extent, the undulating
character of the grounds, and the presence of many beautiful, stately
trees, afforded countless opportunities for landscape effects. From the
opening day the grounds presented a charming appearance, the well-kept
lawns giving place here and there to large beds of nasturtiums, poppies,
cannae, and rhododendrons, while at the lowest point on the grounds,
near the northeast corner, was located a lily pond. It was filled with
the choicest aquatic plants of every variety, which were furnished
through the courtesy of Shaw's Gardens and the Missouri Botanical
Society. During the season many beautiful bouquets of varicolored
blossoms were gathered and its surface was almost entirely covered by
odd shaped leaves from which peeped here and there the buds of pond
lilies.
TRANSFER OF SITE TO THE STATE
The site was formally turned over to the Commission on October 1, 1902,
and was received by a committee appointed by the president, consisting,
of Commissioners John K. Stewart, John C. Woodbury and James H.
Callanan. The ceremony took place in the presence of Honorable David R.
Francis, president of the Exposition Company, the Director of Works, and
other Exposition officials, the committee of the New York State
Commission and invited guests.
The exercises were brief but impressive. President Francis spoke as
follows:
REMARKS OF PRESIDENT FRANCIS
"A universal exposition, either in the United States or elsewhere, would
be incomplete if the Empire State of the American Union were not
represented. This site has been selected for the great State of New
York, and upon this location we trust there will be erected a structure
which will be in keeping with the glorious record New York and her sons
have made from the beginning of this country. New York needs no encomium
from me, none in fact from her sons. She speaks for herself. The
Director of Works will present to the chairman of the New York
Commission the site for the building of the State of New York."
Honorable Isaac S. Taylor, Director of Works, then formally presented
the site to the Commission, handing to Commissioner John K. Stewart a
handsome banner of purple silk, upon which was painted the coat of arms
of the State of New York. Driving the staff in the ground, thus marking
the site, Commissioner Stewart said:
REMARKS OF COMMISSIONER STEWART
"Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Commission: In behalf of New York
State I receive this emblem. We shall erect here a building suitable for
the great Empire State of New York. I wish to introduce to you Honorable
James H. Callanan, of Schenectady, who will respond in behalf of the
Commission."
Commissioner James H. Callanan then made the following address:
ADDRESS OF COMMISSIONER CALLANAN
"In behalf of the Commission representing the Commonwealth of New York,
I take pleasure in accepting the site allotted for the Empire State's
building at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. With this acceptance I
beg you to receive the assurance from our Commission that New York will
do her share to make the Exposition an unquestioned success. Upon this
site we expect to erect a handsome and commodious structure where New
Yorkers may meet one another during the Exposition, and where they may
welcome their fellow citizens from every section of our common country.
New York is also desirous of having exhibited here upon these spacious
grounds the evidences of her prestige in the domain of manufacture, of
commerce, of agriculture, of science and of art.
"The American people are progressive. The indomitable courage and
ambition of the American knows no cessation of effort, no lagging
behind. The expositions held in our country have celebrated great epochs
of our advancement, and they will be pointed out to future generations
as evidences of the onward march of a people unparalleled in the history
of the human race.
"To these great achievements of a mighty people it is impossible to
estimate the share contributed by the sturdy pioneers and their
descendants of this vast tract of country, the cession of which more
than doubled the area of our country a century ago. What great states
have been carved out of this territory! What wonderful wealth of
resources have been brought forth here! What a splendid citizenship has
been established in this vast region! New York rejoices with you in the
giant strides made by this newer section of our country.
"It certainly is most appropriate at this time when the republic is
reaching out as a world power that we should celebrate the anniversary
of the first great chapter in the history of our national expansion.
Time has proven that Jefferson and his compeers built greater than they
knew, for by that acquisition of territory there was developed a spirit
of national progress that did not cease even when we first learned to
know no superior among the nations of the earth.
"Representatives of half a dozen different nations met in the smoking
room of an ocean liner sometime ago. It was suggested that each nation
be toasted. An Englishman paid a glowing tribute to his country. A
Frenchman lauded his nation and a Russian eulogized the land of the
Czar. Then an American arose and said: 'Here is to the United States,
bounded on the north by the North Pole, on the east by the rising sun,
on the south by the South Pole, and on the west by the setting sun.' As
he finished another American present requested that he be permitted to
attempt an improvement on the toast given by his countryman, which
request was granted. He then toasted the United States in this fashion:
'Here's to the United States, bounded on the north by the Aurora
Borealis, on the east by infinite chaos, on the south by the procession
of the Equinoxes, and on the west by the day of judgment.' This indeed
is extravagant language, but that fellow possessed the American spirit
which recognizes no limit to the possibilities of our future.
"I recognize that this is no occasion for state boasting. Each state,
territory and American possession is unselfishly interested in the
success of this Exposition. However, in connection with what New York is
expected to do for this grand enterprise, you will pardon, I know, this
very brief reference I make to New York's supremacy in population, in
wealth, in manufactures and in commerce. I think it less than twenty
years ago that New York was ahead in agricultural productions, too.
Agricultural supremacy has been tending westward for nearly a half
century, however, and we cheerfully surrender to your broad prairies.
Iowa, Ohio and Illinois now outrank us in farm industry, the first once
a part of the Louisiana tract and the other two cut from the Northwest
Territory.
"An Eastern farmer on his first visit to the west asked his Western
brother how it was that 'he could plow such straight furrows over such
enormous fields.' 'That's easy,' said the native, 'we follow the
parallels of latitude and the meridians of longitude.' That reply was
significant. It demonstrates quite fully where agriculture is king in
the United States.
"The end of the great strides that you are making here in the west is
not in sight. Some day your population will be as dense as ours. Slowly,
but steadily, the center of population is creeping westward and by
another decade or so it will most likely cross the great Father of
Waters and move across the land which Jefferson's genius gave to the
republic. New York will be more powerful by reason of your greatness.
Your increasing productions will contribute to our commercial prestige
more and more as the years roll on to make our metropolis continue to be
the greatest seaport on this continent for all time.
"We share your glory in more ways than this, too. Many of the sturdy men
and women who have settled within the confines of this great region were
native New Yorkers. Our blood has been mingled with yours and our
children are first cousins of yours. New York gave to you because she
could spare and you accepted of us because you wanted the best you could
find.
"New York then bids the people of this section All Hail! We are with you
heart and soul to make the Exposition a magnificent success. New York
has never failed when a patriotic effort was demanded and as ever before
she will now respond with enthusiasm and will do everything possible
here to sustain her imperial position.
"Let us hope that the Exposition will accomplish all that is intended.
Let our prayer be that all Americans who pass within the gates when all
shall be made ready for the opening of this Exposition in 1904, will
cherish a higher ambition and a greater love of country and be impelled
to declare with the poet, that
"'There is a land of every land the pride,
Beloved of Heaven, o'er all the world beside,
where brighter suns dispense serener light,
And milder moons imparadise the night.
Oh, thou shalt find howe'er thy footsteps roam,
That land thy country and that spot thy home.'"
At the conclusion of Commissioner Callanan's remarks the assemblage
dispersed.
DEDICATION OF THE SITE
The site was formally dedicated at the time of the formal dedication
ceremonies of the Exposition, the special ceremonies being held directly
after the general exercises held in observance of State Day, on May 2,
1903. There were present Governor and Mrs. Odell, the Governor's staff,
a joint committee of the Legislature, Exposition officials, members of
the State Commission and invited guests.
Having assembled upon the site, William Berri, Vice-President of the
Commission, addressed Governor Odell as follows:
ADDRESS BY VICE-PRESIDENT BERRI
"_Governor Odell_: It gives the New York State Commission to the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition very great pleasure to have you present
here to-day to participate in the simple exercises authorized by the
Commission connected with the beginning of the work of construction of
the New York State building which is to be erected upon this site. A
more desirable grant of space on the Plateau of States could not have
been made for us by the management of this Exposition, and we hope to
place here a building that will add dignity to the location and worthily
represent the State of New York in architectural beauty and practical
usefulness. Your commission has been fortunate in securing for the
architect Mr. Clarence Luce, and the plans and drawings which we have
decided upon from his hand give promise of a structure that the State we
represent will be proud of, and we shall also endeavor to so furnish it
and utilize its facilities as to make it a serviceable and attractive
addition to the large number of State buildings that are to be erected
in its vicinity.
"Everything has to have a beginning, so we are here to-day to begin our
work of actual construction, and it is specially fitting that we should
have present the Governor of New York to assist in the ceremonies
attendant therewith, for he has always heartily supported the project of
the St. Louis Exposition and has furthered its interests on every
occasion. Therefore, on behalf of the New York State Commission, I ask
you, Governor Odell, to honor the great World's Fair of 1904 by
performing the first actual work upon the structure we propose to erect
by turning the first spadeful of earth for the State of New York and the
New York State building."
The Governor responded briefly, commending the Commission for its work,
predicting wonderful benefits to accrue from the Exposition and
prophesying that New York would be at the forefront in all of its
departments, after which he lifted the first spadeful of earth upon the
site. He then handed the spade to Mrs. Odell, who lifted another sod;
after which various ladies in the party performed the same act; at the
conclusion of which the assemblage adjourned.
OPENING OF THE BUILDING
The building of the State of New York was the only building on the
Terrace of States entirely ready for the reception of guests on the
opening day of the Exposition. It was a structure thoroughly in keeping
with the dignity and prestige of the great Empire State. Of marked
simplicity in design, there was in its every line and appointment
evidence of the utmost refinement and culture.
The building was planned primarily for the comfort, accommodation and
convenience of visitors from the Empire State, for the holding of such
functions as the Commission were required to give in the name of the
State, and for the meetings of any associations or delegations from New
York attending the Exposition. It contained no exhibits of any kind, all
of the exhibits being placed in the main exhibit palaces under the
proper subdivision of the official classification.
THE ARCHITECTURE
The building was pure Italian in style, surmounted by a low dome and
surrounded by verandas and terraces. Through the main approach one
entered a large hall sixty feet square, running the full height of the
building, arched and domed in the Roman manner, with galleries around
the second story. From this hall ascended the grand staircase, both to
the left and to the right.
