Trans-Mississippi&International Exposition

ENDOWED WITH LIFE

Great Transmississippi and International Exposition a Reality.

PRESIDENT M'KINLEY STARTS THE WHEELS

Presses the Key that Gives Living Energy to Waiting Machinery.

FORMAL EXERCISES OF THE OPENING

Program of Speeches and Music Carried Out With Military Precision.

MIGHTY THRONG TAKES IN THE FESTIVITIES

Omaha Entertains a Tremendous Gathering of Citizens of the Central West on the Occasion of a Signal Triumph.

Just after 12:30 today President McKinley declared the Transmississippi and International Exposition open to the world. A pressure of his finger liberated the electric spark that flashed across the continent and gave life and movement to its silent machinery. The big shaft in the power house turned slowly in its bearings, the dynamos hummed softly, then sang shrilly as they felt the full force of the mighty current, the band burst into a swelling anthem and exuberant cheers from 100,000 throats welcomed the exposition into life.

Nothing could be more auspicious and inspiring than the conditions that attended the opening. After weeks of tears and frowns, Nature greeted the exposition with one of her merriest moods. Domed by the most translucent of Nebraska skies, bathed and gilded by a flood of glorious sunshine and kissed by the softest of summer winds, the White City might almost inspire the imagination like a vision of the celestial habitation. Bewilderingly and magnificently beautiful, it challenges the admiration of every sense and commands the unrestrained enthusiasm of every beholder.

Even the workmen who have been laboring day and night to prepare the vast enclosure to receive its guests were struck by the scene as it stretched before them when they entered the gates this morning. Miracles have been accomplished in the last three days, and while there is still work to be done, the ensemble was of completeness. Emptied of the army of laborers and tenanted only by its own beauties, the main court was a striking picture in the early morning.

Coming of the Throng.

It was more impressive in its desolation than when it was a hive of human activity and the immensity of its outlines was more clearly perceptible. Gradually a few hundred workmen appeared and busied themselves in adding a finishing touch here and there and sweeping up the scattered refuse that remained to tell of the previous activities. Almost at the same time the first skirmish lines of exposition visitors arrived and before 9 o'clock the tide of arrivals began to assume the proportions of a torrent. Many of the early visitors were people from the surrounding country, whose immense lunch baskets proclaimed their intention to stay all day, and at first they were contented to range themselves on some elevated point and contemplate the magnificence around them with admiration that seemed too fervent for actual contact. By this time the street railway lines were carrying full loads, and as the forenoon advanced, Twenty-fourth street and Sherman avenue bore a solid procession of motor trains that were loaded to the footboards. The gates were besieged by clamoring multitudes, and the ticket sellers and gate keepers were pressed to their utmost efforts. They were new to the business and there was some delay at first in getting admittance, but it was not sufficient to cause inconvenience. Toward 11 o'clock the crowd began to mobilize in the main court, in anticipation of the opening exercises, and by the time the parade arrived, a solid sea of faces lined both sides of the lagoon and jammed against the buildings in every direction.

Arrangements at the Grounds.

The formal exercises took place at the eastern end of the main court. The speakers occupied an elevated position in the arch of the central pavilion of the east colonnade, being in full view from the seats arranged for the audience on the broad walks surrounding the lagoon. A large stand for the chorus had been erected just in front of the place selected for the speakers, the seats being arranged in banks. The chorus and the Marine band occupied these seats.

In front of this stand and extending around the sweeping colonnades were long rows of settees, and these were occupied at an early hour. The elevated colonnades were crowded with people eager to get a front seat at the approaching exercises. A rope extending from the east ends of the Machinery and Electricity and the Mines buildings to the lagoon rail cut off the entire exedra of the main court, and a score of guards were occupied in keeping the people from breaking through the barriers.

OPENS WITH MUSIC AND PRAYER.

Ceremonies Begin Before an Audience of Ten Thousand.

It was 11:45 when the line of parade reached the grounds and President Wattles led the long line of guests through the Auditorium gate and to the central pavilion. In the party was Governor Holcomb and his official staff, the latter all in uniform, the Nebraska state officers, members of the Board of Directors of the exposition, mayor and city officials of Omaha, members of the exposition commissions of various states, delegates of the Travelers' Protective association, prominent citizens of Omaha and surrounding cities. Manager Rosewater of the Department of Publicity and Promotion was unable to attend, being confined at home as the result of overwork.

The chorus and band took possession of the music stand just as the parade reached the grounds. The United States Marine band occupied the foreground, the bright red coats of the band forming a brilliant spectacle against the variegated background of the chorus. The latter was augmented by a chorus of Lincoln, Neb. When the great crowd of guests and participants had taken their places the ropes were removed and the few remaining seats were quickly filled. There was no attempt to seat the crowd, those who could not find seats filling the broad plaza along both sides of the lagoon. No less than 10,000 persons occupied seats or stood about the east part of the main court in as favorable positions as could be secured.

At 12:15 Director Santtemann raised his baton and the first notes of the Jubilee overture were wafted gently on the vibrating air. The number was played as only the Marine band could play it, and the last note was followed by an outburst of applause.

Dr. Nichols' Prayer.

There was no pause, but President Wattles at once introduced Rev. Samuel J. Nichols of St. Louis to deliver the invocation. He spoke as follows:

O, God, uncreated and eternal in Thy being, Creator and Lord of all, who dost uphold and govern all in infinite power, wisdom, righteousness and goodness, we lift up our hearts to Thee, in adoration and praise. There is none perfect as Thou art. We rejoice in Thy sovereignty; thy greatness is unsearchable. The Heavens declare the glory, and the earth is full of the tokens of Thy goodness. Thou art the bounteous giver of all good, the fountain of all wisdom, the spirit of all knowledge, the source of all life and happiness. We are thy creatures utterly dependent upon Thee; without Thee we have no wisdom or strength or life of our own. We are also Thy children, made in Thy image and capable of sharing Thy life. This honor Thou hast given us and hast crowned us with sovereignty over the earth. It is our privilege to call Thee, our Father in Heaven, unworthy and sinful as we have made ourselves, Thou has not forsaken us, but hast by The holy spirit given us wisdom, and understanding and power. Thou dost inspire men with high purposes, and lead them to execute good and great designs. So, today, in this hour of finished labor, we would not glory in ourselves, or in the work of our hands, but only in Thee, from whom came the wisdom to devise and the power to execute. This glory of human achievement which surrounds us in this place, and which speaks of man's skill and industry, of progress in knowledge and increase of power over the land which Thou hast given us for our inheritance, is only a witness and a memorial to Thy great favor toward us. When we remember the way by which Thou hast led us, and from what to what we have come, we are moved to cry in adoring gratitude, "Thou hast not dealt so with any nation," Thou art the God of our Fathers, who didst lead them to this western world, Thous didst keep a continent hidden until the fulness of time came, when Thou didst throw open its gates that the people prepared for it, and of Thy own choice, might enter in and possess the land. In it Thou has lifted up the people and established a nation of freemen. Thine hand hast led us, marvelously in the past, and through Thy favor we are crowned with riches and honor and might. Our eyes have seen the wonders which Thou has wrought in our midst, so that this day the aged among us stand amazed when they recall the past. For all this exposition represents, for the transfiguration of a wilderness into fruitful fields, and an uninhabited land into populous states, for progress in arts and manufactures, for the fruits of the fields, the riches of the mines and the abundance of the forests, for growth in education, refinement, wealth and the comforts of life, for the supremacy of law, the continuance of our free institutions and the bright hopes for the future, we give Thee, O God, our most hearty and grateful thanks.

O Gracious Father, Whose bounty is infinite, grant now Thy blessing, we entreat Thee, upon all who have labored for the establishment and completion of this enterprise. May what they have done be owned by Thee in advancing and stimulating all the arts of peace, and in promoting the progress and wellbeing of society. Bless the city within whose gates we have come. May peace abide within its walls and prosperity within its palaces. Bless the commonwealth of Nebraska, and let thy favor descend upon its homes, even as the rain and dews upon its fields. Bless the governor of this state and all associated with him in authority and counsel. We pray Thee also in behalf of our common country. Remember Thy servant, the president of the United States, his cabinet, Thy servants in congress assembled, and all who bear rule in the several states of this nation. Grant unto them the spirit of wisdom and counsel, strengthen them for any good work and make them faithful in all things to Thy holy law, so that they may lead the people in righteousness. While we pray for the land we love we would remember before Thee all nations and rulers, especially those who are represented in this exposition. Grant Thy blessing to Queen Victoria and all her subjects, to the president of the republic of Mexico and all whom he represents. May they be led by Thy good spirit in all things, and may peace and good will abide and grow deeper and stronger between them and us. O God of our Fathers, Ruler of Nations, while we celebrate the triumphs of peace, we remember that the shadow of war is upon our land, and that the sound of conflict smites our ears. We earnestly pray that it may please Thee speedily to restore peace, and to hasten the day when under the reign of righteousness and love, all wars shall cease. But if, as we believe, Thou hast called us to take the sword to avenge the wrongs of the helpless and oppressed, and to set free our brothers from their bondage, then make us strong to serve Thee and defend us in the day of battle. Bless the army and the navy; shield them from all perils by land or by sea, and grant them victory, which is in thy hand. O gracious God, most bountiful benefactor, our hearts are this day lifted up in hope, and thou dost make us bold to ask the continuance of Thy favors and larger blessings for the future. Thou has redeemed the region in which we dwell from savage rule, and hast given its abundance into our hands. The wilderness, where once Thy image was defiled by ignorance and superstition, has been filled with happy homes purified by Thy word; Thy temples stand on every side and Thy people sing Thy praise. But surely Thou hast not brought us so far on our way only to leave us. Abide with us; grant us more of Thy light and truth, and make us faithful in all things to Thy holy law, so that through our obedience to Thee, we may be known as that people where God is the Lord. Multiply peace and prosperity among us. Lift up the poor and cast down the proud. Rebuke vice and oppression, cast down the wicked and defeat their plans. Make righteousness to flourish, truth to be established and brotherly love to prevail in all our burdens. All this we humbly ask in the name of Him who has taught us to pray, saying: 'Our Father which art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name. They kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

PRESIDENT WATTLES' ADDRESS.

He Tells What the Great Omaha Exposition Stands For.

Dr. Nichol's prayer was followed by President Wattles, who said:

The Transmississippi and International Exposition is a reality today only by virtue of the pluck and energy and enterprise of the people of the country it represents. Amid the financial depression of the greatest panic of recent years, amid the gloom of drouth and distress which followed this panic, the first steps were taken in this great enterprise.

Against the advice of many of our most conservative citizens, and the prophecy of failure by some, the work was begun. During its early stages there were many discouragements, but when the congress of the United States recognized the exposition as worthy of its encouragement and support all doubts were dispelled, and the people of this community, and of the entire west, rose above the calamities of the hour and united in the work with an energy which insured success.

But these beautiful grounds and buildings have not been prepared and filled with the choicest specimens of the products of the world by chance. This work represents many weary months of toil, many discouragements and vicissitudes, but a final triumph worthy of the men who have given it their best thought and energy. This, the opening day, crowns their work with an adequate reward. We see the results of [?] spectacl[?]

This exposition celebrates no single event in the history of the transmississippi country. This history for the period of a single generation past reveals a succession of achievements, any one of which might properly be the subject of a great demonstration of this character.

Fifty years ago the larger part of the country west of the Mississippi river was unorganized territory, and was indicated on the map as the Great American Desert. Its arid plains and unexplored mountains were occupied by savage tribes, and there herds of buffalo and antelope roamed unmolested by the white man, in solitude unbroken by the implements of civilization.

There Were No Railroads.

No railroad had been constructed west of the Missouri river. But one city of more than 50,000 population had been built west of the Mississippi. The total population of this vast domain, comprising more than two-thirds of the area of the United States, was less than 2,000,000, and more than three-fourths of this population was in three states on its southeastern border.

The city of Omaha had not been founded. The resources on which the city depends for its great commerce today were undeveloped. Gold had just been discovered in California, and the march of civilization toward the west had hardly begun.

Fifty years is within the memory of many here present, but what a change has been wrought in this region. Within its borders are now twenty states and four territories with a population of more than 20,000,000, wealth double that of Spain and Portugal combined, and an internal commerce greater than the foreign commerce of Germany, France and Great Britain.

The Great American Desert is no more. Its eastern part is covered with fertile farms, which produced last year more than 1,000,000,000 bushels of corn and 300,000,000 bushels of wheat which, with the other agricultural products of this section, were sold for more than $1,100,000,000. The western part of this desert now forms the pasture of the nation. On its nutritious grasses feed the herds which supply the meat to the markets of the world.

In 1850 the buffalo which roamed over this region outnumbered the cattle in the United States. In 1895 it is estimated that there were 30,000,000 cattle and 50,000,000 hogs and sheep west of the Mississippi river and the value of the yearly product of these herds is $400,000,000, or nearly equal in value to the animal output of the gold and silver mines throughout the world.

Nor does the grain and stock of this country comprise its only products. The fruit and wine of California and Oregon, the forests of Washington, Minnesota and Arkansas, the sugar of Louisiana, Utah and Nebraska, and the cotton of the southeastern states, furnish no small part of its yearly commerce. But its mines must not be overlooked. From then has been taken in paying quantities every known mineral. The copper, iron and coal already discovered would supply the markets of the world for a century to come. The surface of the mountains and hills has hardly been prospected, but the richest and most extensive gold and silver mines in the world have been discovered. From them has been produced in the past fifty years more than sufficient to pay the government debt at the close of the rebellion, and their annual output now amounts to more than $100,000,000.

Prairie Schooner is Obsolete.

The caravan of prairie schooners, requiring six months of hardship and danger to travel from the Mississippi to the Pacific coast, has been displaced by the overland express, with palace cars provided with all the conveniences of home, which travel the distance in thirty-three hours. No less than 80,000 miles of railroad have been constructed in the transmississippi country during the last fifty years at the fabulous cost of more than $2,000,000,000. Towns and villages have sprung into existence along these roads as by magic. Great cities have been built, commercial relations established with all parts of the world, and manufacturing has assumed enormous proportions.

Surely with all these achievements during the short space of half a century we might well celebrate a growth and development unparalleled in history. But looking to the future, rather than to the past, the commercial congress which authorized this exposition wisely conceived its objects to be the advancements of the commercial interests of the west rather than the celebration of any of its past achievements.

We have gathered here in these beautiful buildings and on these grounds some of the resources of this vast country, and have invited our eastern neighbors and foreign friends to bring their products, and come with their citizens to be our guests and here study with us the lessons of the future which these evidences of our past progress teach. If the exhibition here made of the resources of this new country should demonstrate that greater prosperity and happiness could be found within its borders for many who now live in less favored climes, the purposes of this exposition would be accomplished.

With a history that has hardly been written, but which records greater growth and more important changes than has been made in any other country on earth in 500 years of its life; with natural resources unequalled in value, variety and extent; with a climate which inspires the greatest mental and physical activity; with a people composed of the best elements of all nations who have broken the ties which bound them to the homes of their fathers, and have wrested this country from savage life; with all these advantages and achievements, what can we prophesy for the future generation, and who will attempt to limit the possibilities of a people who have accomplished such wonders in the past?

Will Pale Into Insignificance.

This magnificent exposition, illustrating the products of our soil and mines and factories, made possible by the inventions of the last century, will pale into insignificance at the close of the twentieth century. When the agricultural resources of this rich country are fully developed by the use of its rivers and streams for irrigation; when the sugar, as well as the bread and meat for the markets of the world shall be produced here and carried to these markets by the electric forces of nature; when the minerals in our mountains and the gold and silver in our mines, shall be extracted and utilized by this same force; when our natural products shall be manufactured here, then this transmississippi country will support a population in peace and plenty greater than the present population of any other nation in the world.

When we consider that the British empire, exclusive of its colonies, embraces only 121,000 square miles, that the civilization of Egypt was supported on less than 10,000 square miles, and that with the same density of population as the state of Ohio this country would provide homes for 300,000,000 people, we can appreciate the possibilities which the future has in store in this, the richest part of the world's domain.

Standing at the close of a century teeming with great discoveries and inventions which have elevated the civilization of the world to a higher plane than ever before, surrounded with such evidences of the past progress and future possibilities of this country, who can prophesy its future greatness, and who can estimate the influence of this exposition in accelerating its development? Like a great beacon light it sends its rays throughout the land and challenges the attention of the world. To the homeless millions of less favored lands it is a messenger of promise. To the weary mariner whose fortunes have been wrecked on the seas of adversity it is a harbinger of hope. It opens new field to the investor, inspires the ambition of the genius, incites the emulation of states, and stands the crowning glory in the history of the west.

SENATOR ALLEN SENDS REGRETS.

Unable to Attend in Person, but Present by Letter.

President Wattles announced that Senator W. V. Allen had been detained in Washington and was unable to be present and address the people as he had intended. Instead, the senator had sent a letter expressing his sentiments and the president asked G. M. Hitchcock to read the letter. The document was as follows:

WASHINGTON, D. C., May 28, 1898.—Hon. Gurdon W. Wattles, Omaha: My Dear Sir—It has become apparent that it will be impracticable for me to be at the opening of the exposition. I regret this extremely, as it has been my desire to be present, if possible, on that occasion. Having had intimate connection with the promotion of the enterprise from its inception, I have taken a deep interest in its success, believing that it will furnish our people a desirable and peculiar means of education and that it will be highly valuable in attracting attention to Nebraska in a way that could not be done otherwise. I do not doubt the exposition will be successful, and that hundreds of thousands of people will by it be attracted to Omaha and the state at large who would otherwise know little of the state and city, and that every one who may visit Nebraska during the exposition will be amply well satisfied. With our great natural resources, beautiful summer scenery, and the health-giving qualities of our climate, Nebraska could not be otherwise than attractive to visitors, apart from what may be seen at the exposition. Our possibilities as a state are almost boundless and at present inconceivable. The Nebraska fifty years from now will present one of the greatest and richest agricultural and commercial communities of the world.

But much as I would like to be with you, and much as I have desired and intended, if possible, to be, I feel that I could not excuse myself for leaving my post of duty at this time when congress is engaged in discussing ways and means of raising money with which to successfully prosecute the present war against Spain. We were altogether too long derelict in our duty to Cuba. Within less than 100 miles from our shores the extermination of 1,500,000 people by starvation, of old men, boys, women and children, including sucklings, went on unchecked until one-third of the population of Cuba have died by that means. We could no longer justify ourselves in the eyes of the Christian and civilized world by declining to take immediate cognizance of the conditions there prevailing and live up to our high professions of humanity by intervening in the war between Spain and he Cuban subjects. We, of all nations of the western hemisphere, have the power to say to Spain that she shall not depopulate Cuba by starvation, for aspiring to gain the liberty we ourselves enjoy and hold to be the rightful heritage of all.

From the start I have advocated Cuban liberty, even at a time when it was not popular in the senate to do so, and having been a pioneer in the cause, I could not feel that my duty was discharged unless I remained at my desk in the senate until the ways and means of raising the necessary money to prosecute the war successfully have been fully determined.

I trust I may be permitted to spend a portion of my summer vacation at the exposition and contribute my full share to its success, and if at any time it shall be deemed desirable by the management for me to deliver an address, I will gladly do so. I trust you will do me the honor of announcing during the exercises the fact that I am detained by my duties at Washington.

Expressing the hope and the full confidence that the exposition will be pre-eminently successful and that ere the summer is gone the war with Spain will have been successfully terminated, and the Philippines, Cuba and Porto Rico made free and Spain forever driven from her last foot of territory on this continent, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ADDRESS OF JOHN L. WEBSTER.

Glories of the Transmississippi Region Graphically Pictured.

President Wattles announced that in the absence of Senator Allen he had requested one of the members of the board of directors of the exposition, Hon. John L. Webster, with one day's notice, to take part in the exercises. He introduced Mr. Webster, who said:

We meet today amid surroundings that excite the most lively imagination and rouse the dullest sensibilities. Entrancing and bewitching scenes are all about us. The best that architecture could plan and that skill could construct and that art could decorate and adorn, make up the exterior of this, the most unique exposition ever witnessed on the American continent.

These mighty structures stand where fifty years ago were the clustered tepees of the Omaha Indians. Then the silence of this place was disturbed only by the Indian war sound, by the revelry of the Indian dance, and the prairies rang with no sound but the war whoop of the aborigine. Today it is surrounded by twenty thousand buildings, the homes of one hundred and fifty thousand people, who are the members of the rich commercial city of Omaha.

But this is not an exposition for our city, or for our state. We are part and parcel of the great transmississippi country, a country extending from the river on the east which Do Soto discovered, westward to the Pacific ocean, and from the Mexican Republic on the south to the British possessions on the north—a country with more than fifteen millions of Anglo-Saxon people. It is a country now divided into states and territories, each large enough for an empire, with resources unparalleled, with soil unexcelled, and with capabilities immeasurable. It is the granary and market house of the world. To borrow a thought from Edmund Burke: "The scarcity which the empires and kingdoms of Europe have many times felt would have been a desolating famine if this child of their old age, with a true filial piety, with a Roman charity, had not put the breast of its youthful exuberance to the mouth of its exhausted parents.

On this spot the vast resources and mighty wealth of this extensive transmississippi territory are today put on exhibition, not so much for our own instruction and entertainment as that the rest of mankind may come and see for themselves, look on with startled amazement and depart with astonishment and wonder.

But we are not satisfied nor a sectional people. We are part of a rich commercial nation. We know but one constitution, but one country, but one flag. We have opened the doors of the exposition to all our fellow citizens and received the products and exhibits of all the states, which gives it a truly national character.

World Wide in Scope.

We are a cosmopolitan people and extended the scope of the enterprise until it became international in character. Canada upon the north and the republics of South America are here mingling with us. Exhibitors from various countries in Europe are here vying with each other in their efforts to excel. Here may be seen the Italian, who walks the streets where Caesar's legions once trod; the Greek from the classic land where Athens was and where the Spartans won an unfading historic fame. Here are a dusky people, with their camels, from the deserts of Arabia. Here are Turks from that land whose people bow in prayer at the voice of the priest from the minaret.

Then, too, we welcome the Asiatics from the western shores of the Pacific. Here is the Mongolian race from the Chinese empire, which traces its dynasty back through fabulous ages. Here are exhibitors from Japan—that country which in our day has taken a mighty leap in advance, and is now recognized as one of the commercial and naval powers of the world. It is this exposition, so grand in conception, so broad in purpose and so comprehensive in character, that is this day thrown upon the throng here present, and which extends a hearty welcome to the millions who shall visit it.

To build these immense palaces of beauty we have drawn from the past as well as from the present. We have studied the artistic among all people and in all countries. In architecture we have drawn from whatever was most beautiful in Gothic, whatever was most refined in classic, whatever was most desirable in Grecian and whatever was most noble in Roman, and supplemented and improved theme with the most artistic conceptions of the present age, and the result we see before us is a realistic picture of a fairy scene.

This decorative statuary is not the fruit of a day, the birth of an hour. It is the present imprint of an art which had its supreme revival in the Moses of Michael Angelo and Titian's tomb by Canova. The figures which these sculptors chiseled from marble were the letters of the alphabet of art and have left an impression on the centuries which have come after them. Out of the fulfillment of that art American skill has decorated these buildings with forms of grace and of beauty which express the taste and refinement of this age.

Within the walls of these beautiful buildings one way wander in a bewildering maze of exhibits. There will be found the best and richest productions of American soil; cotton from the vast plantations of Louisiana and Mississippi, ripened grain from the wheat fields of Minnesota, Washington and Oregon; and the golden king corn from Kansas and Nebraska. There may be seen the woods and finished lumber culled from pine forests of Michigan, and the high towering trees of the Columbia river. There may be seen minerals, copper from the Anaconda and silver and gold which the energy of our mountain pioneers have delved from beneath the Rockies and Sierras. There will be seen the skilled handiwork of the mechanic and artisan, and in Machinery hall the perfected result of what was once an inventor's dream. Within this circle is gathered evidences of the toil, of the prosperity, and of the refinement of seventy millions of industrial people, who have brought America to its present high standard of national supremacy.

Emblem of Republican Majesty.

The Government building at the west end of the lagoon, with its long colonnades and high shining dome, supporting the Goddess of Liberty, stands as the emblem of power and strength and majesty of this republic. It speaks for the greatness of our nation, the realization of what John Bright once said:

I see one vast confederation stretching from the frozen north in unbroken line to the glowing south, and from the wild billows of the Atlantic westward to the calmer waters of the Pacific main, and I see one people, and one law and one language and one faith, and over all that wide continent the home of freedom and a refuge for the oppressed of every race and of every clime.

We have reached the condition pictured by John Bright, and we have passed beyond it. Our commerce envelops the seas and our navy is in the flush of victory. Our grasp is on the Sandwich islands and our gallant Dewey holds the Philippines.

The nation's future which John Bright saw falls short of the future we see today. We are amazed at our own growth since the days of Washington and Jefferson to our present invincible power. We are now on the high vantage ground where we can look forward to the fulfillment of American destiny. The present is already a realized dream and the brightness of the future is stronger than a vision.

To know the present let me draw a contrast from the past. Marcus Aurelius ruled over Rome at the closing of its golden period. His victories in war and achievements in peace classed him in the minds of Romans, with Caesar and Augustus. In a plaza at Rome there was erected a high, towering monument to his memory. Circling around the column from the base to the capitol the historic scenes and incidents of his career were carved and chiseled in the solid marble.

That column still stands, browned by the centuries that have rolled by since its construction. It stands not alone as a relic of antiquity, but as an historic monument of an age when civilization, linked with all that makes a nation great and powerful, was in eastern Europe, and when one man ruled the farthest known portions of the world to the confines of the western sea. At the side of the square close by is a high and gray colored building, and along its front in blazoned letters is the name of an American insurance company.

There is a singular linking together by way of contrast of the changed conditions of seventeen hundred years. If Marcus Aurelius could come forth from his long slumber his eye would rest on that monument on which is recorded the deeds of Rome' greatness and grandeur, and he would see that Imperial City mouldy with age and its magnificent structures crumbling into ruins. When he looked on the assembled multitudes he would not see the legions of old that marched under his command. He would see a new people and hear a new language. If he inquired what had wrought this great change, he would find that civilization in its onward course and westward march had discovered a new continent beyond the sea. That a new race of people with a new language had built up a mighty republic of seventy millions of people, where industry had an open field, where science has made new discoveries, where literature and art and refinement were the common property of all her citizens. That this new people with characteristic energy and enterprise were insuring the lives of the lazaroni.

Triumph of Fifty Years.

The scene thus presented to Marcus Aurelius would be more astonishing to him than were the lines upon the wall which were interpreted to Nebuchednezzar. Yet, this transmississippi country has developed more and accomplished more in the last fifty years than was worked out in the seventeen centuries that marked the space of time between the ages of Marcus Aurelius and the planting of this western civilization which this exposition is builded to commemorate.

To judge of the future, let us draw another lesson from the past: The earliest civilization had its habitation in western Asia, in Palestine and Assyria. It joined hands with trade and commerce as time rolled by and left Babylon and Nineveh in ruins, and took up its abode in Egypt and northern Africa. Later on it left the land of the sphynx and pyramids and took up its abode in Greece, the land that became famous by the sculpture of Praxiteles, by the matchless oratory of Demosthenes, by the wisdom and philosophy of Socrates and Plato and by the statesmanship of Pericles and Phocian; the land whose patriotism made the names Thermopylae and Marathon synonymous with all that is daring and brave and glorious in war.

Time rolled on and civilization, with its companions, trade and commerce, left this land of charming scenes and bewitching history and passed westward across the Adriatic to imperial Rome. From the age of Caesar and Augustus to the time of Constantine Rome ruled the old world. But civilization traveled westward until it reached the confines of Europe, where the ocean seemed a barrier, and stayed its progress for fourteen long centuries. Rome crumbled into ruins, Brussels and Antwerp and Paris and London became the commercial centers. Italy broke into dukedoms and provinces and England, France and Germany became the ruling nations of Europe. Civilization, urged on by its companions, trade and commerce, like a man of nervous energy and restless ambition, found a way to cross the ocean and the new continent of America was discovered. They crossed the stormy waters of the sea and made their new home in this western hemisphere. Here our nation has grown up and the scepter of supremacy has passed from the old world to the new.

In the fulfillment of our destiny, and to hold trade and commerce within our grasp, we have to work out the problem of universal civilization. We may have to join hands with the great powers of Europe to compass the trade of western Asia, and bring it across the Pacific into the harbor of Puget Sound, and through the Golden Gate.

Destiny of the Anglo-Saxon.

We are an international nation; Europe is on the east of us, and Asia is on the west of us. It is no longer a question of the far east, it is a question of the west. In the southern waters of the Pacific is Australia, practically a newly discovered country. The Anglo-Saxon people are already there. It is like a new risen sun in the southwestern waters, whose foreign commercial trade of more than six hundred million dollars per year demands our most considerate attention.

There, too, at our western door is Japan already a great commercial nation, and with a navy that takes first rank with the modern sphynxs of war which float in Pacific waters.

There, too, is China. Russia has crossed the territory with a line of railroad, whose depot stands fronting the surf-line of the western ocean, and her flag floats over Port Arthur. England, Germany and France have their navies floating from her fortified harbors. China is about to awake from her hibernating sleep of four thousand years. Her four hundred millions of people are to become the consumers of American products and the patrons of American commerce. Who can say that within the next fifty years the commercial trade of the Pacific shall not take supremacy over the commercial trade of the Atlantic? May not this exposition mark the beginning of a new era of prosperity, when the commerce of Europe and of Asia shall find their race course across this mid-continent and pour out their wealth to overflowing in this transmississippi country.

A month ago it was a serious question whether the war with Spain would not injure this exposition, but within a month it has become an accentuation of the expansive power of the American nation. A month ago the American people were disposed to cling to the traditional policy of isolation; today they receive with patriotic enthusiasm the doctrine of annexation and of conquest. A month ago the Philippines were in the far east; today they are in the nearer west.

Emilio Castelar said to the Spanish Cortes twenty-seven years ago words which in these days of rapid change breathe the spirit of prophecy:

America, and especially Saxon America, with its immense virgin territories, with its republic, with its equilibrium between stability and progress, with its harmony between liberty and democracy, is the continent of the future, the immense continent stretched by God between the Atlantic and the Pacific, where mankind may essay and resolve all social problems. Europe is to decide whether she will confound herself with Asia, placing upon her lands old altars and upon the altars old idols, and upon the idols plutocracies, and upon the plutocracies empires, or whether she will collaborate with America in the grand work of universal civilization.

Spain's Great Mistake.

Spain heeded not his voice. She has not taken part with America in the grand work of civilization. She has clung to her old idols and her despotic empire. In this, the close of the nineteenth century, she carried to the beautiful island of Cuba the cruel and relentless warfare of the fourteenth century.

Our Saxon civilization of which Castelar spoke entered its protest against the barbarism of the middle ages being transplanted to this island of the western hemisphere, and determined to eradicate it by the severe arbitrament of war. It is our high standard of civilization, our love of liberty, our sympathy with suffering humanity, our regard for national honor, that has brought us to the initial point where we must solve questions of national policy, and which we are to settle for future ages before the present century shall close.

A month ago the Sandwich islands seemed too remote an object for the grasp of national ambition. They have now become a resting place for the American army in its race across the Pacific to give aid and assistance to our navy in the Philippines, and to make complete the conquest of Admiral Dewey, whose victory at Manila is the wonder of the age and the marvel of the seas.

Yonder Administration building is supported by four open arches, looking toward the four points of the compass. They are emblematic of the thought that this exposition stands in the center of the American republic, and that the people of the transmississippi country, through those gateways, are ready to welcome to us the commerce and trade from the four corners of the earth, which shall make us the greatest, the happiest and the most prosperous people in the world.

SPEECH OF HON. JOHN N. BALDWIN.

Iowa Orator Does Both Himself and His State Proud.

The "Song of Welcome" was sung by the Exposition chorus, accompanied by the Marine band. The words of this opening ode were written in honor of the occasion by Henry M. Blossom of St. Louis and the music was composed by Mrs. H. H. A. Beech of Boston. The volume of tone produced by the chorus exceeded the fondest anticipations of the warmest friends of the organization. In spite of the fact that it was the first attempt of the chorus to sing in the opening air, without a covering to prevent the dissipation of the sound in the upper air, the rendition of the tuneful ode was executed in a manner which would have done credit to any of the older and larger choral organizations of the country. Musical Director Kimball wielded the banton​ and both chorus and band responded as a unit.

John N. Baldwin of Council Bluffs, the principal orator of the occasion, was introduced by President Wattles and spoke as follows:

Man delights in retrospection and indulges in anticipation. The faithful historian never lacks appreciative audiences, for the dullest eye must lighten and the most sluggish pulse quicken at the recital of the trials and triumphs of the past. Neither is a prophet without honor even in his own country, when to listeners, whose hopes and aims are one with his, he predicts a glorious future.

But the critic of existent institutions treads no primrose path. Unless carefully guarded in expression, he will damn with faint praise, disgust with fulsome flattery, or awaken jealousy by unfavorable comparison. In all ages there are those who insist that the present time is sick and out of joint; that there is nothing in the present like unto the past; that whatever is, is not comparable with what is to be.

Fortunately for the progress of the world, those who revel in rehearsals and venture so much in prophecy have not been in the majority; only sufficient in number to disturb and impede. It is sad to say, but it must be said, that in our own time there are many individuals who insist that there is no progress today except in mechanics.

They croak and cry. It is simply the time of steam, steel and starvation. Like puny whispers, they pull their pencils to write, "The State in Danger." They declare and resolve that governments are so drawn and trussed that for the few there is plethoric plenty, while the many starve. They philosophize that this is an age of machinery, not an heroical, devotional, philosophical or moral age.

These contentions and opinions imposed upon the thoughtful, intelligent and progressive men of the time, who believe that the present is better than the past and promises more for the future, the task of denial, of assertion and of proof. To deny and assert, is easy. To prove requires organization and labor.