MURAL DECORATIONS
Under the four arches were handsome mural paintings, the work of Florian
Peixotto, illustrating "De Soto Discovering the Mississippi," "The
French and Indian Occupation," "New York in 1803," and "New York in
1903." The four pendentives which supported the dome contained
emblematic pictures representing the four States most benefited by the
Louisiana Purchase, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The
lower hall was of the simple Doric order, and the staircase was
augmented by two memorial columns surrounded by dancing groups
beautifully modeled, each column surmounted by a light. To the right of
the entrance hall, and separated from it only by huge pillars, was a
large assembly hall fifty by sixty feet, which was used for receptions,
dinners and other State functions given by the Commission. This hall was
most richly decorated in old golds, Antwerp blues and siennas and, with
its crystal chandeliers and barrel vaulted ceiling running up through
the second story, was one of the most attractive features of the
building. Beyond the grand hall were small dining rooms and serving
rooms connected with the culinary department. To the left of the
entrance hall were waiting rooms, writing rooms and retiring rooms for
the accommodation of guests, while at the extreme south end of the
building were two reading rooms, in which were on file the various daily
papers of the State. But seldom were the reading rooms without visitors
eagerly familiarizing themselves with what had happened at home
subsequent to their departure. Also, on the first floor were coat rooms,
a bureau of information, postoffice, telegraph and telephone offices.
OFFICES OF THE COMMISSION
The second floor contained the offices of the Commission, which were
occupied by the Secretary and the clerical force, and also eight suites
of rooms, consisting of parlor, bedroom and bath, for the accommodation
of the members of the Commission and their guests. One of these suites,
more handsomely furnished than the others, was called the "Governor's
suite," and was reserved for his exclusive use. While not originally
contemplated, the third floor in both the north and south ends of the
building were finished and partitioned into rooms for the use of the
attaches of the Commission. This increased the capacity of the building
by eight rooms.
THE SCULPTURE
Eminent sculptors were employed to prepare the statuary for the building
which was generally conceded to be as fine as any upon the Exposition
grounds, being most admirably adapted to the building as to scale. There
were two massive quadrigae flanking the dome typifying the "Progress of
Art" and the "Progress of Commerce," which were the work of Phillip
Martiny, to whom was also intrusted the work of preparing the elaborate
group, crowding the main entrance to Festival Hall and entitled "Apollo
and the Muses." About the huge columns flanking the steps which formed
the approach and again about the columns at the foot of the grand
staircase were dancing groups most gracefully modeled by Oscar L. Lenz.
The same sculptor was also responsible for the figure of "Greeting"
which stood in the lower niche at the north end of the building. The
coat of arms of the State which appeared frequently in the scheme of
decoration was by Allen G. Newman. The work of reproduction in staff of
the models prepared by the artists was performed by Messrs. Barth &
Staak.
THE LIGHTING
The lighting of the building throughout was by electricity, and was
particularly effective in the main entrance hallway, in that the lights,
for the most part, were concealed behind cornices giving a very soft
effect, and displaying to the best advantage the mural paintings.
Throughout the building electroliers of special design were used. In the
main hallway they took the form of quaint Florentine lanterns which were
particularly rich in modeling and were an important factor in the scheme
of decoration.
THE FURNISHINGS
The furnishings were most appropriate and harmonious throughout, much of
the furniture having been especially built for the place in which it was
to stand. In the main hallway stood massive Florentine chairs and
settees, with high backs, upholstered in mottled embossed leather, each
bearing the coat of arms of the State. The waiting and writing rooms
were appointed and finished in the same simple design which prevailed in
the main hallway, light green being the dominating color, the furniture
being of mahogany, upholstered in Bedford cord. The effect was most
restful to the tired visitor who entered the rooms upon a warm summer
day, and their popularity was attested by the number of Exposition
visitors, both from New York and elsewhere, who sought their quiet and
refreshing atmosphere to recover from the fatigue of Exposition sight
seeing.
THE ARCHITECT
The entire work of designing the building, sculpture, decorations and
furniture was intrusted to Mr. Clarence Luce, of 246 Fourth avenue, New
York city. Thoroughly familiar with the traditions of the great Empire
State, Mr. Luce made the work committed to him a matter of State as well
as professional pride, and the result of his long experience, coupled
with his artistic temperament and sound judgment, was a building to
which each New Yorker pointed with the utmost pride and which each
stranger praised unstintingly. The prompt completion of the work so
thoroughly and satisfactorily done was a source of gratification to the
Commission, who at the first meeting held in the building passed
commendatory resolutions concerning Mr. Luce.
There were State buildings which represented an outlay of considerably
more money, but none which typified the commonwealth for which it stood
more thoroughly than did the New York State building.
THE RESTAURANT
A pleasant feature was a private restaurant, conducted by Messrs. Bayno
& Pindat, of New York city, the former being the inventor of an electric
range which was used in the preparation of food. The kitchen and
commissary department was in the basement at the north end of the
building. The privileges of the restaurant were by card only, and were
extended to New Yorkers, Exposition officials and prominent Exposition
visitors. The cuisine was most excellent, and throughout the season
appetizing meals were served on the spacious verandas at the north end
of the building, over which canopies had been erected, the illumination
being furnished in the evening by electric lights, contained in Japanese
lanterns. No restaurant upon the grounds enjoyed a greater popularity
among those who were privileged to use it than did that of the New York
State building.
THE ORGAN
To the Aeolian Company, of New York city, the Commission is indebted for
one of the features of the building. This company placed a magnificent
pipe organ in the east balcony of the rotunda, and in the gallery north
of the grand hall, nearly 100 feet away, was installed an echo organ,
while a set of cathedral chimes sounded softly from still another
distant part of the building. All three instruments were under control
of the organist at the console located upon the main floor of the
entrance hall, and could be played either by hand or by music rolls
manufactured by the Aeolian Company. The organ was equipped with an
electric keyboard which permitted the playing of all three instruments
or any single one, as the operator desired. The main instrument was
contained in an artistic case, which, with its decorative ornament, was
built by Charles and Jacob Blum, of New York city, and was an important
enrichment of the hall.
Mr. S. H. Grover, a representative of the company, was in attendance
throughout the summer and gave a recital each day at three o'clock in
the afternoon. These recitals soon came to be a feature of the
Exposition, and were largely attended by music lovers.
The program played on New York State day is given below, and is a fair
specimen of the programs rendered throughout the season.
Overture, "Oberon" Von Weber
Serenade Schubert
The Nightingale Delibes
Overture, "Stradella" Flotow
Berceuse, "Jocelyn" Godard
Selections, No. 11, "La Boheme" Puccini
Am Meer Schubert
Introduction, Act III, "Lohengrin" Wagner
THE PIANO
The Commission also acknowledges the courtesy of Steinway & Co. in
placing in the State building one of the finest instruments ever turned
out by this famous firm of piano builders. Its purity of tone and
singing qualities were remarkable, and during the season several
recitals were given upon it by eminent musicians. The piano was
appropriately named "The Wave," illustrating as it did the wonderful
waterways of the Empire State. The case was made of white hard maple,
admirably adapted for fine carving. Some distance from the edge of the
top the smooth surface commenced to take the undulations of the surface
of water, gradually increasing in volume until the edge was reached,
where the waves seemed to flow over in an irregular line down the sides,
here and there forming panels. The three supports were composed of
female figures sculptured in wood; one supported by a dolphin suggested
the mythical origin of the harp, another was poised upon a dolphin's
back, and the third was a water nymph nestled among the rocks and spray.
The music desk contained a picture of sunrise on Lake Erie. All of the
carving was colored with translucent greens and blues enhancing the
graceful undulations and wave movements. The panels were all designed to
illustrate some of the most important views of the waterways of New York
State. The first represented New York harbor, the next East river
spanned by Brooklyn bridge, another the Hudson, with its palisades. The
panel over the rear support was a view of Albany, showing the Capitol on
the hill at sunset; another showed Cohoes Falls and the Erie canal; the
next contained a picture of Little Falls; the last being a picture of
Buffalo harbor. On the top, as a fitting finale, was a large picture
representing the American Falls at Niagara. Underneath the front half of
the top was painted the coat of arms of the State.
THE STAFF
The State building was at all times in charge of a competent and
obliging staff, which always stood ready to minister to the comfort and
pleasure of the guests of the Empire State. Honorable Frank J. LeFevre,
of New Paltz, was Superintendent. He performed the arduous duties of
directing the actions of the force and attending to a multitude of
details with cheerfulness and efficiency. He was ably assisted by George
E. Cowper, of Olean, the Assistant Superintendent.
The social functions given in the name of the State Commission were
directed by Mrs. Norman E. Mack, the lady member of the Commission,
whenever she was present. In her absence the social duties fell upon
Mrs. Dore Lyon, who invariably extended the State's hospitality with
grace and tact. The assistant hostess, Mrs. F. P. Applebee, won many
friends in the course of the season through her courteous treatment
toward all guests. The comfort of the Commission and their house guests
was admirably provided for by Miss Laura MacMartin, the matron.
Acknowledgment is also due to those who faithfully served the Commission
in the State building in various capacities throughout the Exposition
period.
[Illustration: LIVINGSTON MEMORIAL TABLET]
CHAPTER IV
Functions Held at the New York State Building
[Illustration]
The State building was generally recognized as the social center of the
Exposition. Many functions were given throughout the season by the
Commission in the name of the State, and the building was constantly in
demand for private entertainments. The use of the building was freely
granted by the Commission so long as the date did not conflict with that
of an official function. To enumerate all of the social events taking
place in the State building is not within the province of this
Commission.
A list of the official and the more important unofficial functions is
given below:
_Saturday, April 30_. Opening day. A luncheon was given to members
of the Commission and distinguished guests.
_Wednesday, May 4_. Luncheon given by the State Commission for Mrs.
Martin H. Glynn, of Albany, wife of National Commissioner Glynn, and for
Mrs. John K. Stewart, wife of Commissioner Stewart. Ladies only were
present. The guests were received by Mrs. Norman E. Mack, assisted by
Mrs. Glynn, Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Dore Lyon.
_Friday, May 20_. Reception given by the State Commission to the
New York State delegation to the National Editorial Association, 9 to 11
P. M. The guests were received in behalf of the Commission by
Commissioner and, Mrs. James H. Callanan, of Schenectady, and by
Commissioner and Mrs. John C. Woodbury of Rochester, assisted by Mrs.
Dore Lyon.
_Monday, May 23_. Reception given by the National Society of New
England Women. The guests were received by Mrs. Swinburn, of New York,
the President of the Society, Mrs. John C. Woodbury and Mrs. James H.
Callanan.
_Tuesday, May 24_. Reception given by the State Commission to the
Federation of Women's Clubs, 4 to 6 P. M.
_Wednesday, June 1_. Breakfast at 12 M. given by the State
Commission to Miss Alice Roosevelt. Only ladies were present. The guests
were received by Commissioner Mrs. Norman E. Mack, Mrs. James H.
Callanan, Mrs. John Young and Mrs. Dore Lyon. There were about 200
ladies present.
_Tuesday, June 7_. Ball given by President David R. Francis and
Mrs. Francis in behalf of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company to
the West Point cadets, 9 to 12 P. M. Music was furnished by two bands
stationed in the north and south galleries of the entrance hall.
Refreshments were served upon the verandas. Among the distinguished
guests were General Nelson A. Miles and General H. C. Corbin.
_Saturday, June 11_. Reception tendered by the Executive
Commissioners' Association to the State Commissioners and World's Fair
officials. This was an informal affair for the purpose of bringing the
States' representatives into closer relations. The receiving line
consisted of Honorable J. A. Yerrington, President of the Association;
Mr. Charles A. Ball, President of the Executive Committee of the
Association; Mrs. F. B. Applebee; Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Conaway and Mr.
Stacey B. Rankin.
_Wednesday, June 15_. Luncheon by the State Commission in honor of
Mrs. William Berri, wife of Vice-President Berri, and Miss Stern, of New
York city. The guests were received by Commissioner Mrs. Norman E. Mack,
Mrs. Berri and Miss Stern.
_Friday, June 18_. Dinner given at 7 P. M. by Mr. Louis Stern,
Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commission, in honor of
President and Mrs. Francis. Mr. Stern was assisted in receiving by Miss
Stern and Mrs. Norman E. Mack.
_Saturday, June 25_. Dedication of the New York State building.
Exercises described in Chapter V.
_Thursday, June 30_. Reception given by the State Commission to
officers and members of the Council of the National Educational
Association and to New York State teachers. The guests were received by
Vice-President and Mrs. William Berri; Commissioner and Mrs. John K.
Stewart; Mrs. Dore Lyon; Honorable Howard J. Rogers, Chief of the
Department of Education of the Exposition, and Mrs. Rogers; John W.
Cooke, president of the National Educational Association; and Mrs.
DeLancey M. Ellis. An organ recital was played by S. H. Grover and
refreshments were served in the grand hall.
_Monday, August 1_. Reception given by the Executive Commissioners'
Association.
_Thursday, September 1_. Reception given by the Executive
Commissioners' Association.
_Thursday, September 8_. Reception given by Mrs. Dore Lyon to the
Hostesses' Association.
_Monday, September 12_. Electrical engineers tendered a reception
to the visiting engineers assembled in convention on the Exposition
grounds.
_Monday to Wednesday, October 3 to 5_. New York State week.
Exercises described in Chapter VI.
_Tuesday, October 11_. Reception given by the Liberal Arts Club.
_Friday, October 28_. Dinner given by Commissioner Frederick R.
Green, who was assisted in receiving by Commissioner Mrs. Norman E.
Mack.
_Tuesday, November 15_. Brooklyn day. Exercises described in
Chapter VII.
_Saturday, November 19_. Luncheon given by the Michigan Commission
to the Governor-elect of Michigan. The invited guests included
Vice-President William Berri and Secretary Charles A. Ball, of the New
York State Commission.
_Monday, November 21_. Reception and ball given by the Beta Sigma
Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. (This function was to have been
held in the Missouri building. The use of the State building was
extended on account of the destruction of the Missouri building by fire
on Saturday, November 19th).
_Tuesday, November 22_. Young people's dance. Courtesy to Missouri
Commission on account of fire.
_Thursday, November 24_. Thanksgiving day. Exercises described in
Chapter VIII.
_Friday, November 25_. Charity ball and Kirmess given by the ladies
of St. Louis for the benefit of the Martha Parsons Free Hospital for
Children of St. Louis, and for the fund for the Trades School for Girls
of New York. The majority of the guests were in fancy costume. In
addition to the regular dancing program there were special fancy dances.
_Monday, November 28_. Dinner given by the State Commission in
honor of Honorable Oscar S. Straus and Mrs. Straus, and Honorable St.
Clair McKelway and Mrs. McKelway. Vice-President Berri of the Commission
presided, and the guests were received by Vice-President and Mrs. Berri
and Mrs. Norman E. Mack, assisted by the guests of honor.
In addition to the above entertainments two musicales were given under
the auspices of Boellman Brothers; and the Pikers' Club, an organization
composed of attaches of the State building, gave a minstrel performance
at the Inside Inn on Monday evening, September nineteenth, for the
benefit of the Model Playground and Day Nursery.
[Illustration: ON THE LAGOON]
CHAPTER V
Dedication Day
The New York State building was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on
Saturday, June twenty-fifth. The exercises were attended by Governor
Odell and invited guests, members of the State Commission, Exposition
officials, State and foreign representatives and many others.
PROGRAM FOR DEDICATION DAY
The program for the day was as follows:
10:30 A. M. Concert on Plaza in front of State building by Weil's band
of St. Louis
11:30 A. M. Exercises in grand hallway, William Berri, Vice-President
of the Commission, presiding
Invocation by the Rev. Carroll N. Davis, Dean of Christ Church
Cathedral
Address of welcome by President David R. Francis
Address transferring State building to Governor Odell by Vice-President
William Berri
Acceptance by Governor Odell
Organ recital by S. H. Grover
8 to 11 P. M. Reception given to Governor and Mrs. Odell by the State
Commission
Music by the Haskell Indian band
The day opened bright and clear, the warm rays of the sun being tempered
by a cool breeze. The building was not opened to the public until the
conclusion of the band concert, which was held between 10:30 and 11:30.
As soon as the doors were opened a large audience quickly gathered to
take part in the formal exercises of the day. In the assemblage was an
interesting couple, Mr. Horace Stowell, aged 93 years, and wife, who had
journeyed from Madison, N. Y., a distance of over a thousand miles, to
be present at the dedication ceremonies and to visit the Fair.
THE FORMAL EXERCISES
Promptly at 11:30 William Berri, Vice-President of the Commission,
called the assemblage to order and introduced Rev. Carroll N. Davis, who
offered the invocation. At its conclusion Mr. Berri delivered his
address. The slight change in program was due to the fact that President
Francis was necessarily detained for a short time.
Vice-President Berri said:
"Governor Odell, it is with very great pleasure your New York State
Commission to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition welcomes you in the New
York State building here erected upon the spot where a little over one
year ago you honored us by turning the first spadeful of earth for the
foundation.
"Your Commission has endeavored to carry out your expressed wishes to
provide for the people of New York who may visit this wonderful World's
Fair, a building that shall fittingly represent the State of New York
and add its share with the other state buildings to beautifying the
grounds.
"We are much pleased that it is a matter of record that not only was
this building complete in every detail and its doors thrown open for
inspection on the opening day of the Exposition, but also that all
exhibits under the control of your Commission, in the various
departments, most of which are very much larger than ever before shown
by New York State, were ready and in place at the moment President
Francis officially declared that the great St. Louis Exposition was open
to receive the world.
"We wish to thank President Francis and all officials connected with him
in this great undertaking, for the uniform courtesy with which we have
been treated, and for the valuable assistance that has been so
generously given to us in carrying out our plans.
"It has been a most pleasurable task. We have fully accomplished what we
have sought to attain. There is nothing lacking in the realization of
our anticipations. As to whether we have acted wisely it is for you to
judge. If, as the executive head of our State, it shall please you to
commend the results we submit for your approval, this will be the
proudest day in the history of the Commission."
As Governor Odell rose to respond to the remarks of Mr. Berri, he
received an ovation, for which he bowed acknowledgment several times and
finally raised his hand for silence. He spoke as follows:
ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR ODELL
_"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen"_
"We are here to-day to dedicate a building which represents the interest
of New York State in this great Exposition. Here, during the period when
thousands shall visit these grounds, those who owe allegiance to the
Empire State will find a place which will typify to them their home and
impress them, let us hope, to a greater degree with the vastness of our
State and of the position which it occupies in our commonwealth of
nations. To those who have been intrusted with the work we owe thanks
for the conception of their duty and for this magnificent edifice which,
in its strength and beauty of architecture, is symbolical of the Empire
State. In every phase of our nation's history, in all that has made it
great and powerful and respected, New York has been both conservative
and wise in the aid which it offered, powerful in the resources which it
furnished in the building up of our republic. From the time when the
courage and patriotism of our forefathers wrought out the nation down to
the latest acquisition of our territory there is no page of history
which does not tell of the devotion and statesmanship of New York's
citizens.
"It is always a remarkable event in the history of the world when one
nation disposes of any part of its domain to another through peaceful
methods. War has almost always been the means through which nations have
expanded and pushed forward their boundary lines. Trade requiring an
outlet has more frequently been the cause of bloodshed than almost any
other national or international question. That our country, therefore,
at an early period in its history, should have been able, through
peaceful means, to secure the vast domain beyond the Mississippi is a
tribute to the statesmanlike policies of those who conceived its
purchase. True it may be that the wars of other nations aided in its
consummation, but it is also equally true that the man who was most
directly responsible for the purchase was a son of the Empire State. Nor
did the results of this early diplomatic victory stop here. The
principle thus established has frequently led to more peaceful methods
of adjusting questions of territorial boundary, both in our own and
other countries. It may be that much that has since been accomplished
through arbitration is but the evolution of this idea, and it may lead,
let us hope, to the time when such questions will no longer render
necessary the arbitrament of the sword.