In their efforts to arouse men to more glorious triumphs they met with many difficulties. "Happy men are full of the present, for it's bounty suffices them; and wise men also, for its duties engage them." The busy man would say, "With me it is what I eat, where shall I drink, my body, what shall it put on?" The iconoclastic man, "Do not talk about our achievements. It is better to listen forever than to brag." Among these and many others the opinion prevailed that there are two classes of lies, common lies and statistics. "Give us proofs," they say, "outward signs and tokens."

In vain did they plead, as did the wise men of old, "Say not thou, 'What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this."

From out these discussions, controversies and opinions evolved the idea of an exposition. Tested, it has been found to be practical and promotive. The exposition is an item of evidence. It goes to prove not only what has been done, but what may be accomplished. It is an eyewitness and an expert. It lays in your hands the record of the past. It makes, while you look, the exhibits of the present. It paints before your eyes the splendor of still greater acievements​ on the cloud curtain of the future. It shows itself, wherever there is a spirit of commercialism, a sense of pride and an impulse for improvement.

The exposition has become the instrument of civilization. Being a concomitant to empire, westward it takes its way. The Crystal palace, the Centennial, the World's fair, the Transmississippi and International Exposition!

We celebrate at this hour the opening of the Transmississippi and International Exposition, and this day marks an important era in our development.

Object of the Exposition.

The purpose of this exposition is to display the products, manufactures and industries of the states and territories west of the Mississippi river. The territory embraced is two-thirds of the area of the union and contains nineteen states and five territories. Part of this territory was acquired by purchase from France in 1803 and part by treaties, negotiations and cessions.

I refer to these facts because from 1802 to 1850 this purchase, these treaties and these cesssions​ were the subject of public discussion, and much that was said and written fittingly illustrates the thought I have heretofore endeavored to express.

During these times some there were who dealt much in prophecy, and what they then foretold is of surpassing interest in view of what has since happened.

Referring to the standard histories and leading reviews of this period, I find that the opponents of the acquisition of this territory said: "The east would be depopulated. The mere extent of territory would rend the republic apart; that no common ties of interest would ever bind together under on government men who fought Indians, trapped bears and hunted buffaloes, and men who built ships and caught fish in the harbors of the Atlantic ocean. It would enormously increase the public debt. Two millions for an island and possibly as much ground on the main land as is now covered by the state of New York was enough in all conscience, but to pay $15,000,000 for lands containing over 1,000,000 square miles was revolutionary and unconstitutional. The limits of the federation could not be safely extended beyond the Stony (Rocky) mountains." As late as 1825 one United States senator boldly proclaimed in the senate, "A member of congress traveling from his home to Washington and return would cover a distance of 9,200 miles. At the rate of thirty miles per day, and allowing him forty-four days for Sundays, 350 days would be consumed and the member would have fourteen days in Washington before he started home. It would be quicker to go around Cape Horn or by Bering's straits, Baffin's bay and Davis strait to the Atlantic, and so to Washington."

Moans of Early Croakers.

They also said, "All settlers who go beyond the Mississippi river will be forever lost to the United States." Pike, whose name is attached to the giant peak of the Rockies, condemned these plains to everlasting sterility. He officially reported to the War department as follows: "From these immense prairie will be derived one great advantage to the United States, namely, the restriction of our population to some certain limits, and thereby a continuation of the union. They will be constrained to limit themselves to the borders of the Missouri and Mississippi, while they leave the prairies, incapable of cultivation, to the wandering and uncivilized aborigines of the country."

In 1858 the North American Review declared: "The people of the United States have reached their inland western frontier, and the banks of the Missouri are the shores at the termination of a vast ocean desert for 1,000 miles in breadth, which it is proposed to travel, if at all, with caravans of camels and which interpose a final barrier to the establishment of large communities, agricultural, commercial or even pastoral."

In all authorized publications and on all school maps the strip of land lying west of the Missouri river and east of the Rocky mountains, south to the Mexican frontier and north to British America, was called an "Unknown Land" and designated as the "Great American Desert."

I have the honor today of being the official spokesman of the Transmississippi and International Exposition. In the discharge of the duty imposed upon me I now and here assert, realizing full well the breadth and depth and meaning of every word I utter, that in fertility and productiveness of soil, in mountains and meadows, rivers and lakes, metals and minerals, forests and farms, sea coast and harbors, cereals, fruits and flowers, cattle, horses and hogs, healthful climate, grandeur of scenery and intelligence and industry of inhabitants, there is not on this globe a body or tract of land of the same area equal to that region of country covered by the states and territories of the union west of the Mississippi river.

Ready to Show Them.

In proof whereof we welcome you to these grounds. Come through these gates and enter these buildings. We will give you "ocular proof," or

With samples and exhibits, records and reports, with representatives credentialed and accredited, we will prove to the thoughtful, intelligent and unprejudiced people of the world that the "Great American Desert" must have deserted, for it cannot be found. Where fifty years ago they said it was, we will show a farm of 67,000,000 acres under cultivation, producing annually products of the value of $1,000,000,000.

The prairies which were considered "incapable of cultivation," produce annually 1,200,000,000 bushels of corn, 350,000,000 bushels of wheat and 30,000,000 tons of hay, of the aggregate value of $600,000,000, making no accounting of the other cereals, the fruits and the vegetables.

Instead of "trapping bear and hunting buffalo," 9,000,000 horses and mules work in the valleys; 32,000,000 cattle feed on the hills; 51,000,000 of sheep and hogs fleece and fatten, and this live stock alone is of the aggregate value of $1,200,000,000.

They thought $15,000,000 was an extortionate price to pay for this "wilderness." Today the annual output of gold and silver is $100,000,000, of copper and other minerals $100,000,000, and of coal $30,000,000. With the precious metals alone from our mines we could pay the purchase price in sixty days.

The "barrier to the establishment of commercial enterprise," stormed by the sturdy frontiersmen, gave way, and on the other side hum and whirl the wheels of factories turning our annually $1,400,000,000 worth of the best and cheapest manufactured goods in the world.

The "caravans of camels" not coming from their Egyptian midnight, the people of this country constructed 80,000 miles of railway as a means of travel and transportation.

Homes of Millions.

In the land where only fifty years ago "wandering and uncivilized aborigines" sought shelter in wigwams and leaf tents, now line 22,000,000 of intelligent people, with 121 universities and colleges, 62,000 school houses, 5,700,000 children, 6,000 newspapers and 45,000 religious organizations having a membership of 3,500,000 and worshipping in 44,000 church edifices.

The aggregate wealth of this region of country is $22,000,000,000, or more than one-half of the entire capital of Great Britain.

These are not figures of speech, but the arithmetic of facts. I have given the numbers round, but always under.

For one of these territories the government paid $7,000,000, yet in a few years it received from the seal islands embraced therein, alone, the purchase price, and there is now in sight in its gold mines treasure enough to pay the national debt.

Another has the greatest onyx mines in the world, yet its shipments of fruit amount to 10,000,000 pounds a year.

One of these transmississippi states has the greatest deposits of marble of any state in the union, and yet this same state took the prize at the Columbian exposition for the best apples in the world.

Another leads the union not only in gold and silver production, but in the production of wool as well, and it has more seacoast than the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina combined.

Still another produces annually an amount equal to four hundred dollars for each of its inhabitants, man, woman and child, and no other country in the world can show an equal product per capita.

Another state has already taken from its mines silver to an amount equal to the present circulation of silver coin in the United States. One thousand miles from the place where stand the greatest flour mills in the world, and all in this same territory, is a land where cotton, corn and olives grow in adjoining fields.

In one state there is a greater variety of minerals than in any other section of country of like size in the world. Another has a region of country in the hills, a hundred miles square, which is the richest in the world, containing the largest and most easily worked mass of low grade ore yet discovered. Another has an area equal to the German empire, with sixty-two thousand square miles to spare, and could sustain upon its surface with ease and prosperity the entire population of the United States.

Wealthy in Other Ways.

Here we find "literature and the elegant arts growing up side by side with the grosser plants of daily interest." In almost every city are academies of painting, sculpture, music and literature. The development in the fine arts has not been as conspicuous in the industrial pursuits. I do not think that I would be superfluously explanatory if I assigned the reason.

These people have imagination and taste, and long to hold communion with the visible forms of all that is beautiful and refined, but for the last fifty years they have been using their brain and brawn in a war with rude nature. They have been employing their genius to find reason and glory in matter. With them it has been an age of utility and utensil. Egyptian and Indian architecture. Phidian sculptures, gothic ministers, Italian paintings, Grecian [?] and Scottish ballads are not produced [?]   [?]people whose time is consumed in constructing railways, building cities, disemboweling mountains, draining lakes into irrigating canals, "bottling up the forces of gravity and selling it by retail," yoking electricity and steam, and directing them both as unwearied and obedient servants.

The results which this exposition will show have been attained are largely due to the character of the people who took possession of this land. They were of the best blood of the union; men of depth and range; of aplomb and reserve; of judgment and common sense. Men who would spare nothing and wanted everything. Men who believed in action and knew the value of every moment of time. Men who realized "that the poorest day that passes over us is the conflux of two eternities. It is made up of currents that issue from the remotest past and flow onward into the remotest future." Men who soon found that agriculture was just beginning when they felled the forest, and that driving from the streams the Indian and his canoe was not the end of commerce. Men who were willing to give their life work to making the alphabet of the language of development, leaving the word forming and phrase making to those who would succeed them. Men who, actuated by the impulse to better themselves and also their descendants, co-operating with the organic effort of nature "to mount and ameliorate," overcame the "wilderness" and converted the "desert" into a garden of benefits.

Man of This People.

I do not believe I shall have adequately discharged the duty of this office unless I speak of one other factor in the glorious development of this great country. We today should bow our heads in reverence and speak the name of Abraham Lincoln. The greatest single factor or agency in the development of this country and in the bringing of this people together in a spirit of union and brotherhood was the construction of the Pacific railways, and Abraham Lincoln was the leading public man who had sufficient prescience of the necessity of the construction of these railways.

And Abraham Lincoln was of this people. He was born about 100 miles from the east line of the Louisiana purchase. For fifty-two of the fifty-six years of his life on earth he labored in this territory with the pioneers for the development of this country, the organization of its society and the establishment and preservation of this government. He was a frontiersman, and yet of all the greatest, the best and the mightiest men of the past nineteen centuries, he was the only man of whom we can say, "Some there are who doubt he​ divinity of Christ, but no one the godliness of Lincoln."

"When the cornerstone of this great enterprise was laid, many were the things which we promised you would see and hear on Opening day. And now into these magnificent buildings and on these beautiful ground we ask the people of the earth to come and judge of their fulfillment.

While your eyes are enraptured with the glories of these scenes, your ears will be enchanted with our promised song.

Had Close Attention.

Mr. Baldwin's powerful voice penetrated ever recess of the main court and the audience maintained the closest attention, following his brilliant peroration with a burst of applause.

"The Voice of Our Nation," a fantasia of national airs, popular folk songs and old-time war melodies, rendered with the beautiful effects characteristic of the Marine band, won the hearts of the people and frequent applause, cheers and shouts as well known airs were played, betokened the growing popularity of the band and the delight of the thousands of the hearers. There was more than one moist eye as the familiar old time songs were rendered with feeling and wonderful expression. The veterans of the rebellion were especially affected as certain of the songs so familiar thirty years ago were rendered with an effect which recalled the old days. The change from grave to gay was instantaneous and the scarcely repressed tears were chased away by smiles as the stirring snatches succeeded one another in rapid succession. The medley ended with the "Star Spangled Banner" and the immense audience rose to its feet as the opening strains floated over the lagoon and remained standing until the number was finished.

M'KINLEY'S GREETING BY WIRE.

Officials at Washington Participate in Opening Exercises.

When the time came to receive the message of President McKinley the long distance telephone line proved unequal to the emergency for some reason which no one seemed to understand and a hastily improvised telegraph line was run to the central pavilion and Superintendent W. W. Umsted attached a box sounder to the wire. Seated in a chair with the sounder on another chair, Mr. Umsted took the message of the president on his knee. In spite of the awkwardness of the situation the message was transcribed and handed to Governor Holcomb to read. It was as follows:

The cordiality of the invitation extended to me to be present at the opening of your great exposition is deeply appreciated and I more deeply regret that public duties prevent me from leaving the capital at this time.

The events of the memorable half century which the Transmississippi and International Exposition commemorates are interwoven with the history of the whole nation, and are of surpassing importance. The mighty west affords most striking evidences of the splendid achievements and possibilities of our people. It is a matchless tribute to the energy and endurance of the pioneer, while its vast agricultural development, its progress in manufactures, its advancement in the arts and sciences and in all departments of education and endeavor have been inestimable contributions to the civilization and wealth of the world.

Nowhere have the unconquerable determination, self-reliant strength and sturdy manhood of our American citizenship been more forcibly illustrated. In peace or war the men and women of the west have ever been in the vanguard. I congratulate the management upon its magnificent enterprise and assure all who participate in this undertaking of the deep interest which the government has in its success.

REMARKS OF GOVERNOR HOLCOMB.

Speaks in Behalf of Nebraska, the Exposition State.

After reading President McKinley's message Governor Holcomb spoke on behalf of the state of Nebraska as follows:

This occasion, the day and the hour, will ever remain memorable in the history of the transmississippi country. It marks a most interesting event in the history of this commonwealth and measures a step forward in the progress of our great republic. To the people of Nebraska the ceremonies attending the opening of the Transmississippi and International Exposition are freighted with special and personal interests of the most impressive character.

This day has been anxiously awaited by every patriotic citizen of the state. The inception and successful inauguration of an enterprise, so grand in its scope and fraught, as we believe it is, with so much good to the present and future generations, is gratifying alike to all. An exposition denoting the ever advancing civilization of the present age, and by a people inhabiting over one-half of the area of the United States and comprising over one-third of its population, held within the boundaries of our great commonwealth, is an honor and a distinction gratifying to our state pride, and for which all Nebraskans are duly appreciative. For five months it will be the great pleasure, as well as a high privilege, for our people to extend with welcome hands and warm hearts a hospitable greeting to the people of all portions of our common country, and to those from other lands who may participate in or visit this magnificent display. We cordially invite all to visit us and view the evidences of the marvelous progress made by the people of the great west in the material advancement in the industries, arts and sciences; to learn of the wonderful and inexhaustible resources of a country which in extent forms an empire ,and whose unparalleled resources when utilized can be made to bless and make happy millions of mankind who may in this vast domain find innumerable opportunities for the establishment of prosperous homes.

Wonders of the Wealthy West.

Here, gathered by the energy, industry and ingenuity of man, will be found the products of land and sea, of farm and field, of factory and mine, all giving evidence of the wonderful richness of a country yet only partially developed, and displaying the marvelous progress made by its citizens in keeping step with the grand march of civilization throughout the world. The spirit of progress and philanthropy in the upbuilding of an industrial empire in our midst, displayed upon every hand, must challenge the admiration and solicit unstinted praise from all who shall visit us and behold what has been accomplished by these people in scarce one-half century of labor. These are the evidences of the intelligent and well directed efforts of a people who, with a courage that is undaunted and a faith that is undismayed, have wrested from nature's primeval conditions this beautiful land, and established a civilization that will forever bless mankind.

This great exposition celebrates and commemorates no important epoch in the history of the country. It is an epoch in itself. It has grown and assumed shape and form as an expression of the desires of a people to celebrate the development of the resources of a country, the result of their own struggles, labors and final triumphs. It is grander and far more reaching in its scope than the celebration of some anniversary in our country's history. It emphasizes and makes comprehensive the accomplishments of an intelligent, progressive people toward a higher civilization. It is a composite picture of the growth of a people made during the early years of settlement in a new and untried country. It is befitting that as the nineteenth century is drawing to a close, with its fruitage of the manifold blessings which have been showered upon the people of the earth during its reign, that we of the western and newer half of the American republic should take an inventory of the stock of great riches of which we are possessed in order that we may thereby be the better enabled to assume the duties and responsibilities and to solve the problems of the advancement of the human race that come crowding upon us with the dawning of the twentieth century.

Duty of a Good Citizen.

With the force of a proverb it has been said of man "Know thyself;" and with greater emphasis may it be declared, "Know thy country." Study its structure as formed by divine hands. Know its rivers and mountains, its forests and prairies, its valleys and plains, its climate and soil. Learn of its hidden treasures of gold and silver, of coal and iron; its productive fields of grain and grasses, of vegetables and fruits, its plains of rich grazing for horses, cattle and sheep. Inform yourself of th[?]towns, of telegraphs and telephon[?]roads and steamboats, of the [?] arteries of commerce, the facili[?]change of the products of man[?] and industry, and a faint concep[?]gained of the present greatness [?] possibilities of this magnificen[?]sissippi country.

As this beautiful exposition c[?] thousands of exhibits represent[?] branch of industry, pleasing to [?] inspiring to the mind, has sprun[?]istence in so short a period as i[?] so has the transmississippi coun[?]oped during the last half century [?]velous rapidity. This has been a[?] by the courage and untiring ener[?] who have peopled its broad don[?] evidences here witnessed of th[?]ment of the people and the d[?] of the country's resources inspir[?] a spirit of thankfulness that God[?] us so goodly a land, to be mad[?] and to fructify for the enjoymen[?]fit of mankind.

Though young in years we of th[?] no allowance on the score of age[?]lenge investigation and compa[?] improvements made by countries [?] years, confident that no unfavora[?]sion of us will result therefrom[?] hour of festivity and rejoicing [?] unmindful that it is also a time [?] the nation. Loyal citizens from [?]tion of the country have sprung [?] defense of national honor, [?]cause of humanity. Sectio[?] have been obliterated in [?] of threatened danger from foreig[?] reunited people are fighting si[?] under the Stars and Stripes, [?] of liberty and progress.

Amidst these marvelous collecti[?] triumphs in the peaceful pursu[?] we hope it may again be demons[?] "peace hath her victories no less[?] than war" and that our country [?] east may meet us here in th[?] city of the continent, learn of o[?] in the past, our aspirations and [?] our hopes for the future and th[?] of our purpose and determinat[?]tribute to a better civilization i[?] this great country and to atta[?] destiny designed for us by the[?] the Universe.

President Wattles announced [?] machinery of the exposition [?] started by President McKinley [?]ercises would be closed by the [?] "America" by the audience. [?]crowd joined in the singing, [?] Marine band and the chorus, a[?] blowing of whistles and the s[?]thusiastic thousands the Tran[?] and International Exposition w[?] inaugurated.

ONE MIGHTY COLUMN

Civic and Military Societies Gather to Honor the Occasion.

PARADE AN AUSPICIOUS SUCCESS

Procession from the City to the Grounds Watched by Thousands.

HOLIDAY THRONGS ON THE STREETS

Citizens of All Classes Out in Their Gala Summer Attire.

THEIR DISPLAY ITSELF AN EXPOSITION

June's Lovely Beginning Affords a Welcome Opportunity for the Show Made Perfect by Woman's Charming Presence.

One of the most notable events in connection with the opening of the Transmississippi Exposition was the magnificent procession of the distinguished guests of honor, of the directory and other officials of the exposition, and of the scores of military and civic bodies with their accompanying bands. The pageant was one of the most remarkable in the history of the transmississippi country, and it was viewed with manifest satisfaction and evident delight by the most numerous concourse of spectators that ever saw a daylight parade in the Gate City of the West.

The parade itself was lengthy and elaborate. It was nearly two miles in length, and it included many prominent men from various parts of the territory of whose products and resources the exposition is such a true exponent. If the procession was lacking in the display of military that Omahans have long been used to seeing the great pageants the place was adequately filled by the appearance of a number of goodly appearing, excellently drilled companies of the younger Americans, whose sole regret of today is that parental edicts, scholastic duties and lack of age qualifications separate them from the other defenders of the country. Instead of noting the fine marching of a regiment of United States' regulars and of the companies of state militia that are the pride and glory of Omaha, the spectators today reviewed several battalions of younger cadets and zouaves. Their presence formed a conspicuous feature of the parade, a feature that distinguished the parade from its predecessors, and a feature that was received with enthusiastic plaudits along the line of march. The governor and his staff, all arrayed in glittering gold and royal blue, were well received by the spectators, as were also the exposition officials, the mayor of this and neighboring cities, and other distinguished personages. All had some friends along the line, and as the particular official for whom a score of spectator had been watching, craning their necks and straining their eyes, appeared in sight, a shout of welcome that made the object of their attention smile with pride and bow becomingly to his patrons.

Throng of Sightseers.

But if the pageant itself formed a beautiful spectacle, what must be said of the even more inspiring scene afforded by the tens of thousands that lined the curbs and sidewalks, that filled every available window and that scattered over lawns and porches, from the starting point of the parade in the business section of the city clear through the residence portion to the imposing enterance​ of the exposition grounds? It was a wonderful concourse of people. It was so not alone on account of its great numerical dimensions, but because of its attractive appearance. The bright warm day, the sunshine of June's initial day tempered with a cool breeze from the north, augumented​ the crowd of spectators and brought out such a wealth of beautiful raiments and such a gorgeous display of headgear as were never seen in Omaha upon any of its former gala days. The dark robes of winter had been cast aside by the crowd, and the somber clothing of the Lenten season had given place to the variegated gowns and the floral creations of the milliner. On the principal streets of the downtown district, notably at the corners of Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth and Douglas streets, the assemblage of brilliantly attires women, young and old, formed a maze of beautiful color combinations that made one think of fairyland. And of the fairies, their name was legion. With their light gowns and catchy headgear, with a frequent showing of the red, white and blue, or a military souvenir of some soldier at the front, or again with a flag of the tri-color of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, they constituted a picture that was unequalled in the history of the day. In all the store windows down town, scattered about spacious lawns of the residences up town and banked along the sidewalks between the two sections of the city, it all looked alike; the youth and beauty of Omaha and of the territory tributary to it admired the parade and in turn were admired by the paraders.

HOW THE GREAT COLUMN MARCHED

Procession to the Grounds a Notable One in All Its Features.

The first division of the parade started off as though its movements were manipulated by clockwork. Grand Marshal Clarkson was in command, assisted by his aides, T. C. Shelly, George W. Holbrook and W. H. Thomas, all of whom, mounted upon spirited horses, rode up and down the line, directing the movements of the organizations in the different divisions. The parade was preceded by Chief of Police Gallagher, assisted by the captains of the force. They in turn commanded eighty men who cleared the streets for the organizations that followed. The police were in their new uniforms and presented a neat appearance, attracting considerable attention. The police were followed by the Transmississippi Troopers, who, mounted, marched four abreast. These men presented a striking appearance, clothed in their regulation uniform, consisting of silk hats, dress coats and white leggins. They were in command of Colonel McWhorter. There were some sixty of them and they represented the business interests of the city. Closely following the Troopers followed the band of the University of Nebraska. There were twenty-nine men with Prof. Easterly as the leader. The boys were clothed in their full dress uniform, consisting of blue coats and white duck trousers. The music of this band was prepared especially for the occasion and was received with hearty applause all along the line of march.

The feature of the division was the cadets of the University of Nebraska. The boys marched with the precision of veteran soldiers and numbered 250, under the command of Major Charles H. True. While their uniforms were not striking, they were neat consisting of blue coats and white duck trousers.

The Council Bluffs High school cadets were next in line to the number of fifty, under the command of Captain E. S. Beardsley. They marched well and kept step to the music of the Columbian band of this city that followed closely behind. This band consisted of twenty-one pieces and was under the direction of Paul F. Gannon, leader.

As upon many former occasions, the Omaha High school cadets were the center of attraction. There were 250 of the boys, besides the drum corps. They were looked after by Lieutenant Campbell, U. S. A., who is their instructor. The boys wore the regulation uniform of blue, with white leggings.

The Webster Zouaves, under the command of Captain Sues, presented a striking appearance, on account of the fact that their uniform was the gaudiest of the gaudy. There were sixty men in line, all wearing the red fez, blue jackets, red breeches and white leggings, in addition to which they were clad in white vests, with bright yellow girdles.

The Clarkson camp of the Sons of Veterans of South Omaha closed up the division. These men were in command of Captain Etter and numbered seventy-five. Their uniform was blue caps, coats and white pants. Their street work was out of the ordinary, and elicited frequent and hearty applause all along the line of march.

In the Second Division.

The second division was lead by Assistant Marshal W. G. Shriver and his aides, J. A. Kuhn, A. B. Smith, W. R. Richardson and D. M. Haverley, and while it was not military to any great extent, it contained the dignitaries of the day. It was preceded by the band by Randoph, Ia., with F. Green as leader. There were seventeen pieces, the men wearing catchy uniforms of blue and white. Their music was considered of the finest quality and was appreciated by the spectators who watched the procession as it passed.

Following the band were the men who made the exposition. They were President Wattles, the members of the various departments, the members of the executive committee and the directory, all riding in carriages. Immediately in their wake rode the speakers of the day, and the invited guests, some 300 in number, including the commissioners from the various Transmississippi states, together with the governor and his staff.

The members of the second division, while not decked out with gold lace and tinsel, were the subject of much comment, as they were mostly men of note. There were mayors galore and among them were Mayor Moores of this city, Mayor Ensor of South Omaha, Mayor Jennings of Council Bluffs and Mayor Graham of Lincoln. Immediately behind them were the members of the city council of Omaha, South Omaha, Council Bluffs, Hastings, Lincoln, Fremont and half a dozen smaller towns in the transmississippi region.

Rev. Dr. Nichols, who invoked the divine blessing upon the success of the exposition, occupied the carriage with President Wattles, and bowing to the right and left acknowledged the cheers that greeted him all along the lines of march. Immediately following rode Hon. William J. Bryan, accompanied by most of the state officers, who in turn were followed by the county and city officials.

Clad in their regimentals of the rank which they occupied followed Governor Silas A. Holcomb and General Barry, Colonel Lundeen, Peabody, Moies, Burress, Barnes, Walker, Lyons, Decker, Charles Bryan and Hansen, members of the staff.

In addition to the men of rank there were something like 500 other invited guests and among them were members of the Travelers' Protective association, who rested from their convention labors long enough to participate in the festivities attending the opening exercises of the exposition.

Third Division.

Assistant Marshal Dudley Smith and Aide George S. Wright were in command of the third division, which was made up principally of secret society drill teams and letter carriers. The division did not by any means rank second to the military bodies that preceded, for, although their objects are directly opposite to those of the boys in blue and gray, they marched with as much military precision and executed maneuvers with as much skill as the riflemen.

The handsomely-uniformed Cosmopolitan band under the leadership of George W. Greene headed the division and was in advance of several carriages containing the officers of the Travelers' Protective association. Five hundred of the rank and file of the association were to have been in the line, but formed too late. The Modern Woodmen band of Plattsmouth, a nicely uniformed body of musicians, followed.

The section was headed by the drill team of the Havelock camp of the Modern Woodmen of America—a stalwart body of men dressed in blue shirts with the letters of the order emblazoned on the breasts and white pants. Behind them marched a good representation of the drill teams of the local camps of the Modern Woodmen of America. First came the body of Omaha camp, uniformed in blue jackets, with white facings, white trousers and black boots. Beech camp came next in blue uniforms, relieved with lighter blue facings and white stripes down their trouser legs. B. & M. camp followed with uniforms of a similar character, and behind them the drill team of Hebrew camp, uniformed in much the same fashion as Omaha camp. The Maple camp drill team came next with a distinctive dress—brown shirts and grey jackets.

Every one of these organizations was armed with the emblem of the order, the ax, and they executed a manual of arms with these as skillful as did the military bodies with their more warlike weapons. They also executed along the line of march a series of flank movements with such precision that they were frequently greeted with applause from the crowding spectators.

Behind this fraternal contingent came a squad from Clan Gordon, Order of the Scottish Clans, every man wearing a plaid and Scotch bonnet and many in kilts. The section was headed by a band of pipers, who guided the footsteps of the Scots with the weird music of the bagpipes. Bechtold's band came next as the escort of the Alpha Guards, a natty drill team of the Woodmen of the World, uniformed in handsome and neat blue suits.

Uncle Sam's Boys.

The band of Craig, an excellent musical organization, were the appropriate escort of the letter carriers as they were uniformed in grey suits. Uncle Sam's employes were out in force, about 100 being in line in charge of Field Marshal Maher. Behind marched the drill team of Ak-Sar-Ben lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and following them came one of the most interesting bodies in the parade—the Walnut Hill boy brigade. This organization consisted of a band of boys, none of them over a dozen years of age, uniformed in the white   and red zouave costume. It was commanded by Captain Ed Hervey.

A contingent followed which attracted the most interest and applause in the whole line. This consisted of representations from Custer and Crook posts of the Grand Army of the Republic. As the old veterans, many of them clad in the army blue and a large proportion bearing the marks of battle, marched through the streets, they were everywhere greeted with cheers.

Cantons Ezra Millard and Pottawattamie, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the latter from Council Bluffs, came next. Both the bodies were in the brilliant uniform of the order—blue suits with plenty of gold trappings. Behind them marched another youngster organization, the Lawton Guards. This band of boys, none of them over 14 years of age, were uniformed in the army blue and army caps and at their head marched bravely Captain E. E. Hartman.

In the Fourth Division.

The fourth division was given over entirely to the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, and it was one of the most interesting features of the parade. It was gay and brilliant in appearance, and the handsome trappings of the horsemen caught the attention of the crowds. Major Wilcox was in command and his aides were W. R. Bennett and Vance Lane. Their escort was the Pawnee Military band, a neatly uniformed band of excellent musicians.

First came the board of governors of the Court of Mondamin. Every man was attired in the prescribed uniform—handsome red jacket, with white facings, white skin trousers, black boots and white hat. Guiding their horses with military precision, four abreast. Behind was drawn the Ak-Sar-Ben float—a huge symbol of the immensity and importance of the transmississippi country and of the exposition.

Under a great horseshoe, labelled with the words "Good Luck," was spread open the History of the World, a great volume many feet in height. It was opened at the date June 1, 1898, and upon the great leaf were inscribed the words, "Transmississippi Exposition, Omaha," in huge black letters. A court attendant with a wand pointed out the inscription to the multitudes as the float proceeded. Behind, a great crown overshadowed the mighty mineral and agricultural products of the west and round about the symbol were grouped many courtiers and ladies in brilliant costumes. Horses and float were burthened with bright and many-hued flowers.

The escort of this picture consisted of 100 mounted courtiers of King Mondamin. Every man was attired in the bright and magnificent costumes of the court and they made a brave array as they marched through the streets.

Along the Line of March.

Two enterprising young men circulated among the crowds along the route of the parade with small baskets filled with rusty bolts, bit of sheet iron and metal scraps which they announced loudly were relics from the hulk of the ill-fated battleship Maine. Twenty-five cents each was the modest price asked for the majority of the articles sold. Out of town visitors bought readily. A scrap heap in the rear of Paxton and Vierling's iron foundry, it is said, furnished the vendors with their relics.

A pickpocket caused a great deal of excitement on Seventeenth street by snatching a woman's purse from her hand. After committing the theft the thief plunged in to the crowd. Cries of "Stop thief!" "Head him off!" caused hundreds to go in pursuit of the fleeing man. One man drew a revolver, intending to shoot at the fugitive, but was deterred by several men. As the thief turned into Douglas street with the crowd at his heels he ran into a fat man, who attempted to stop him and bowled him over into the street. This put a temporary check on the pursuit and the thief faded into the crowd and was lost sight of.

One of the horses bestrode by a tall Knight of Ak-Sar-Ben gave an exhibition of ground and lofty bucking as the parade swung west on Douglas street, to the amusement of the sightseers and the discomfiture of the doughty knight. Not being much of a horseman and being handicapped by the fact that the visor of his tin helmet fell down over his face, shutting off his vision, the rider was compelled to hang on to the horn of his saddle to prevent being thrown into the air. The broncho, being unrestrained, went through all the movements he could devise to rid himself of his burden. The crowd hooted and yelled derisively at the knight and made sarcastic suggestions for his extrication from his difficulty. Finally, in answer to the knight's muffled calls for help, one of his brothers went to his assistance. The unfortunate knight was lifted from his saddle and he left the parade shamefaced, leading his horse after him.

CONDITION OF THE WEATHER

For Nebraska—Generally fair tonight and Thursday, with increasing cloudiness Thursday; cooler in extreme east and warmer in northwest portions tonight; variable winds.

For Missouri—Partly cloudy tonight, with thunderstorms in southeastern portion; cooler tonight in west portion; Thursday fair, variable winds.

For Iowa—Generally fair tonight and Thursday; cooler tonight; variable winds.

For Kansas—Generally fair tonight and Thursday; cooler in extreme east portion tonight; variable winds.

SCENE AT THE WHITE HOUSE

President Presses the Button Which Formally Opens the Exposition.

NEBRASKA DELEGATION ALL PRESENT

Several Other Western Senators and Congressmen in the Party at the Executive Mansion.

WASHINGTON, June 1.—(Special Telegram.)—Conditions were well nigh perfect when, at 1:30 o'clock today, Washington time, corresponding to 12:30 Omaha time, President McKinley pushed the button, formally opening the Transmississippi and International Exposition. Around the chief executive were grouped many of the foremost men in public life, men who have been moulding public opinion for a quarter of a century. It was an inspiring scene, this culmination of many anxious moments, of personal sacrifice on the part of those who have given time and money to do gigantic and undertaking that out of it all might come a better appreciation of the forces dominating that vast territory which extends from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean, from the frigid north to the Gulf of Mexico. In his short term in the presidential chair Major McKinley has shown patriotic devotion to the whole country and wherever possible in his active, busy life has lent his presence and his help to enterprises of both local and national character. He has performed the same service as today upon a number of similar occasions, notably pressing the button at the electrical exhibits at Cleveland, celebration of the golden jubilee at San Francisco, Nashville exposition and Electrical exposition in New York. He has lent himself willingly to every enterprise that would benefit the whole country and his ready acquiescence to every condition precedent has endeared him to those who have gone to him to perform these functions, a necessary part of his high office.