"It was proper, therefore, that our State, in its dignity, with its
conservatism and with its intense patriotism, should be among the first
to contribute of its means to make of this Exposition the grand success
which it promises. With each succeeding international exposition the
world becomes wiser, artisans more skillful, the contributions to
science and art more valuable; in a word, they raise the standard of
civilization and hasten the time when all men shall pay homage to the
ruler of the universe. As inventions are developed which make the worker
more effective, which broaden the field of usefulness, there come
responsibilities and problems which require education and discernment to
meet and solve. Under the softened touch of Christianity, religion and
education there should come about a universal brotherhood of man broad
enough in scope to embrace all humanity. In all the work of the world,
in all that is for the development of man, in everything that holds out
promise to the future, New York State we may justly say, if not the
leader, is at least in the fore ranks. Its broad acres are rich and
fertile, and the commerce of the world enters at its ports. The
manufacturer finds willing hands with remunerative wages striving to
produce that which is necessary for our comfort and which adds so much
to the wealth of the nation. Its laws are broad and ample in their
scope, with no distinction as between man and man, and beneficent in
their operation, while our citizens evince impulses which are worthy of
emulation by all those who believe in the future of our republic. We
have more of wealth and a greater population than any other State within
the Union. Our cities are cosmopolitan in character, made up of
representatives of all nations, but so nicely adjusted are our laws that
they are assimilated into our population and become Americans among
Americans, actuated by a common patriotism and a common desire for the
continued development of our land.
"In these great halls, in these magnificent buildings devoted to art, to
education, to mechanics and to agriculture, exhibits are to be found
which are on a par if they do not excel, those of other nations. The
advancement of New York, however, is but typical of every other State in
the Union, in the continued prosperity of which all are equally
interested. A nation of separate States, there is no dividing line of
envy between them, no wish except for the prosperity and development of
each, a common hope for a common country. How necessary it is,
therefore, that in all that has to do with society a broad catholic
spirit should dominate and control. Ours is not a country of classes,
but one of equality--a country whose aim is the education of its
citizens. It is our common object to perpetuate the principles of
American independence. Anything that retards human progress, or that
would make of a man a mere machine without brains, is to be deprecated.
Our object should be to encourage and to promote thrift, and to instill
into the mind of every citizen a desire for advancement. In this
direction our State will be found always in the forefront and the
evidence of her greatness will be measured rather by the intelligence of
her citizens than by mere accumulation of wealth. Therefore, that which
protects labor, which encourages capital, should be the aim of modern
legislation. While we participate in the celebration of this great
national event, as we mark our progress along every line, we feel a
natural pride in all that has been done in other States, in all that has
been accomplished by other people. As we look into the future, as we
consider its possibilities, let us hope that our nation will never
forget that this government is one by the people, and that its power and
influence among the nations of the world will continue only so long as
due weight and consideration is given to the rights of individuals.
While rejoicing as citizens of New York, let us hope for the continuance
of those policies and principles which have made our nation prosperous,
and let us not forget that moderation and conservatism should be the
measure of our efforts, and all that we do shall be for the advancement
of all the people.
"The citizens of New York extend their congratulations to the people of
the west and northwest. We hope that from this great Exposition there
shall come a closer communication between all the people of the earth, a
broadening of human effort, the advancement of civilization and a
growing respect for our country and our flag which will make us a power
for the good and peace of the world.
"It is a great pleasure for me to accept on behalf of the State of New
York this magnificent building, and again to congratulate you as the
President of the Commission, and the architect who has wrought this
wonderful work, for the painstaking care that you have exercised in the
development of New York's interests in this great Exposition."
During the address of the Governor, President Francis quietly entered
and was introduced at its conclusion. He was warmly received and made a
characteristic address. He paid a warm tribute to the Empire State and
her Chief Executive, and complimented the State Commission upon the work
it had performed and spoke of the New York State building as one of the
social centers of the Exposition.
His remarks in part follow:
"Your distinguished son, Robert R. Livingston, was the man who first
negotiated for the purchase of Louisiana. No exposition would be
complete without a representation from the Empire State. The Exposition
management has already pointed with pride to the New York building, the
social functions of which have been among the marked attractions of the
Exposition.
"I am here to thank New York not only for her material contribution to
the World's Fair, but for the spirit her citizens have given to this
Exposition.
"We of the West flatter ourselves that we have arrived at that stage of
our progress when we can invite every people on the globe to come and
see for themselves what a century of Western civilization has
accomplished."
At the conclusion of the ceremonies Governor Odell held an informal
reception, during which Mr. S. H. Grover, of New York, played an organ
recital.
THE EVENING RECEPTION
The State building was appropriately decorated for the evening reception
given in honor of Governor and Mrs. Odell, and many hundred guests
called to pay their respects between the hours of eight and eleven. The
receiving party consisted of Governor Benjamin B. Odell, Jr., Mrs.
Odell, Mr. and Mrs. William Berri, Mrs. Norman E. Mack, Mr. and Mrs.
John K. Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. John Young, Mrs. Daniel Manning, Mr. Frank
S. McGraw, Mr. Frederick R. Green, Mr. John C. Woodbury, and Mr. William
T. Van Brunt, representing President Harriman. The guests were presented
to the receiving party by Major Harrison K. Bird, private secretary to
the Governor. Two lines of United States marines guarded the approach to
the receiving line and prevented crowding and confusion.
Music was furnished by the Haskell Indian band and later in the evening
dancing was indulged in by many of the guests present. Supper was served
at ten o'clock at small tables on the verandas, the following being the
menu:
CELERY OLIVES RADIS
AMANDES SALEES FEUILLES SUEDOISES
BOUCHEES DE VOLAILLE A LA REINE
CANAPES DE LUXE SANDWICHES ASSORTIS
GLACE NEW YORK FRIANDISES
CAFE
LEMONADE EXPOSITION PUNCH
[Illustration: GRAND BASIN, FROM FESTIVAL HALL]
CHAPTER VI
New York State Week
The week beginning October third was set aside by the Exposition
authorities as New York week; Monday, October third, being designated
"New York City Day," and Tuesday, October fourth, "New York State Day."
NEW YORK CITY DAY
New York City Day was observed with exercises in the City Building on
the Model street at eleven o'clock in the morning, which were presided
over by Thomas W. Hynes, the Commissioner officially representing the
city. Mayor McClellan was represented by Charles V. Fornes, President of
the Board of Aldermen. There were also present an official delegation
representing the city. Addresses were made by Archbishop J. J. Glennon,
of St. Louis; Right Reverend Bishop McNamara, of New York city; Walter
B. Stevens, Secretary, and F. J. V. Skiff, Director of Exhibits of the
Exposition; Howard J. Rogers, Chief of Department of Education and
Social Economy, and others. Luncheon was served at noon at the Tyrolean
Alps, and from three to five in the afternoon a reception was held in
the City Building, which was attended by exposition officials, national
and state representatives, St. Louis society and many New Yorkers. In
the evening a sumptuous banquet was served in the Town Hall of the
Tyrolean Alps, which was presided over by Commissioner Hynes.
SERENADE TO GOVERNOR ODELL
Governor Odell and staff and invited guests reached St. Louis Monday
morning, October third. At noon the Governor was tendered a serenade by
the Philippine Constabulary band of 100 pieces. On Monday evening a
dinner was given at the State building by the New York State Commission
in honor of the Governor and Mrs. Odell, and President and Mrs. Francis.
Owing to a death in the family, President and Mrs. Francis were unable
to be present. Mr. D. M. Houser, of the Board of Directors, represented
President Francis. There were no formal speeches, Governor Odell simply
regretting that President Francis could not be present.
PROGRAM FOR NEW YORK STATE DAY
The program for New York State day was as follows:
11 A.M. Concert by the Garde Republicaine band, of
Paris, France, on the Plaza in front of the State
building
12 M. Formal exercises of the day in the grand entrance
hall, Col. Edward Lyman Bill presiding
Invocation by Rev. Dr. William W. Boyd, of St.
Louis, formerly of New York
Address of welcome by Col. Edward Lyman Bill.
Address of greeting in behalf of Exposition Company
by Hon. Franklin Ferriss
Address by Governor Benjamin B. Odell, Jr.
Organ recital by S. H. Grover, of New York city
9 to 12 P. M. Reception and ball given by the New York
State Commission in honor of Governor and Mrs.
Odell. Dancing after ten o'clock
While not marked by the presence of militia and other spectacular
features which generally accompany the celebration of a State Day, the
exercises in the State building which were held at noon were most
dignified and impressive. The day opened clear and cool, and the
spacious verandas of the State building were well filled long before the
time set for the concert.
THE GARDE REPUBLICAINE BAND
The Garde Republicaine band is composed of 100 skilled musicians and is
considered by many to be the finest band in the world. No musical
organization which visited the Exposition during the entire season
received more compliments or more flattering press notices than those
accorded this band. They played the following program:
1. March, "Lisbon"--L. Planel
2. Overture, "La Princesse Jaime"--C. Saint-Saens
3. Fantasie On the Opera "LeCompte Ory"--G. Rossini
Soloists, MM. Paradis, Laforgue, Joseph Barthelemy,
Morfaux, Couilland, Fournier
4. Three Celebrated Menuets--
(a) Menuet--L. van Beethoven
(b) "Ox" Menuet--J. Haydn
(c) Menuet Favori--W. A. Mozart
5. March, "Egyptian"--J. Strauss
At the conclusion of the formal exercises they were entertained at
luncheon by the State Commission. Through their leader, M. Gabriel
Pares, they expressed hearty appreciation of the courteous treatment
accorded them by the State of New York, and attested the same by playing
a second concert in front of the State building between the hours of two
and four in the afternoon. It was worthy of note that the building of
the State of New York was the only State building at which this band
played during its entire stay at the Exposition, their concerts being
invariably given either in Festival Hall or in the grand bandstand in
Machinery Gardens.
THE FORMAL EXERCISES
At twelve o'clock the assemblage was called to order by Colonel Edward
Lyman Bill. There were present Governor and Mrs. Odell, the Governor's
staff, a joint committee of the Legislature, members of the State
Commission, invited guests, several representatives of the Exposition
Company, representatives of State and foreign commissions, and a large
audience, many of whom had journeyed all the way from New York State to
be present at the ceremonies.