It had been the intention of officials connected with the Transmississippi Exposition to have the president deliver his address through the long distance telephone, but being fearful that some slip might occur the president decided to rely on the telegraph and especially as he was not accustomed to use the telephone since his term as president began. In order to conform to the arrangements the hour of formally recognizing the Transmississippi and International Exposition as open was deferred until 1:30 o'clock, at which time there was assembled in the president's reception room the following distinguished party: Senators Allen and Thurston, Representatives Mercer, Stark, Sutherland, Maxwell and Greene, Mrs. Sutherland and daughter, Mrs. Greene and daughters, Mr. Burt Wheeler, Representative Fleming of Georgia, Representative Johns of North Dakota, and Senator W. B. Allison of Iowa.

Considerable delay was experienced by Captain Montgomery in getting a wire out of Chicago and direct to the exposition grounds, but finally the welcome sound "Omaha" came to the alert telegrapher and there were flashed these words by Montgomery:

This is White House, Washington. When this key closes, president will close it.

"Everything is ready, Mr. President," said Captain Montgomery, and the chief executive, gracious in manner, stepped to the key of the instrument and depressing it with his right hand and closed the circuit. Those in the room stood during this ceremony, of little interest to layman, but of greater interest to those gathered in the cool reception room—and at 1:53 o'clock, Washington time, the president announced that [?]

There was clapping of hands and congratulations and thanks showered upon the executive for his patience and his affability and taking so much time from the affairs of the nation to give the Transmississippi Exposition the benefit of his benediction and good wishes. Immediately after the pressure upon the button, the president's message of congratulation was sent which was followed by congratulation telegrams of the Nebraska delegation terminating a most auspicious occasion for Omaha and the west.

After short congratulations informally made between President McKinley and the members of the Nebraska delegation on the successful beginning of the exposition, the chief executive read his congratulatory telegram to President G. W. Wattles.

Immediately after the congratulatory wire of the president had been sent and indication given from Omaha that so far as the president was concerned, his work had been done, Executive Clerk Montgomery sent the following wire to President Wattles:

The members of the Nebraska delegation, assembled in the executive mansion, beg leave to extend their congratulations upon the auspicious beginning of so vast an enterprise as the Transmississippi and International Exposition, and regret their inability to be present and to personally participate in its accomplishment.

Notes of the Exposition.

The members of the Nebraska commission have arrived to take part in the opening exercises.

The state poultry building is a new addition on Twentieth street just south of the Apiary building.

The Armour Packing company unloaded a car of its material yesterday for its exhibit in the Manufactures building.

The Western Editorial association has fixed the dates for its annual meeting in Omaha, July 12, 13 and 14 being the dates selected.

Two carloads of Westinghouse electric light machinery arrived yesterday, the contents of which were soon unloaded into the Machinery and Electricity building.

Governor Holcomb has notified the exposition management that he and his staff will leave Lincoln at 8 a. m., and arrive in Omaha at 9:35 Wednesday morning. The staff will be in full uniform.

The big century plant which will occupy the post of honor in the center of the dome of the Horticulture building has arrived from Plattsmouth and has been placed on the pedestal arranged for it. The plant is about twenty feet high and about twenty-four feet in diameter.

The equipment of the miniature railway has arrived and the plant is being installed along the west side of the avenue connecting the main court and the north tract. The railway will be about 1,000 feet in length and will be equipped with stations, and all the other appliances of a regulation railway.

The two-horse hook and ladder truck for the fire fighting force on the exposition grounds has arrived and the detachment detailed to the grounds puts in its time drilling with the extension ladders. These ladders are of the truss type and all are extension ladders. The longest ladder is sixty feet in length.

The engine house recently removed from the main court has been stationed on East Midway, just south of the Streets of Cairo. After a few improvements it will be occupied by one of the hose wagons from Twentieth street. A chemical engine from the city will supply the place of the hose wagon.

One of the first "openings" to occur on the Midway was that of the Parisian cafe on the West Midway. In honor of the commencement of active business a banquet was served Monday evening in the neat and cozy building in which this concession is quartered. The guests were all newspaper men and the repast served up was of the highest order of merit. The dining room was decorated with the red, green and yellow of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, which have come to be recognized as the civic colors of Omaha, and the red, white and blue, which are common to both the United States and France.

WORTHY OF WEEKS OF STUDY

Government Exhibit at the Exposition an Education in Itself.

EACH DEPARTMENT FULLY REPRESENTED

Portion Which Relates to Science of Agriculture One of the Most Interesting in Great Building.

The magnificent building at the west end of the main court, facing the broad expanse of the Mirror, with its golden dome rising high above all the surrounding buildings, is the center of attraction in the entire grounds. The stately pile erected by the federal government is but an emblem of the many beautiful exhibits prepared by the various governmental departments for the instruction of the people of the great middle west. Within its walls every department of the government is represented by exhibits which show the practical workings of the branches among the vast business of the government is divided. A visit to this building is an education in itself. Not merely do the exhibits show the methods by which the business of the government is carried on, but they show the purpose for which this business is conducted. The method and the result are shown side by side, and days might be profitably spent in studying the thousands of exhibits and the lessons they teach.

The interior of the building is divided into ten parts, of varying extent, and each of these is occupied by one of the departments of the government. The departments are these: State, Treasury, Justice, Interior, Postoffice, War, Navy, Agriculture, Smithsonian institution and National museum, Fish commission. The space allotted to each is completely filled with exhibits relating to the work of the department. There are several bureaus in some of the departments and each of these is allotted space sufficient for its needs.

There is little discrimination on the part of the visiting public, each of the exhibits receiving its due meed of attention, but the display made by the Department of Agriculture perhaps touches a deeper spot in the hearts of the people of this particular section than any other. It includes the things which the people of an agricultural community understand and appreciate, and that they are interested is demonstrated by the throngs which pass about from exhibit to exhibit, carefully examining each one and exchanging comments as information regarding some particular thing is absorbed.

The exhibit of this department occupies about 4,500 feet in the southwest corner of the building. It was prepared under the supervision of Colonel J. H. Brigham, assistant secretary of agriculture, and was installed under the direction of Charles Richards Dodge, in charge of the office of fiber investigation. There are seven bureaus under this department, each having an exhibit illustrating its practical operation. These are the Weather bureau, the Bureau of Animal Industry, Division of Forestry, Division of Entomology, Division of Pomology, Division of Botany and office of Fiber Investigation.

Weather Bureau Instruments.

The exhibit of the Weather bureau occupies the north end of the space allotted to the department. The most important portion of the display comprises the various instruments used in taking meteorological observations. These instruments constitute the equipment of a weath observing station of the first class. They include a registering apparatus electrically connected with a wind vane, anemometer, sunshine recorder and rain gauge located on the roof of the building, the direction and velocity of the wind, the duration of sunshine or cloudiness and the amount of rainfall, if any, being recorded on the cylinder in full view of visitors. There are also displayed two types of sunshine recorders, the electrical device and the photographic device. Two types of rain gauge are shown, the tipping bucket gauge and the weighing gauge. A telethermograph is an interesting instrument by which the temperature of the air above the Government building is recorded on a cylinder contained in a glass case on the table before the visitors. This instrument is connected electrically with a thermometer on the roof and the reading of the instrument is recorded on the cylinder. An instrument for recording observations is the nephoscope. By it the direction and velocity of clouds, their azimuth of motion and their altitude are determined. Several varieties of barometers are shown, including the old reliable mecurial​ barometer and the self-recording aneroid. A large kite of the type which has caused a great deal of excitement and comment hereabouts since the local kite station was established is among the exhibits. The kite is of the "box" variety, the cells each being seven feet in width, braced with steel wire and capable of lifting over 100 pounds. A complete map printing plant is in operation and a weather map is issued daily by Observer A. B. Wollaber, who was detailed from the Buffalo station especially for this work. Local Forecast Official Welsh has charge of the exhibit and his time is greatly occupied in explaining to visitors the use and operations of the various instruments. In addition to the features already mentioned, the exhibit includes a series of climatic chartes, by which the various climatic conditions of any given section may be studied, and a number of photographs of various stations of the bureau, pictures of clouds, lightning flashes, etc.

Studies of Animal Creation.

The exhibit of the Bureau of Animal Industry consists of models and specimens in alcohol representing some of the infectious diseases in the domesticated animals, models of diseased horse's hoofs, shoes for the correction of faulty gaits and the treatment of diseases of the hoof; cultures of bacteria, toxins and anti-toxins, animal parasites; a pyramid of wool samples; poultry illustrating the gape worm disease, etc. The practical operation of the microscopical inspection of meat for export is shown by four young women from the office of the bureau at the South Omaha Stock yards. These young women perform their daily work in full view of the visitors and the operation is watched with a great deal of interest. A near-by case contains enlarged models of the various stages of the trichina. The dairy exhibit is contained in a case against the south wall of the building. This contains jars showing samples of cheese and butter products and a collection of packages used for packing butter, including a number of foreign packing cases. Models of sheep dipping vats, such as are used at the large stock yards for the treatment of scabby sheep, are shown.

The exhibit of the Forestry division comprises a monographic display of four commercialy​ important timber trees of the west—white pine, bull pine, white fir and Douglas spruce. Each species is shown in a frame formed of the timber of the species with the bark on it, enclosing a map showing the geographical distribution, synonym and economic uses, photomicrophs (showing magnified structure of the wood), botanical specimens together with cross-sections of young and old trunks and unfinished and finished wood, showing characteristic appearance; representative forest botanical display of 125 representative tree species mounted in glass boxes, each box specimen accompanied by a block of wood and a small map showing geographical distribution. Models of farms are also displayed, showing the effect of indiscriminate denudation of forests, the method of reclaiming the land and a model farm as reclaimed. In connection with the last named display is the tree plantation of the department of the north tract of the exposition grounds, in the rear of the Dairy and Apiary buildings. This plantation shows the practical operation of tree cultivation as practiced by the department. Between 500 and 600 small trees are placed on this plantation and the method of cultivation is shown. The trees are quite small and include a large variety which the department believes are suitable for the west. The exhibit of the forestry division is in charge of George B. Sudworth, who says that the problem of cultivating trees in the section east of the Mississippi and reclaiming land which has been denuded of its forest growth has been solved, but the question of creating a timber growth in the treeless region of the west is one which has given the department much anxiety. The purpose of the exhibit is to give the people of this section a general idea of forestry and to establish the principles of forestry as it has been practiced for centuries in Europe. The importance of trees to the successful prosecution of agriculture is recognized by the department and the work of the factory division is to disseminate knowledge on this point.

The division of entomology shows a collection of insects affecting fruit trees, truck crops, forage plants, grains, live stock, etc., with a number of the more important insecticides and brief directions for their preparation and use.

The division of pomology shows models and water color paintings of fruit adapted to cultivation in the United States and a collection of fruit descriptions illustrating methods used in recording varietal statistics for use in identification of varieties. A collection of dried California fruit is also included in the display.

The division of botany illustrates the government method of seed inspection, with samples of seeds, many of which are accompanied by enlarged models showing peculiarities of form and color; also a collection of poisonous plants mounted on herbarium sheets. In connection with this exhibit is a large case prepared by H. P. Dorsett of the division of vegetable physiology, illustrating the wild and cultivated mushrooms of the United States.

Showing of Fiber Industry.

The exhibit of the office of fiber investigation was prepared by Charles Richards Dodge, in charge of these investigations. It shows a collection of the more important commercial flaxes and hemps of the world. One of the most interesting features of the collection is a series showing the work of the office in its establishment of the flax industry. A panel shows the flax grown in experiments in the Puget sound region of Washington, the product being shown from the straw as harvested, to bundles of flax worth $500 per ton. Several beautiful samples are shown from Michigan, Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin and other western states which are interested in the flax fiber industry. A foreign collection embraces some of the best varieties grown anywhere in the world. The hemp industry is illustrated in the same thorough manner. In addition to the display of fibers in the Government building, the department, at the request of the exposition management, loaned to the exposition a valuable collection of the commercial fibers of the world which has been handsomely installed, at government expense, in the Liberal Arts building. This is arranged in four cases of thirty-two panels, in series, to illustrate the raw fibers and their preparation, with examples of principal manufactures. The collection includes flax, hemp, jute, cotton, ramie, sisal and manila hemps, palmetto, cocoanut and the principal species of brush fibers, such as piass aba, palmyra, kittool, etc. Among the novelties are corn pith cellulose used for packing bulkheads of armored vessels, Cuba bast and willow and poplar shavings, used in millinery goods.

A large case in the space assigned to the Agricultural department contains a complete set of the numerous and complicated instruments used in the chemical analysis of sugar and the apparatus for testing the "mother beets" to determine their saccharine quality.

DAYS FOR THE SCHOOL CHILDREN.

Two Set Apart on Which the Exposition Will Be Run by Young Folks.

Monday, June 13, and Wednesday, June 15, have been designated as "school days," and the pupils of the Omaha schools will be afforded facilities for visiting the grounds and taking in all that is to be seen. The arrangements are in the hands of Superintendent Pearse of the public schools and President Wattles of the exposition.

Monday, June 13, will be devoted to the children of the Sixth and lower grades. All the schools of these grades will be dismissed on that day and the children will be admitted to the grounds for 10 cents each. They will be afforded every opportunity for visiting all parts of the grounds and the guards will be especially instructed to see that the little tots keep out of mischief. The children will not be required to be accompanied by their parents, although the teachers will be expected to be on the grounds and see that the little ones are kept within bounds.

Wednesday, June 15, will be set apart for the children of the Seventh and Eighth grades and the High school. There will be no school in these grades on the day named and the pupils will be admitted to the grounds for 15 cents each. They are expected to be able to take care of themselves, but the guards will keep a watchful eye on the exuberance of the youths and see that they are kept in order.

It is expected that the thousands of school children in Omaha will be overjoyed at this opportunity to visit the exposition under these favorable circumstances, and that the grounds will be crowded with them.

Coming to Monetary Convention.

Hon. Charles N. Fowler of New Jersey has accepted an invitation to open the discussion at the monetary congress on September 15 with an address as to the best form of paper currency. W. C. Cornwell, the president of the City bank of Buffalo, N. Y., writes that as many of the bankers as possible who are to attend the National convention of bankers at Denver will   endeavor to be present at the monetary congress in Omaha on September 13, 14 and 15.

Passes for the Chorus.

Choral Master Kelley has the passes for all members of the exposition chorus who have paid their full fee. These will be given on application at his studio today. It is well to call early on account of the photographic feature of the pass.

Notes of the Exposition.

The police and hospital departments had a quiet day yesterday, no cases being reported from either division.

Ticket booths and turnstiles are being erected on the bluff tract directly south of the Sherman avenue viaduct. This will add greatly to the facilities for accommodating the large crowds which are expected during the next five months.

The Marine band gave another delightful concert in the main court yesterday afternoon. The few hundreds of visitors who were there were liberal in their appreciation and did their best to supply in enthusiasm what they lacked in numbers.

The Bureau of Admissions reports that the number of paid admissions to the exposition on the second admission day was 3,912. The registration of admissions by passes is still incomplete and no estimate is made by the bureau of those entering the grounds in this manner.

Some of the younger employes about the grounds have discovered a means of "working" the penny-in-the-slot machines which supply ice-cold mineral water. These machines are stationed all over the grounds and the sang-froid with which some of the employes referred to extract a cup of refreshing water from the "innards" of these venders without depositing the necessary penny is very interesting.

The Transportation department has taken possession of its offices on the second floor of the Service building. The partitions, counters, railings, etc., are not yet completed, but the business of the department is being conducted under difficulties amid the noise of the carpenters and the smell of fresh paint.

The Bureau of Admissions is besieged all day long by parties wanting passes for temporary workmen or the regular exhibitors and assistants after their pass books. Up to last night only about 100 pass books had been issued. The bureau expects to do a rushing business today, as all the books should be delivered by night.

A number of the camels that were shipped to Omaha for use in one of the oriental concessions are detained at quarantine in New York. The quarantine officers insisted that the animals should be thoroughly disinfected before they were landed. This process has been satisfactorily completed and the animals will be shipped on today.

The high winds which have prevailed since the opening of the exposition have kicked up quite a "sea" in the lagoon and the erstwhile placed basin is decidedly "choppy." Some of the landlubbers who have been patronizing the gondolas have displayed symptoms of sea sickness and the jerky motion of the boats as the mighty waves (six or eight inches in height) dash with fury against the gunwales as though to bury the occupants in a watery grave causes those who have left their sea legs at home to grasp at the cords and seats to keep from being snatched from the bosom of the boats.

MUSIC ON EXPOSITION GROUNDS.

Fair Sized Crowds Turn Out and Listen to the Concerts.

Last night there were people enough on the exposition grounds to give them a lively appearance and to do full justice to the excellence of the music. The concerts were begun slightly earlier than previously and when the first strains of music floated across the grounds there were comparatively few people to enjoy them. But the stream of arrivals continued and an hour later both the band and the orchestra were playing to very fair audiences. The band had something the better of the argument for it was insufferably hot in the Auditorium and hundreds of people who came originally to hear the orchestra were driven out by the heat and sought the Grand Plaza, where they could hear the music in the open air.

The music seemed to offer the principal attraction for a large proportion of the people who seemed to prefer to sit quietly and listen to the concerts to sightseeing around the grounds. The disposition to attend the exposition in the evening is growing and it is expected that it will soon become the popular thing to sit on the cool bluff in the evening and hear the music, in addition to witnessing the beautiful spectacle presented by the grounds when they are radiant with the gleam of innumerable electric lamps.

The menace of another storm drove most of the visitors home as soon as the concerts were over, but enough remained to make things fairly lively along the Midway until the gates were closed.

DRIVEN OFF THE GROUNDS

Detectives Evict a Batch of Dangerous Thieves from the Fair.

PICKPOCKETS OF NATIONAL REPUTATION

Some of the Most Noted Criminals in the World Put in Here for the Purpose of "Working" the Exposition Crowds.

Nearly a dozen foreign crooks, many who have international reputations, were driven from the exposition grounds during the last four days by the detectives employed by the exposition officials. No arrests were made, the detectives simply warning the crooks that their presence on the grounds again would be the signal for their arrest.

Those who were spotted lost no time in getting away. Among those seen and recognized were: Jimmy Sullivan, alias "The Velvet Hand," a pickpocket; Marty O'Donnell, alias Eddie Marty, also a pickpocket; William Jordon, a street car worker and diamond nipper, and Lucy Stanley, a pickpocket and diamond nipper—all of Chicago. Kansas City was represented by John Winters, a grafter and pickpocket, and St. Louis by "Butch" Sullivan, a pickpocket and general "grafter."

New York's representative was the celebrated "Tony the Dago," known as the "King of Pickpockets." His real name is Gilbert Parker and he has a reputation the world over. It is recorded that his picture or "mug," in police parlance, is to be seen in the rogues' gallery of nearly every city of any size in the world. He is the man who picked a pocket of $500 in Kansas City, for which he was arrested. Knowing his craftiness in the matter of secreting his stealings, he was taken to the bath room of the county jail and disrobed and searched, but the money known to be in his possession could not be found. Later he was discovered counting it in his cell. He then confessed that during the time he was being disrobed that he had placed the money in the searcher's pocket and then picked his pocket as he was clanging the door of his cell after him. Parker also has the distinction of having, fifteen years ago, picked the pocket of the governor general of Cuba during a public reception on the open plaza.

Mrs. Lou Decker, known as "Little Lou," the most adept of female pickpockets and shoplifters and a woman 60 years old, represented the criminal element at large. This woman is very easy of identification, as she is minus her right ear. She was marked in this manner by the gendarmes of Austria some years ago and driven from the country.

Master Mechanics This Week.

Early Tuesday morning there will be a meeting of the master mechanics of the Burlington system. Unless other arrangements are made in the meantime, it will be held in the Board of Trade building, like the meeting of last January, Superintendent Godfrey W. Rhoads of motive power of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy presiding. The questions to be discussed are those having to do with the rolling stock of the roads in the system.

Notes of the Exposition.

The number of paid admissions for the third day of the exposition was 2,446.

President Wattles has gone to Boston to attend the annual meeting of a financial institution of which he is the western representative. He will be absent about ten days.

Hereafter the Transportation and Agricultural Implement building and the Dairy and Apiary buildings will be closed at 6:30 p. m. each day except on special occasions when it may be deemed advisable to keep the building open longer.

The guards are kept busy with the small boys who are continually climbing over the fence. A number have been taken before the police officials and after being cautioned not to repeat the offense have been piloted outside the grounds.

John R. Dunn has been appointed special government messenger in connection with the Transmississippi Exposition at a salary of $840 per annum, and H. M. Carpenter and M. O. Rock have been appointed government inspectors at $3 per day.

The demand for benches about the grounds, where people may sit down and rest while enjoying the beauty of the grounds and buildings, has become so great that a large number of additional benches have been ordered and will be placed at necessary points as soon as they can be secured.

A meeting of the Pennsylvania club was held at noon in the Commercial club rooms, [?] as the attendance was small it was [?]ed to adjourn till some night within [?]x week. The club was not able to de-[?] the night, but will announce the [?]

The exposition architecture seemed to have changed color yesterday and the change was not entirely disagreeable to visitors, whose eyes had been wearied by the dazzling white of the buildings. The rain temporarily invested the staff with a light brown shade which was slightly less attractive, but decidedly easier to gaze upon.

SUNDAY FEATURES OF EXPOSITION.

Two Concerts Are Billed for This Afternoon.

Two concerts will be given one the exposition grounds today, which will form most attractive features of the entertainment provided for those who desire to enjoy their Sunday rest in quiet amusement of a most elevating character. The celebrated Marine band, the national band of the American government, will play at 2:30 p. m., in front of the Government building at the west end of the Main court, and the Theodore Thomas Chicago orchestra will give a concert at 4 o'clock in the Auditorium. These concerts are so timed that those who wish to do so may hear both. No charge is made to either and the opportunity thus afforded to the people to listen to music by the organizations which are conceded on all hands to be the finest of their kind in this country will undoubtedly draw a large attendance.

The programs to be presented by both organizations will be of a varied nature, with the so-called sacred music predominating. Neither includes in its repertory the claptrap music which is manufactured by the yard to suit the alleged demand of "the masses," but both render selections which charm the ear of the man who "likes to hear music," as well as the musician who enjoys the concerts because of the benefit he derives from hearing a high grade of music rendered by organizations capable of executing it according to the ideas of the composer. Many of the numbers are of the so-called "popular" variety, but they are popular because of the refining influence they exert upon those who hear them.

A treat is promised by the musical department of the exposition for Monday evening. Mrs. Stella Hadden-Alexander, an American pianist who has achieved a considerable reputation during the short time she has been before the public as a performer upon this instrument, will appear with the Thomas orchestra at the concert in the Auditorium Monday evening. Mrs. Alexander is a native of Michigan and pursued her preliminary musical studies at [?]

THE JONAH CRY ONCE MORE.

The Jonah cry first raised in 1890 by G. M. Hitchcock on his return from a European junket is again heard in the land. In the midst of that historic anti-prohibition campaign the wretched monomaniac who has wrecked several inherited fortunes in a vain endeavor to gain journalistic prominence demanded that the editor of The Bee, who had been selected to direct the work of the organization, be thrown overboard as a Jonah. This puerile demand, although coupled with the fact that his fakery, which was already at that time giving aid and comfort to prohibitionists, would refuse to lend its support, was contemptuously ignored. The Jonah remained at the helm of the ship and when the battle was over prohibition was found to be snowed under by more than 50,000 majority.

The revival of the Jonah cry by the same fortune wrecker without any other provocation than the denunciation by The Bee of the outrages perpetrated by the police chief in the interest of professional crooks can leave only one inference, and that is that the wretched monomaniac find himself blocked in some scheme that promised to keep his tottering concern from collapsing like Geraldine's lagoon. Were not his crazy tirade demanding the expulsion of the editor of The Bee from the exposition management written in all seriousness it would pass for a stupid outburst of envious gall.

One would actually imagine from this howl that the editor of The Bee had projected himself on the exposition instead of having projected the exposition and given it unstinted both his means and his brains. Were it not for the repeated lagoon disasters the Jonah cry might make uninformed people believe that the editor of The Bee had meticulously fabricated charge of incompetency and fraud against Geraldine and sought to dictate to his colleagues on the executive committee a policy detrimental to the exposition. As a matter of fact, however, the howl of the imbecile who defended Geraldine and who has constantly opposed every measure advocated by his successor in charge of the Promotion department cannot deceive or delude anybody who knows anything about the exposition.

Everybody in this community knows that the course pursued by The Bee and its editor has been steadfastly in the interest of the great enterprise and for the protection of its stockholders. Everybody in this community knows, too, that were it not for The Bee the exposition would not only have suffered from the perpetuation of Geraldinism, but from jobbers, boodlers and ringsters, who have been constantly plotting to get their hands into its treasury or hold up its patrons. Everybody in this community familiar with the inside workings of this exposition knows that The Bee has shown great forbearance toward men prominently identified with it whose exposure would have caused the dumping of several Jonahs. On that score the less provocation given the better, since forbearance sometimes ceases to be a virtue.

FLOOD GATES OPENED WIDE

Water Falls at the Rate of Two Inches Per Hour.

CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE ABOUT THE CITY

Wood Pavement Washed Out on the Hilly Streets and Another Section of Lagoon Wall Gives Way.

Omaha got soaked yesterday. Things inside and outside were moistened by the most severe and most persistent rain that has visited the city this year. It rained nearly all day, but the heaviest showers were in the afternoon, when it poured down, sometimes in bucketsful, sometimes in torrents and sometimes in sheets.

City Engineer Rosewater estimated that during the heaviest of the storm the water came down at the rate of one inch in thirty-five minutes.

At 3:30 o'clock the sun came out and it looked as though the storm might pass over to let the crowds enjoy the open air concert of the United States Marine band at the exposition, but later in the afternoon it rained again. At 3:30 the weather office reported that .98 of an inch of rain had fallen in thirty-five minutes. Between noon and 3.30 o'clock the fall amounted to 1.61 inches and the changes for more unsettled weather and additional showers were pronounced to be very good at that hour.

Speaking of the water the forecast officer remarked that since March 1, this year, there had been .90 of an inch of water in excess of the amount that is regarded as normal. Last year, 1897, there was a deficiency of 1.54 inches. Since March 1 the precipitation has been 11.49 inches, exclusive of the heavy fall of yesterday. When the total fall for the last twenty-four hours shall be added in it will be found that Omaha has taken quite a good deal of water since March 1.

Where the Heavy Rain Fell.

The heavy rain between 2 and 3 o'clock was accompanied by sharp lightning and heavy peals of thunder. During the time most electric lights were doubtful, telephone and telegraph communication was interrupted, and the street cars came to a standstill.

Residents of the north and northwestern portions of the city only suffered little from the effects of the storm, owing to the fact that the sewers were in good condition and carried the water off as rapidly as it fell.

The inrushing waters caused considerable inconvenience to the residents of the small frame dwellings that mark the lowlands in the south and east portions of the city. In some of the dwellings the families were compelled to abandon their ground floor rooms and seek refuge in the upper floors.

At the street railway power house heavy shocks of electricity were felt at intervals through the heaviest part of the storm, but no damage resulted. The only damage to the trackage and roadbed of the car company were at Thirty-first and Farnam streets, where the track was undermined for a considerable distance. The break, however, did not affect traffic any.

While the storm was at the height of its fury the telephone service was given a paralytic stroke. Communication to the exposition grounds was entirely cut off for a time and some of the private telephones were rendered out of order. Some of the short out of town wires were rendered inoperative for a short time. The only loss sustained by the company was the prostration of a few poles at various points about the city.

The telegraph lines sustained but trifling damage and the fire alarm system for a brief period was inoperative. Just before the heavy downpour ceased the wires became overcharged with electricity and a great many of the fire alarms about the city were set to ringing furiously. From the railroad yard terminals little or no damage is reported.

Damage at the Lagoon.

The storm did serious damage to the piling of the lagoon at the exposition grounds and another heavy expenditure will be necessary to repair the breaks. About 100 feet of the sheet piling was washed out completely, carrying great quantities of dirt into the lagoon, and about 200 feet additional was more or less damaged by the effect of the water. None of the breaks occurred where the repairs were made after the last heavy rain.

As soon as the damage was inflicted as many men as could be found were put to work to repair the damage. Superintendent Foster and the entire force of the Building and Grounds department took a hand and men were sent out to pick up as many men as possible. Mr. Foster said the repairs would be made as fast as possible and will probably be completed before the end of the week.

The force of running water interfered seriously with the laying of the large water mains for which trenches have been recently dug on Twenty-fourth street between Farnam and Pierce. South of Leavenworth street the excavations were made in filled earth and this has caved in at various points.

Residents of the southwest portion of the city as a whole, however, were not seriously annoyed by the downpour as little damage was done in that sightly and well drained locality. The foliage in Hanscom park, which has become dense in the last few weeks, was heavily saturated with moisture and the upper lake, in the channel of a former waterway, was over its restraining wall for several hours.

At Twentieth and Harney streets there is rather a mysterious hole which the street car company has made futile efforts to fill. It is about three feet in diameter and was recently filled with cinders and tamped solid. Yesterday afternoon it was as usual, however, with a volume of water pouring into some unknown subterranean channel. On Thirty-first street beginning at Walnut the sewer was practically washed out, the water rushing in a channel that was in some places fifteen feet deep. On Nineteenth street, between Leavenworth and Mason, there is a similar washout and at Sixteenth and Jackson streets the water is charged with the doubtful impropriety of carrying away a large number of very rough and uneven cedar blocks.

HURRY ON STATE BUILDINGS

Workmen Have Them Nearly Ready to Turn Over to Commissions.

SOME BEAUTIES THAT WILL SOON BE ADDED

Conveniences for the Public and Reminders for the Visitors of the Conditions at Home Will Be the Features.

The state buildings on the bluff tract which have not yet been completed are making good progress and nearing completion. No time is being lost in any case and the buildings will be ready for occupancy by the time set for their formal dedication.

The Kansas building is about ready to be turned over to the Kansas commission, and President George W. Glick and Secretary A. H. Greef have "moved in." The debris incident to the building operations is being removed and carpets are being put down in some of the rooms. The building will be ready by Monday to be thrown open to the public.

The Montana building is about ready to be occupied. The carpenters and painters are putting on the finishing touches and the furniture and fittings are being placed in the rooms. Some of the rooms will be decorated with magnificent specimens of Montana game, including two buffalo heads and the gigantic head of a moose, all the property of a oMntana​ millionaire, who loaned them for the occasion. Other specimens of animals are also rare and interesting, an especially fine piece being a Rocky mountain sheep as large as a young calf. There are deers, bears, and other animals in profusion and President Sutherlin of the Montana commission has about concluded that there are so many of these that some of them will have to be placed among the exhibits in the main buildings. The building will be formally dedicated June 29.

The Georgia building is being arranged for the inspection of the public. This will be an exhibit building, purely. The lower floor is being filled with a magnificent collection showing the mineral resources of the state, including ores of all kinds, building stone, etc. The second floor is devoted to a fine exhibit of agriculture and horticulture products, the latter in glass jars and the former arranged in [?]

Wisconsin and Others.

The interior of the Wisconsin building is being cleaned of the debris left by the plasterers and carpenters and the painters are nearly through with their work. Some of the furniture is being placed in the rooms and the building will be ready for inspection within a few days.

The Pottawattamie county wigwam is progressing rapidly under the watchful eye of President Graham, and he says the building will be all ready for visitors by Iowa day, June 23. The first floor of the building will be occupied by a Council Bluffs firm with an exhibit; the second floor will contain the county exhibit; the third floor will be fitted up as a waiting room for the women, affording a pleasant view of the grounds, and the fourth floor will be fitted up for the use of the men.

The Iowa building seems to be making rather slow progress and a great deal remains to be done to complete the building in time for the formal dedication on "Iowa day."

The New York building was one of the last to bes tarted​ and work on it is making good headway. The interior is being finished and the building will be ready for occupancy some time before the date fixed for the dedication, July 12.

The Swiss chalet, which will be the headquarters for Minnesota people on the grounds, is gradually mounting skyward. The pine logs with which the building is being constructed are strewn all about the building and visitors to the grounds are treated to a sight which is an object lesson in itself. The great timbers are fitted as nicely as though a delicate piece of cabinet work was being constructed, and the ease and grace with which the workmen handle the axe and adze make an interesting sight to the residents of a prairie state. The form of construction makes the work rather slow, but the building will be completed in time for "Minnesota day," July 20.

UNDER DISADVANTAGES.

But Program and Music of Marine Band Highly Appreciated.

Santelman and the Marine band have demonstrated their ability to draw tears of enthusiasm from men and women—whether or not they were responsible for the weeping heavens yesterday afternoon and last evening is a question. Certain it is that no one else cares to assume the responsibility. But if guilty their punishment fitted the crime. For instead of a concert in the grand plaza with applauding thousands, the band was crowded into one end of the gallery of the Markel cafe at the south side of the south viaduct. Only a few score of people were on the grounds early in the evening, but they managed to force their way into the other end of the gallery and under discouraging circumstances enjoy Marina band music. The needlessness of other quantifying words will be understood by those who have, under any circumstances, listened to the Marine band.

The program of ten numbers was, as on every evening, increased by a number of popular and patriotic selections. By "popular" is not meant some of the latter day productions of alleged music, though it is possible Santelman could even inject music into them. The program was an unusually fine one, opening with Verdi's "Giovana d' Arce." Walter F. Smith, the assistant leader of the band and first cornetist, was the soloist of the evening.

This evening one of the features of the concert will be the "Dewey's March," finished but a few days ago by Leader Santelman. It is a realistic composition—the roar of cannon is heard, then silence and darkness, a flash of light and then a single cannon shot—the end.

Exposition Notes.

Andrew Langdon, a banker of Buffalo, is visiting Secretary Cox of the government board of control.

The concessionaires at the grounds were blue all day and very few made running expenses. A show was put on now and then, but the attendance was small.

Two or three more attractions will go on in a day or two. There will probably be forty-five shows on the Midway in two weeks, not including cigar stands, fruit stands and restaurants.

W. E. Belt, representing the adjustable eye protector, was on the Midway yesterday. He was making efforts to secure a concession, but found some difficulty, as the concession for eyeglasses of all kinds has been given out.

The bureau of entertainment of the exposition was to have given its first reception in the pretty rooms in the gallery of the Mines and Mining building at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. A musical program and refreshments had been prepared, but the rain prevented attendance and the reception was postponed to this afternoon at the same hour.

L. S. McClellan, district passenger agent of the Wabash, was on the Midway yesterday. Mr. McClellan is located at Louisville, Ky. He has brought a number of excursions here from Kentucky and Tennessee and says that his road expects to do a good business this summer. Mr. McClellan says what everybody else says about the exposition's advertising needs.

J. S. T. Koslowsky of St. Louis, representing the Cotton Belt railroad, was a visitor on the Midway yesterday. He has an exhibit in the Agricultural building. In this exhibit there are fifty-eight varieties of timber grown on the line of the Cotton Belt railroad. Another fine exhibit is a rare painting of the fall of the Alamo. Grass and grain pictures of the southwest as it was and the southwest as it is have attracted much attention. Mr. Koslowsky was much pleased with the exposition.

RAIN MAKES SUPREME TEST

Heavy Fall of Water Creates Havoc at the Exposition Grounds.

All the Buildings Leaked and a Portion of the Lagoon Piling Gives Way Again.

Concessionaires on the Midway Find It Very Damp Indeed--Row Boats Would Come in Handy in Spots.

The rain storm on the exposition grounds yesterday afternoon was itself a rare exhibition. It completely eclipsed all the rains in the last few weeks and quite came up to the storm that occurred four or five days before the opening. People were naturally disposed not to pay much attention to it at first for they have become familiar with showers, but it soon was the observation and the talk of everybody.

Those on the walks were speedily driven indoors and the rain, driven by a stiff breeze, now blowing this way and now that, seemed determined to follow them even there, and the doors were closed. Then the old trick of coming down through the roof was resorted to with great success. All the buildings leaked in the same old way and generally with the same old result. There was some moving about of cases, but no damage was done.

To the lagoon just about the same damage was done as two weeks ago. The retaining planking is in the water in the same places—just south of the Machinery and Electricity building on the north side of the lagoon, and just west of the south end of the bridge across the island. In several other places the planking is yielding and bulging inward from six to eight inches.

SET TO WORK REPAIRING.

Superintendent Foster had a gang of men starting repairs before it had fairly stopped raining, and the work will be pushed, as it was before, with all the energy possible. It is thought that it can be completed in four or five days.

It seemed to be plain that the fault was in the laying of the broad walks about the edge of the lagoon. The surface is level and the gutters at the inner edge shallow, so that the walks are practically without drain, and as the new earth beneath becomes saturated the strain on the planking is so great that even masonry, as some say, could not withstand it. Few of the round piles gave way and many stood even, though the cable wiring was slack, but in one instance the planking was forced out at a point where a large bolt ran through it. The head of the bolt tore a ragged hole through the plank and snapped a two by four timber.

The rain gauge at the Government building on the grounds showed that in thirty minutes 92 one-hundredths of an inch of water came down and 32 one-hundredths of that came in five minutes.

DAMAGE ON THE MIDWAY.

The damage done on the Midway by the wind and rain was considerable. All the concessionaires suffered more or less and the losses sustained in dollars and cents could hardly be estimated. From noon until 6 o'clock the rain poured in torrents, the downpour ceasing only at short intervals. By 3:30 the whole thoroughfare, from east to west, was flooded. For an hour during the afternoon the western portion of the Midway near the viaduct was impassable as far as pedestrians were concerned, the water standing several inches deep.

The people of the Giant See Saw, the Chutes, the Vision of Art, the Switchback railroad and other attractions in that neighborhood were hemmed in and their only avenues of travel called for wading or by passing vehicles.

The buildings all the way from Montgomery Ward & Co. on the east to the Press building on the west were severely tested as to their ability to shed water. Many of them were unequal to the test. One or two attractions were forced to cut their programs short and invite the patrons to come after the storm was over. A number of the buildings were not only unable to withstand the rain, but water running through the gutters, found its way to the floors and necessitated the removal of furniture and carpets. About 4 o'clock the rain ceased and the clouds broke away, but only for a short time. The small number of visitors and the inhabitants of the Midway began moving again, but it was only for a little while, for an alarm was given that a cyclone was approaching from the west. In a moment the heavens were black with flying clouds and the rain began to pour, but hundreds, regardless of the drenching, stood and watched with eagerness the dark, luminous funnel-shaped cloud in the west as it twisted and whirled, apparently, toward the exposition, gathering strength as it moved. It was an attractive sight, though havoc and ruin apparently laid in its path. The inhabitants of the Midway became alarmed as it seemed to approach nearer, but presently its course turned in a more southerly direction and it was soon lost to view.

In a few moments the clouds broke away again and the sun showed his face. In the east the great bow of promise appeared and it seemed as if the rain was over, but during the remainder of the afternoon, at intervals, the downpour continued.

HIS RULE OR RUIN POLICY

Rosewater Finds He Cannot Dictate to Exposition and Is Wrathy.

So Interested in Managing Other Departments He Has No Time for His Own.

Proceeds to Knock the Big Show Because He Was Not Made Director General--The Press Disgusted.

An indignant cry of protest is going up from not only members of the board of directors, but from citizens of Omaha generally, as well as from all parts of the state where interest is felt in the success of the exposition. The cause of this protest is the course that is being pursued by Edward Rosewater, manager of the department of publicity and promotion.

The complaint is that from the inception of the enterprise Rosewater has sought to build himself up at the expense of the exposition, using tens of thousands of the exposition's money to primarily give publicity to Rosewater's greatness and prominence to Rosewater's paper, allowing the exposition to incidentally receive occasional notice, but the great grievance is that Rosewater has now turned the columns of his paper to the active injury of the exposition by trying to keep visitors away from Omaha during the exposition period.

The matter is the subject of discussion whenever directors meet each other, and is generally the topic of animated reference on the streets and on the exposition grounds. The feeling is more general and more intense than has been manifested in connection with any other feature since the starting of the exposition enterprise, and the resentment it has engendered is expressed in vigorous language.

PRESS COMMENT.

The state press has taken hold of the matter and demands that something be done to stop the circulation of baseless fabrications that menace the success of the exposition and the reputation of the state. A sample of the feeling that is being manifested is the following editorial paragraph from the Plattsmouth Journal:

"With the persistent efforts of the Bee to convey the impression that everyone who attends the exposition is sure to be slugged, robbed, confidenced, buncoed or murdered, it is not likely that many people will be lured into Omaha from Nebraska and Iowa."

While it can hardly be said that Rosewater's action was a surprise to many people in Omaha who remember the "blood-flows-in-Omaha" dispatches that were sent all over the country from the Bee office during the fire and police controversy a few years ago, it is nevertheless true that Rosewater's open sandbagging of the exposition through repeated assertions that no one would come to Omaha this summer for fear of being robbed of all his worldly possessions or murdered in his bed was a stunner in some quarters and made people doubt their senses. But it did not take long to catch their breath, and the way they are expressing their opinion of a department of publicity and promotion that puts in its heavy work trying to give the city a black eye and keep people away from the exposition shows the feeling on the subject.

There has been a growing belief for months that the exposition was not receiving as much attention in the outside world as it deserved. But people have hesitated to give expression to their belief that was becoming a conviction. Omahans who had occasion to visit other states returned with stories that people had not heard of the exposition or were at best lamentably short of information as to its size, character and attractiveness. Visitors coming here from other points were invariably amazed to find what met their eyes at the exposition grounds, and every circumstance added weight to the feeling of dissatisfaction with the expensive publicity branch.

THE LAST STRAW.

Then came the action of the manager of the department in clubbing the executive committee into giving him $3,200 of the exposition's money for an exposition writeup in his own paper, and close on its heels came the explosion of the publishers of the outside press. Up to this time they had confined their feelings of antagonism to the publicity department to the simple act of casting a large part of the copy sent out by the department into the waste basket, but when this piece of jobbery came to their attention a roar went up that smote heavily on the ears of the management. The board of directors felt impelled to take action in the interest of the exposition, and a resolution was passed instructing the executive committee that there must be no repetition of that procedure.

But the state press was sore, and insisted that it would decline to be "played for a lot of suckers" any longer. The editors put their feet down hard, and what little advertising the publicity department had been able to secure in this section came to an end.

OTHER COMPLAINTS.

In the meantime the eastern metropolitan press had begun to find fault. They complained that they could get nothing of a satisfactory nature regarding the exposition. They grew tired of being offered cuts of Edward Rosewater in various poses and sizes when they sent to the publicity department for illustrations of the exposition, and their readers refused to accept in good faith a history of Rosewater's political fights as a detailed description of the features of the big show that was being prepared west of the Mississippi.

Unable to secure anything of the kind they desired, a number of the papers sent their representatives here in person to see what was going on, and to advise definitely as to whether an exposition of the resources of twenty-four states and territories was really being prepared or whether Rosewater was simply building an addition to the Bee building.

DISGUSTED NEWSPAPER MAN.

Even then the publicity department refused to give the exposition an even break for its money, and the newspaper representatives were compelled to get their information from other sources. Scarcely three weeks ago the Chicago Chronicle sent a member of its staff here to get an exposition story, and after vainly trying to secure a history of the exposition enterprise at the publicity department he encountered a World-Herald representative and demanded to know whether he could be furnished with some real information regarding the exposition or would have to go home without it. He said he had been offered cuts of Rosewater, and sketches of Rosewater, and cuts of the Bee building, and a ready-print interview with Rosewater, but he stated that he wanted something interesting about the exposition and had been unable to get it.

President Wattles was called up by 'phone and the situation was stated to him. He declared that the visiting newspaper man must be furnished with what he wanted and undertook to see to the matter personally. The result was a page illustrated story of the exposition in the Sunday Chronicle, and it was secured through the efforts of the president of the exposition after the visiting correspondent had left the publicity department in disgust.

Almost without exception the representatives of the press who had occasion to come here found it necessary to make a kick about the publicity feature of the exposition before their departure. With some it was the character of the matter furnished, and with others simply a protest against being compelled to listen to an account of Rosewater's achievements by Rosewater himself before they could receive a pass to the grounds. In order to remedy this objectionable feature, the executive committee tried to move the department to the grounds, but Rosewater would not consent to it.

ROSEWATER WAS MAD.

The exposition directors refused to appoint Rosewater's man as director general and then came the open assault on the exposition. The city police department had been a long-standing cause of annoyance to Rosewater, and he combined the two grievances. The outside world was told that robbery and crime held high carnival in Omaha, and the information was conveyed that no one could come to the exposition and get out of the city with his hair on. The gauntlet was flung in the face of the exposition management, and notice indirectly served that the management must lie down to Rosewater, give him his way regarding the conduct of affairs and join forces with him in trying to bring about the retirement of a police management that was obnoxious to him or take the consequences in the shape of an onslaught on the exposition that might make it a failure.

An incident that seemed to have also influenced Rosewater in entering upon a campaign of active warfare was the fact that he was omitted from the list of speakers on the opening day of the exposition. In the story of the exposition presented, by the Bee on the opening day a great deal of space was devoted to setting forth the idea that it was Rosewater's show and that he was practically the one person who made it what it is. After thus advertising his prominence in connection with the exposition, he deeply felt the chagrin of being omitted from the opening program, and declined to go to the grounds on that day, sulking under cover and having his paper state that he was prostrated by overwork on the exposition when the bands were playing, the long parade marching, and the speakers of prominence exchanging felicitations over the wonderful accomplishment.

NOT ON THE PROGRAM.

An opportunity still remained, as Nebraska day was coming, but when the program was announced and he found his name missing, he began the assault on the exposition, advising republicans to stay away from the exposition on Nebraska day on the ground that the exercises were to be a "popocratic demonstration." Then began the fusilade​ all along the line, and the beginning of a systematic effort to keep every one away. It was another attempt to work the same scheme that was tried successfully last fall. At that time the Bee kept reiterating that the exposition bonds would not carry unless Geraldine was removed. Bogus sentiment was manufactured and Geraldine resigned. Now the statement is made that no one will come to the exposition unless police matters are rearranged to Rosewater's satisfaction, and still another demand is being kept cool in the editorial ice box. It demands the control of the director general and the patronage of the big show, and after that the appointment of a new comptroller and the control of the finances. These demands have all been outlined to the board by Rosewater, but he is not pressing them all at once.

It must not be supposed that simply because the work of the publicity department has been ineffective and unsatisfactory Rosewater has not been busy, for it has been the continuous complaint of the managers of the other departments that he has put in his time interfering in their work and stirring up all kinds of trouble.

ONE OF A SCORE.

The case of the Chicago Chronicle, above cited, is but one of a score that show that there is no good reason for the lamentable fact that the papers of the country are not devoting much space to the exposition. It does not require urging to get them to print exposition matter at this stage, for they are clamoring for the news. So badly do they want good exposition matter that they are paying for it by the column, and one of the big eastern magazines paid $30 into the exposition treasury through the architects-in-chief for matter and illustrations, when Rosewater was holding the exposition up for $3,200 for printed matter and illustrations in his own paper.

The latest case in point is that of the Winnipeg News, a paper with a circulation of about 15,000, from which the following letter was received yesterday:

"Winnipeg, June 6, 1898.—News Editor World-Herald—Dear Sir: Would it be possible for us to secure from the exposition people free use of cuts of buildings and grounds for a page article on the exposition? We would gladly give the space in our morning or evening edition. Kindly hand to the proper party and oblige. Respectfully yours,

The letter will be placed in the hands of the exposition management.

One of the directors who had been quietly investigating the matter for some time remarked yesterday, as a result of his observations: "The papers of the country are fairly crying for accurate and newsy information about the exposition, notwithstanding the demands made on their space by war news. They are not getting it, and our failure to get advertised is our fault and not theirs. Our publicity and promotion department seems interested only in securing the publishing of pictures and puffs of the head of the department, while Rosewater's idea of promotion is to advise people to stay away from the exposition."

"It may be," he concluded sarcastically, "that it don't make any difference whether we have our exposition now or at some time in the future. We ought to have a show here at any time that would discount anything in the country, for a community that will submit to a thing of this kind ought to rank as the biggest curiosity on earth."

A TRAITOR IN THE CAMP.

For more than a year the exposition directors and the people who were anxious for the success of the great enterprise have been compelled to submit to the most ridiculous exhibition of pure cussedness that it is possible for any one man to make. At every turn of the hard road which it was necessary for this great enterprise to take in its march to success the people whose sole anxiety was to accomplish a great achievement for the west have been hindered by the insufferable egotism and embarrassed by the malicious fabrications of one man who desired to reign supreme and was willing to ruin where he could not rule. The history of the exposition is full of large personal sacrifices and the display of great public spirit on the part of the business men of Omaha. But thoroughly attached to that history is a most remarkable record of one man's persistent and absurd assault upon every man and every official that did not happen to be to his liking.

At every directory meeting held during the last year a large portion of the time has been devoted to the complaints and quarrels of Rosewater. Although being honored, far beyond his deserts, by being placed on the executive committee that man has devoted his energies to making trouble for every other department while ignoring in a large measure the best interests of his own department. He has disregarded the usual courtesies and consideration due from one gentleman to another engaged in the same public work and has heaped insult and abuse upon his colleagues on the executive committee. He has traduced good citizens whose services were drafted in the work of special committees and has questioned the integrity of the men who, without hope of remuneration, were working to make the exposition a success. Every contribution that could possibly be made to disorder in exposition affairs Rosewater has freely contributed from his boundless stock of the germs of strife. For more than a year Rosewater's colleagues on the executive committee have patiently borne his insults and his abuse. Doubtless they submitted believing patient submission to be to the interest of the great enterprise on which their hearts were set. Certainly they submitted where many other men would have revolted, submitted to insults which other men would have resented, tolerated abuse against which other men would have risen in mighty wrath. Their submission was perhaps patriotic but it was unnatural. The course they adopted was and is their own affair and if we commend their devotion to what they consider to be the public interest, we must also give due consideration to their display of a patience that passeth all understanding.

But now that the exposition gates have been opened to the world, now that we are inviting the people of the earth to come and view the results made possible by the toll and sacrifice of Omaha people, those who have exposition's interest at heart had a right to hope that the community would enjoy a rest from the Rosewater midway. They had a right to hope that a man who holds a prominent place in the exposition management would cease his damnable efforts to overturn all the work accomplished by the sacrifice and toil of Omaha men. But after spending the greater part of the past year in denouncing his associates on the committee, after injecting his interesting, although not material, personality into every feature of exposition work, after neglecting his own department in order to create trouble in other departments, Rosewater has adopted a systematic course, which, if it has any effect, can accomplish nothing more nor less than serious disadvantage to the exposition. Because of his hatred for the gentleman who occupies the position of chief of police Rosewater has advertised Omaha as a place infested with thieves, and has warned the public that the police of this city are both unwilling to give protection and incapable of handling the crooks. Because he was not given a place on the program for Nebraska day Rosewater has warned the republicans of the state that that day was to be simply a "popocratic demonstration." While the railroads and others interested in the exposition have been working to make "Nebraska day" a success this man, who ought to be co-operating in this good effort, has been doing all in his power to make that occasion a dismal failure.

The time has arrived when the people of this city must take firm hold of this situation. Omaha people must not rest secure in the belief that the Rosewater methods are too well known for those gross libels to be effective. They will be effective upon people who do not know the man and they will be far-reaching when they are copied, as they are now being copied, into the newspapers of the country.

It is perhaps too late to induce Rosewater's department to advertise the exposition. It is not, however, too late to insist that Rosewater shall cease in his libels against this city and in his assaults upon the material interests of the exposition. It is not too late to demand that the libeler of Omaha shall either cease his monstrous assaults against the good name of this city or retire from his place in the exposition management. It is not too late for the people of this city to offset the bad effects of these libels by an assurance of the fact that there does not exist a more orderly city than Omaha and that exposition visitors may depend upon entire security from rogues.

TAKE A STICK TO ROSEWATER

Exposition Board of Directors Thinks His Department Needs Prodding.

Little Editor Resists All Interference and Declares That War Engrosses Public Attention.

The Majority, However, Still of the Opinion That the Big Show Has Not Been Properly Advertised.

The regular monthly meeting of the board of directors of the exposition was held yesterday afternoon in the Administration building and was principally devoted to a discussion of lack of advertising from which the exposition is suffering.

The matter was brought up by Herman Kountze, who stated that he had been informed that the exposition was not known in the surrounding states as it should be and detailed a conversation with a promiment​ citizen of Denver, who had told him that the papers there were not devoting space to the matter, and that the enterprise was not known to that people there sufficiently well to interest them and cause them to talk about it. Mr. Kountze said this was a serious matter and that the welfare of the exposition demanded that steps be taken to remedy such a vital defect. He said he did not want to criticise Mr. Rosewater, who had possibly done all he could, but he suggested that he would have liked to have some light on the subject to see if the condition could not be improved.

ROSEWATER POPS UP.

This brought Mr. Rosewater to his feet and he immediately manifested unmistakable symptoms of acute gastritis. He said that his work had not accomplished as much as it ought to have done because he had been interfered with. He said that a backfire had been started to annoy him and embarrass the operations of his department, and that the country press had been incited to rebellion against him.

The hostility of the country press seemed to revive a number of unpleasant memories, for after winking with much force and frequency for a fraction of a minute, Mr. Rosewater proceeded to rip the country editors up the back. He said their opposition was due to the fact that somebody else had induced them to oppose him and the work he was doing, and that they would have been handled without any trouble if he had been let alone. But he said their opposition did not amount to much, anyway, and he was ready to venture the assertion that the editors who objected to his method of conducting affairs and who refused to print the matter that he sent them would all be found in the class which would sell the passes sent them, and that somebody else would be found coming into the exposition grounds later on with those passes.

PUTS A GLOSS ON IT.

Mr. Rosewater started to say something about "sandbagging," but he seemed to suddenly arrive at the conclusion that this subject was one that had better be left along with the directors in their very evident frame of mind, and he did not finish the sentence, but switched off on something else. He told the board of the great things the expected to accomplish in the near future, and clinched it with the assertion that Harper's was going to print a page of matter about the exposition in the near sometime. The directors were convinced of the truth of the statement, because is was a corroboration, word for word, of what they had heard several times previously from the same source.

Mr. Rosewater noticed that the directors seemed to feel more kindly disposed toward what he proposed to do than toward what he had done, and he devoted the remainder of his remarks to distracting their attention from the real subject under discussion. He discoursed on the war as a news feature and said it was a monopolizing topic to the exclusion of other matter. He was sure that nobody could get matter in the press of the country under such circumstances, and then proceeded to tell how papers were sending their correspondents here to get news about the exposition, and how the woods would be full of exposition advertising before very long.

WEBSTER'S OBSERVATIONS.

John L. Webster took the floor to advocate more extensive advertising of the exposition. He said he had been told by at least twenty men from different cities and states that the exposition was not known to the outside public. Further than this, every man who came here and visited the grounds was amazed at what he saw, and talked as if he had made an undreamed-of discovery. This showed conclusively that the people had no adequate idea of what was to be found here, and they only found it by practically stumbling on it in the dark.

Mr. Webster disclaimed any intention of passing strictures on Mr. Rosewater's work, but he felt that the exposition was deserving of more extensive publicity than it has received. If Mr. Rosewater had exhausted his resources it was necessary that something further be done, and it might be desirable for another means to be employed to supplement what had already been attempted. The speaker favored getting out a large amount of pictorial posters and having them conspicuously placed wherever it was possible to have it done.

John C. Wharton thought the exposition was the best advertised affair that ever came before the people. He said he had been told so and he believed it, for he had seen a whole lot of printed matter about it.

PAYNE CORROBORATES.

George H. Payne favored greater publicity than the exposition has yet received. He said his company has sent out 1,000 copies of everything Mr. Rosewater had issued,but he knew that the field was not covered, and he wanted steps taken that would bring people here from the extreme east. He was satisfied that the easterners did not know much about the exposition, and he was also satisfied that the attendance that must be secured to make the exposition the success anticipated in developing the west could not be brought from within a few hundred of miles of Omaha.

Thomas Kilpatrick said he knew the exposition was not well advertised outside. He had been to Cleveland, and he was much surprised that comparatively nothing was known of the affair. He was disposed to accept the statement of Mr. Rosewater, explaining the war as a reason for his failure to secure more extensive publicity, but said that it was necessary to do something to improve the condition. He was in favor of getting the Omaha papers to devote a certain portion of their front pages to the subject, so that people could tell just where to look for it, and offered a motion to that effect.

Several members were opposed to repeating the mistake that had already been proven costly, by the attitude of the country press with reference to the action in voting Mr. Rosewater's paper $3,200, when others were asked to work for nothing, and Mr. Kilpatrick withdrew his motion.

RETURN ENGAGEMENT.

Mr. Rosewater again dilated on what he hoped to do if allowed to go ahead with his advertising, and said he would spend all the money the board was willing to spare. He said he had already ordered a lot of stuff that he couldn't pay for until more money was placed at his disposal.

No formal action was taken on the matter, but it was understood after the polite prodding was over that the department of publicity would immediately endeavor to get some real advertising matter before the public.

Fred Youngs brought up the matter of reduced evening rates and moved that the admission be fixed at 25 cents after 7 p. m. for a period of thirty days as an experiment.

Fred Youngs brought up the matter of reduced evening rates and moved that the admission be fixed at 25 cents after 7 p. m. for a period of thirty days as an experiment.

Mr. Babcock assured the board that arrangements were being made by the executive committee that he was sure would be satisfactory as to special rates, and the motion was withdrawn.

Mr. Rosewater then brought up the lagoon matter and moved that the executive committee be authorized to employ a competent hydraulic engineer to devise plans for fixing the lagoon so that it would stay fixed and not cave in again during the equinoxal storms in September, when the big crowds are on hand. He said he brought the matter before the big board because Mr. Kirkendall seemed to think it was a slap at his department when he (Rosewater) wanted a special meeting of the executive committee to act on it. He said that the work had been done hit or miss without any engineering supervision.

ALWAYS OFF HIS BASE.

"That's where you are off your base, Mr. Rosewater," said Mr. Kirkendall.

"Yes, I'm always off my base on everything about the exposition," said Mr. Rosewater petulantly, looking around for somebody to deny the proposition. But for once the entire board was unanimously in accord with Mr. Rosewater and no one disputed his assertion.

It was agreed that it was necessary that the repair work be pushed at once and that it be put in permanent order. The question was asked whether or not the damage was at the same point where it had been repaired by Superintendent Foster. Mr. Rosewater said it made no different whether it was the same or not, and hurried away from the point of dangerous controversy. He said he had consulted his brother, the city engineer, about the situation, but could get no advice unless the engineer was retained as consulting expert. For this reason he wanted the board given authority to employ either the city engineer or the water works engineer, or some other capable specialist.

The authority was granted and the board adjourned for two weeks, to meet at 8 o'clock in the evening.

Concessionaires Resume After the Washout of Thursday.

The disastrous effects of the rain and wind storm Thursday were noticeable on the Midway all day yesterday, but in the afternoon business was generally resumed. Many of the concessionaires were busy replacing furniture, carpets and decorations that were moved during the storm. The attendance was above the average thus far. A considerable sprinkling of visitors were hunting attractions in the forenoon, but very few opened until the afternoon.

Everybody is getting ready for Nebraska day, June 14, and all the concessionaires expect to see the Midway thronged from morning until the closing hour. The announcement that there will be fireworks on the night of the 14th was received with great pleasure by the Midway people, who know from past experience that fireworks attract people who would not otherwise visit the grounds. After the display of fireworks the crowd throngs the Midway and every attraction has plenty of patrons.

The Chinese village will be opened Sunday, and the management states that a very unique and original show will be put on.

Work has progressed rapidly on the German village and it will open Monday or Tuesday.

There are twenty-five baby animals at Hagenbeck's. Twelve baby lions, eleven baby opossums, three baby monkeys, two baby bears and one baby elk.

Improvements are being made on the front of the wargraph. Mr. Bayless is pleased with the amount of patronage, considering the very bad weather.

Mr. Bernhardt, a composer of considerable reputation, was on the Midway yesterday. Prof. Bernhardt won the gold medal at the exposition for his Centennial Prize March. He has charge of Kersher's piano exhibit, which will be placed in the Manufactures building, provided the space can be secured.

Fifty negro singers from the Old Plantation gave a free street parade and concert yesterday afternoon and many visitors were delighted.

East Midway was a very popular resort yesterday afternoon. The crowd increased about 6 o'clock and enjoyed the Marine band concert.

The spieler at the Moorish Palace has the advantage of most of the other boys, as his show is "never out and never over—it goes on all the time."

IN HANDS OF EXPOSITION.

Streets of Cairo Closed by Order of the Management.

The Streets of Cairo are in the hands of the exposition company this morning.

Last evening about 9 o'clock Major Llewellyn, commandant of the guard force, received an order from Chief of Concessions Reed, stating that the contract with the Streets of Cairo concession had been cancelled and directing him to take possession of the property. Major Llewellen exhibited his authority to Manager O'Brien, who accepted the situation as gracefully as possible, and the performance was declared off.

The news that the streets had been closed spread rapidly and the concessionaires along the line who heard of it discussed it in all its phases.

Mr. O'Brien was asked by a World-Herald reporter for a statement regarding the difficulty, but he had but little to say on the subject. He expressed the opinion that there has been a great deal of persecution heaped on the management of the streets, but [?]

He stated that he had endeavored to comply with the contract and that if it had been violated in any way it was unintentional on his part. Only yesterday afternoon he called the dancing girls all together and informed them that the muscle dance would have to be dispensed with and that any girl who gave it on the stage again would be discharged. Since that time, he says, the notorious dance has not been repeated.

The Cairo people are sore at the action of the exposition management in the matter and they propose to fight the matter to a finish. From what could be gathered here and there it is probable that the case will speedily find its way into court and it is possible that Judge Scott will find the opportunity that he said he longed for—to run an oriental village and eliminate the dance du ventre.

Music at the Exposition.

The piano recital tendered by Mrs. Hadden-Alexander of New York to the ladies of the bureau of entertainment of the exposition yesterday afternoon was the occasion for a pleasant union of most of the officials of the exposition and those in divers capacities prominently connected with it.

The musical was connected with a reception on the part of the bureau. Mrs. Clement Chase, the president, was assisted by the vice president, Mrs. H. T. Clark, Mrs. Alexander and most of the members of the executive committee of the bureau. Mrs. Kirkendall and Mrs. Redick were at the punch bowl. Strawberry ices and other dainty refreshments were served.

There was much pleasant comment about the appearance of the rooms, which occupy the whole east half of the north gallery of the Mines and Mining building. A number of inviting apartments are canopied with white bunting, and the floors are covered with matting and rugs. The rooms open out on to a broad balcony ornamented with potted flowers and plants, where it is expected many a wearied guest will have a delightful rest.

MUSIC AT THE EXPOSITION.

Exhilarating at the Pavilion—Entrancing at Auditorium.

The Marine band concert last evening was of a more delicate nature, as a whole, than the previous one, there being several dainty numbers, if such an adjective may be applied to the music of a band. The "Comic Tattoo," which has become a favorite since the band has been here, was repeated, as was also Santelman's "Voice of Our Nation." The scene at the close of this production is at all times impressive. The band rises with the first note of the "Star Spangled Banner," and with them rise the audience. And some hats go off also.

It would be difficult to imagine sweeter music than the Thomas orchestra gave last night. One sat entranced, wondering that such a multitude of sweet sounds could be produced in continuous succession. There was the ballet music from "Sylvia," and the waltz movement from "Serenade No. 2," by Volkman, with its sounds of whistling winds with all the shrillness taken away, and most delicately modulated tones added. There was the march from the "Symphony Louise," by Raff, the "Dance of the Sylphs," selections from Strauss, Weber, Goillet and Goldmark, each touching the soul in a different way, and yet all perfect and exciting one as does sweet wine.

SWEDISH DAY JUNE 24.

Many Visitors Coming—Swedish Music and Oratory.

For the Swedish people of the state and the northwest generally, June 16, will be a day long to be remembered. That will be "Swedish day" at the exposition. Those arranging the program say they expect many visitors from out of town that day. Many will come before the 16th and remain in the city several days.

At the exposition the music will all be the airs and songs of that nation, and other special features will be planned. It is the purpose of those managing the affair to have the event creditable to the Swedish people and something that Omaha and the exposition management will be proud of.

There will be some speaking at the exposition by prominent Swedish orators.

For the Children's Days.

The program for the children's days, next Monday and Wednesday, will probably be announced today. Chairman Lindsey states that all schools, parochial, sectarian as well as public, are invited, though some may fail to receive written invitations. The teachers must have cards to distribute to the children to entitle them to the reduced rate, 10 cents, and if these cards are not soon received application should be made to Mr. Lindsey.

Monday will be the day for all children in and below the seventh grade, and Wednesday for all above. The children while in the grounds will be under the care of their teachers.

Half Holiday for Lumbermen.

The various lumber dealers of Omaha have signed an agreement to dismiss their employes every Saturday afternoon to permit them to visit the exposition in the afternoon and evening.

RAILROADS CUT RATE TO OMAHA.

One Cent Per Mile for Those Who Come Nebraska Day.

The Department of Transportation announces that special rates have been made by the lines in the Central Passenger association of one fare, plus $4, from all points in the territory of the association east of Chicago to and including Toronto, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Erie, Pittsburg, Parkersburg and Charleston, W. Va. These tickets will be on sale June 18 to 21 and will be good returning until July 8. In addition to the foregoing a rate of one and one-third fare has been made from New York City and points west of the Hudson river to the eastern terminals of the Central Passenger association.

For Nebraska day a special rate of 1 cent per mile has been made, to apply from Nebraska points in the same way as on the opening day of the exposition, including points within a radius of 150 miles from Omaha in both Iowa and Nebraska. These tickets will be on sale June 13 and will be good returning on June 15.

For Illinois day a flat rate of one fare for the round trip has been made from all points in Illinois, tickets going on sale June 20 and being good for return passage until June 24. It is expected by the department that a rate of 1 cent per mile will be made from all Iowa points.

RAILWAY POSTAL CLERKS COMING.

Annual Convention to Be Held in Omaha This Week.

The National Association of Railway Postal Clerks will hold its annual convention in Omaha June 13-16. The business meetings will be held in the court room of the old federal buildings and will occupy most of the first two days of the convention. At 10 a. m. on June 14 Mayor Moores will open the convention with an address of welcome and will be followed by Dr. G. L. Miller, who will address the mail clerks on behalf of the citizens of Omaha. C. L. Shaffer, president of the association, will respond to Dr. Miller's address and the regular order of business will then be carried out.

On the night of June 15 a banquet will be tendered the visitors at the Dellone hotel and on June 16 the entire party will attend the exposition. About fifty accredited delegates are to attend the convention and this number will be greatly swelled by the mail clerks who are not delegates and women who will accompany the party.

The chief matter which is to be considered by the mail clerks is the organization of a mail clerks' mutual accident insurance company.

Habeas Corpus Proceedings Brought by Wah Lee of Lincoln.

HEARING GOES OVER UNTIL NEXT MONDAY

Complainant Alleges that Maidens from the Land of the Poppy Have Been Brought Here to Be Sold as Slaves.

Until next Monday, at least, Sheriff McDonald will be the custodian of three Chinese maidens, each of whom has seen 16 summers. The three girls are Lun Kim, Lun Yuk and Lun Ten, who are detained upon habeas corpus proceedings brought by Wah Lee, a laundryman of Lincoln.

Wah Lee came up from Lincoln yesterday and immediately hunted up Edson Rich, to whom he told his tale of woe. He said there were some forty or fifty Chinese girls in this city, brought here by the Chinese village companies that are operating at the exposition. He further added that the girls were brought here ostensibly for the purpose of operating villages where native life in China would be portrayed in all its simplicity, but that as a matter of fact, the girls were secured for immoral purposes. These girls, he contended, were confined against their will in a building at Thirteenth and Chicago streets and were under the immediate control of Lem You. In his petition, Mr. Lee alleged that instead of locating the girls at the exposition grounds it was the purpose to sell them at the rate of $1,500, delivered in San Francisco, and that seven had already been so disposed of. Upon this showing being made, the writ went out, returnable before Judge Scott at 2 o'clock. At that hour the three girls and a number of other persons from the Chinese quarter appeared in court, but owing to the fact that there was no disinterested person present who could act as an interpreter, the case went over until next Monday morning, the three Miss Luns in the meantime being turned over the Sheriff McDonald for safe keeping.