The personal party of the Governor consisted of Governor Benjamin B.
Odell, Jr., Mrs. Odell, Mrs. William Kelly, Mrs. S.L. Dawes, Mrs. Hall
and Miss Odell.
The Governor's staff comprised Brigadier-General Nelson H. Henry,
Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff; Major Harrison K. Bird, Military
Secretary; Lieutenant-Colonel Charles H. Sherrill, Aide-de-camp;
Lieutenant-Commander Alfred Brooks Fry, Naval Militia, Aide-de-camp;
Major Charles C. Davis, Thirteenth Regiment, Aide-de-camp; Major Richard
H. Laimbeer, Second Brigade Staff, Aide-de-camp; Major Amos E. McIntyre,
First Regiment, Aide-de-camp; Captain John T. Sadler, Thirtieth Separate
Company, Aide-de-camp; Captain Edwin W. Dayton, Twenty-second Regiment,
Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant William L. Thompson, Twelfth Separate
Company, Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant Chauncey Matlock, Third Battery,
Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant Thomas Barron, Seventh Regiment,
Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant Augustus S. Chatfield, Eighth Regiment,
Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant Cornelius Vanderbilt, Twelfth Regiment,
Aide-de-camp.
The joint committee of the Legislature comprised Hon. Jotham P. Allds,
Norwich; Hon. S. Frederick Nixon, Westfield; Hon. James T. Rogers,
Binghamton; Hon. Edwin A. Merritt, Potsdam; Hon. Robert Linn Cox,
Buffalo; Hon. Thomas D. Lewis, Oswego.
Colonel Bill called upon the Rev. W. W. Boyd, of St. Louis, formerly of
New York, to invoke the Divine blessing.
Dr. W. W. Boyd:
"Our Father, we thank Thee for this beautiful day and this assembly of
the loyal sons and daughters of our native State. We rejoice that Thou
hast gathered us into families, and so into communities, commonwealths
and the perfect union of all the states.
"We bless Thee for the history of this great State, its part in the
glorious Revolution, in the preservation of the Union, its development
in every branch of human industry, its material prosperity, but above
all, for its humanities, its growth in philanthropy, education and
religion.
"Bless, we beseech Thee, His Excellency the Governor, and all associated
with him in making, interpreting and executing the laws.
"Bless the President, Directors and all who have helped to create and
develop this marvelous Exposition, especially the Commissioners of the
State of New York, who have erected this splendid building, and by the
varied exhibits in the palaces of the Exposition portrayed the wonderful
progress of the Empire State.
"And grant, O most merciful Father, that the fruits of this great
Exposition may be enlarged national prosperity, international comity and
peace, and the strengthening of the ties of human brotherhood throughout
the world.
"May Thy special blessing be upon the exercises of this hour; may the
words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Thy
sight, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer. Amen."
Colonel Bill then delivered the following address:
ADDRESS OF COLONEL BILL
"On behalf of the New York State Commission I extend greeting and hearty
welcome to the official representative of President Francis, to Governor
Odell, our distinguished guests, to the sons and daughters of New York,
and to all who have honored us with their presence here to-day. It was
on this site, upon May 2, 1903, Governor Odell lifted the first spadeful
of earth where this beautiful structure has since been erected. Upon
that occasion New York was represented by our Chief Executive, his
staff, and troops numbering nearly fifteen hundred men from all branches
of the military and naval service of the State. On last April thirtieth
this building, sumptuously appointed, was formally opened to the public.
I may say, with pardonable pride, that the report which the Commission
made at that time showed that not only was our building complete in
every detail, but all of the State exhibits as well were ready for
inspection. The work of our Commission has been along pleasant lines,
and we have been constantly stimulated by hearty support from the
Exposition authorities. It is fitting that we should express our sincere
appreciation to President Francis and the sterling coterie of men with
whom he is surrounded for the aid and assistance which they have so
willingly rendered this Commission in every way. Our Governor has taken
a warm interest in New York's participation at this Fair, and on many
occasions he has made manifest his desire that New York's representation
should be ample and complete in every particular. In many of the
magnificent places, such as Education, Agriculture, Horticulture,
Forestry, Fish and Game, Mines and Metallurgy, our State has collective
exhibits which show her varied resources. In this beautiful structure
will be evidenced further proof of New York's generous participation in
this great Exposition. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition has a deep
interest for New York, for one of the principal figures instrumental in
bringing about that purchase was Livingston, a distinguished son of the
Empire State, and it was he who negotiated the treaty and was first to
sign it. And yet the real authors of that great transaction on this side
of the ocean were neither Jefferson, Madison nor Livingston, and I think
historians will agree with me when I say it was more the influence of
those hardy frontiersmen of Kentucky who demanded free navigation for
the magnificent inland river which rolls by us in its eternal flow to
the Gulf of Mexico. The influence of those men, the vanguard of
civilization, could not be disregarded by those who were at the head of
our governmental affairs more than a century ago. Then, the more we look
at this transaction, the more evident it is that the outcome of it was
due to that man whose shadow even now falls sharply athwart the whole
continent of Europe--Napoleon Bonaparte. It was his ambition which threw
into the grasp of the infant republic the splendid empire out of which
have been carved twelve sovereign States and two Territories. At that
time Napoleon uttered one of those far-seeing expressions which is
important in its prophecy. 'Perhaps,' he said, 'it will be objected to
me that the Americans of two or three centuries hence may be found too
powerful for Europe, but my foresight does not embrace such remote
fears. Besides, we may hereafter expect rivalries among members of the
Union. Confederacies that are called perpetual last only until one of
the contending parties finds it is to its interests to break them. It is
to prevent the danger to which the colossal power of England subjects us
that I would provide such a remedy.' No such vision of the future came
to our American statesmen, many of whom bitterly opposed the purchase of
the Louisiana Territory. When the bill came up for discussion on the
floor of Congress, Josiah Quincy, afterwards mayor of Boston, and for
many years president of Harvard College, said, speaking of the
incorporation in the Union of the territory of Louisiana: 'It appears to
me that this measure would justify revolution in this country. I am
compelled to declare it as my deliberate opinion that if this bill
passes, the bonds of this Union are virtually dissolved; that the States
which compose it are free from their moral obligation, and that, as it
will be the right of all, so it will be the duty of some to prepare
definitely for a separation, amicably if they can, violently if they
must.' He said further: 'If this bill passes, it is a death blow to the
Constitution.' Strange words, indeed, in our ears at this time, and it
shows that the American statesmen of those days had not the imagination
of Napoleon.
"What has this purchase meant to New York to have in this Union this
great empire? What has it meant to the Union itself to have this
splendid territory incorporated in it? It has meant for New York
prosperity and increased commerce to the people of all our land and
furnished homes for the sons and daughters of New York. The States
carved out of that great Empire have all borne their share in the heat
of our national life and they have contributed immeasurably to the
nation's growth and development, and we have come in this country,
notwithstanding the immense separation and diversity of interests, to
work together under one flag, with one interest for a common country,
and this great Exposition should teach not only us of the East but of
all other sections of the country that we should avoid the danger of
finding ourselves separate in sentiment from one another. In this great
western empire we all take a common interest, and the success of this
Exposition redounds to the credit and honor, not only of the men who
have carried it to such successful issue, but upon the whole country. We
all shine in the reflected glory of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition,
which shows the high-water mark of human progress. It is indeed the
greatest of all international fairs and a lasting credit to the artistic
skill of the men who planned and executed it. It is the culmination of
all that has been done in the wide expanse of territory purchased from
France in 1803, and the achievements of all nations in the world since
that day. It is a far cry from the early oriental fairs in the East,
which were perhaps the early ancestors of this great Exposition, and all
honor and credit and glory is due the men who stood shoulder to shoulder
in carrying this great enterprise to such a magnificent culmination. It
represents American skill, American enterprise, American endeavor, and
its influence will be felt upon this country long after those men who
have played their successful part in this great moving drama have passed
from earth. Words are inadequate to fittingly describe the beauties of
this magnificent Exposition. It is individual effort as well as
concerted effort which has brought about these splendid results. It is
one of the brightest pages in American history, and what glorious
memories a perusal of these pages arouse! We can turn the pages of
recorded history from the time when the boats of the adventurous Genoese
unfolded their white wings in the harbor of Palos and sped across the
unknown seas to bring back upon their return evidence of the existence
of a new world far across the wide waste of waters. In fancy we picture
that sturdy band kneeling with Columbus, richly attired, upon the tropic
sands, while over them floats the blood and gold banner of Spain, as the
priest clothed in vestments of his office asks the blessings of Almighty
God upon the land which Columbus claims in the name of the House of
Castile. In the background we see waving palms and dark-skinned men who
gaze with awe upon the white discoverers. In another scene we see the
cold wintry waves surge and dash around the frail craft fighting its way
across dark tempestuous seas from Plymouth, the little bark tossed like
a feather here and there until she lands on that rock-bound coast known
as New England. We see that little colony--Freedom's seed--germinate and
thrive; first the grain, then the tender plant, ever exposed to severe
conditions, then matured into the oak of a giant nation. We see those
brave colonists who have planted the banner of human liberty upon the
inhospitable shores push ever onward, ever extending the fringe of
civilization, struggling against disheartening obstacles, fighting wild
beasts and savage men, but pushing on with indomitable courage. We see
the historical gathering at Philadelphia, resulting in that document
embodying Jefferson's superb crystallization of popular opinion that
'all men are created free and equal and endowed with certain inalienable
rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness;' that American magna charta which swept away forever the will
of kings in this land. The people became the rulers and the accident of
birth carried no rank, conferred no privilege. We see the loosely joined
colonies building a nation which contained these elements of greatness
little dreamed of by those hardy pioneers who so generously gave up
their offering of blood on Freedom's altar. The kaleidoscope still
turns. We see those intrepid founders of the school of liberty pushing
their lines ever onward across rivers, deserts, over mountains clad with
eternal snow until the golden shores of California gladden the eye of
our valiant explorers. Then a pause, and over land and sea hang dark
clouds of fratricidal war. Four long years through the valleys and over
the mountains of the Southland surges the red tide of battle. The days
were dark and full of gloom, when lo! the clouds parted and the heavens
again were blue. The nation had been born anew, and on the fair pages of
her history appear no longer the dark stain of human slavery. The strong
arm of enterprise quickly washed away the red stain of war. The word
'America' had a deeper and more sacred meaning than before, and the
nation was re-established on the indestructible foundation of national
unity; the blocks were laid in the cement of fraternal esteem. Still the
picture which we see revolves. Across the waters of the Pacific America
sweeps towards the fulfillment of her world wide destiny. The Stars and
Stripes wave over the palace of the kings in Honolulu. Still again the
nation's sword is unsheathed in the cause of human liberty, and the last
vestige of Spanish power is swept from the new world. The thunder of
Dewey's guns awakens us to the fact that the American banner is planted
into the far Orient, there to stay forever, and under its protecting
folds manifold blessings are carried to the people of those islands
lying in the purple spheres of summer seas. While the drum of all
American progress is heard around the world, it too may be truthfully
said that the sun never sets upon the soil over which Freedom's banner
proudly floats, for when the light of the dying day is fading from Porto
Rican hills the golden rays of the morning sun are reflected upon the
shimmering folds of Old Glory on the gray old battlements of Manila.
"It is indeed inspiring, the history of this great nation, guided to its
ultimate issue as a stately ship is wafted over the seas to the harbor
of its destination. I wonder if in this ceaseless struggle for gold and
gain we pause long enough to study the true character of those men to
whose valorous deeds we owe so much, those men who planted the tree of
human liberty so deep that even the shock of revolution of succeeding
wars could not uproot it, those men who demanded of Jefferson a free
Mississippi and who made this Exposition possible. All honor to those
heroes who stood shoulder to shoulder in the days which tried men's
souls, who, in the gloom and suffering of Valley Forge, saw in the
distance the rainbow of hope shining over the dark clouds of defeat.
They saw the light of a great nation which would serve as a beacon in
the world progress and a refuge for the persecuted of the nations of
earth. All races contributed to the founding of this beloved country.
The roster of the Revolution is filled with names which show that the
liberty loving of all European nations gave up a generous offering of
blood on Freedom's altar. In our veins courses blood of all nations, and
it is the healthy commingling of that blood which has produced a race of
world conquerors. It has produced the men who have made possible this
great Exposition. We have been placed in the world's crucible, have been
melted in the glowing heat of a nascent life, and have been forged into
a weapon which shall carve the world. Our ideals are worthy, the hopes
and aspirations of the nation devoted to justice and love; ideals which
shall be the steadfast inspirer of nations and individuals to
uprightness, to justice and to honor."
The presiding officer then expressed regret at the unavoidable absence
of President Francis on account of bereavement in his family. He
introduced judge Franklin Ferriss, General Counsel to the Louisiana
Purchase Exposition Company, who delivered the following address:
ADDRESS OF JUDGE FERRISS
"I regret extremely, for your sake and his, that the brilliant man who
stands at the head of this Exposition cannot be here to-day to greet you
in person. Still I must admit that I am not unmindful of the fact that I
owe to his misfortune and yours the very great privilege of appearing
before you to extend a welcome to the people of my native State.
"The President of the Exposition bids me say to you that there has been
no occasion on these grounds--that there will be none in the future--in
which he would more gladly participate than this.
"The Exposition management feels under peculiar obligations to the State
of New York. We are indebted largely to her prompt and liberal
co-operation for the high stand which the Exposition has taken. We are
indebted to the Governor, to the New York Commission, to the gracious
hostesses of this building, to the splendid woman who has, with rare
tact and dignity, co-operated with the Exposition as President of the
Board of Lady Managers.
"In the building of this Exposition, science, invention, art,
manufacture, the field, the forest, the mine, the air and the water have
contributed their choicest treasures. How well we have succeeded in
presenting them you must judge. But I wish to say to you that no matter
how high a standard we have reached, still more important than all else
is the representation upon these grounds of our splendid American man
and womanhood. No man can walk about this Plateau of States, view these
beautiful structures, see the people coming together from the north and
the south, the east and the west, uniting in common loyalty and respect
for our institutions, without feeling his heart swell with pride and
gratitude.
"It is no disparagement to our sister States, for me, a loyal son of New
York, to say that it is most fitting that the Empire State should be
pre-eminent here also in the beauty of her building, the character of
her exhibits and the magnificent representation of her people.
"I am proud of the State of New York--proud of her history, her
scholars, her statesmen, her soldiers--proud of her material
prosperity--proud of the great metropolis through whose gates thunders
the commerce of the United States.
"I love the State of New York--her broad and fertile valleys, her
stately rivers, the lakes which glisten like jewels on her bosom, her
mountains which rear their tops to the clouds; but most of all I love
the quiet life of the country home--the honesty and industry of the
plain people.
"Our old home! Who can forget it? The great barn with its huge beams and
fragrant mows of hay--the sparkling brook whose shining shallows bathed
my naked feet--the broad meadow with its fence corners of luscious
berries--the old schoolhouse, whose desks are impressed with generations
of jack-knives! Was there ever so sweet a draught as that which we drew
from the shining depths of the old well?
"And yet the country boy grew restless. With his ear to the ground, he
heard the distant hum of industry. He heard the tramp of a million feet
in the great cities. He felt that the battle of life was on, and, that
he must take his place in the struggle. And so he turned his back upon
the old home.
"Ah! how many grave faced fathers and tender, sweet faced mothers have
watched their boys, one by one, go out into the world, and have turned
back in solitude, cheered by an occasional visit, an occasional letter,
to wait until their days should be fulfilled. And how many of us must
now say that their days have been fulfilled, and that a simple stone
marks their last resting place in the village churchyard.
"What have we gained by this? Contentment? They had it. Respect of our
fellowmen? They had it. Success in life? They had it. True, their
fortunes were small--and yet they had no clutching fear that
speculation, fraud or treachery would rob them of the fruit of a life's
toil. And they had an abiding faith that there would be provision for
the years to come. Aye, that there would be provision for the last
journey to that land, where, according to their simple faith: 'The
wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.'
"I will yield to no man in loyalty to the State of my adoption; but who
can chide me if my heart clings to the home of my childhood, to the
graves of my forefathers?
"If we, who have left the old home to build a new one in the West, can
be faithful to the traditions of our childhood--if we can bequeath to
our children the lessons of industry, honesty and economy which our
fathers gave to us--we shall do more to honor the State of New York than
we could do by rearing marble to the skies."
The presiding officer then introduced Honorable Benjamin B. Odell, Jr.;
Governor of the State, who received a great ovation, it being some time
before the Governor was able to proceed with his remarks. His speech was
punctuated with liberal applause.
He said:
ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR ODELL
"The diplomacy which led up to the acquisition of the Louisiana
territory furnishes one of the most interesting incidents in the world's
history. The establishment of a republic devoted to the interests of,
and affording liberty of conscience and freedom of action to its
citizens, was an experiment in government which could not have succeeded
if any restraint had been placed upon that liberty, or if its
constitution had not been broad enough to meet the demands of a growing
country. From the settlement of America down to the Revolutionary War
sanguinary strife had been the lot of the American people. The thrifty
Dutch and the stolid determined Anglo-Saxon sought not in this country a
mere temporary home, for, unlike the Spaniards, their dream was not of
gold, but rather their hope was for a liberty so broad and catholic in
its character that it would grow with succeeding years and make certain
that peace they had sought for in vain in the land of their birth.
"The earlier colonial and Indian wars had drawn upon the resources and
heroism of our forefathers. Hardship and toil had imbued them with a
consciousness of their strength and instilled into them that spirit of
independence which enabled them, after long years of strife, to
establish our republic. It was this people, after having gained their
independence, in the belief that foreign complications were forever at
an end, who, at the close of the Revolution, turned their attention to
peaceful pursuits and endeavored to meet every requirement of a growing
country. With characteristic skill and industry they began the
development of those tremendous resources of our country, the measure of
which is almost beyond human conception. Here, under liberal laws and
wise administration, the people found that which had been heretofore
lacking in the government of the world. Invention had not yet made
possible the intercommunication facilities which we of the present
enjoy. Upon water transit, therefore, they were obliged to depend for an
outlet for the commerce of their western territory. The barriers which
were sought to be interposed to communication over the mighty river
which rises in the northwest brought forth vigorous protests from those
who had just begun to cultivate its fertile fields. Angry passions were
aroused, and the people of our country who had been so successful in
carving out the republic demanded that this barrier should be removed.
Livingston and Monroe, clothed only with power to effect a treaty which
should insure this right of transit, with no possible opportunity of
quick communication with their government, took upon themselves the
responsibility which brought to a successful consummation the
relinquishment of this vast territory.
"Thus was brought to the people of the United States a question which
had never been contemplated by the framers of the constitution. That
instrument had been the production of the wisest men of the times. They
had successfully met the problem of drawing into an indissoluble union
the thirteen states, many of which were acting under peculiar laws which
were contrary to the Declaration of Independence, under which the
battles for freedom had been fought and won. While there was authority
for the admission of new states, there was no constitutional permission
for the purchase of territory. The power of the Federal government to
perform acts of sovereignty had not yet been passed upon, and there was
grave doubt as to the wisdom of ratifying the treaty without a
constitutional amendment. When we look over the results which have
followed this expansion of our country, when we calculate our manifest
growth in population, in wealth and in industry, all of these appear
insignificant beside the result which was accomplished in showing to the
world that we were living under a constitution broad enough in its
provisions to be so interpreted as to insure success to popular
government. That Jefferson and his advisers acted wisely in so
construing their power at that time is undoubted. If there were no other
achievements of that wonderful administration, then this alone would
suffice to make it a memorable one.
"Doubt, lack of courage and insincere opposition are always the refuge
of a coward. Here was a nation demanding that which was necessary for
its trade, desirous of reaching a solution through peaceful means if
possible, but determined to acquire it at all hazards if necessary.
There was no question as to the consent of those whom we took over, and
to whom we gave the protection of our flag, or as to nice points of
constitutionality, when the greater object in view was the onward
progress of civilization, the building up of hope and the fulfillment of
our destiny as a nation, to perpetuate those principles which mean so
much in the redeeming of the world. The exigencies of a later war found
a precedent in the courage of Jefferson and enabled Lincoln to wipe from
the escutcheon of state the blot of slavery which had too long tarnished
it.