Don't Know Court Rules.

It was apparent that the Chinese girls did not understand the rules and regulations of an American court, as all of the time during the proceedings they kept up a chattering, winking and smiling at the judge when he intimated that they should keep still.

The complaining witness in the case insisted that he knew what he did when he made the affidavit for the writ of habeas corpus. He said that the girls were imported by one of the big Chinese companies of San Francisco and that it was never the intention to return them to their native land. He said that bringing them here was a scheme to evade the United State laws and continue the traffic in selling Chinese girls.

H. Sling, the foreign agent for the United Pacific Railroad company, and who has an interest in the Chines concession at the exposition, said that all of the allegations made in the affidavit by Wah Lee were absolutely false. He said that the girls had not been brought to America for immoral purposes. They were willing to come, were all registered with the United States authorities, and the company bringing them had given bonds for their return to China at the close of the exposition.

LITIGATION TAKES A NEW TURN.

Management Restrained from Interfering with Streets of Cairo.

The row between the Streets of Cairo and the Streets of All Nations has taken another legal turn. This time it involves the officers of the exposition, who are restrained from interfering with the conduct of the Streets of Cairo. The new complications were brought about Friday night when an officer of the Department of Concessions instructed two of the exposition guards to visit the Streets of Cairo and close the gates, he at the same time declaring that the contract with the concessionaire was canceled and forfeited. At the time of this action, the performances in the Streets of Cairo were in progress, the street parade being on. The manager, Henry O'Brien, complied with the demands of the guards and the streets were closed during the balance of the night and during nearly all of the yesterday. Last evening, however, Mr. O'Brien and his attorney, T. J. Mahoney, appeared before Judge Scott and upon making their showing, secured the temporary restraining order. Arguments upon the application to make the order permanent will be heard next Wednesday morning.

Before Judge Scott granted the restraining order asked for by Manager O'Brien, the latter assured the court that the muscle dance had been tabooed in the Streets of Cairo and that an order had gone out, informing the girls that any and all persons found dancing it would be at once discharged[?]

Fireworks for Nebraska Day.

A special display of fireworks is being arranged for Nebraska day and a number of elaborate pieces are being prepared, including portraits of noted people, comical pieces, etc.

In addition to the features already announced for Nebraska day there will be an address by President Wattles, accepting from Governor Holcomb, on behalf of the exposition management, the Nebraska building, and an original poem by Mrs. J. L. McKeever of Stromsburg will be read during the formal exercises.

SMILES ON THE FAIR

Nature Gives the Great Exposition One More Bright Glance.

GRAND COURT BATHED IN SUNLIGHT

Beauties of the Scene Made More Lovely Under the Radiance.

LANDSCAPE SHOWS GREAT IMPROVEMENT

Luxuriant Growth of a Week Marks the Shrubbery and Flowers.

PROMISE FOR ITS SECOND SUNDAY

Fair Now in Its Most Attractive Condition and to Its Other Features is Added the Finest of Music.

The second exposition Sunday brings a promise of fair sky and bright sunshine and finds the grounds and buildings in their most attractive array. The landscapes have flourished even more luxuriantly after the steady moisture of the week and the shrubbery and flowers have acquired brighter tints and more luxuriant foliage. The details of preparation in the various buildings that were still incomplete a week ago have so nearly approached completion that their attractions have multiplied, and there is nothing lacking to instruct and entertain the big crowd that is expected to spend the afternoon and evening on the grounds. The gates will open at 1 o'clock, and from then until they close at night there will be no lack of entertainment. Aside from the pleasure of spending a bright summer afternoon in the midst of so much architectural and scenic beauty, there will be three concerts by the two most noted musical organizations of the United States, any one of which will amply reward a visit to the grounds. The Marine band will play at 2:30 in the afternoon and again in the evening, and at 4 o'clock the Thomas orchestra will give a carefully selected program in the Auditorium. No intoxicants will be permitted on the grounds and no feature that could offend the most rigid Sabbatarian will be apparent. The sunshine of yesterday afternoon thoroughly dried the grounds and the wide avenues and promenades are as hard and smooth as macadam. Unless there should be another change in the elemental conditions the exposition will be in its most attractive dress and worthy of the interest of every public spirited citizen.

Even yesterday the result of the previous storms was hardly apparent. The bulging sides of the lagoon had been restored except for a short distance at the east end and inspired by the promise of good weather the people came out to swell the attendance far beyond its usual proportions. The aisles of the buildings were more generally occupied by sightseers than on any day since the exposition opened and the concerts in the afternoon and evening were given before exceptionally large audiences.

The exposition officials are making extensive preparations for Nebraska day, which is expected to bring the first really big crowd of the exposition. The liberal rates that have been made by all the railroads and the general interest in the enterprise throughout the state are depended on to make the occasion a memorable one in exposition history and all the superintendents of departments are making a prodigious effort to have their exhibits fully perfected by Tuesday morning. Manager Babcock of the Department of Transportation has received a telegram which assures the management that the rate of 1 cent a mile that was in force on opening day from Nebraska points will be made for this occasion and a similar rate will rule from Iowa points within 150 miles of Omaha. From points in Nebraska outside the 1 cent rate limit the rate will be one fare flat for the round trip. Tickets will be sold June 13 and 14 and will be good for the return trip up to June 20.

SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE GROUNDS.

Biggest Crowd Since Opening Day Takes in the Sights.

Last night the exposition grounds were tenanted by the biggest crowd that has been in evidence since the opening day. It was big enough to indicate that the people are beginning to realize what a pleasant evening can be spent listening to the music of the band and watching the magnificent illumination that grows more beautiful the longer the eyes behold it. The Marine band played to an audience that filled every seat on the Grand Plaza and a large portion of the standing room and gave such vorciferous​ approbation of every number that the program was extended by an unprecedented number of encores and extras. The musicians in turned​ seemed to appreciate the favor of the crowd and altogether the program was one of the most enjoyable that has been heard on the grounds. It was introduced by Sousa's march, "Rifle Regiment," and then the pretty overture from "Mignon" caught the fancy of the crowd. Some selections from Rubenstein's "Bal Costume" and a waltz by Chopin followed and then a very meritorious cornet solo, by Mr. L. M. Larson. A selection from Lohengrin was received with equal favor and then followed Sousa's arrangement of "Marching Thro' Georgia," "Suwanee River," "Star Spangled Banner" and a number of other selections that elicited the most enthusiastic encores. The band held the crowd until nearly 10 o'clock and the musicians received a final handclapping in farewell as they declined to play all night, as their audience apparently required.

In spite of the big crowd on the Plaza the other parts of the ground were far from deserted. There were people everywhere and the Midway exhibits its attractions to more people than are usually expected during the opening days of an exposition.

GOOD MUSIC AT THE AUDITORIUM.

Concert by the Thomas Orchestra Captivates the Audience.

The fact that Omaha audiences are growing more appreciative of good music since they have an unlimited opportunity to gratify their taste was evident at the Thomas orchestra concert in the Auditorium yesterday afternoon. The big building was well filled with an audience that indulged in a degree of enthusiasm seldom witnessed in Omaha, and the unanimity with which it encored nearly every number was a well merited tribute to one of the most enjoyable concerts of the week. The overture, "The Merry Wives of Windsor," by Nicolai, was warmly applauded, but the artistic rendition of the allegretto from Beethoven's symphony, No. 8, which followed, first brought the audience really into touch with the musicians. This was encored until the last movement was repeated, and even then the listeners were unwilling to be satisfied. "The Trumpeter's Farewell," with the trumpet solo by Charles Rodenkirchen, brought another encore, and then the enthusiasm of the audience reached its highest pitch with the masterly interpretation of Schubert's beautiful "Serenade."

The last note of the finale was followed by a tempest of handclappings which would not cease until after the entire selection had been played a second time. The remaining numbers were greeted with equal appreciation. They consisted of a serenade by Moszkowsky, "Swedish Wedding March," by Soedermann; the solo, "Oh, Thou Sublime, Sweet Evening Star," from Tannhauser; the intermezzo, from "Cavalleria Rusticana," and a concluding waltz, "Wine, Women and Song," by Strauss. The trombone solo in the Tannhauser number was very well rendered by O. Gebhardt.

Fully two-thirds of the people who visit the exposition grounds and throng the east and west midways never visit the Transportation, Apiary nor Diary​buildings from the fact that they are nearly hidden from view and visitors are under the impression they have seen it all.

Montgomery Ward & Co. are showing magniscope pictures at their building on the bluff tract. Yesterday a continual swarm of visitors were streaming in and out of their building and they gave every indication of being highly pleased with the entertainment. The entertainment is free and the exhibit is a marvel of beauty.

The principal feature of the concert at the Auditorium tomorrow night will be the singing the "Daughter of Jairus" by the exposition chorus. The solo parts will be sung by Mrs. Sophia Markee, soprano; Holmes Cowper, tenor, and Edward Kuss, basso. The accompaniment will be furnished by the Thomas orchestra. Owing to the large additional expense sustained by the exposition management in presenting this portion of the program, a charge of 25 cents will be made for admission.

NEBRASKA AND ILLINOIS DAYS.

Formal Exercises to Be Observed by the Two Great States.

Nebraska leads the van of the state days and Illinois comes second. Both state commissions have prepared their formal programs for the occasions and have arranged in detail for the proper observation of events so momentous in exposition history. The program for the dedication of the Nebraska building at 11:30 a. m., Tuesday, June 14, is as follows:

The public exercises will be followed by a banquet to invited guests. The "Lady Cadets" of North Platte will give an exhibition drill in the afternoon and evening in the assembly room of the Nebraska building. They challenge the world and especially the Spanish army. Ex-governors of the state will be invited to be present.

A rate of 1 cent a mile has been made up all roads entering Omaha, covering points up to 150 miles from Omaha. Beyond this the fare will be one fare for the round trip. This includes Iowa as well as Nebraska.

For the Illinois Dedication.

For Illinois day a rate of one fare for the round trip has been granted by the railroads from all Illinois points to Omaha, good to arrive in Omaha June 21. The tickets are good for return until June 24, allowing purchasers four days to inspect the exhibits and grounds of the exposition. June 21 is the day agreed upon for the dedication of the magnificent Illinois state building. On the morning of that day the structure will be formally handed over by Illinois officials to the officials of the exposition. The program for the dedication exercises, which will be held in the Auditorium building at 11:30 a. m., is as follows:

A public reception will be given at the Illinois building at 4 o'clock p. m. to Governor and Mrs. John R. Tanner and other distinguished guests.

In the evening an informal banquet to the visiting Illinois officials and others will be tendered by the citizens of Omaha Commercial club. Invitations have been sent to the governor of Illinois and his staff, the Illinois exposition commissioners and the governor of Nebraska and his staff. Toasts will be responded to by Governor Tanner, Hon. Clark E. Carr (chairman of the Illinois exposition commission), Hon. W. H. Harper (chairman of the executive committee), Hon. Henry D. Estabrook, Senator William E. Mason, Senator Shelby M. Cullom, for Illinois, and by Governor Holcomb, William J. Bryan, President G. W. Wattles of the exposition, Judge McHugh and others, for Nebraska. Mayor Carter Harrison of Chicago and Secretary of the Treasury Lyman J. Gage have also been invited and if they accept will be assigned placed on the toast list.

After the banquet, at 9:30 p. m., the entire party will proceed by motor cars to the Illinois building on the grounds, where further exercises to which all Illinois people are invited to be held.

Illinois Committee Meeting.

A meeting will be held Monday afternoon at the Commercial club rooms by the committee of the Illinois club to complete the arrangements for the banquet which is to be given to Governor Tanner and his staff, the Illinois commissioners and Governor Holcomb and staff by the citizens of Omaha on the evening of Illinois day. This committee consists of Euclid Martin, J. J. Dickey, Lucius Wells, Dr. S. D. Mercer, E. Benedict, T. D. Crane, W. D. McHugh and W. B. Taylor.

It is expected that there will be from 2,500 to 3,000 people in the excursion from Illinois outside of those from Chicago. Among the Chicagoans the Apollo club will be represented by a contingent fully 200 strong, and the Union league, Loyal Legion, Board of Trade and Iroquois, Calumet, Hamilton, Illinois and Marquette clubs will all be very well represented. As will be seen from the program the Apollo club will have its male quartet here. Most of the other clubs think they can send a carload each. President Z. T. Carter of the Board of Trade expects that his organization[?]   need about three cars. The directory of the Columbian exposition has been specially invited, and will require a special car. Most of the state officials will accompany Governor Tanner. The excursion will be due here at 7 a. m.

All the railroads centering in Chicago have sent out posters to all the agents along their lines to be put up in conspicuous places for the purpose of advertising the excursion as thoroughly as possible. "It will undoubtedly be the biggest of the kind," said Secretary Hambleton at the Illinois building, while discussing the arrangements yesterday.

For Woman's Day.

In addition to the features of the program for Woman's day, June 18, heretofore announced, Mrs. Ford, secretary of the Woman's Board of Managers, says that Kate Tannatt Woods of Salem, Mass., will deliver an address on "Club Courtesies," and the music will consist of solos by Mrs. T. J. Kelly of Omaha and Master Sims of Milwaukee, the boy singer of Wisconsin, and the Lorelei quartet, composed of the following women: Mrs. D. M. Campbell and Miss Maud Oakley of Lincoln and Miss Lillian Terry and Mrs. A. G. Edwards of Omaha.

Nebraska's Good Looking Women.

The photographs of the handsome women of Nebraska submitted to Chairman William Neville of the Nebraska commission, when he was charged with the task of selecting the two handsomest women in the state as Nebraska's contribution to the composite photograph representing the combined beauty of the women of the transmississippi region, have been handsomely framed and hung in the Nebraska building for the inspection of all who wish to see the contribution of the state to the roll of honor. The photographs have been placed in two frames, on account of the number, and in the center of each frame is the picture of one of the two young women who were selected to represent the state. These two young women will be at the Nebraska building on Nebraska day to assist in receiving the guests on that occasion.

EXERCISES FOR CHILDREN'S DAY.

Program Arranged to Entertain Little Folks Monday and Wednesday.

The formal exercises in connection with Children's days at the exposition, June 13 and 15, will take place in the Girls' and Boys' building, which will be ready for occupancy at that time. The exercises at this time will not be a formal dedication of the building, but will be of simple character calculated to amuse the children and give some form to the celebration. The exercises will commence at 2 o'clock on both days and will be as follows:

MONDAY PROGRAM.

WEDNESDAY PROGRAM.

Notes of the Exposition.

The paid admissions for the tenth day of the exposition numbered 2,469.

Eleven patients were treated at the Emergency hospital yesterday.

The mail carriers on the grounds make four deliveries daily. The mail is quite heavy on all of these trips.

The executive committee yesterday authorized Manager Rosewater to entertain the members of the National and Nebraska Reform Press associations, who will be in Omaha tomorrow evening.

G. T. Prince, chief engineer of the Omaha Water company, and City Engineer Andrew Rosewater were called into consultation yesterday by Manager Kirkendall in accordance with the instruction of the Board of Directors and were asked to make a thorough examination of the piling about the lagoon with a view of making suggestions regarding the best means of repairing the piling and strengthening it so that there will be no further recurrence of the breaking down of the walls.

MUSIC.

The concerts by the orchestra at the exposition Auditorium are slowly but sure coming into the popular esteem that they deserve. At this longitude an orchestra is so seldom heard that it is to many a sort of unknown quantity. They look forward to hearing it with a mixture of ideas, some of which conflict. The word "symphony" is a synonym for mystery and unpleasant duration. It has an alarming effect only because it is not understood. As a matter of fact a symphony is nothing but a set of four different and distinct pieces played in succession. Symphonies are generally written by really great musicians, but they are good music for all that and, if carefully listened to, they will be found interesting. As originally conceived, they are not intended for the human whistle and on that account are not adapted to street performance. Even this does not deprive them of all value, for as played by the orchestra they reveal beauties which amply compensate for what they may lack as outlined above. Beethoven, Mozart, Rubenstein, Brahms and others have spend their best strength in composing symphonies and have set an example which the leading American composers are following with success. The symphony, as a form of musical composition, was first put into definite shape by Haydn, whose oratorio "The Creation," will be given by the exposition musical department during the last week of the present month. Haydn was court composer to the emperor of Austria and had to write music of all kinds to please his blue-blooded employer. If there was a royal dance the royal composer had to write some royal music to guide the royal feet. If a member of the imperial family got married Haydn must needs write some wedding music, and if any one died he must write something appropriate to so important an occasion. He also taught the royal children how to worry the harpsichord and violin. He received his board, clothes, had his washing done by the royal washerwoman, and got about $300 a year salary. In view of all these things he should not be blamed for writing symphonies; he enjoyed it.

The playing of the orchestra is a remarkable exhibition of what real ability can accomplish. Where every man is an artist and in sympathy with the conductor, music means vastly more than is involved in a mere succession of sounds. It talks to the mind and heart with an eloquence that cannot be described. The repertory which is being performed by Mr. Mees is so comprehensive that all tastes must be satisfied. Every kind of music is represented. It would astonish the stranger to such things to drop into the music room at the Auditorium and see the dozen larger trunks in which the scores and parts from which the men play are stored. Fifteen thousand dollars' worth of music is on tap in the Auditorium at this moment. Every composer of any reputation of every civilized country in the world is represented. Mr. Thomas has the largest private musical library in America, and has been accumulating it for the last thirty-five years. Omaha has the opportunity to profit by this if it cares to attend the concerts now being given by the orchestra. As was said last Sunday, one can hear bands all summer, but this is the last chance to hear an orchestra until October, and perhaps not even then. It will depend very largely upon how much appreciation is manifested at the present time. A bird in the hand is certainly somewhat surer than one in the bush.

For the National Congress of Musicians to be held in this city from June 30 to July 4, inclusive, the services of a number of the greatest musicians that this country has ever produced has been secured. Among these is George W. Chadwick, the director of the New England Conservatory of Music. Mr. Chadwick, and perhaps three others, stand at the head of the list of American composers. He it was who composed the music for the opening of the World's fair at Chicago. He was born at Lowell, Mass., November 13, 1854, of native American stock. An older brother was organist of a church in Lawrence, Mass., and George received from him his first instruction in music. In 1876 he took charge of the musical department of a college at Olivet, Mich., but resigned at the close of the first year to go to Europe for further study. For two years he worked under Reinecke and others at Leipzig, and then went to Munich to study with the great composer Rheinberger. He returned to Boston in 1880 and took a position as organist of the South Congregational church. Shortly afterward he was engaged as instructor in harmony and composition in the New England conservatory, of which he is now the head. Mr. Chadwick is a versatile composer and counts among his works overtures, cantatas, symphonies, chamber music, a large number of songs and considerable church music. His ideals are the highest and he is particularly patriotic, believing that there is a field for the American composer and that he has a duty to perform. Besides being a teacher and composer he is one of the finest conductors in the country and will visit Omaha for the purpose of conducting some of his own works. He has never been in the middle west and has expressed himself as greatly interested in its people and of course its musical prospects. The musicians of this part of the country will doubtless avail themselves of the opportunity to meet Mr. Chadwick, to the mutual benefit of all concerned.

KNIGHTS IN CHARGE

Maccabees Have Captured the Exposition Grounds and Buildings.

FIRST OF THE BIG DAYS A SUCCESS

Many Visitors Besides Those of the Order Take in the Sights.

GROUNDS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION

Ravages of the Deluge Effaced and Walks Dry and Solid Again.

DIRECTOR SANTELMAN'S THOUGHTFULNESS

Leader of the Marine Band Provides a Program Appropriate to the Morning and Provides a Fine One for Evening.

The Knights of the Maccabees have the right of way at the exposition today, and during the afternoon they will congregate in the Nebraska building, where they will be formally welcomed to the city by Mayor Moores. As most of the knights did not arrive until late in the forenoon they were not in evidence at the grounds until after dinner, but quite a crowd of other people pinned their faith on the prognostication of the weather bureau and came out during the morning. The grounds had dried rapidly during the night, and this morning there were few indications that they had been deluged. A force of men had leveled the gravel that had been loosened by the continual rain, and the big steam roller traveled over the promenades and left them hard and smooth.

The bulging sides of the lagoon have been restored, except at the east end, where it will require a couple more days and nights to fully repair the damage. The wide avenue through the Midways, which had become soft and cozy under the persistent downpour, is again traversible​, and in the absence of more rain, the grounds will be as dry as ever before tomorrow.

While there were a large number of visitors scattered about the grounds, most of them seemed to be too busily engaged in gratifying their curiosity to hear the morning concert by the Marine band in the Grand Plaza. With a few exceptions the program consisted of popular numbers, of which the medley, "Songs from the Sunny South," was evidently most thoroughly appreciated. The overture from the "Barber of Seville" was the only operatic number, and among the more familiar selections were "Sounds from the Alps," the patrol, "Coxey's Army," "Hail Columbia" and one of Sousa's marches.

Conductor Santelmann has prepared an especially attractive program for the concert tonight, which promises to be one of the most enjoyable of the week. Among the notable numbers are excerpts from "Bal Costume," by Rubenstein, a waltz by Chopin and a selection from Lohengrin. Two of Sousa's latest compositions and the overture from "Mignon" are also included.

CONCERTS AT THE AUDITORIUM.

Attendance at the Thomas Orchestra Performances is Increasing.

The attendance at the concerts given daily in the Auditorium by the Theodore Thomas orchestra is increasing with each performance and the fact seems to be dawning upon the people of this vicinity that they have allowed many excellent opportunities to escape them. The program presented at each performance offers a great diversity of selections and there is never lack of pleasing numbers for every taste.

The audience last night was one of the largest which has yet attended these concerts and the frequent applause attested the great enjoyment afforded by the excellent program presented by Director Mees. The program included a suite of ballet music from "Sylvia," by Delibes, the Dance of the Sylphs from "The Damnation of Faust," by Berlioz; a pizzecato polka and a march by Strauss; "Invitation to the Dance," by Weber-Berlioz; a gavotte, "Near the Ball," Gillett; "The Queen of Sheba," a march by Goldmark, and others of an equally diversified character. The playing of each number was above criticism and the audience was carried by storm as one number after another was rendered in a manner which increased the firm hold upon the people which the orchestra has gained by the uniform excellence of its work.

The upper portion of the Auditorium has been freely draped with flags and bunting and the effect has been very noticeable in improving the acoustics of the building.

The concert today will be a matinee, commencing at 3 o'clock. The programs for today are:

UNITED STATES MARINE BAND

10:30 A. M.

8 P. M.

THEODORE THOMAS' CHICAGO ORCHESTRA, 3 P. M.

Extend Time of Marine Band.

WASHINGTON, June 10.—(Special Telegram.)—Efforts are being made to extend the time of the Marine band at Omaha, the disagreeable weather of the last week playing havoc with the performance of the band at the Omaha Exposition. The management has asked Senator Thurston to use every effort to secure an extension of time until June 22, covering Illinois day at the exposition, June 21, which is expected to be one of the biggest days in the history of the fair. Colonel Haywood, commandant of the Marine barracks, who was seen today, expressed himself as favorable to the proposition for extension of time, having originally recommended that the band be given five weeks at Omaha instead of two as finally granted by the president. Colonel Haywood, however, suggested that the matter being in the hands of the secretary of the navy, that gentleman should be seen, and it is Senator Thurston's intention in the morning to call upon Acting Secretary Allen and endeavor to secure his permission for an extension, and if necessary to go to the president with a plea for additional time in view of existing conditions.

Exhibitors for Homeopaths.

Dr. W. H. Hanchett has just returned from Denver where he has been in attendance upon invitation at the annual session of the American Medical association. There were a number of other physicians from this city in attendance, among them being Drs. E. W. Lee, B. B. Davis, R. C. Moore and Harold Gifford. The convention adjourned yesterday.

The object of Dr. Hanchett's trip was to secure the presence here of the exhibitors who were at the Denver convention when the American Institute of Homeopathy holds its annual session in Omaha from June 23 to June 30. He was successful in this object, as a large number of them agreed to come. The convention will be one of the biggest to be held in Omaha this year, some 1200 delegates being expected. This was about the size of the Denver meeting.

Through the courtesy of Dr. Lee, Dr. Hanchett was enabled to be present at the exemplification of a number of new surgical operations. The operations were performed upon dogs, the animals being furnished by the city of Denver.

A number of physicians expect to stop in Omaha on their way to their homes to take in the exposition.

WHENCE COMES THE COPPER

One of the Educational Features of the Mining Exhibit.

WONDERFUL DISPLAY OF VARIOUS ORES

Lake Superior, Montana and Arizona Contribute Some Marvelous Specimens of the Mineral in Its Many Forms.

No feature of the mineral exhibit is regarded with more general interest than that which illustrates the resources and development of the copper industries of the United States. Much of the material is strikingly attractive from an exhibitors standpoint and people who have been accustomed to regard copper as a baser metal are surprised to discover that in many of its basic forms it acquires even more beautiful effects than gold or silver. The Transmississippi Exposition is fortunate in securing the most complete and interesting copper exhibit that has ever been brought together in the history of the world. This is in a degree the result of peculiar trade conditions which induce the great mine owners to make a special effort at this time. The copper interests of this country are in the hands of comparatively few men who do not need to advertise their product, as far as its local consumption is concerned. But within the last few years there has been a tremendous increase in the demand for the product, which is largely on account of electrical development. The long distance telephone lines call for a largely increased use of the metal and it is also used to a tremendous extent in other forms of electrical construction which are of comparatively recent date. The increase in the use of the metal in 1896 was about $80,000,000 and last year showed a proportionate increase over 1896. This condition has induced great activity in the copper industry. Everyone has been looking for new mines, but very little has been found. This has strengthened the owners of the present great sources of supply and they have now reached the export stage. This country produces more than one-half of the copper of the world and the mine owners are now anxious to exhibit at Omaha in order to get their product advertised abroad and get in line for the Paris exposition. The result is that the Mines building contains a display of copper ores and products that for​ outclasses that of the World's fair.

Where the Copper Comes From.

The three great copper producing regions of this country are known as those of Lake Superior, Montana and Arizona. The Lake Superior product is pure copper, while that of the western mines consists of sulphide of copper, which must be refined before it is ready for the trade. The exhibit amply illustrates the resources of each of these districts, as well as the differences in the original product and in its preparation for the market. One private individual has an exhibit from Michigan which shows every form of native copper that is found on the face of the earth. The Michigan exhibit also illustrates the two different forms of copper deposit. One consists of huge boulders of pure copper, which range from the size of a man's fist to masses of several tons weight. On account of the peculiar tenacity of the metal, it has been found that it cost more to mine these large masses than they were worth, and, remarkable as it may seem, the most valuable mines are those which treat rock which only contains 2½ per cent of copper. The metal consists of small pellets of pure copper, and when the rock is crushed to powder these pellets are simply flattened and are easily separated from the conglomerate rock. This rock is very fully shown in all its forms. Some of the specimens are crystallized in the form of ferns and other growths. Others are known as "half-breeds," and contain small quantities of silver. The peculiarity of this species is that while the rock contains both silver and copper, each is absolutely pure. The silver runs in layers through the duller metal like the light color in a marble cake, and in this nature has accomplished one of the most mysterious feats known to mineralogists. No human being has ever been able to weld silver and copper and keep the two metals entirely distinct, and science has so far entirely failed to explain by what mysterious process this has been accomplished in these ores. Another very interesting form is that in which the pure copper appears inside of crystals of calcide, which are as clear as water, and the collection includes every form of rock in which copper is found.

Sulphides and Carbonates.

Montana is represented by some of the richest specimens of sulphide ore that have ever been mined. This is far richer than the "shot copper" of the Lake Superior mines, but the excess is offset by the expensive chemical processes that are necessary in order to eliminate the sulphur and other alloys. The Arizona exhibit is the most interesting to the majority of visitors on account of the indescribably beautiful forms and colors that the original ore develops. These are caused by the carbonate which abounds in the surface copper in the Arizona mines, but disappear as the drifts run deeper in the earth. Aside from the magnificent display of Arizona copper that is already installed that is already installed, another and similar exhibit is now on the way, and this will also comprise a complete showing of the uses of the metal in its manufactured state.

Settles a Pass Dispute.

The discussion between the exposition management and the Nebraska Exposition commission regarding the number of passes to be allowed the commission and its employes has been adjusted by giving the commission passes for each member of the commission, one for the assistant secretary, twenty-six for employes connected with the various exhibits, and nineteen for employes in and about the Nebraska building, a total of fifty-two passes. This was all that was asked by the commission, the additional names handed in by Assistant Secretary Campbell being simply in the nature of "suggestions" which have not yet been approved by the executive committee.

No passes were issued to the representatives of the various secret societies which have headquarters in the Nebraska building.

Art Director Griffiths to Explain.

Art Director Griffiths will give visitors to the Art building on Sunday afternoon a treat. About 3 o'clock on that day he will commence a running lecture on the pictures displayed in the Art building and will walk about from gallery to gallery calling attention to the especial points of merit of this or that picture and telling a few catchy things about the artist. Mr. Griffiths is a perfect storehouse of interesting little things of a personal nature about the leading artists whose pictures are displayed in the building under his supervision, and is as well a lecturer on art subjects, who is in constant demand in all parts of the country. His "personally conducted" trip through the Art building for such as care to avail themselves of the opportunity will be a treat.

MONTHLY MEETING OF DIRECTORS.

Discussion of Means for Giving the Exposition Publicity.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the exposition was held yesterday in the Administration arch. There were twenty-seven directors present, and Vice President Saunders presided in the absence of President Wattles.

The greater part of the session was taken up with a discussion regarding the best means of advertising the exposition. Mr. Kountze introduced the subject by speaking of a man from Denver who had visited the exposition and had expressed the greatest surprise that the affair was not advertized in the Denver papers. In contrast to this, Mr. Wharton told of a client from Denver who had spoken most enthusiastically of the exposition, before seeing it, saying that he had read all about it in the Denver papers, and had never known any exposition anywhere which had been so thoroughly advertized.

Manager Rosewater spoke of the great quantities of clippings from papers all over the country, and especially from Denver and Colorado, showing that the papers in all parts of the country are constantly giving the exposition enormous quantities of advertising without charge. He said there has been a systematic attempt on the part of certain newspapers in this immediate vicinity to cause dissatisfaction regarding the method adopted for showing the usual courtesies to the newspapers in the way of passes. He said the same method had been adopted with the Iowa papers that was in force with Nebraska, yet but three complaints have been received from Iowa editors, while a systematic effort has been made to prejudice the newspapers of Nebraska against the exposition. He referred to the Chicago papers which have been giving the exposition page after page of advertising without charge, and said the next issue of Harper's Weekly will devote two pages to an article regarding the exposition.

The discussion then became general and many suggestions were made regarding the best methods to bring the exposition prominently before the people in all sections of the country. Mr. Rosewater told of what is being done in the way of getting out new advertising matter and said the lack of funds was all that prevented the advertising being carried on more extensively. The matter was then dropped without action.

Director Youngs moved that the price of admission to the exposition grounds be reduced to 25 cents after 7 p. m, each day until July 15. He supported this motion by the argument that this course would give the masses of the people an opportunity to come to the exposition to spend their evenings.

Manager Babcock said this question had been thoroughly discussed by the executive committee and the decision of the committee had been against the course proposed by the motion. Mr. Babcock said there were two sides to the question, in addition to the argument advanced by Mr. Youngs. The concessionaires would like to see that price reduced at night as that would improve their business, but the exhibitors were on the other side. If the exposition is made a "night show" the increased attendance at that time will detract from the size of the crowds which will visit the exposition in the day time and the result will be that the exhibitors will take their goods and leave.

This argument was satisfactory to Mr. Youngs and his motion was withdrawn.

Mr. Rosewater called attention to the recent damage to the lagoon and said that something should be done to prevent a recurrence of the disaster. He therefore moved that the executive committee be directed​ to employ a competent hydraulic engineer to devise a plan for repairing the lagoon so that it will not be breaking down with every rain.

There was very little comment on this motion, Mr. Kountze remarking that the lagoon is one of the most attractive features of the main and that something should be done at once to prevent it from being out of order all the time. The motion was then adopted without further discussion.

The board adjourned to meet June 24 at 4 p. m.

SELECT DATE FOR NEW YORK DAY.

July 12 Will Be Sacred to Visitors from the Empire State.

Tuesday, July 12, will be "New York day" at the exposition, and arrangements are being made for a big celebration under the auspices of the New York commission and the Merchants' association, one of the most influential organizations of business men in the state. Hon. W. Bourke Cochran, the noted orator, will deliver an adddress​ during the ceremonies incident to the formal dedication of the New York building.

The New York Exposition commission and a delegation from the Merchants' association, together with a party of prominent people to the number of about 100, will be here. President William F. King of the Merchants' association writes to General Manager Clarkson that the association realizes the importance to the whole country of the development of any particular section and will co-operate in every possible manner to make the exposition a success. He congratulates the exposition management on the successful opening of the show and says that the association is watching with a great deal of interest the development of the enterprise.

MASSACHUSETTS' OFFICIAL PARTY.

Manager Clarkson Gets Word Concerning the Number Coming.

The sergeant-at-arms of the lower house of the Massachusetts legislature telegraphed General Manager Clarkson that the delegation to the exposition from Massachusetts would include forty-four persons. The date when the party will arrive was not stated and a telegram was sent at once to learn that point. As soon as this is known the date will be designated as "Massachusetts day" and an appropriate program will be arranged. The party will start for the west soon after the adjournment of the legislature and will travel in a special car. This will be sidetracked at a convenient point and the members will remain in Omaha about a week. The resolution making the appropriation of $6,000 to defray the expenses of this party specified the officers who will make up the delegation. This includes the governor or lieutenant governor, four members of the staff of the chief executive, three members of the executive council, one of the secretaries of the executive department, the state officers and members of both houses of the legislature.

CHILDREN IN CHARGE

Exposition Grounds Turned Over to the Kids During the Day.

YOUNGSTERS TAKE IN THE BIG SHOW

Sights Viewed on the Run by the Little Ones from School.

MERRY RACES THROUGH THE BUILDINGS

Displays Given a Fleeting Glance and the Midway Duly Inspected.

FIRST DAY FOR THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Exposition Management Entertains a Most Wonderful Aggregation of Critics and Inquisitors During the Afternoon and Evening.

The children are officially recognized as the guests of the exposition today and thousands of them are taking advantage of the privilege of spending a day in enthusiastic admiration of its beauties. Every precaution has been taken to insure their safety and comfort and permit the little ones to enjoy a holiday that will long remain a pleasant memory. As the public schools were in session as usual this forenoon, it was not until later in the day that the children arrived in full force. But judging by the number that were on the grounds in the morning there must have been many a vacant seat in some of the school rooms and many a truancy remains to be accounted for. They did not swarm over the grounds as they did later on, but they were there in groups and dozens and their merry chatter was in evidence in every building on the grounds.

At noon the schools were dismissed for the day, and after the mid-day lunch had been hastily disposed of the pupils were started for the grounds by the hundred. They swarmed over the motor cars and besieged the ticket sellers and gate keepers by battalions. The turnstiles revolved all too slowly to suit their eager anticipations, but once inside, they were turned loose to romp over the grounds without restraint. Many of them had only caught glimpses of the exposition from the outside, and their delight and enthusiasm as they came face to face with its full ensemble was amusing to witness. The only thing that prevented them from being entirely happy was their inability to see the whole show at once. But they saw more of it to the minute than the ordinary exposition visitor could comprehend in an hour. They fairly raced through the main buildings and covered the intervening pavements in double time. Nothing could arrest their progress for more than a few seconds, but even at that there was mightly​ little worth seeing that they did not notice during their rapid flight.

The Marine band concert in the Grand Plaza caught a few of them, but only for a minute. They applauded the music as appreciatively as their elders, but they were altogether too busy to sit still and hurried on to see that wonderful Midway that they had heard their big brothers and sisters tell about.

PRIDE OF THE STATE

Nebraska's Building at the Exposition Formally Dedicated.

EXERCISES BRIEF BUT IMPRESSIVE

Distinguished Speakers Pour a Libation of Eloquent Oratory.

MANY CITIZENS ADMIRE THE STRUCTURE

Beautiful Homes for Nebraskans Given a Thorough Inspection.

THOUSANDS LISTEN TO THE SPEAKERS

Program at the Building Carried Out in Presence of an Immense Throng of Patriotic and Interested Residents.

Fully an hour before the time announced for the commencement of the dedicatory exercises the people made their way to the Nebraska building and spent the intervening time very pleasantly in inspecting the handsome structure. The pretty fountain in the center of the rotunda flashed gently, the spray falling on the broad leaves of the palms and potted plants which made the fountain a bower of beauty. The central portion of the floor was filled with camp stools and settees, seats being provided for 600 people. Ample space remained about the sides of the room and in the balcony on the second floor to accommodate several hundred people in addition to the seating capacity.

The crowd passed about from room to room, delighted with the beauty of the decorations and the tasteful manner in which the entire building was arranged. Cut flowers and potted plants in each room added to the attractiveness of the building. About 10:30 a procession of carriages halted before the west entrance to the building and the distinguished guests of the occasion arrived. The party comprised General Holcomb and his staff, the latter in full regimentals, the state officers, President Wattles of the exposition and W. J. Bryan. The party were under the escort of Chairman Neville, Secretary Casper and Assistant Secretary Campbell of the Nebraska commission. The people in the building soon gathered about the state officers and an impromptu reception was soon in full blast in the governor's rooms on the second floor.

The Omaha Military band was installed in the west balcony and filled in the time with a number of selections.

On the Speakers' Stand.

The speakers of the occasion occupied the dais at the north end of the assembly room. A small table served as a speakers' stand and in front of it were palms and small silk American flags grouped in a very effective manner. Suspended from the balcony immediately above and in front of the speakers were large portraits of President McKinley and Vice President Hobart, draped with the national colors.

Every foot of standing room in the spacious building was occupied when Commissioner Boydston, acting as master of ceremonies, led the way to the platform at 11:45 followed by Governor Holcomb and staff, Senator Allen, President Wattles, W. J. Bryan, W. F. Gurley, Chancellor MacLean, ex-Governor Alvin Saunders, ex-Governor Crounse, ex-Governor Boyd, the members of the Nebraska Exposition commission, Attorney General C. J. Smyth.

A burst of applause greeted the appearance of the little procession and Master of Ceremonies Boydston raised his hand for silence as soon as all were seated. He announced that the exercises would be brief and introduced Chancellor MacLean of the University of Nebraska to deliver the invocation. The chancellor was in good voice and his prayer to the Almighty that the Divine blessing might rest on the building, the commissioners, the state and all its inhabitants was a literary gem.

The vocal music for the occasion was furnished by the York Glee club, under the direction of Dr. B. F. Lang. The personnel of the club was as follows: Dr. B. F. Lang and wife, Edwin Bell and wife, S. W. Bissell and wife, W. L. Kirkpatrick, F. W. Stillson, Winnie Stillson, R. V. Clark, Mrs. Charles Gilbert, Wilson Tout, Mrs. J. P. Diffenbacher, Miss Elsie Beck, George Fair, Mrs. W. D. Cocke, Miss Belle Warner; Mrs. Harrison, pianist; Miss Edith Lang, assistant pianist. The first number rendered by the club was "The Union of States We Hail." The other numbers sung by the club were these: "Now Tramp O'er Moors and Fell," "The New Hail Columbia" and the "Bridal Chorus," from the "Rose Maiden."

Judge Neville's Address.

The formal dedication of the building was in the hands of Judge William Neville of North Platte, chairman of the Nebraska commission. He spoke briefly without notes, saying that Nebraska welcomes the world and invites it to come and see the feast which has been prepared. He attributed the great prosperity which the state is experiencing to the bountiful supply of air and sunshine with which the state is blessed, declaring that Nebraska products excel the world. Referring to the building, the chairman said it offered headquarters for the secret societies and all other societies, as well as people of all politics and creeds, all of whom are at liberty to use the building as a place for ventilating their views. He invited all to come and make the Nebraska building their home.

Judge Neville advised all the people everywhere to come to the exposition, referring especially to the children, saying that a month of studious observation at the exposition is worth more to the rising generation than five years of school life. He complimented the exposition management for the great things which have been accomplished, lauded the government officials for the splendid exhibit which has been prepared. In closing Judge Neville introduced Governor Holcomb as the real representative of the state of Nebraska.

Governor Holcomb was vigorously applauded as he stepped to the front to address the gathering. He spoke briefly of the progress of the great west in the development of its material resources, referring to the period when the section of which Nebraska is the center was regarded as a barren spot, and sketching some of the hardships experience by the earl ysettlers​ of the state. The growth of the exposition sentiment in other sections was referred to and the speaker declared that the culmination of expositions had been reached in the great fair now being held in the principal city of the region, which had been transformed from a desert to the most fertile spot on the face of the earth. He cited the yield of cereals in Nebraska during the past two years to supporthis​ statement that the state is one of the greatest food producers of any section in the world and complimented the people of the state for the energy and constancy which had accomplished such vast results.

A poem entitled "Nebraska" was recited by the author, Mrs. McKeever of Stromsburg, who explained that the poem had been written and read at the meeting of the Western Writers' association at Warsaw, Ind., one year ago. She said if more time had been given her she would have rewritten the poem, but having had but a brief notice she had been unable to do so.

President Wattles' Welcome.

President Wattles was introduced by Mr. Boydston to accept the building in the name of the exposition. He said:

In behalf of the management of the Transmississippi and International Exposition I accept this beautiful building dedicated here today for the comfort and convenience of the citizens of Nebraska. I commend the wisdom of its conception, the care and economy in its erection and the beauty and convenience of its design. The management of the exposition appreciates the broad and liberal hospitality of the state board of directors in providing a home on these grounds, not only for our own citizens, societies and institution, but for the representatives of other states and territories. The comforts this building will afford to thousands of strangers who will accept its hospitality will do much to accomplish one of the great objects of this exposition, which is to cement the ties of friendship and good feeling and bind together with pleasant memories and common interests the citizens from all parts of this great country. The east has misunderstood the west and has not appreciated its resources, its citizens and its magnificent opportunities. To the state of Nebraska the future historian will give the credit of erecting in times of adversity a great exposition destined to break down prejudices, build up commerce and promote peace and good will throughout the land.

When our excellent governor recommended in his last biennial message to the legislature of this state a liberal appropriation in aid of this exposition, a discussion of the merits of this enterprise was precipitated throughout the state which for several months grew in intensity until a bill was finally passed and became a law providing for a state building and a state exhibit. Many of the speeches in opposition to this measure would be amusing if reproduced here today. But when we consider the conditions which prevailed three years ago in this state we cannot wonder that many questioned the advisability of the enterprise. A great panic had paralyzed our business interests; two crop failures had discouraged our farming communities; many of our citizens in the western parts of the state had but recently received public charity and many had abandoned their lands to seek homes in southern climes or go back to eastern friends and relatives. Conditions never seemed more discouraging and to many who live only in the present an exposition of our resources in 1898 meant failure and disgrace.

But adverse conditions make heroes. The richest inheritance of this generation is the courage and energy of the pioneers of the west. These pioneers subdued the savage tribes which occupied this territory, drove back the buffalo and antelope and made productive farms of the desert they occupied. They built railroads, school houses, churches and colleges; they bravely met and surmounted every emergency; they were of the best blood and brain of the east and of all parts of the world. From them and their descendants came words of encouragement and support to the managers of this enterprise. These men who had seen the state of Nebraska in times of temporary adversity before knew that the natural conditions of this state justified the expectation of a speedy return of good crops and prosperity in business, and so from all parts of the state came a demand by petition and through the press in favor of the exposition which our legislators could not resist.

That the appropriation of state and national funds for this exposition was wise cannot be doubted by any who believe in public schools and other public institutions of learning. From an educational standpoint what could impart more information and better education than an exposition of this character? Who can stand at either end of the grand court and look at the magnificent spectacle of architectural grandeur there displayed without receiving impressions and inspirations which will last through life. To the farmer whose days are spent in honest toil in the quiet and peaceful pursuits of country life, what must be the sensations of wonder and delight in seeing for the first time the electrical effects of these grounds and buildings at night. To the great majority of our citizens who have never seen the capitol of the nation and the departments of our government what could be more interesting and educating than the illustrations of the workings of these departments made in the beautiful government building here? To one and all the display of art from the masters of the old world and the best painters of modern times, the statuary, the machinery, the products of farm and factory and the highest and best results of genius and invention cannot fail to be a school of learning that could not be equalled in any other way.

But the financial benefits of this exposition to the state of Nebraska and to the entire west will amply repay the expense and effort in its promotion. Already the attention of the world has been attracted by the magnificent display of our resources here made and during the next four months thousands of homeseekers and investors will visit the exposition and investigate the opportunities of the west. That this state will secure its full share of this tide of immigration we cannot doubt when we consider that the growing crops this year in many counties promise to exceed the value of the farms on which they are produced, that the live stock interests of th estate​ have doubled in the last four years and that thousands of acres of the richest and best lands in the world for the production of corn and sugar beets are today unoccupied. New life and energy will be infused in all branches of industry throughout the state by the men and money that will be attracted here by the exposition and the improved conditions which now prevail. The investment of this state will be returned many fold by the increase in value of its taxable property and by the higher and better civilization of its citizens.

In view of the many benefits of this exposition to the state of Nebraska I most heartily congratulate his excellency, the lawmakers of the state and the state board of directors of the exposition on the wisdom and statesmanship displayed in making an appropriation for a state building and an exhibit here. I congratulate them on this magnificent building which does honor to the state it represents and credit to the exposition of which it forms a part. In the name of the exposition I accept this building for the purposes for which it is this day dedicated.

Mr. Bryan's Remarks.

After a selection by the band, W. J. Bryan was introduced. He was greeted with loud applause. Mr. Bryan reviewed the purpose of the state and touched upon the war in the following language:

Nebraska is ready o​ her part in time of war as well as in time of peace. Her citizens were among the first to give expression to their sympathy with the Cuban patriots, and her representatives in the senate and house took a prominent part in the advocacy of armed intervention by the United States.

When the president issued a call for volunteers Nebraska's quota was promptly furnished and she is prepared to respond to the second and subsequent calls.

Nebraska's attitude upon this subject does not, however, indicate that the state is inhabited by a contentious or warlike people; it simply proves that our people understand both the rights conferred, and the obligations imposed, by proximity to Cuba. Understanding these rights and obligations, they do not shrink from any consequences which may follow the performance of a national duty.

War is harsh; it is attended by hardship and suffering; it means a vast expenditure of men and money. We may well pray for the coming of the time, promised in Holy Writ, when the spears shall be beaten to pruning hooks and the swords into plowshares; but universal peace can not come until justice is enthroned throughout the world. Jehovah deals with nations as He deals with men, and for both decrees that the wages of sin is death. Until the right has triumphed in every land, and love reigns in every heart, governments must, as a last resort, appeal to force. As long as the oppressor is deaf to the advice of reason, so long must the citizen accustom his shoulder to the musket and his hand to the saber.

Our nation exhausted diplomacy in its efforts to secure a peaceable solution of the Cuban question; and only took up arms when it was compelled to choose between war and servile acquiescence in cruelties which would have been a disgrace to barbarism.

History will vindicate the position taken by hte nUited​ States in the war with Spain. In saying this I assume that the priciples​ which were invoked in the inauguration of the war will be observed in its prosecution and conclusion. If a contest undertaken for the sake of humanity degenerates into a war of conquest, we shall find it difficult to meet the charge of having added hypocrisy to greed.

Is our national character so weak that we cannot withstand the temptation to appropriate the first piece of land that comes with niour​ reach? To inflict upon the enemy all possible harm is legitimate warfare, but shall we contemplate a scheme for the colonization of the Orient merely because our fleet won a remarkable victory in the harbor of Manila?

Our guns destroyed a Spanish fleet, but can they destroy that self-evident truth, that governments derive their just powers—not from superior force, but from the consent of the governed?

Shall we abandon a just resistance to European encroachment upon the western hemisphere in order to mingle in the controversies of Europe and Asia?

What Gurley Said.

The next thing on the program was a vocal solo by Prof. Monte Parsons of Omaha, who sang a song, entitled "The Little Old Sod Shanty on the Plains," the words and music composed by himself.

W. F. Gurley was the next speaker. He spoke as follows:

Fellow Citizens: The dedication of the Nebraska building is in reality the inauguration of the Transmississippi Exposition. The orators of this occasion, speaking with authority, voice the welcome of a most gracious host—the commonwealth of Nebraska. The ceremonials of this hour convey formal notice to the civilized world that the hospitality of our state is boundless and that every guest within our gates shall find a royal welcome.

The American exposition of broadest scope has heretofore been not only commemorative, but has been the chronicle of some great national anniversary, or the celebration of an epoch in history. The Transmississippi Exposition has no place in this majestic series of formal festivals. No memory which duty enjoins to embalm in marble sits enthroned among the palaces of this triumphal city. It rears today its domes of gold and minarets of alabaster as an inspiration born of the passionate impulse of a proud people; not a memory, but a radiant dream—a dream which is also a prophecy!

For more than a hundred years the traditions of the republic have found lodgement among the granite hills of New England and in the pine groves and cotton fields of the balmy south. To New England and the south we turn with pride to read the annals of American ancestry; but in the magnificent prairies and mountain states, those colossal principalities which comprise the "seat of empire" of the new west, enthroned between the mountains and the Mississippi, we behold the fulfillment of the hope of American posterity.

The Centennial and the World's fair were superb monuments to the glittering pageantry of completed history. The exposition to which we bid you welcome is unique in character, and in its promise of future grandeur more wonderful than the crystallization of centuries of matured development which characterized the national pageants at Philadelphia and Chicago. The perfected products of a matured civilization may well incite the admiration of observant men. But it has remained for the progressive population of this royal region, rich in resources beyond the flight of the most exuberant fancy, to present for the delectation of mankind the inexhaustible treasures of an incomparable territory comprising the most princely provinces of our national domain.

This exposition is representative not of what we have been, but rather of what we may be, and under the providence of God what we are to be. Nebraska rejoices that the time has come when as the official representative of the great west she may extend a welcome to the denizen of the east; hopeful and confident that by contact and association those errors and misconceptions which have arisen as to the character and purpose of her citizenship may be forever swept away.

Conservative and radical are much abused terms. In recent years they have been employed to emphasize a demarcation line between the so-called eastern and western halves of the republic. The accumulated wealth of the east, by virtue of the logic of human nature, has impressed its timidity and conservative quality upon the citizenship of that portion of the republic. In the east dwell the sentinels of wealth. in the west the pioneers of fortune. He who has it ever conservative while he who hopes is ever radical. I do not hesitate to affirm that the radicalism of the west, born of honest tumult and patriotic commotion, is the sure sign of that superb progression which blazes the pathway of civilization, and builds the roadways for the onward march of humanity toward the final and triumphant destiny of the race.

To be radical is to agitate, and in agitation lies the safety of the republic. Some one has defined agitation to be "marshalling the conscience of a nation to mould its laws," and since John Brown trod the soil of Kansas we of the west have been agitators. Popular government can only exist through a continual process of fermentation. Free speech is at the basis of free institutions, and out of the clamor and heat of partisan discussion arises the best thought, the highest purpose of a patriotic people.

My fellow citizens, I can conceive of no more appropriate occasion than the present, on this day, and at this hour to protest against the misconception of our status as a commonwealth, or our purpose as a people. With seventeen years of personal knowledge and an intimate acquaintance with the history of Nebraska since its admission to the sisterhood of states; as a loyal son of this glorious commonwealth, I challenge the assertion, whenever or wherever made, that any branch of our state government in any period of its history has ever made an assault upon the rights of citizenship, real or personal, or endeavored to wield an arbitrary authority in defiance of lay or constitution.

Agitation is one thing—lawlessness another. The west is turbulent, but not lawless; and out of that turbulency and commotion there arises the spirit of the genius of liberty.

Today Nebraska throws open wide her golden gates, and summons to her portals and myriads of mankind. To this enchanted city of the plains she lures with wizard wand the unnumbered host of other lands and climes. Superb sponsor of a regal hospitality, broad as the prairies, rich and varies as the mountain ranges which rear their snow crowned crests in salutation to the sky; robed in the glittering garments which nature weaves alone in token of man's toil; imperial in her pride, her sovereign brow tinged with the glow of the approaching dawn she bids the nations hail.

Attorney General Smyth's Speech.

After another selection by the band Attorney General C. J. Smyth was introduced and spoke as follows:

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: This is Nebraska's day. It is on this day that we may sound the praises of our great commonwealth. She bids her sons do this, not in the spirit of vanity, but that she may be known as she is. Not one jot or tittle would she take from the glory of her sister states who have come here to display in these buildings and on these grounds the evidences of their growth, their wealth and their enterprise. With delight will she listen when they tell of their resources and their triumphs. To them she extends that welcome which becomes a generous, broadminded and truly American commonwealth; and to none will she yield in admiration of their greatness.

If we would understand Nebraska as she is, the work of her sons in bringing her to her present condition and the probabilities of her future, we must look back and contemplate, if only for a moment, the "small beginnings" from which she sprang.

In 1834 the congress of the United States denominated the territory of which she was then a part as "The Indian Country." It was, in fact, at that time the country of the savage. The white man had no dominion therein, and the sweet word "home" was without a meaning on all its broad prairies. Less than fifty years ago the Omaha Indians held title to the land on which we stand, and the entire white population at that time in this vast territory did not exceed 5,000 souls.

Not many years after the Omahas ceded their title to this territory to the United States, Nebraska's pioneers came and commenced the work of home building and state building. The days of the freighters followed; the Union Pacific was projected and finished; the ox team gave way to the freight train; the prairie schooner to the upholstered car, and thus the evolution went on until within the short span of forty-five years it has culminated in the palaces of art that lift their class outlines within the walls of this exposition. marvelous has been the progress.

The surplus products of her farms last year—that is, the products she was able to send to market—were worth over $55,000,000. She has over 3,000 factories with a capital invested of $40,000,000. These factories pay yearly more that​ $13,000,000 in wages, and the value of their output is nearly $95,000,000 annually. Here on the border of her chief city are located packing houses which bring Nebraska near to the second packing center of the world. Fourteen lines of railway, having a mileage of 4,730 miles, carry Nebraska's commerce.

This is but a glimpse of Nebraska as she is materially; how is she in those departments of activity which develop the higher nature of man, which refines his thoughts and makes him a force in the dominion of taste and intellect? Six universities, twenty-nine colleges, seventeen academies, 6,690 common schools and seventy-five private schools educate 360,000 of her sons and daughters.

This is Nebraska's day, and this exposition is her palace. As she steps to the main entrance thereof to welcome her guests of the transmississippi region notice the inscription on her shield. It illustrates the fact that she has the lowest rate of illiteracy of all the states of all this union. The national government has placed her percentage at 3.11.

How appropriate then that the representatives of this transmississippi region should select this state as the place wherein to exhibit to the world their best specimens of the triumph of mind over matter. And what specimens they are! If you would see a picture as beautiful as ever man created, contemplate the grand court when illuminated at night. Go into the buildings, look at the evidence there of what man has done, and then say, if you will, that his achievements in the transmississippi country have not been surpassingly great. But do not be surprised, for in this region we possess the best blood and brains of our country. From the east, from every nation under the sun, have come to us energy, independence of character, and irresistible progressiveness that knows no halt until it reaches its goal or the grave. From what race sprung those men? The Anglo-Saxon? Those who weep because we have not lords, and castles and crests and other evidence of barbarism, answer "yes." Men who deal in facts, and not in fancies, answer "no." Read the names of those who perished with the Maine, who supported the immortal Dewey, or who went into the laws of death with the heroic Hobson. Were they all Anglo-Saxons? Who will say so? Truth declares that many races were represented there. The Dane and the Swedish, the German and the Irish. Shoulder to shoulder they stood behind the guns of their adopted country, offered their lives on her altar and thanked God that they were Americans, the best race that ever blessed the earth, the combination of all that is good in all the races of the world.

Today Nebraska sends greetings to the oppressed of every race, and of every clime. To all, no matter of what race they come, who have energy, intelligence and industry, coupled with a love of freedom, she opens wide her gates and bids them welcome. Here under the blessings of our free institutions, and breathing the air of the most healthful climate in the world, they will have their energy stimulated, their industry rewarded and their liberty protected.

This concluded the exercises and the Nebraska commissioners and guests adjourned to the cafe at the south viaduct, where luncheon was served.

NEBRASKA AT HOME

Antelope State Takes Up Headquarters on Exposition Grounds.

BEAUTIFUL DAY AND LARGE CROWDS

Opening of the State Building Brings Throngs of Visitors.

CONDITIONS FOR THE SHOW PERFECT

Nothing Lacking to Make the Occasion Thoroughly Enjoyable.

MOST OF THEM SEE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME

Palaces Around the Main Court Attract Many from the Formal Exercises on the Bluff Tract During the Morning.

Regardless of clouds that gathered forbiddingly at noon, Nebraska day promises to be one of the eventful occasions of the exposition. Thousands of people from every part of the state poured into the grounds all the morning and when all previous records of attendance were eclipsed, there was no diminution in the incoming tide of visitors. The full shift of ticket sellers and gatekeepers was put on and the turnstiles at the main entrances clicked as regularly as clocks.

The forenoon was most delightfully adapted for exposition sightseeing. There was just a sufficient haze across the sky to minimize the heat and save the eyes from the full glare of the sun on the white buildings. The atmosphere was just cool enough for the maximum of comfort and a more comfortable looking lot of people than those who swarmed through the grounds could scarcely be imagined.

As most of the special trains were not scheduled to arrive until late in the afternoon, it was not expected that the people would begin to come in large numbers until toward midday. But a surprising number of them were well loaded. After 9 o'clock there was a constant inflow from both ends of the main court and by 11 o'clock there were apparently as many visitors in sight as at any time during the previous day. The majority of them were strangers and most of them brought their lunches for an all day's holiday. They rapidly distributed themselves over the grounds to see what their varying tastes designated as most worthy of their first attention and none of the myriad attractions of the big show were neglected.

Coming from the Country.

Towards noon the contributions of the special trains from Nebraska points swelled the arrivals and for a couple of hours the gate keepers were kept on the hustle. From each entrance stretched a dense line of people which was lost in the crowds that populated the more central parts of the enclosure. Many of the arrivals went on to the Bluff tract to witness the ceremonies that attended the formal opening of the Nebraska building, but thousands of others preferred to occupy their time in seeing the exposition. The buildings were not uncomfortably crowded, but every aisle was full and the exposition guards had their first experience in keeping them from being blockaded in the vicinity of the more popular exhibits.

While the effort to have every exhibit complete by Nebraska day was not successful in every detail, it was approximately accomplished. The crowd found everything complete in the majority of the buildings, and in others so little was lacking that it was scarcely perceptible. Workmen were still putting the finishing touches on some of the exhibits in the Agriculture building, and some of the heavy machinery in the Machinery building were not fully installed. A little material for the mining exhibit is still on the road, but aside from these slight details the exposition is complete.

Marine Band's Triumph.

The morning concert of the Marine band was hugely enjoyed by an audience of which a large proportion had not previously enjoyed the privilege of listening to its splendid music. The program included several compositions that have led in popularity previously and they received a large additional measure of approval. Sousa's famous march, the "Directorate," was the opening number before it was finished the big square in front of the band stand was well occupied. An overture by Thomas followed and then the crowd was delighted with Gottschalk's beautiful work, "The Dying Poet." The rendition of the waltz, "Wine and Song" by Strauss was especially well received and was followed by a selection from "The Merchant of Venice by Mercadante. A number of other selections which were not so generally familiar were given and the program was concluded with the always popular "Marching Thro' Georgia" and "Hail Columbia."

DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS A SUCCESS.

Chorus and Orchestra Work Well Together in Its Rendition.

The giving of "The Daughter of Jairus" last evening was in every way a musical delight. The chorus, for weeks under the careful guidance of Mr. T. J. Kelley, responded to the baton of a new conductor gracefully, singing with excellent appreciation throughout. Particularly may be mentioned their last ensemble work, which was full of life and artistic merit. The orchestra played with consideration, not in any ensemble work, which was full of life and artistic merit. The orchestra played with consideration, not in any instance sufficiently fortisimo to obscure the voices. Exceptionally well matched was the trio, Madame Sophia Markee, Messrs. Holmes Cowper and Kuss. The duo between Mrs. Markee and Mr. Cowper, "Love Divine," was the gem of the evening and brought special enthusiasm from the audience. Mr. Kuss and Mrs. Markee were more acceptable in the choral work than in their respective solos, which were somewhat interfered with by the wandering about of the audience. Mr. Kuss was formerly of the Carl Rosa Opera company. Mrs. Markee has been for some time a representative of Boston's Musical coterie and has a smooth and well trained voice with a personality all in her favor. Mr. Cowper, lately from London, is a happy addition to the small number of good tenor singers. Director Kimball, who led the performance, did so with ease and ability and expressed himself as well satisfied with both chorus and orchestra.

Previous to the choral work an admirably rendered program was given by the orchestra. A special number of interest was MacDowell's suite No. 1 in four movements. Like all of his works there was the evident merit and grace of thought and musical realism, especially in the "Summer Idylle," and "Shepherdess' Song." The musical committee should feel encouraged to continue these delightful evenings, for a good sized audience responds each time. It will be well worth while to hear M. Bare Tuesday, the first violinist of the Chicago orchastra​, who appears in solo.

Mr. E. Bare. who joined the Chicago orchestra at the beginning of the season, is a pupil of the celebrated violinist, Hellmesberger of Vienna. After having studied with him for a number of years, Mr. Bare went to Paris for the purpose of taking advantage of the excellent opportunities offered to violinists in the French capital. He occupied the position of concert master, both in Paris and Cologne, with notable success. At his first appearance as soloist with the Thomas orchestra he at once stepped into the favor of the public. He will appear tonight at the Thomas concert at the Exposition Auditorium.

Secretary Gage Coming.

The exposition management has been notified that Hon. Lyman J. Gage, secretary of the Treasury department, will be in Omaha on Illinois day, June 21, and will be one of the honored guests at the Illinois building. Mr. Gage will travel from Washington in a special car and will take part in the ceremonies incident to the formal participation of Illinois in the exposition.

DEDICATE THE KANSAS BUILDING.

Program of the Interesting Ceremonies Made Public.

The Kansas state building will be dedicated Wednesday, June 22, and the occasion will be celebrated by an interesting program and distinguished as Kansas day in exposition chronology. Ex-Governor Glick, president of the Kansas exposition commission, will preside at the ceremonies and Vice President John E. Frost will deliver the address of welcome and turn the building over to the exposition authorities.

The Kansas building is at once pleasing and dignified in appearance, with broad porticos on three sides and balconied upper stories. In its composition the result of classic influence is at once manifest and in endeavoring to obtain this result, combined with convenient arrangement and economy, the result has been eminently satisfactory. The building is 55x57 feet. Entering the main or assembly room, which is thirty-two feet square, extending through both stories, the gallery above is reached by means of ample staircases, and from this level a fine view is obtained of the surroundings. Opposite the main entrance is located the checking rooms and postoffice, while at either side the rooms adjoining are arranged en suite, those on one side being assigned for use as women's parlors and lunch rooms. On the other side are located the gentlemen's quarters and commissioners' office.

Money for the building and also for the fine state exhibits in the Agricultural and other main buildings was collected in the various counties of Kansas on the promise of Governor Leedy to recommend to the next legislature that the counties should be reimbursed.

The program for the dedication ceremonies, which will begin at 11 a. m. at the Kansas building on the bluff tract, is as follows:

A brilliant display of fireworks will be given in the evening. Free concerts by the Theodore Thomas orchestra will also be given in the Auditorium on the grounds during the day.

Exposition Notes.

Many visitors from over the state arrived on the regular trains last night in order to avoid the crowds that will come in this morning on the excursions.

After the banquet, following the public exercises, Governor Silas A. Holcomb will receive visitors for an hour or so in his suite of rooms in the Nebraska building.

The York Glee club of twenty splendid singers will arrive in Omaha this morning on an excursion from York. The club will furnish music during the "Nebraska day" exercises.

The fire department was called out Sunday night at 12:30 o'clock by an alarm which turned out to be a false one. The janitor of the Dairy building went to turn what he thought was the electric light button, but instead proved to be the fire alarm.

Among the many excursionists to arrive in Omaha this morning to assist in the success of Nebraska day will be the Ladies' cadets of North Platte. The cadets will give exhibition drills both this afternoon and evening in the assembly room of the state building.

The first prostration by heat occurred yesterday afternoon. S. O. Campbell of East Peru, Pa., a gentleman of 60 years of age, was prostrated. Mr. Campbell is an exhibitor of a gate on the north tract. Some twenty other patients were treated at the Emergency hospital.

Some 300 of the school children were given free admittance into the Great Wild West show in the afternoon by Mr. Mattox, the proprietor. The little codgers stood around on the outside without a penny in their pockets and as fast as a crowd of ten or twenty would gather, Mr. Mattox would rush them past the gatekeeper into the [?]

One little boy, who was walking along west midway intent on the manipulations of the Shoot the Chutes, ran against a pipe protruding from a plumber's wagon, striking him in the face in close proximity to the eye. The result is a bad cut and the little follow​ was carried to the hospital, where he received treatment. The driver of the wagon received a rebuke from a guard for letting his wagon stand out in the street in such a manner as to injure people.

PLANS MADE FOR ILLINOIS DAY

Governor Tanner and Staff May Be Banquetted at the Exposition Grounds.

The executive committee of the Illinois club met yesterday afternoon in the Commercial club parlors to complete arrangements for the entertainment of Governor Tanner and other prominent Illinois people who will be here on Illinois day. Preparations had been made to entertain Governor Tanner and his staff, together with other well known men who will attend the exposition at that time, at a banquet to be given in the rooms of the Commercial club on the evening of June 21. The exposition directors have planned to have special fireworks and other features of particular interests at the grounds on that night and through E. Rosewater and Major Clarkson they asked that the banquet be given in one of the restaurants on the grounds in order to have the party on the grounds in the evening. Most of the members of the executive committee favored this change in arrangements and the matter was referred to a committee composed of Messrs. Taylor, Payne and Benedict who will look into the matter and report to the whole committee at a meeting to be held at the office of Postmaster Martin at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF STATE

What the Children, Large and Small, Have Contributed.

EDUCATIONAL DISPLAY IS EXCELLENT

Showing Made by the Institutions is in Keeping with Nebraska's High Standing as a Leader in Enlightenment.

While the exposition is to a large extent commemorative of what Nebraska has achieved during its half century of existence it includes one feature that is significant of what the next generation will add to its measure of wealth and culture. Here is gathered together a vast representation of the work of its public schools whereto the children of the rich and poor alike is opened the way to a happy and successful future. In a state whose proudest boast is that its percentage of illiteracy is less than that of any other state in the union, this exhibit commands more than ordinary interest and the lesson that it teaches us is at no time more pertinent than when the citizenship of the state is congregated to celebrate Nebraska Day.

The educational exhibit occupies over 14,000 feet of floor space, almost completely filling the gallery of the Manufactures building. The entire north side is devoted to the public schools, the east end is occupied by the University of Nebraska and the State Normal school and the state educational institutions and the private and denominational schools occupy the south side. The public school exhibit includes contributions from 183 high and graded schools, which employ a combined teaching force of 1,732 teachers, and 322 rural schools. There are also represented eight state institutions employing 167 teachers, five private schools employing​ forty-eight teachers and five denominational schools which employs thirty-seven teachers. Of the forty-eight schools in the state which have a teaching force of more than ten instructors thirty-eight are represented at the exposition. Of the ninety counties seventy-two figure in the exhibit through their public schools.