"That the acquisition of this territory was accomplished through
peaceful means rather than by bloodshed was another triumph for
civilization. While wars have come since, and may come in the future,
the plan of arbitration which has been adopted so generally by this and
other nations may perhaps have had its inception in this peaceful
solution of a burning and important question to this country. Our Union
now is one that is composed of commonwealths bound together by all that
means common interest, the common weal and common protection of all the
people. It leads to the hope that when the representatives of all of the
states have decreed by a majority that which is for the best interest of
the whole country, then these questions should no longer be the subject
of partisanship or party differences, but the government should have the
loyal support of all who believe in America and her future. The same
laws govern us, the same protection should be and is accorded to every
citizen, and there is no individual or isolated community that does not
share in the prosperity of all others whose interests are on the same
plane of equality. For a time natural advantages may unduly favor one
section of the country, but the accumulation of wealth brings about the
development of the natural resources by which other sections are built
up, and their people share in the general prosperity. Our State perhaps
has benefited more through the development of the west and the northwest
territory than almost any other commonwealth. The natural valleys which
permitted the building of the Erie canal and the connection of the Great
Lakes with the harbor of New York brought this territory in close
communication with the Atlantic seaboard. The growing demands of the
world led to the cultivation of the fertile fields of the west, the
development of the mines and the building up of cities and manufactures,
until to-day we have other ports whose facilities have been increased by
the improvement of waterways and the building of thousands and thousands
of miles of railroad. While there may be an apparent decrease in some
localities and a corresponding benefit in others, yet so intimate are
our connections and associations that the prosperity of one, instead of
being a menace to the growth of any other locality, really aids in
building it up. So diversified are our interests, so skillful our
people, that we may compare the whole Union to a great workshop, one
vast cultivated field of industry, all laboring, not for the advancement
of separate cities or localities, but for the continued growth of our
common country.
"It is only through ignorance that people have a misconception of these
truths. The development of the human mind is no less important than the
development of the physical condition of man. His education, therefore,
is a paramount duty of the state, and his protection against the
weakening of his physical condition is equally important. That
legislation has recognized these facts is shown in laws, not only of the
nation, but of each individual state, which seek to guard and protect
the youth against unwise labor, which seek to instill into his mind that
intelligence which comes only from wise and broad educational
facilities. Every able bodied citizen of our country is an asset, and
those who through weakness, however painful the admission may be, are
incapacitated from labor, must be entered upon the debit side of the
national ledger. Therefore, the laws that guard against burdensome toil,
too long hours of labor, and against ignorance, are not only
humanitarian in their character, but are best calculated to promote the
interest of all the people. In the division of society, those who labor
and those who represent capital should always be in accord, and the
demands of either should never trespass upon the rights of the other. It
is too frequently the case that through misunderstanding of our laws and
the higher economical conditions that friction does arise between these
two great elements of society. The right of every man to sell his
products or his labor in the best market is unquestioned, and any
interference with this principle of sound government is a menace to the
republic itself. We are reaching a point in our history when
conservative and wise judgment must prevail, and the common sense of the
people dictates such a solution of these problems as will meet every
demand that is in harmony with sound government. Our own State has taken
long steps in advance upon these questions, and to us with whom these
differences more frequently occur the people will look for wise
deliberations and conclusions.
"Every man should be a part of the government. He should feel it to be
as much his duty to respond to civic responsibilities as do those living
under a monarchy, whose early tuition instills in them the belief that
they owe the best part of their lives to the military service of their
government. As they are undeterred by fear of death or disaster, so
should our young men be undeterred from entering public life by calumny,
villification and abuse, which they see too frequently and too unjustly
bestowed upon others.
"New York is here to-day by its official representatives to testify
first to its loyalty to the purposes for which this Exposition was
conceived; to show the people of the West that in their progress we are
interested, and that to them we look for such returns in dividends upon
the stock of patriotism as will give to our nation men of energy, of
right impulses. To you we owe much, and from you we expect much. Our
efforts will be to aid you in every laudable undertaking, to stand
behind you in all that means the prosperity of our common country. You
have here an Exposition of which you may be justly proud. Nothing like
it has ever been known in the annals of the world. Skilled workmen from
all parts of the earth are here to aid in its success. Here you witness
not only the steady progress that has been made in the sciences, the
arts, and agriculture, but you have before you also exhibits from some
of the possessions which have recently come under our control. We may
study here some of the problems which demand solution at the hands of
the American people. Our flag has been planted in a far-off land, and we
must face responsibilities which it would be cowardly to shirk. A
message has come to us as to all other nations, to do the Master's
bidding and to spread christianity and civilization into the remotest
parts of the earth. To us have been intrusted duties that have cost us
the blood of some of the bravest men of the north and of the south, of
the east and west. Here we may see something of that which has been
accomplished, as well as a presentation of those conditions which it is
our duty to correct. It is our privilege to give to others the same
liberty which we enjoy ourselves, to establish some form of government
such as ours whenever these people are ready for it, and it is our duty
to protect them in their weakness until they are prepared for it. It was
the dream of our forefathers that our country should be confined between
these two magnificent oceans, but despite these hopes in later years
additional responsibilities have come, Which the American people are too
proud to shirk and too courageous to abandon. There is no one who has
seen the progress which is here represented who does not believe that
the work for civilization which is ours to perform has already had such
an impetus that the time will come when we shall bless those who had the
courage to stand for it against those who demanded another solution of
this important question. To our credit be it said, that no true American
demands the surrender of these possessions, and that the only question
of difference between the people of our country is whether they shall be
given their independence now, or when they are in a condition to enjoy
it.
"This Exposition stands, not only as a monument to our progress, but to
our united and determined effort to take a prominent part in all that
means the advancement of mankind and the prosperity of the whole world.
We owe that which we are at present to the devotion and heroism of the
men of the past, and to protect and guard the inheritance which has come
to us should be our aim. To be broad and conservative in our conception
of our duties and responsibilities should be our purpose. To instill
into the minds of our youth a determination to meet every question with
true American courage should be our object. Every effort that makes for
the good of humanity is a fitting tribute to that national policy which
has taught us that there is no responsibility too great for our citizens
to bear, and that in the onward progress of civilization America
recognizes her duty and will not fail in its performance."
At the conclusion of the Governor's address the benediction was
pronounced by the Rev. W. W. Boyd, after which Governor Odell held a
public reception, shaking hands with several hundred people, who pressed
forward to greet him. During the progress of the reception Mr. S. H.
Grover, of New York city, rendered an organ recital. Luncheon was served
the Governor and party in the offices of the Commission, and the
afternoon was devoted to sight seeing.
THE EVENING RECEPTION
In the evening was held the grand reception and ball in honor of
Governor and Mrs. Odell. Six thousand invitations had been issued for
the function, those invited including the President of the United States
and his Cabinet, judges of the United States Supreme Court, United
States army and navy officers, governors of all the states, New York
State officers, members of the New York State Legislature, judges of the
Court of Appeals and Appellate Division and Supreme Court, Exposition
officials, members of the National Commission, members of State and
Foreign Commissions, the Board of Lady Managers and many prominent
citizens of the Empire State and St. Louis. In spite of the fact that
the day assigned to the State of New York, a year before by the
Exposition Company, fell upon the date of the greatest festival of all
the year in St. Louis, viz., The Veiled Prophets' ball, which is similar
to the Mardi Gras festival at New Orleans, it did not affect the
attendance at the reception in the least, many people attending both
functions. Throughout the evening the capacity of the building was taxed
to the utmost by those who came to enjoy New York's proverbial
hospitality.
The exterior of the building and the grounds were illuminated on a
lavish scale by the Pain Pyrotechnic Company, of New York city. The
entire building was outlined by means of thousands of fairy lamps, and
many strings of Japanese lanterns were festooned from the roof line to
the veranda balustrade. Fairy lamps were used in profusion about the
grounds, forming unique figures, and at various points spelled the words
"New York." At no other function during the entire Exposition were such
elaborate illuminations attempted on the part of any state commission.
The interior decorations consisted of the National and Exposition
colors, gracefully wound here and there about the pillars, supplemented
by festoons of smilax, which was used in profusion in the entrance
hallway. Special music for the event was furnished by Fancuilli's band,
of New York city, and Schoen's orchestra, of St. Louis, which were
stationed respectively in the south and north galleries of the grand
entrance hall.
THE RECEIVING PARTY
The receiving line was stationed at the foot of the grand staircase, the
guests entering at the south portal of the building and approaching
through the reception rooms.
Receiving with the Governor and Mrs. Odell were Mrs. Norman E. Mack,
Colonel and Mrs. Edward Lyman Bill, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Woodbury, Mr.
and Mrs. Frank S. McGraw, Mr. Frederick R. Green, Mrs. Daniel Manning,
Hon. S. Frederick Nixon, Mrs. Doré Lyon and Hon. James T. Rogers. The
guests were presented to the Governor by Major Harrison K. Bird, his
military secretary, two lines of United States marines guarding the
approach to the receiving party. The Governor's military staff,
resplendent in vari-colored uniforms, formed a line directly in front of
the receiving party, and, while adding eclat to the occasion, prevented
any crowding about the receiving line.
Supper was served at eleven o'clock at small tables upon the verandas.
The following was the menu:
RADISHES CELERY OLIVES
SALTED ALMONDS BONBONS
OYSTERS A LA PAULETTE CHICKEN SALAD
ASSORTED SANDWICHES
ICE CREAM PETIT FOURS
LEMONADE COFFEE CLARET PUNCH
Dancing began at ten o'clock and continued until the wee sma' hours.
CONCLUDING FUNCTION
The final event of State week was a breakfast given by the State
Commission on Wednesday noon in honor of Governor and Mrs. Odell, and
Mrs. Daniel Manning, President of the Board of Lady Managers. The
breakfast was perfectly informal, no set addresses being delivered.
The functions of the entire period were voted by one and all to have
been most successful in every respect, and New York again proved its
right to the title of a most gracious and generous host.