What the Children Can Do.

The galleries have been divided into nineteen booths in which the various exhibits are arranged in a systematic manner and with an artistic and attractive ensemble. To thoroughly inspect the work of the thousand of pupils who have contributed to the enterprise is to acquire an enlarged idea of the results of modern education. The long galleries hung with drawings and designs that would be creditable in trained artists merely indicate what has been done by children whose hands are scarcely large enough to hold a pencil. The exhibits illustrate the work of every class of pupils from the kindergarten to the twelfth grade of the high schools and show how the little ones have been trained to use their hands and imaginations together to create new ideas and develop their powers of thought. In one booth are seen the petty creations that the pupils 5 and 6 years old have been taught to make merely by folding and cutting paper. In a higher grade they begin to draw from life and to develop their imaginations by drawings descriptive of some incident or problem that occurs in their studies. As they pass upward these specimens develop a wider scope until the high school grades produce a variety of studies in life and figure work that indicate no ordinary degree of talent.

Four of the booths in the public school exhibit are occupied by the Omaha schools. One is devoted to a presentation of the work of the manual training department of the High school and another is filled with drawings from life, wall paper designs and casts which represent the work of the pupils of the high school grades. The seventh and eighth grades fill the third booth and the lower grades occupy the last. In addition to the specimens which are hung on the walls there are a large number of bound books which contain compositions, language work and illustrated papers pertaining to the studies of the class in all the branches of the curriculum.

General Exhibit is Excellent.

The remainder of the public school gallery is devoted to the general state exhibit and the walls are entirely occupied with specimens from the schools of the state. These are very similar to the exhibit of the Omaha schools and even in the rural schools a surprising degree of merit is apparent. The University of Nebraska shows a large amount of work of an advanced character, which includes a gallery of oil paintings, some of which display no ordinary degree of talent. The Institute for the Deaf at Omaha, the Institute for the Blind at Nebraska City, the Boys' and Girls' Industrial schools at Kearney and Geneva and the Institute for the Feeble Minded at Beatrice are represented as state institutions and in each case the booth is well filled with elaborate and artistic handiwork accomplished by these unfortunates. The booth occupied by the State Normal school is prettily decorated in blue and serves as a sort of reception room for the use of the exhibitors and their visitors.

The entire exhibit was complete several days ago and in spite of the effort involved in climbing a long flight of stairs it has been a subject of general interest to exposition visitors. Superintendent Stewart has personal charge of the department and Miss Alice Tithe of the Omaha schools has superintended the selection and installation of the contributions of the Omaha schools.

WHAT THIS GREAT STATE OFFERS.

Resources of Nebraska and Its Inducements to Homeseekers.

The Transmississippi and International Exposition is just now drawing the attention of the entire United States, as well as a large portion of the world to the great stretch of country west of the Mississippi, and by reason of the location of the exposition at Omaha, Nebraska is particularly conspicuous. Before it is over the people of the entire country will be made aware of what those who have lived here and those who have had intimate business connections in the state, have long known—that no state in the union has greater or more varied resources than Nebraska. There is no product which the soil of the temperate zone produces that does not flourish here, and in many of them Nebraska can safely challenge the world to produce equal results.

For many years Nebraska has stood well up to the head of the corn producing states, ranging from third to fifth in point of total production, gradually crawling up and passing many of its former rivals as the area of cultivated land was extended by the influx of settlers. Among men who have been engaged in farming in many states it has long been recognized that the same number of men and teams can produce more corn in Nebraska than in any state of the union, for the reason that in practically all portions of the state the soil does not bake and become hard if worked while wet. This gives the advantage of a larger number of working days in the growing season, with the attendant results.

The inseparable companions of King Corn are hogs and cattle to consume the crop. In Nebraska a less percentage of the corn crop finds its way to the world's markets in its primary condition than in any state of the union. In hogs, Nebraska has no particular advantage over any other of the corn states, though it is just as fortunately situated. In cattle, however, that is not a state in the union so favorably situated. In every direction, except to the eastward stretch the great ranges on which cattle can be raised at a comparatively small cost, but these sections lack, and always will lack, the corn that is necessary to make the best qualities of beef. With a lay-over ticket for the market they are stopped in the Nebraska feed yards, adding to the value of the cattle, and also to the corn they consume, and when they are ready to be turned off they have the best of markets at their own door in the great packing houses at South Omaha.

Among the Wheat States.

In small grain Nebraska is also forging to the front. In oats and all of the fine cereals, except wheat, it has always occupied a conspicuous place in the table of production and within the last few years Nebraska farmers have been waking up to the fact that this is also a profitable wheat-producing state. The result is the record-breaking crop of last year, which promises to be excelled this season. The oats fields of Nebraska have long been the source of wonder to those who have seen them and of unbelief to those who have not, frequently threshing out 100 bushels to the acre.

One of the growing industries of the country is the production of sugar, particularly from beets. The United States is the

Of all the various products which spring from the soil which are to be raised in this latitude which go to make up the food supply of man, Nebraska produces in abundance and has plenty to spare for its neighbors.

Partially Developed Industries.

Of the industries in an agricultural way which have yet been scantily developed, if at all, are those of fiber production. Some small effort has been made in the growing of hemp and its manufacture, in every instance with success, but what could be made the most important has never passed this stage of experiment. That is the growing of flax for the fiber. Large quantities are grown for the seed, but the fiber practically goes to waste. Experiments by thoroughly compentent​ men have demonstrated that, particularly in the valleys of the principal rivers, a quality of flax fiber for the manufacture of linen can be successfully and profitably produced, which is excelled by none produced elsewhere in the world.

There was a time when it was supposed that outside of a small section along the Missouri river fruit could not be successfully grown in Nebraska. Practical experience exploded this theory long ago and now in every portion of the state which has been settled long enough to allow it to be started fruit in plenty is raised for home consumption and in the older portion of the state large quantities are shipped out to other markets.

No belief concerning Nebraska is so common as that the state is practically treeless. Many people who live in the state in a measure share in this belief, thinking that with the exception of a small fringe of timber along the Missouri the vast expanse stretches westward scarcely relieved by the sight of a tree. In the sense that people in what are known as the timber states speak of forests this condition exists. Along all of the streams that early settlers found a fringe of trees, but under the provisions of the timber culture act and the stimulus of priviate​ enterprise the prairies all over the state are now dotted thickly with small groves of from ten to twenty acres of fine young timber, their beauty and utility testifying to the wisdom of the injunction to "plant trees."

Taken all in all no state in the union offers greater inducements for people to come and build for themselves homes than does Nebraska, and in the opportunities which it offers to those of limited means of accomplishing the result it is not approached by any. With a rich national endowment it has attracted the best of the homebuilders, who have here erected a school system excelled by none and with a rich endowment which ensures its expansion to meet the needs of the future.

Governors of Nebraska.

The governors of Nebraska, from the inception of the territory to the present time, follow:

REARS A FINE STRUCTURE

Concerning the Nebraska State Building at the Exposition.

OCCUPIES A PLACE ON THE BLUFF TRACT

Landmark that is Visible from All Portions of the Grounds and the Surrounding Country—List of Employes.

The Nebraska building occupies one of the most commanding positions among the structures erected by the many states participating in the exposition. Standing near the edge of the bluff overlooking the broad valley of the winding Missouri, the size and imposing appearance of the building make it an object of attention, even among the beautiful and classic structures which have been erected by other states as a mark of their appreciation of the good work which has been done in bringing the exposition into life.

The building is massive in appearance, the general mass being rectangular. The huge dome, flanked by four smaller domes, give to the building an appearance which makes it a landmark plainly visible from all parts of the grounds as well as from the surrounding country. The exterior is a light chocolate color against which the white columns supporting the cornice stand out in bold relief. The pediment over each of the entrances at the center of the main fronts of the building is crowned by a heroic figure representing Nebraska welcoming the people of every state and nation to the portals of the home erected by the state for all who may come. The pediments are flanked by groups of statuary symbolizing peace and plenty.

The building is two stories in height, measuring 90x142 feet on the ground and about ninety feet to the top of the lantern surmounting the dome.

Starting the Work.

When the Nebraska Exposition commission was appointed by Governor Holcomb about the first thing which was decided was that the state should have a building to be used for headquarters for the people of Nebraska who visited the grounds and for the official representatives of such other states as might wish to avail themselves of the hospitality of Nebraska. This much was decided upon before the commission had [?] official existence. The appropriation of [?],000 was not available until the latter [?] of July, 1897, but at the first meeting held after this was available and the commission officially in existence one of the first business transacted related to the erection of such building. A number of plans were submitted by architects from all parts of the state and these were taken under consideration by the commission at the first meeting. No formal action was taken, however, until the second meeting, August 12, when the plans submitted by John H. Craddock of Lincoln and John McDonald of Omaha, collaborating for this purpose, were accepted and details, drawings and specifications were ordered made. The site on which the building stands was officially determined August 26, although it had been conceded from the very beginning that this place, regarded as the best location on the Bluff tract, should be assigned to Nebraska.

Almost the first action taken by the Nebraska commission regarding the erection of the state building was the passage of a

Cost of the Building.

The original plans for the building were changed slightly and on September 21 modified plans were adopted, the building being enlarged somewhat from the size originally proposed and the general form of the building being slightly altered. It had been estimated that the cost of construction under the first plans would not exceed $16,000 and the estimate of the cost under the modified plans placed the figure at about $20,000. The statement issued by the commission June 1, last, shows that the total expenditure on account of the building up to that time was $25,082.02, but this amount includes insurance during construction, architects' fees, guards and watchmen, fuel for the workmen during the cold weather and other items which might not be considered as properly chargeable to this account, the total of these items being about $3,000.

The contract for supplying the lumber covered by the schedule made by Superintendent Blake was let to the Wyatt-Bullard Lumber company of Omaha for $3,471, and it was stipulated that the same firm would supply any additional lumber at the rate on which this bid was based.

Active work on the building was commenced September 28 and the structure was erected in the most substantial manner. The Nebraska building is, without doubt, the most substantially constructed building on the exposition grounds and might easily be removed any reasonable distance. Men from all parts of the state were employed on the building and the work was prosecuted all through the winter. During a few of the most severe days work was suspended, but, except in the most extreme cases, there was no cessation and the work went steadily on.

The staff and plaster work of the building and the statuary were done by contract, it being out of the question to do this portion of the work by employing men by the day. Kimball Bros. of Lincoln were awarded the contract for both staff and plaster at $5,800. They sublet the plaster work to Hester & McCaslin, also of Lincoln, and the very unsatisfactory manner in which the plastering, both interior and exterior, was done formed the only serious subject of disagreement between the commission and the contractors. The matter was finally adjusted on the basis of a reduction in the contract price. This reduction just about equalled a bill for extras presented by Kimball Bros. on account of extra staff work ordered by the architects and the contract price represented the total cost of this portion of the work.

The electric wiring of the building was done by the Western Electric company of Omaha, the contract price being $340.

The painting of the outside and the finishing of the interior wood work was done by A. B. Bender & Son of Madison county, the price being $372.

Has a Fine Interior.

The interior of the building is arranged to make it a convenient place for meetings of various kinds such as state societies, celebrations, etc. The center of the building is a large assembly room, 100x60 feet in size, on the lower floor, with a wide balcony extending all around the rotunda on the second floor. The ceiling of the dome is sixty feet above the floor.

Surrounding this assembly room, on both the first and second floors, are a series of rooms, twenty-four in number, of various sizes and used for a variety of purposes. Reading and toilet rooms are provided for both men and women, an intelligence office is maintained where visitors may obtain information on any subject, a postoffice is installed in one of the rooms, were persons desiring to do so may have their mail addressed, and an attendant is on duty to deliver such mail. A visitors' register in one of the rooms shows the name and address of those calling at the building.

A large room at the north end of the building on the second floor and the smaller room adjoining it on the west are assigned to Governor Holcomb and these have been very tastefully fitted up under the direction of Miss Mellona Butterfield, the hostess of the building. The rooms at the northeast corner of the second floor are occupied by the Nebraska commission as its offices. The other rooms in the building and the nooks and corners at various points have been assigned to numerous secret societies of the state which maintain headquarters here for the convenience of their members who may visit the exposition from Nebraska and adjoining states.

Splendid Array of Pictures.

The interior of the building is decorated in the most artistic manner. The walls of the large assembly room and rotunda are tinted a light green with decorations in light chocolate color. The window draperies harmonize with these colors. The other rooms in the building are tinted in various shades, some being yellow, others blue, gray, red, etc., with draperies and other furnishings which harmonize in the most tasteful manner. The walls of the large room, as well as those of the smaller rooms, are embellished with a large collection of paintings, both in oil and water color, from the brushes of Nebraska artists. The collection is highly artistic, every painting being the work of an artist. They were selectel​ by Miss Butterfield and hung under her direction. A number of pictures painted by Miss Butterfield herself constitute a part of the collection and add very materially to its artistic completness​.

The Ohio Exposition commission is the only state commission which has availed itself of the invitation of the Nebraska commission to make the Nebraska building its headquarters on the grounds. A desk in the office of the Nebraska commission on the second floor is presided over by Secretary Greene of the Ohio commission.

Makeup of the Commission.

The members of the Nebraska state commission are as follows: William Neville, president, North Platte; W. A. Poynter, Albion; C. D. Casper, David City; H. M. Boydston, Nebraska City; C. A. Whitford, Arlington; W. M. Dutton, Hastings; J. N. Campbell, assistant secretary, Fullerton.

Employes Nebraska State Commission—State building: Dan Althen, bookkeeper, Beatrice; Nellie O'Rourke, stenographer, and Mellona Butterfield, hostess, Omaha; Mrs. W. H. Hunter, assistant hostess, Fremont; Mrs. Clara Marks, check room clerk, Grand Island; Miss Anna B. Overton, attendant ladies' waiting room, Gibbon; Miss Lela Wheeler, postmistrees, Lincoln; F. M. Whittecar, custodian, Ainsworth; Cyrus Lindell, assistant custodian, Lincoln; A. J. Williams, policeman, Omaha; Patrick Hynes, policeman, Hastings; John Barrett, policeman, Knox county; Frank Barry, guard, Wahoo; E. B. Wilber, guard, South Sioux City; Ed Parrott, janitor, Auburn; W. C. Bass, janitor, Seward; A. J. Tomlinson, clerk intelligence office, Red Cloud; G. C. Stevenson, registry clerk, Madison; Arthur Elder, messenger, Clay Center.

Educational Department—W. R. Jackson, superintendent, Lincoln; C. W. Stewart, assistant superintendent, Alma; Eliza L. McGrew, helper, Garfield; William B. Howard, helper, Dawes county; A. H. Holmes, helper, Wilcox; M. C. O'Hara, helper, Bloomfield; W. H. Mullen, helper, O'Neill.

Agricultural Department—E. D. Johnson, superintendent, Lexington; C. E. Drake, assistant superintendent, Albion; W. E. Hassler, helper, Pawnee City; Jerry Wagoner, helper, Bellwood.

Cooking School in Flour Exhibit—Mrs. H. McMurphy, proprietress; Mrs. Mary Pleak,

Horticultural Department—Peter Youngers, jr., superintendent, Geneva; G. A. Marshall, assistant superintendent, Arlington; Charles Nownes, assistant superintendent, Papillion; Frank Clark, helper, Tecumseh.

Floriculture Department—L. C. Chapin, superintendent, Lincoln; A. W. Shickley, helper, Fillmore county.

Apiary Department—L. D. Stilson, super intendent, York; G. M. Whitford, assistan​ superintendent, Arlington.

Dairy Department[?]

MAKING THE APPROPRIATION

How the Great Fight Was Waged in the Nebraska Legislature.

OPPOSITION TO MEASURE WAS STRONG

Middle-of-the-Road Populists and Kansas City Republicans Obstruct the Way, but Are Eventually Swept Aside.

How the appropriation for Nebraska's participation in the Transmississippi and International Exposition was secured is a warm chapter of state history in itself, and not an especially creditable one to some of the members of the legislature which made it. It is charitable to think that some of the opposition to the bill was honestly made, but that much of it was malicious and some directly intended to assist Kansas City in its efforts to secure the transfer of the exposition from Omaha to that place is equally true. When the bill was at last passed it was loaded with such provisions as the opponents could devise in the hope that Omaha would be unable to fulfill, and therefore lost the benfits​ of the measure. It is true also that the delay in the Nebraska legislature occasioned by the opponents of the exposition had a very decided effect on western legislatures which were in session at the same time, and which refused to make any appropriation because the enterprise lacked the proper support at home.

Charles Wooster of Merrick county, Wilson Winslow of Gosper, Fred Gaylord of Buffalo and W. G. Eastman of Custer, populists, and C. E. Jenkins of Jefferson, republican, were leaders of the opposition in the house, and they had a very numerous following, both open and concealed. They fought the bill from first to last with all their power.

As soon as the legislature was organized Governor Holcomb, as the state executive, recommended, in his annual message, legislative assistance in the following words:

You will be called upon by the management of the Transmississippi association to aid the enterprise, and I trust that the financial assistance given by you will be liberal and sufficient, so that our sister states and territories west of the Mississippi may be thereby encouraged to lend their substantial aid.

He called attention to what congress had done in the way of an appropriation, also to the action taken by Iowa, Utah and Louisiana.

On January 13 Representative Dudley Smith of Douglas county introduced a bill for an appropriation of $350,000. As house roll 93, it became familiar to every citizen of the state. One of its provisions was the appointment by the governor of twelve directors to represent the state of Nebraska. In its preamble it alluded to the action of congress and enumerated several strong reasons for the exposition.

It would make too long a story to follow the legislative history of the bill in all its detail. From the very first opportunity he had to speak on the measure, before its reference, Wooster attacked it with brutal candor, and the others were as active, if not as frank.

Kansas City Took Part.

Agents of the Kansas City Commercial club were in Lincoln, too, snatching up every indication of antagonism, in their intention to report to the legislatures of Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas a prediction that the Nebraska legislature would vote down any appropriation. They were engaged in a scheme to have the exposition removed to Kansas City.

The committee did not get ready to report the bill for the general file until February 5, and then the committee was about evenly divided on it. This committee consisted of Ralph A. Clark of Richardson, chairman; Richard Dobson of Fillmore, A. E. Sheldon of Dawes, D. S. Zimmerman of York, Henry Gerdes of Richardson, G. L. Rouse of Hall, C. E. Curtis of Douglas, G. E. Jenkins of Jefferson, V. W. Straub of Otoe, C. F. Wheeler of Furnas and E. M. Pollard of Nemaha. Jenkins and Gerdes fought the bill to the very last, as their vote on the final passage witnesses. Chairman Clark was always friendly and frequently championed it. When the committee reported it the bill was accompanied by several amendments, one intending to cut down the appropriation to $150,000. Another amendment proposed to reduce the number of directors from twelve to six at $75 per month.

It took the house three days to reach a consideration of the report. Wooster did not miss his opportunity then and Winslow, Gaylord and Jenkins all came out from their ambush. Hitherto they had been making their attacks from under cover, where they had been safely hid from public gaze. How, however, they became bold and exhibited their teeth. All four got their

Gaffin's Special Ruling.

A second attempt to advance the bill was defeated in the house on February 18 by a vote of 55 to 38. Friends of the bill favored pushing it forward. These were O. Hull of Harlan, republican; William Horner of Dawson, populist; Lucien Stebbins of Lincoln, populist, and Clark of Richardson, populist, who had always been friendly. But Wooster, Winslow and Gaylord were, if anything, firmer than ever in their opposition. At this stage Speaker Gaffin came to the bill's rescue somewhat by announcing a new ruling, at which he said he had arrived after a careful study of parliamentary authorities. The new rule was that a majority of the house was sufficient to advance any bill. Hull had made the motion to advance the bill. Under the speaker's ruling fifty-one votes were all that were necessary to advance a bill. The committee on rules in a caucus decided to sustain him in his position. Clark of Lancaster made an objection, based upon "Roberts' Rules of Order," and contending for the two-thirds vote up to that time considered necessary.

Things had come to such a pass by this time that it was thought by the free silver leaders, themselves, advisable to do something to prevent the fusionists from being made the victims of popular indignation in case the exposition bill failed to pass, so they decided that an entirely new bill, to be introduced by Speaker Gaffin as a substitute for the Smith bill, might gain the support of the populists and best subserve the interests of the exposition. Accordingly, one was drafted conjointly by Congressman-elect W. L. Stark of Aurora and Judge C. R. Scott of Omaha. It provided for an appropriation of $200,000 for "a Nebraska exhibit."

In the event of neither the original bill nor the substitute going through, only five days of the forty allowed for the introduction of bills remained, when the Smith bill did finally come up in committee of the whole, February 23, and the Gaffin substitute was offered. In striking contrast to Wooster and his followers, Speaker Gaffin, Chairman Clarke of the finance committee, and Sheldon of Dawes, all populist leaders, and Hull of Harlan, republican, worked hard for the exposition. The bill had eventually been made the special order for this day almost unanimously, only E. J. Burkett of Lancaster and Cole of Franklin voting against getting it this far along.

Hot Time in the House

This meeting of the house in committee of the whole was a hot one and a long one. The committee sat two days, the second until after midnight, and every tactic the opponents of the exposition could resort to

Wooster accused Horner of Dawson with having played the turncoat, and Horner called him a "liar" without any attempt at ceremony. Of course, Jenkins played for indefinite postponement. The discussion reached a point where Gaffin thought it was useless to continue it, "as it would not change a vote," he said, so, from Hull's seat, he moved the previous question, whereupon Wooster accused him of trying to apply the "gag law." Gaylord of Buffalo and Hamilton of Butler did their utmost to give the exposition a crippling blow. By the time the committee arose the Gaffin appropriation figure was cut down to $100,000—exactly one-half of what Congressman Stark and Judge Scott though​ the exposition's foes would agree to, and the fight was not yet ended. The amendment to reduce to $100,000 came from Billings of Keya Paha.

Last Stand of the Opposition.

An effort by A. E. Sheldon of Dawes to have the committee finish its consideration on the first day by having an evening session was beaten by a vote of 53 to 43. The fever of malignancy broke out the second day without waiting for anything like an excuse. It was started by Eastman of Custer, and Jenkins roasted Omaha to his own satisfaction. All sorts of amendments were aimed at the bill—the substitute now was being considered—to weaken it. Eager of Seward tried to have the appropriation cut down still further to $50,000. Winslow, himself, had been a trifle more modest—or ashamed—than this; the figure he proposed was $75,000. One of the amendments saddled on to it forbade the paying out of any money until at least $250,000 had been paid in by the Omaha stockholders.

A statement was secured from Treasurer Meserve to please Wooster, showing the total amount available for appropriation by the state. Its figures allowed $1,250,000 for the finance, ways and means committee, and $400,000 for the claims committee, a total of $1,650,000. A table a day or so later, prepared by the finance committee, gave the footings of the legislative appropriations as $574,550 for the departments, and $1,140,685 for the state institutions.

Motions by Wooster to recommit and Winslow to indefinitely postpone were both easily voted down. Frank Loomis of Butler said the condition of the state treasury demanded "something radical," and intimated that to refuse an appropriation altogether would be about "radical" enough to suit him, but the other salons did not see it that way. P. H. Eighmy of Brown and R. H. Hill of Clay said they were not opposed to the $100,000 appropriation, but were to any greater sum. At 12:45 a. m., February 25, the committee of the whole decided to arise and report the bill for engrossment and passage.

One of Wooster's threats was that he would block legislation, and particularly the other appropriations, by holding up the exposition bill, if its champions did not yield. Why, he knew best. On the last day allowed for the introduction of bills in the house he got a resolution before it asking that the bill's constitutionality be inquired into by the supreme court before final action was taken. His motive was transparent to every one, but Clark of Lancaster calling attention to a rule of the court that it would not consider the constitutionality of any law until a case was brought formally before it, Wooster's resolution was tabled on a motion by Dudley Smith of Douglas.

He did gain a doubtful victory next day. He told the house he had information to the effect that the bill had been tampered with—that the word "association" had been erased from it outside the house—and he moved the appointment of an investigating committee. Though Dudley Smith explained that there was no Transmississippi "association," yet Wooster's motion prevailed by a vote of 54 to 30, and he became the committee's chairman. His committee never reported.

Final Vote in the House.

On March 4, the date of President McKinley's inauguration, the Gaffin substitute was finally passed by a big majority of the house and went to the senate. True to himself, Wooster had not subsided in the least, but did his utmost to keep the bill from reaching a vote. He represented that his investigating committee had not yet had [?]   ruling Jenkins protested and Eager of Seward moved to recommit the bill for correction. The chairman of the engrossing committee, O. A. Sever of Otoe, had, however, reported that the bill had been correctly engrossed. Clark of Lancaster, therefore, raised the point that nothing but the correct bill was before the house, which point the speaker sustained.

The vote on the passage of the bill is an official record of its friends and foes. Following is how the vote stood:

Ayes—Alderman rep, Ankeny pop, Baldwin dem, Bernard rep, Billings pop, Blake rep, Bower pop, Burkett rep, Bryam rep, Campbell pop, Casebeer rep, Chittenden rep, Clark of Lancaster rep, Clark of Richardson dem, Curtis pop, Dobson pop, Eighmy rep, Felker dem, Foulke rep, Gaylord pop, Givens pop, Goshorn rep, Grandstaff pop, Grell dem, Grimes pop, Henderson rep, Hill pop, Holbrook rep, Holland pop, Horner pop, Hull pop, Hyatt pop, Jones of Gage rep, Jones of Nemaha pop, Jones of Wayne dem, Kapp dem, Lemar pop, Liddell dem, McCarthy pop, McGee rep, McLeod rep, Mann rep, Marshall pop, Mills rep, Moran pop, Morrison pop, Nesbit rep, Phelps pop, Prince rep, Rich dem, Roberts dem, Rouse rep, Sheldon pop, Shull pop, Smith of Douglas dem, Snyder of Sherman pop, Straub dem, Sutton pop, Taylor of Douglas pop, Taylor of Fillmore pop, Uerling pop, Van Horn dem, Waite rep, Welch pop, Wheeler pop, Wimberley rep, Yeiser pop, Young rep, Zimmerman pop, Speaker Gaffin pop—70.

Nays—Cole pop, Eager pop, Eastman pop, Fernow pop, Gerdes pop, Grosvenor pop, Hamilton pop, Hill pop, Jenkins rep, Keister pop, Loomis pop, Mitchell pop, Robertson pop, Severe pop, Smith of Richmond pop, Snyder of Nemaha pop, Soderman pop, Webb pop, Winsow pop, Wooster pop—20.

Absent or not voting—Cronk pop, Endorf pop, McCracken pop, Pollard rep, Roddy rep, Schram pop, Stebbins pop, Wiebe pop, Woodard pop, Wright pop—10.

Easier in the Senate.

The bill did not have much difficulty in the senate, though there was some opposition. It was pushed up to the head of the file on March 12 and was at once considered in committee of the whole and recommended to pass. The next day it passed, four votes going against it.

Senator Murphy did not succeed in his endeavors to raise the amount of the appropriation to $150,000; neither did Senator J. S. Canaday of Kearney to cut it down to $50,000. Frank Ransom pronounced Canaday amendment "too absurd to merit even a moment's consideration and an insult to the intelligence of the senate." J. H. Dundas of Nemaha favored the $50,000 figure, through Senators Beal of Custer, J. D. Lee of Keya Paha, Smith T. Caldwell of Nuckolls and A. T. Talbot of Lancaster stiffly insisted on the $100,000 limit, if not less. Frank Ransom of Douglas closed the discussion with a speech in favor of Mr. Murphy's figure, but, though the senate voted down Canaday's amendment, it would go no higher than $100,000. Canaday's amendment received three votes, those of Senators Canaday, Dundas and J. M. Osborn of Pawnee. This discussion of the amount was in committee of the whole. The passage of the bill on the next day was without incident. It passed by the following vote:

Ayes—Beal pop, Caldwell rep, Conaway rep, Dearing pop, Feltz pop, Fritz pop, Gondring pop, Graham pop, Haller rep, Heapy pop, Howell dem, Jeffcoat pop, Johnson pop, McGann pop, Miller pop, Muffly pop, Murphy rep, Mutz pop, Ransom pop, Schaal pop, Spencer rep, Steele rep, Sykes pop, Talbot rep, Weller dem—25.

Nays—Canaday pop, Dundas pop, Osborn pop, Ritchie pop—4.

Absent and not voting—Farrell pop, Grothan pop, Lee pop, Watson pop—4.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE STATE.

Part of the Louisiana Purchase that Has Become an Empire Itself.

Nebraska was admitted to the union March 1, 1867. It was a part of the Louisiana territory ceded to the United States by France in 1803. Lewis and Clark's party traversed the country in 1804-5 and they are believed to have been the first white explorers who passed through it from east to west.

In 1812 the state occupied a considerable part of what was then called Missouri territory, which was occupied by strong and warlike Indian tribes, and, therefore, not regarded as desirable territory for emigrants for many years.

Senator Douglas in 1844 introduced a bill in congress for the establishment of a Nebraska territory, including Kansas, Dakota and portions of Colorado and Wyoming. The year following an amended bill on the same subject was brought up, but nothing was done with it.

In 1853-4 the subject of a bill for Nebraska territory assumed a new interest and the Kansas-Nebraska bill was introduced. In effect it repealed the "Missouri compromise" and permitted the inhabitants to decide whether slavery should be admitted into their respective territories.

This doctrine, known as "squatter sovereignty," exerted an untoward influence on Kansas, causing much disturbance there, but had no effect in Nebraska, which was organized as a territory finally in 1854. It included part of Dakota, Montana, most of Wyoming and the northeastern part of Colorado. The region was given up to be free territory by common consent.

In Its Present Form.

At the beginning of the war the extent of Nebraska territory was greatly demolished by the setting off of Colorado, Dakota, Wyoming and Montana territories. Its population grew very slowly at first but as the Pacific railroad, which had its eastern terminus at Omaha, began to stretch out into the greater west, the state began to fill up. Settlers recognized its great advantages for agricultural purposes, the rich soil and genial climate and flocked here in great numbers. Its principal growth has been from 1867 to the present date. After it became one of the Union in 1867 it lived under the constitution then adopted until the close of 1875, when a new constitution was ratified by the people. It took effect in 1876.

Nebraska lies in one of the richest sections of the United States and its products are rich and varied. The climate it essentially a dry one, but the rainfall is not much less than in the east. The mean temperature during the winter months ranges from twenty-two to thirty degrees, that of the spring from forty-seven to forty-nine degrees, the summer seventy to seventy-four degrees and autumn forty-nine to fifty-one degrees. A weather record of seven years at Nebraska City gave the mean annual rainfall as 30,36 inches, of which 20.87 inches fell between April 1 and October 1, and only 8.49 between October 1 and April 1.

Nebraska lies between forty and forty-three degrees north latitude and ninety-five degrees, twenty-three minutes and 104 degrees west longitude, bounded by Dakota on the north, the Missouri river on the east, which separates it from Iowa and Missouri, on the south by Kansas and Colorado and on the west by Wyoming and Colorado. Its length is about 412 miles by 208 miles wide and its area is 76,855 square miles, or 49,187,200 acres. The population in 1890 was 1,058,910. The assessed valuation of property was $183,717,498. The valuation of all real and personal property is $1,275,685,514. The per capita of total true valuation in 1890 was $1,205.

Topography of the State.

The northwest portion of the state bordering on the "Bad Lands" has some hills of considerable height. The river beds are deeply eroded by the action of the water and the high bluffs give an appearance of hills where none in reality exists. The greater part of the state is a gently rolling prairie, rising gradually toward the west. The eastern part is well drained and watered, the Missouri river receiving the Niobrara and Nebraska, or Platte, the Great Ne-rivers; the Republican fork of the Kansas, also drains the southern part of the state and receives numerous tributaries. The Nebraska, or Platte, a broad and majestic but not a navigable river, is the principal stream and traverses the entire state from west to east.

The mineral wealth of the state consists principally of coal from the upper coal measures, and of not sufficient thickness to furnish more than a local supply. This coal is confined to the upper carboniferous region along the Missouri river, and mostly below the Platte river. There are numerous salt basins in the cenrtal​ and western parts of the state. The most extensive is in Lancaster county, in a district twelve by twenty-five miles surrounding Lincoln, the capital. The springs contain 29 per cent of salt and it is pronounced the purest in the world.

The eastern part of the state is well watered and the soil of the Missouri river bottoms as well as the region south of the Platte and east of the ninety-ninth meridian is a rich, black vegetable mould from two to ten feet deep. Wild grasses grow luxuriantly upon both the bottom and the table lands, yielding from one-half to three tons of hay per acre, and are excellently adapted for the raising of sheep and cattle.

Game birds abound, including wild turkey, several species of grouse, singers and birds of fine plummage​ pertaining to the Rocky mountain region. The Missouri and most of its tributaries have a fine supply of fish. Much attention is being given to fish breeding in the rivers.

In the matter of educational advantages and churches Nebraska has kept pace with the rest of the country. Her institutions of learning are modern and no state equal in population and area spends more money on the public school system than Nebraska.

Educational Statistics.

There are 272,290 school pupils enrolled in the public schools of the state; there are 9,491 teachers, 6,687 school houses and the aggregate value of all school property is $8,889,842. The total expenditure, including the debt paid, is given at $3,766,217. Omaha, the metropolis, has a million and a half dollars invested in school property. There are ten higher institutions of learning in the state with 170 instructors and professors. The value of buildings, grounds and apparatus was, in 1895, $1,114,000. There is a compulsory education law in Nebraska and while it is not positively effective in increasing attendance of pupils it has accomplished good. The percentage of Nebraska's school population attending the schools is higher than many of the eastern states.

During the last ten years Omaha's miportance​ as a railroad center has steadily increased. There are 5,542.27 miles of railway in the state. Two of these are great trunk lines. Fourteen lines of railways converge at the metropolis; eighty passenger trains arrive and depart daily. The metropolis is the third largest live stock market in the world and is the military headquarters of the Department of the Missouri.