[Illustration: COLONNADE OF STATES]
CHAPTER VII
Brooklyn Day
One of the last special days to be observed during the Exposition was
Brooklyn Day, the exercises of which were held on November fifteenth. As
one of the speakers on the occasion aptly said, it was the only day
throughout the Exposition period which was formally set apart by the
Exposition management in honor of a political division less than a
municipality. A special train bearing a large delegation of
representative Brooklynites arrived in St. Louis Monday, November
fourteenth. Although the date was late in the season, the weather was
ideal, and everything was done for the pleasure and comfort of the
visitors. The ceremonies were divided between the New York State
building and the New York City building, upon the Model street, and
consisted of exercises at 11:30 A.M., followed by a luncheon at one
o'clock at the New York State building, and a reception at the New York
City building from eight to ten in the evening.
THE PROGRAM
The program for the formal exercises in the New York State building was
as follows
Address of welcome, William Berri, Vice-President, New York State
Commission
Address, Hon. J. Edward Swanstrom, on behalf of the Committee of One
Hundred
Permanent Chairman, Colonel William Hester, president of the Brooklyn
Eagle
Response, Major Peter J. Collins
Address, Hon. Rolla Wells, Mayor of St. Louis
Response, Hon. Charles A. Schieren, ex-mayor of Brooklyn
Oration, Hon. Thomas P. Peters, editor of the Brooklyn Times
Aeolian organ recital
Promptly at 11:30 A. M. the assemblage was called to order by
Vice-President William Berri, who, in behalf of the State Commission,
extended a cordial welcome to all present. He then called upon J. Edward
Swanstrom, who made brief remarks in behalf of the Committee of One
Hundred.
At the conclusion of Mr. Swanstrom's remarks, Colonel William Hester was
installed as permanent chairman. Upon taking the chair Colonel Hester
said:
COLONEL HESTER'S REMARKS
"I am very sensible of the honor conferred upon me, but will be unable
to fulfill the duties, except in a most perfunctory way. It is very much
to be regretted that the Honorable Martin W. Littleton is not able to be
with us to-day. As the official head of the government of the borough,
he was to have presided on this occasion. In his absence Major Peter J.
Collins, who was at the head of an important department, will respond
for his chief. I now introduce to you Major Collins."
SPEECH OF MAJOR COLLINS
"_Your Honor, Mr. Francis, and ladies and gentlemen:_ In responding
as the representative of the administration of the borough of Brooklyn,
I feel that you must realize the unenviable position I occupy of
appearing on such brief notice and of acting as the mouthpiece of our
president, the Hon. Martin W. Littleton. Mr. Littleton instructs me to
convey his most sincere regrets to your honor, to Mr. Francis and to the
ladies and gentlemen constituting the Committee of One Hundred, on his
enforced absence on this occasion. As some of you are aware, there has
been an election in this land. Previous to this election there was
carried on what some of us supposed was a political campaign. This
campaign engaged the interest of every worthy citizen and public and
private affairs of business have been neglected to some extent as a
consequence. In the business of the borough Mr. Littleton is confronted
with a vast accumulation of matters of greatest importance to Brooklyn,
both in the local work and in the various boards and committee meetings
in Manhattan, and he has reluctantly concluded that his absence from the
city at this time would amount to an almost criminal neglect of his
duty. He asks me to convey to you the congratulations and good wishes of
the many thousands of our people who are unable to be with us to-day.
Brooklyn has had a deep sympathy with your fair city in this tremendous
enterprise, and has watched with keen interest and satisfaction your
success in overcoming the many difficulties that lay in your way.
Brooklyn herself has awakened from her sleep of almost ten years, and
the sound of the hammer and the saw and the ring of the trowel are heard
on every hand. Owing to the enterprise, energy and self-sacrificing
efforts of many of the men who are with us to-day, she is astonishing
the country by the wonderful increase in population. Brooklyn can no
longer be regarded as the bedroom of Manhattan, for Manhattan is rapidly
becoming only the workshop of Brooklyn; we can no longer be regarded as
the little brother of Manhattan, for we are rapidly becoming a very big
brother. Consequently, ladies and gentlemen of St. Louis, we feel
qualified to appreciate the satisfaction and joy you may justly feel in
this your hour of triumph, and we extend to you the right hand of
fellowship and congratulate you on this wonderful creation of yours,
that must go down in history as the greatest exposition in the history
of mankind."
Mayor Wells was unavoidably detained by an important engagement. The
Chairman then introduced Mr. Schieren, and in doing so said:
"This is no fairy story, yet I will commence it that way. Once upon a
time we of Brooklyn had a city all to ourselves. We were proud of our
city and very desirous that it should be well governed, and were careful
in the selection of men to fill its highest office, and thus it came to
pass that one of our most successful efforts in that direction was the
choice for mayor of our city of the gentleman whom I shall now present
to you, Ex-Mayor Charles A. Schieren."
Mr. Schieren was warmly received and spoke as follows:
ADDRESS OF EX-MAYOR SCHIEREN
"In the name of the Brooklyn delegation I thank you sincerely for your
cordial greeting and the hearty welcome extended to us. We fully
appreciate your kind hospitality. We have come here to enjoy this
glorious Exposition which already has attained such a great fame. Its
magnificence and grandeur, both as to the magnitude of its buildings and
their exhibits, is a surprise to every visitor. You may be proud of your
achievements.
"This Exposition seems to exceed all others held in this country, and in
many respects those held in the world.
"The Centennial Exposition of Philadelphia, commemorating the foundation
of our government, gave our people the first idea of the extent and
scope of our labor-saving machinery and the advance made in the
manufacture of our American goods. It stimulated the manufacturing
interests in our country.
"The Columbian Exposition at Chicago commemorated the discovery of
America. It was noted for its excellent foreign exhibits. It gave our
people an opportunity to compare the products of America with those of
other nations. The so-called White City had a peculiar charm and made a
deep impression upon every one. It seemed a perfect dream, ever to be
remembered. People declared that it could not be excelled, but hardly a
decade has passed when the enterprising, energetic citizens of the
commercial metropolis of the great southwest arranged another World's
Fair to commemorate the historical events of the famous Louisiana
purchase, even upon a larger scale and overshadowing all others in this
country. We may exclaim justly--Will there ever be another Exposition
greater and more important than the one just about to close?
"We seem to marvel at nothing in this progressive age. We always wonder
what other marvellous inventions may be in store for us to necessitate
another Exposition upon a gigantic scale, to be held somewhere in this
country. Perhaps within another decade, when the Isthmian canal is
finished, the golden stream which will connect the waters of the Pacific
and Atlantic oceans, we may celebrate at the national capital city the
greatest event of the twentieth century, bringing to the commerce of the
world peace and plenty. At the same time we may hope to celebrate the
establishment of our American merchant marine, the one thing needed to
carry our American products and goods into the harbors of the world,
floating the Stars and Stripes now so seldom witnessed upon the ocean
vessels. This country seems to forge ahead at a rapid pace, not only in
its material wealth, but in everything that tends to the happiness of
our people, even the humblest citizens sharing in the general
prosperity. Every section has cause to rejoice--the South with its
cotton, the North with its financial resources, the West with its farm
products, the East with its industries, all seem to participate in the
general welfare of the country. In conclusion let me thank you again for
the courtesy extended to our people, and we wish you great success in
this stupendous enterprise."
At the conclusion of Mr. Schieren's remarks the presiding officer said:
"For many years the _Brooklyn Times_ was owned and edited by the
late Mr. Bernard Peters. He was a man of strict integrity, high moral
ideals, and a forceful writer. The editorial chair of the _Times_
is now occupied by his son, Thomas P. Peters, a worthy son of a worthy
sire. Ladies and gentlemen, I take pleasure in introducing to you the
orator of the day, Mr. Thomas P. Peters."
Mr. Peters was greeted with hearty applause as he arose. His oration in
part follows:
ORATION OF MR. PETERS
"To speak a word for Brooklyn at this time, I was not the first choice
of the Committee of Arrangements. Unanimously that honor was assigned to
one of Brooklyn's favorite sons. But sickness of a most serious nature
overtook him only a few days ago, and after a brief illness, he was
early last Wednesday morning called to his final rest. Although upon
pleasure bent, our hearts are sorrowful because of this loss to
Brooklyn.
"Joseph C. Hendrix had been prominent in Brooklyn life a quarter of a
century, prominent enough to have been nominated at one time for mayor
of the old city by one of the great parties. He served Brooklyn for many
years as president of its board of education; was its postmaster, and
also represented one of its districts in the halls of Congress. Of
recent years he had withdrawn from public life and devoted himself to
the financial world. There he soon assumed a commanding position as bank
president, and his organizing abilities were constantly in demand. He
was one of Brooklyn's great men, and I regret that he is not here to-day
to fill the position for which he was so well fitted. Our borough is
rightly in deep bereavement because of the taking off of this, a
faithful servant.
"This party of Brooklynites has come over 1,000 miles to celebrate at
this magnificent exposition a day set apart for itself. We come not from
a sovereign State. Neither do we come from an independent city. We come
from but part of a great city. I will venture to claim that Brooklyn Day
at the St. Louis Exposition will be the only day set apart for any
municipal body holding a place by law of less dignity than that of a
city. Why, then, does Brooklyn send us out to make her name known here
and to extend her greetings to St. Louis? Because for years Brooklyn was
a city, and with more independent citizens to the total population than
were to be found in any other part of the known world, and she is still
true to her history. She had then a spirit that was the very
personification of municipal patriotism. She could tear down a dishonest
political rascal with greater celerity than any other city in the land.
She kept her two great parties equally balanced; each a foil to the
other, each a stimulant to the other for good government, and upon the
average she enjoyed better service than American cities usually obtain.
"It is almost seven years since Brooklyn lost her cityhood. During that
time she has been a dependent borough within the great city of New York.
Many thought that when that transition took place Brooklyn would lose
her old-time spirit, her pride would be humbled and she would sink into
the slough of despair, but we are here to-day to make known to these
United States that Brooklyn's old-time courage is as high, her spirit is
as heavily charged with municipal energy and her pride is the same pride
as of old.
"Brooklyn is a peculiar community. She differs from all others. The wits
have long fed upon her. General Ho
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