Proceedings of the Board of County Commissioners.

Board met pursuant to adjournment and called to order by Chairman Kierstead, with all members present.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Reports of Standing Committees.

The request of Nels Larsen for the reducing of the assessment on west 81 feet of lots 86 and 87, Fairmount addition, and request of M. E. L. Williams for refund of certain taxes on lots 1 and 2, Andrews & Benson's addition, were denied.

Claims Allowed.

From general fund: George Heimrod, county treasurer, $85.27.

From bridge fund: H. A. Nolte, $171.15; Lou Turner, $20.90.

Petitions and Communications.

The resignation of Joseph Vanderford as custodian of the county exposition store was accepted.

County treasurer's receipts, $310.00, and $25.00 to clerk of the district court for fines collected. Filed.

Statements of clerks of the district court of fines collected; request of W. Siedentoph for refund of certain taxes paid; request of John Beard for refund of certain interest paid; request of R. B. Rhoades for cancellation of certain taxes; request of C. A. Baldwin for readjustment of certain taxes, etc.; request of S. C. Brewster to pay certain taxes without interest and petition for appointment of Clara Feenan to some position at G. A. R. room at Transmississippi Exposition. Referred.

Bills and Claims.

The following claims were allowed as read and ordered paid by warrant: Associated Charities, $7.80; William Olmstead, $36; Thomas Welch, $35.50; J. T. Ochiltree, $79.98; D. D. Sullivan, $8.61; O. P. Schwerin, $18.65; Frank Kelpin, $11.85.

Resolutions.

By Hoctor—Authorizing the superintendent of the county hospital to employ a waitress at the hospital. Adopted.

By Ostrom—Appointing Charles Hodder as custodian at the county exposition store, to take the place of Joseph Vanderford, resigned. Adopted.

Appropriations Passed.

From general fund, $93.07.

From bridge fund, $263.55.

From Interstate exposition, $119.09.

Adjourned to Saturday, June 11, 1898, at 10 o'clock a. m.

A FAMOUS SOUTHERN COIN.

A Confederate Half Dollar the Only One in Known Existence.

Of the four celebrated confederate half dollars of 1861—practically the only coins of the confederacy—not more than one is now known to be in existence, and that is in the possession of J. W. Scott, the well-known coin dealer of this city, relates the New York Tribune. He values it at $1,000. The obverse side of the coin is the same as that of the silver half dollars of the regular mint series of that time, with the Goddess of Liberty seated, and the date 1861, beneath. The distinctive feature is the reverse side, for which a new die was struck. In the center is a shield bearing the stars and bars of the confederacy. The number of stars in the field—seven—represent the seven states which seceded before the inauguration of Lincoln, March 4, 1861. A liberty pole is thrust through the shield, and bears on its tip a liberty cap. Twined around the shield, in the form of a wreath, are a stalk of sugar cane and a stalk of cotton. Above these devices are the words: "Confederate States of America," and below them the denomination of the coin, "Half Sol."

The history of this coin and its three counterparts is interesting. In February, 1861, the United States mint at New Orleans fell into confederate hands. The confederate government, then seated in Montgomery, Ala., decided to have some new dies made and to start a coinage of its own at the mint. It was determined to begin the series with the silver half-dollar. In April Mr. Memminger, the secretary of the treasury of the confederacy, having issued a call for designs, selected the one above described. The die was made by A. H. Peterson of New Orleans, and four coins were struck as specimen pieces, under the direction of Dr. B. F. Taylor, "chief coiner for the confederate states of America." But the southern government then found that, owing to a total lack of silver bullion, it was one thing to make four specimen coins and quite another to issue the money in quantities. The idea was abandoned and on April 30, 1861, the mint closed only a few days after the sample pieces had been made. The four coins were distributed to persons who would be most likely to take an interest in them. One was sent to the government, one to Prof. Riddell of the University of Louisiana, one to Dr. E. Ames of New Orleans, and the fourth, together with the die, was kept by Dr. Taylor, who had charge of the mint when it was struck. This is the coin which is now in this city. About the year 1879 Dr. Taylor sold the coin and the die to Mr. Scott. The latter, in turn, disposed of the coin three or four years afterward at a public auction in New York for $870. Ten years ago the collection of which it formed a part was offered for sale; Mr. Scott bought the rare old piece back, and has owned it ever since.

One of the other coins—probably that which was sent to the confederate government in 1861—came into the possession of Jefferson Davis, asking him if he still owned the piece. Mr. Davis replied in a letter which Mr. Scott still has, that the coin was taken from him when he was captured on May 10, 1865, together with many other things that he owned, and that he had never heard of it afterward. Up to the present its whereabouts is not known. Of the other two coins there is no definite trace, although one was reported to be in New Orleans in 1882.

HIGH GRADE CHILDREN

Public Schools Send Older Pupils on Tour of Inspection.

SEDATE STUDENTS INVEST THE GROUNDS

Buildings and Contents Gone Over in a Systematic Manner.

WEATHER HAS NO EFFECT ON ATTENDANCE

More People Pass the Gates Than Were Really Looked For.

PROSPECTS FOR TWO MORE BUSY DAYS

Friday and Saturday Promise to Bring Many Thousands of Visitors from Abroad to the Great Exposition.

Today the school children of the seventh and eighth grades and the pupils of the High school are taking the turn at seeing the exposition, and although their numbers scarcely compare to those of the smaller pupils who thronged the grounds Monday, they make a conscious addition to the usual crowd. Only the advance guard arrived this morning, but as the day advanced it was reinforced by additional detachments and by the time the exercises began in the Boys' and Girls' building there were enough of them to fill several such buildings.

Aside from the presence of the unusual proportion of young men and women and their particular celebration, the day was without special feature. There is not a fair crowd on the grounds, but it is not so noticeable after the larger attendance of Nebraska day. The morning was delightful as usual, but was not without the prospect of less favorable weather later in the day.

The Thomas orchestra is scheduled for a concert in the Auditorium at 3 o'clock this afternoon in addition to the usual concert in the evening.

Thursday is without feature, but Friday and Saturday will be Wisconsin days and on Saturday the Woman's clubs will also have a celebration at the grounds, which includes a very interesting musical and literary program.

CONCERTS GROWING IN FAVOR.

Orchestra and Band Entertain Many Thousands of Visitors.

An audience which packed the big Auditorium from pit to dome greeted the Theodore Thomas orchestra last night when the hour arrived for the commencement of the usual evening concert. It was the largest audience which has attended a concert since the opening of the exposition and the excellent program prepared for the occasion was performed under the inspiration which comes from a packed house. The orchestra was at its best and the execution of the varied program left nothing to be desired. The audience was in close sympathy with the music and the several numbers were applauded in a hearty manner which added to the efforts of the orchestra.

The feature of the performance was the violin solo by Mr. E. Bare. He played a "Ballet Fantasia," by De Beriot, and the exquisite delicacy of touch, the breadth and purity of tone and the finished technique with which the beautiful composition was rendered only served to strengthen the hold he had already gained upon the admiration and favor of the people of this section.

The program opened with Weber's "Jubilee Overture" and included Greig's "Suite Peer Glynt," Dvorak's "Slavic Dances," the ever-beautiful "Traumerie," by Schumann; Mendelssohn's "Spring Song," "Invitation to the Dance," by Weber-Berlioz; Tchaikowsky's "Sleeping Beauty" and Meyerbeer's "Torchlight Dance," concluding with "America."

The morning concert of the Marine band was hugely enjoyed by an audience, of which a large proportion had not previously enjoyed the privilege of listening to its splendid music. The program included several compositions that have led in popularity previously and they received a large additional measure of approval. Sousa's famous march, "The Directorate," was the opening number and before it was finished the big square in the front of the band stand was well occupied. An overture by Thomas followed and then the crowd was delighted with Gottschalk's beautiful work, "The Dying Poet." The rendition of the waltz, "Wine and Song," by Strauss, was especially well received and was followed by a selection from "The Merchant of Venice," by Mercadante. A number of other selections which were not so generally familiar were given and the program was concluded with the always popular "Marching Through Georgia" and "Hail Columbia."

The evening concert was equally enjoyable. The overture, "Grand Jubilee," which Mr. Santelmann wrote expressly for the exposition, was repeated and enthusiastically commended and his "Admiral Dewey" march and the fantasie, "The Voice of Our Nation," also met with marked favor. Among other numbers which were notable were the fantasie from Lohengrin, excerpts from Rigoletto, "Dream After the Ball" by Czibulka and the cornet solo by Walter F. Smith.

Miss Julia Officer, manager of artists for the exposition concerts, has secured the following soloists for the two Apollo club concerts on June 21 and 23: Miss Jenny Osborn, soprano; Mrs. Katherine Fisk, contralto; Miss Helen Buckley, soprano; Miss Bessie Campbell, contralto; Mr. George Hamlin, tenor, and Mr. Frank King Clark, basso. Mr. William Tomkins, the celebrated choral director, will conduct. A popular concert will be given also by the Apollo club on the 22d.

Senator Owen Miller of St. Louis is in Omaha to arrange, if possible, for the appearance of the St. Louis symphony orchestra at the exposition. This body of musicians is well known and is unique in the fact that it is truly a transmississippi institution, twenty-three of its members having been born in St. Louis and all of them being bona fide residents of that city.

FIREWORKS AND THE MIDWAY.

Display that Gives the People Value Received for Their Money.

The display of fireworks in the north tract after the concerts and attractions in the lower parts of the grounds had been concluded attracted an immense crowd which packed the immense space set apart for the multitudes which are expected to witness these displays. By the time the first piece was touched off there were thousands of people gathered about the lake which forms the foreground for the display.

The set pieces were numerous and elaborate, a prominent feature being a monstor​ portrait of Governor Holcomb. The lighting of this piece was greeted with applause and the explosions of the bombs which followed in quick succession kept the crowd in a constant state of surprise. There were a great number of these bombs and the multitude of stars which were thrown from each, lighting up the firmament with a profusion of colors, formed a sight which called forth numerous plaudits from the beholders.

When the display was ended the crowd surged through the Midway and the numerous amusement attractions reaped a rich harvest. Long after the lights in the main court had been extinguished and when all other parts of the grounds were in darkness, the Midway was a scene of activity and bustle which promised to continue until the streaks of gray over the Iowa bluffs gave warning of the approach of another day. It was a big night and the concessionaires were in their glory. The crowd had come to be amused and if every man, woman and child in the throng was not surfeited with amusement it was not the fault of the concessionaires or their army of "people."

PLANS FOR THE WOMEN'S CLUB DAY.

Many Prominent Club Workers Will Deliver Addresses.

CHICAGO, June 14.—Mrs. Ellen Henrotin, president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, has completed the plans for "Woman's Club day" at the Transmississippi Exposition, Omaha, Saturday, June 18. This gathering is a prelude to the eight days' biennial convention of the national organization, which will begin its work Tuesday, June 21, in Denver.

Besides the scores of women from all over the country who will center at Omaha, scores more will attend from outside nearby towns. The first convention will be held in the exposition auditorium in the afternoon and the second will be held in the evening at the Woman's club.

The speakers will be Mrs. Edward Longstreth of Philadelphia on "Federation;" Mrs Ellen M. Richardson of Boston on "The Keystone of the Arch of Education;" Mrs. Herman T. Hall of Chicago on "Art in the Home, the School and the Community;" Mrs. Mary E. Mumford of Philadelphia on   "Some Phases of Education;" Mrs. William Fischel of St. Louis on "The Ethical Value of Domestic Training for Children;" Mrs. Cornelius Stevenson of Philadelphia on "Civics."

Sunday morning the pulpits of various churches will be occupied by women pastors in the party.

The Omaha women will entertain in their homes the executive officers and board of directors of the general federation, the presidents of state federations, the chairmen of state correspondence and the speakers.

For identification purposes the visiting club women will wear a bow of light blue ribbon, and the Omaha reception committee will be similarly decorated with yellow and white ribbon.

One of the special trains to Omaha from Chicago will have delegations aboard from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana. This train will leave here at 5:30 Friday afternoon over the Burlington, and arrive at Omaha at 8:10 Saturday morning. All sojourning club women in Omaha will leave in their respective specials Sunday night for Denver, arriving there on Monday.

MOTHER REWARDS A BRAVE GUARD

Young Man Who Saves a Boy from Danger Gets a Testimonial.

Guard Olwin, who is on duty at the exit gate on Sherman avenue, was made the recipient of a handsome basket of flowers and overwhelmed with thanks by the grateful mother of a small boy who was rescued from beneath the feet of a prancing horse by the guard. The boy became separated from his mother in the crowd which was gathered about the gate near the Auditorium waiting for the down town car to come along, and a horse driven to a light wagon became somewhat unmanageable just as the boy essayed to run in front of it. The guard saw the danger threatening the youngster and snatched him from beneath the uplifted feet of the horse. His mother came up at this instant and clasped her offspring in her arms. She declined to give her name, but hurried away to the carriage which was in waiting for her. Shortly afterward she drove back to the gate and, calling Guard Olwin to the carriage, gave him a beautiful basket of flowers and voiced her thankfulness for his heroism and presence of mind.

Admissions on Nebraska Day.

The paid admissions to the grounds on Nebraska day were 11,366. This does not include the large number of commutation tickets which served as a means of admission to the grounds for fully a thousand people, neither does it include the thousands of people who came in with passes of various kinds.

BIG CROWDS ON THE STREETS.

Thoroughfares Thronged by Visitors and Convention Delegates.

The downtown streets of the city were thronged today. A great many of the excursionists who came into Omaha to take in the special features of Nebraska day stayed over, and their number was augmented by delegates to a number of bodies which are meeting in the city at the present time. The streets were particularly crowded in the morning, as the threatening condition of the weather kept many of them from going out to the exposition grounds out of fear that the usual daily downpour was due.

The press became especially great about noon, when the various conventions poured their delegates upon the streets. A great profusion of badges was noticeable. About the same time the hotel corridors were thronged. The crowd thinned out considerably in the afternoon, as a great many of the visitors went out to the exposition grounds, rain or no rain.

Nebraska Commission's Work.

The Nebraska state commission met in regular session in the state building. It was ordered that the three pianos loaned for use in the building be insured and that the glassware in the Agricultural building, loaned by the state agricultural society also be insured.

Jerry Farrall, attorney for Hester & McCaslin, served notice, orally, that his clients had sued Kimball Bros. for a settlement, and requested the board to hold back any moneys in its hands owing to Kimball Bros. until settlement is made. Kimball Bros. were the contractors of the staff and plastering work on the Nebraska building and Hester & McCaslin were subcontractors on the plaster work, and are now holding a bill of $900 against Kimballs for the extra work.

Railway Figures on Excursions.

The railroad figures that they carried into Omaha somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000 people from points in Iowa and Nebraska. Those who came in on the special trains returned on them last night, but a considerable number of the excursionists stayed in the city until today. The streets were well filled with them all day.

The Burlington appears to have gotten the principal portion of the traffic, for its official returns showed that it carried about 2,000. The Union Pacific had 1,500, the Fremont road about 1,000, the Rock Island 500 and the remainder were scattered among the other systems that come into the city.

"Request Program" Day.

Sunday will be "request program" day for the United States Marine band at the exposition. The programs will be made up by Director Santelman from numbers requested by the public. All who have suggestions or favorite pieces they wish to hear, are requested to send the names to Director Santelman at the Barker hotel.

Union League Club Will Come.

CHICAGO, June 14.—The Union League club has accepted an invitation from William H. Harper, chairman of the Illinois commission, to participate in Illinois day at the Transmississippi Exposition at Omaha June 21.

Exposition Notes.

There were 10,281 paid admissions to the exposition yesterday, exclusive of those who came in on commutation tickets.

CONDITION OF LUN SISTERS

Court Inquiries Into the Circumstances Concerning Their Life in America.

The habeas corpus case wherein Wah Lee is seeking to take the Lun sisters from the custody and control of H. Sling and Lem You, the proprietors of the Chinese village at the exposition, had another inning in Judge Scott's court, and the indications are that the hearing will extend over several days before a final adjudication is reached.

Up to this time there has been no intimation of Lee's purpose in bringing the suit, aside from the fact that he has alleged that the Lun sisters have been brought here for the purpose of being sold in slavery.

At the opening of court Lee was given to understand that in order to do business in an American court, he would be compelled to comply with the American methods. At the time of Lee receiving this intimation Lem You was on the witness stand testifying through an interpreter, Aloy Wong. The direct examination of You had been concluded and he had been turned over to the attorneys for the defendants for cross-examination. At this time Lee was sitting close to his attorney and as questions were propounded to the witness Lee would wink his eyes and motion to indicate the manner in which the answers were to be made. This continued for some time, and the proceedings were noticed by the judge, who finally brought Lee up to the bar and asked him what he meant by signalling to the witness. Lee tried to dodge the issue by explaining that he intended no disrespect to the court. The judge told the fellow that such practices might do in China, but that they would not be tolerated in the United States. After chastising Lee, he was ordered from the court room and was informed that he could not return during the process of the trial.

The first witness called to the stand was Mrs. Wykoff, a returned missionary from China. She was on the stand last Saturday, but at that time her examination had not been concluded. Again she reiterated the statement that she saw the three Lun sisters in the Chinese quarters at Thirteenth and Chicago streets, and that they were crying. Why they cried she could not say.

On cross-examination the witness said that the condition of the Lun sisters was called to her attention by some of the members of the Chinese Sunday school of the First Presbyterian church. Thereupon she visited the building, where the girls, together with other Chinese, were boarded. No person objected to her going through the building and talking with the women and children. While there she met Customs Officer Walker from San Francisco, who apparently had charge of the place and who showed her about.

Leo You was next called by the prosecution and said that he visited the Chinese quarters and was informed by Lem You that the three Lun girls were for sale at $1,500 each. Through the interpreter the witness said that Lem You informed him that the girls were bought in China and that they had been brought here to be sold.

When cross-examined Leo You got badly tangled on his dates and was not certain whether the conversations were had at the Chicago street house or on Harney street. he was just straightening himself out when the judge caught him holding a sign conversation with the prosecuting witness and ordered the latter from the room.

The injunction case of the Streets of Cairo against the exposition association was called in Judge Scott's court, but owing to the fact that the Chinese case had the right of way it was passed.

THE COUNTRY PRESS.

The conspiracy hatched in the inner recesses of the Omaha Fakery to have the exposition sandbagged or ignored by the country press has proved a flat failure notwithstanding the covert attempts to create disaffection among the publishers of the country weeklies by the exposition management, the country press with very few exceptions standing up nobly for the greatest enterprise ever undertaken to advertise the resources of Nebraska. The average Nebraska editor knows a hawk from a handsaw. He readily reads between the lines that the effort to array the country press against the exposition is inspired by malicious mediocrity under cover of sympathetic friendship for an abused country press. They have manhood enough to resent the imputation of supreme selfishness that would magnify and praise the exposition for the sake of a season pass or belittle and misrepresent its scope to vent their spleen upon its management for failing to comply with all the demands made upon it. Even those who have been inveigled into the crusade are conscious of the fact that they have been made to play a despicable part when they give credence and publicity to baseless flings and downright falsehoods concerning the policy pursued by the Omaha exposition given by the self-styled organ of the State Press association emanates directly from the sub-editor of the Omaha Fakery, whose name appears at the head of the editorial columns of this spurious organ and who, while advising the country editors to spurn the tender of an exposition pass, carries one in his own pocket. They know also, as everybody who knows anything about the courtesies extended by the World's fair and other expositions to the country press, that the Omaha exposition has been more liberal than any of its predecessors toward the country weeklies as well as city dailies. They know that there is no truth whatever in the assertion maliciously published by one of the Lincoln malcontents who get their inspiration from the Omaha Fakery that Nebraska editors or any other editors have been tendered photographic term passes for which a payment of $5 is exacted in advance, when as a matter of fact all editorial passes issued or to be issued are on plain cards and no fee whatever or even a pledge to reciprocate in advertising is exacted. And this is only one of the many contemptible fakes that have been industriously circulated among Nebraska publishers by the infamous gang that is striving to bring the Department of Publicity into disrepute.

In spite of the brine that is being poured into wounded susceptible and tender sensibilities the Nebraska country press knows that the Department of Publicity labors under a great strain in dealing with 20,000 publications, and necessarily must be governed by uniform rules and safeguard the interests of the exposition against undue abuse of privileges. It was an open secret that in issuing tickets to the Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas country press good for the month of June only the exposition was actuated by a desire to secure from the country press the earliest possible publicity of the magnitude and attractions of the exposition for personal need. There was no disposition, however, to compel the attendance of any publisher during June nor is there any disposition to curtail the privileges of those who came in June. On the contrary The Bee is in position to assure the country press that the most liberal courtesy will be extended to all who may come and make known their desire to visit the exposition grounds at any time between now and the closing of its gates.

SPANISH FLAG IS TORN DOWN

Discovered by Pullman Train Crew Hanging in the Transportation Building.

Make a Strong Protest and an Exposition Guard Destroys the Pernicious Rag.

Aeronaut's Balloon Comes Down Into the Lagoon and Mr. Balloonist Has to Pay His Way Into Grounds.

The Spanish flag caused an incipient riot in the Transportation building yesterday afternoon. When arrangements were being made for the decoration several months ago, an order was placed for a number of the flags of various nations, and Spain's was included. That was before the war came on. The flags came, and in the rush incident to putting them up the fact was overlooked that the Dons' detested rag was given an honorable place with the rest of them.

It so happened that one of the Spanish flags was hung yesterday in the Transportation building immediately over the entrance to the Pullman train. The train crew kicked as soon as they discovered it, and complained to Guard R. L. Smith. Some of the bystanders joined in the general protestations, and a committee was being made up to call at the executive offices and demand a change when the guard decided to settle the case himself. He pulled down the flag and tore it to pieces and started for guard headquarters with the remnants. He reported the occurrence to the captain of the guard and stated that he would not serve under the Spanish flag in any capacity.

The captain ordered him to return to his post and tear down any other Spanish flags that were in the vicinity. One other flag was found and removed, and peace once more resigned in the Transportation building.

The balloonist had trouble last evening. His parachute deposited him two blocks outside the grounds, but the balloon fell in the middle of the lagoon. The aeronaut had to pay 50 cents to get into the grounds to report his loss to Secretary Wakefield. It was then too late to do anything, and he was told to put up another half dollar this morning and return for his property, but "not to let his balloon come down inside the grounds again."

DAILY PAID ADMISSIONS.

Wednesday's paid admissions numbered 7,894. The total paid admissions for the first fifteen days were 87,638, a daily average of 5,842. Omitting the big crowd of the opening day, the average paid attendance for the fourteen succeeding days was 4,446. The total attendance on the opening day, including paid and free admissions, was 41,000, as against 68,000 total admissions on the opening day of the World's Fair. The daily receipts thus far make a most favorable showing as compared with Atlanta, Nashville and San Francisco.

The Marine band yesterday entered upon the third and last week of its stay. The organization continues to grow in the estimation of the exposition visitors, and its concerts daily see increasing audiences. One very noticeable feature is the spread of the patriotic sentiment that prompts the rising and uncovering of the audience when "America" is played.

Among the visiting newspaper representatives on the grounds yesterday were Frank Simmons of the Seward Reporter and Arthur Statter and bride of the Sioux City Journal.

The badges of the railway telegraph superintendents were noticeable in all parts of the grounds last night.

John Gellaty of Fairbury was knocked down and run over last evening by a carelessly driven camel. He was stunned for a few moments, and his jaw was severely bruised, but an inspection at the hospital failed to discover any serious injuries.

IOWA DAY PROGRAM.

The executive committee is in receipt of a letter from Secretary Chase of the Iowa commission, stating that on Iowa day, June 23, the members of the state commission will all be here, accompanied by the Atlantic band and the Dubuque Choral society, the latter organization having 100 voices. The Trans-Mississippi Troopers will make their first appearance on the day for escort duty in connection with exposition demonstrations, and it is expected that there will be a very large attendance of Iowa people. The Iowa building will be completely and ready for occupancy, and the Pottawattamie county wigwam will also be ready to receive and care for all guests. The details of the program of special exercises is not yet complete, but the committee is assured that it will be of a character to leave no doubt of Iowa's intention to take an active part in the exposition from start to finish.

The representatives of the various departments in the Government building have been busy getting their exhibits "nailed down," as souvenir hunters have been perniciously active in some of the sections. The navy department was the heaviest loser. One of the walls in that section was covered with small anchors put up for decorative purposes, but Nebraska day left the wall sadly despoiled. The superintendent was disposed to congratulate himself, however, when he visited the spot occupied by the 14,000-pound anchor and found it undisturbed. The army exhibit still shows the effects of similar pilfering at Nashville, when on "Thomas day," two days before the close of the exposition, with an attendance of 99,000 and the consequent inability of the guards to closely watch the exhibits, two of the mortars on one of the miniature mortar batteries were unscrewed from their positions and taken away.

The annual meeting of the Nebraska State Eclectic Medical society will be held in this city June 21, 22 and 23. The sessions will be in Creighton hall.

The members of the state medical society were tendered a luncheon and smoker at Markel's restaurant on the grounds last evening after the Thomas concert. The affair was purely informal, but was a very enjoyable one, and was thoroughly appreciated by the visiting medics.

MUSIC AT THE EXPOSITION.

Two Concerts by the Marine and One by Thomas Orchestra.

The Marine band concerts yesterday attracted everyone on the grounds, as usual. Mr. Santelman grows in favor each day he remains, and were his concerts to be continued the whole summer through they would prove strong drawing cards for the exposition.

In the morning the program included two of Sousa's compositions. One, the "Gladiator," was composed years ago and had never been played in Omaha before the Marine band presented it. Other striking numbers were selections from De Koven's "Robin Hood," "Gondolier," by Sullivan, and several lyrical pieces.

The evening program was a more than usually strong one and embraced such numbers as "Son and Strangers," by Mendelssohn; "Scenes de Ballet," by Thomas; Chopin's "Grand Valse," "Grand Fantasie," by Verdie. Mr. Santelman's favorite composition, "Dewey's March," was repeated, and the concert closed with "Voice of Our Nation" and "Star Spangled Banner." It is pleasing to note the unanimity with which the audience rises during the closing numbers in honor of the country's national hymn.

The Thomas concert was an exceptionally excellent one in point of selections and rendering them. The overture from "Ruy Blas," by Mendelssohn, was the first upon the program, and other selections were from Schubert, Weber-Liszt, Wagner, Chopin and Berlioz. Mr. Stevens made a decided hit in his piano solos, and while it is doubtful if the main part of the audience did not appreciate and enjoy the concerted numbers more, yet so deeply impressed were they with this gentleman's genius that they gave him a most hearty welcome, recalling him each time he played.

BATHE IN SUNLIGHT

Exposition Buildings and Grounds Flooded with Glorious Light.

JUNE SMILES ON THEM IN KINDEST MOOD

Delightful Day for Visiting the Great Transmississippi Fair.

WISCONSIN'S PROGRAM IS POSTPONED

Hitch in the Arrangements Necessitates a Delay in Celebration.

WILL MERGE WITH WOMAN'S CLUB DAY

Saturday to See a Most Notable Gathering of People from the Badger State and Prominent Women from Everywhere.

This was supposed to be First Wisconsin day at the exposition and in anticipation of the event this morning dawned in all the perfect glory of June when June is kind. The few clouds that lingered above the horizon were merely bits of feathery spume that emphasized the deep tints of the overhanging sky and the sun shone resplendently. But owing to a change in the prearranged program the celebration that was scheduled for the day not not occur. For some days past Major Clarkson has vainly endeavored to ascertain what the intentions of the Wisconsin people were, but the matter has hung fire. An explanation was not received until today, when A. C. Clas of Milwaukee, the architect and treasurer of the Wisconsin commission, arrived with Mrs. Clas. He explained that the arrangements had been delayed on account of the failure of the commission to get definite terms from the railroads. Finally it had been decided to hold the formal exercises by which the building will be turned over to the exposition authorities tomorrow and leave the celebration of Wisconsin day proper until some time in September. About half the members of the commission, with their wives, will arrive in Omaha at 8:20 tomorrow morning over the Milwaukee road. Other delegations of Wisconsin people will arrive over the other lines during the forenoon and it is expected that quite a crowd of them will be present at the transfer of the building. The party will also include a liberal representation of Wisconsin newspaper men and a large delegation of women who are on their way to attend the meeting of the National Federation of Women's Clubs at Denver.

The exercises will occur either at the Wisconsin building or the band stand some time tomorrow forenoon. J. C. Koch, ex-mayor of Milwaukee and president of the commission, will present the building to President Wattles, who will reply on behalf of the exposition. The principal address will be delivered by William Quarles, one of the rising young orators of Milwaukee.

The pleasant weather brought out a fair morning crowd, but it is becoming evident that the bulk of the people prefer to visit the exposition in the afternoon and evening. This is rather to the disadvantage of the Marine band, whose morning concerts are not heard by half as many people as they deserve. This morning there were only a few hundred people in the Grand Plaza to hear a program that was thoroughly enjoyable. It included such selections as Sousa's march, "Semper Fidelis," Rossini's overture from "Semiramide," the song, "Lombardi," by Verdi a, selection from "The Bohemian Girl" and "Remembrance of Offenbach," by Kappey.

The arrangements for Women's Club day are complete. In addition to the program published yesterday, the following plans are laid:

From 12 to 1 o'clock a concert by Thomas' orchestra in the Auditorium, free to everyone.

At 1 o'clock a luncheon will be tendered by the Omaha Woman's club to Mrs. Henrotin of Chicago, Mrs. Alice L. Breed of Lynn, Mass., Mrs. Etta Osgood of Portland, Me., Dr. Ellen Spencer Mussey of Washington, D. C., Mrs. Louise Van Loon Lynch of Syracuse, N. Y., Mrs. C. W. Bassett of Sewickley, Pa., Mrs. Clara A. Cooley of Dubuque, Ia., Mrs. Herman Hall of Chicago, Miss Sadie Anderson of Chicago, Mrs. Celia I. Wooley of Chicago, Mrs. Stoutenborough of Plattsmouth, Neb., Mrs. Van Vichten of Cedar Rapids, Ia., Rev. Florence Crocker of Boston, Mrs. Mary E. Mumford of Philadelphia, Pa., Mrs. W. B. Leech of Minneapolis, Minn., Mrs. Robert P. Farson of Chicago, Mrs. Edward Longstrath of Philadelphia, Pa., Mrs. Cornelia Stevenson of Philadelphia, Pa., Miss Agnes Repplier of Philadelphia, Pa., Mrs. Henry W. Blair of Manchester, N. H., Mrs. Anna A. Palmer of Saginaw, Mich., Mrs. Laura Scammon of Kansas City, Mrs. Jeannie S. Tullar of Fargo, N. D., Mrs. Horace Brock of Lebanon, Pa., Mrs. Charles S. Morris of Berlin, Wis., Mrs. Ellen A. Richardson of Boston, Mrs. H. E. Stevens of Chicago, Miss Beeks of Chicago, Mrs. Ruth McEnery Stuart of Philadelphia, Pa., Miss Clair de Graffenried of Philadelphia, Pa., Miss Cornela E. Bedford of Philadelphia, Pa., Mrs. Kate Tannott Wood of Salem, Mass., Mrs. W. W. Boyd of St. Louis, Mrs. Lucy W. Bancker of Jackson, Mich., Mrs. Lenore A. Hilbert of Milwaukee, Wis., Mrs. J. B. Pillow of Helena, Ark., Mrs. R. Hall Wiles of Chicago, Mrs. Frank H. Briggs of Auburn, Me., Mrs. F. F. Ford of Omaha and the executive officers of the Omaha Woman's club, Mrs. Draper Smith, Mrs. George Nattinger, Mrs. D. A. Fergurson, Mrs. Clara S. Rosewater, Mrs. C. C. Belden, Mrs. G. C. Thompson,.

This luncheon will be served in the Boys' and Girls' building, where special tables will be reserved for the guests of honor.

At 2:30 in the Auditorium the program opens, to which everybody is invited.

At 5 o'clock tea will be given at the Mines and Mining building by the Bureau of Entertainment to the officers of the general Federation, the speakers, the Board of Directors of the Omaha Woman's club and the entire committee of arrangements.

The evening program will be from 8 to 9 in the Auditorium instead of the club rooms. Mrs. A. J. Sawyer, president of the Woman's Board of the Transmississippi Exposition, opens the afternoon meeting at which Mrs. Henrotin presides. Mrs. Alice I. Breed presides in the evening. After the evening program a reception by the Omaha Woman's club will be given in the rooms of the Bureau of Entertainment in the Mines and Mining building, from 9 to 10 o'clock, for all visiting club women.

ORES AND MINERALS OF COLORADO.

Exhibits Will Be Equal to that Shown at World's Fair.

Commissioner Harry A. Lee of Colorado, with Edward Price and Harry Smith of Denver, arrived in Omaha yesterday to install the Colorado exhibit of ore and minerals in the Mines building. A carload of the material arrived yesterday, but a car of furniture that was started sometime before the ore has not been heard from. It is expected to turn up before Sunday and then it will only take a few days to install the exhibit. Commissioner Lee says that the material has been thoroughly classified and so arranged that it will be a short task to put it in shape for inspection.

The installation of the Colorado exhibit has been delayed on account of the fact that the men who were at the head of the enterprise have been laid up by injuries sustained in the wreck of the Union Pacific flyer, on which they were returning to Denver from their last visit to this city. Two of the party are still in bed, several others are barely able to walk around and Commissioner Lee himself not entirely recovered from his injuries.

In speaking of the exhibit that would represent Colorado Commissioner Lee said: "It will be fully as elaborate and interesting as the one which won the medal at the World's fair. Some things will be dropped and others added according to what the previous experience has suggested. We hoped to win the same honors in Omaha that we did at Chicago. The exhibit will include a full showing of the granite, marble and sandstones of the state in addition to the collection of mineral specimens."

One of the specimens which Commissioner Lee brought with him is believed to be the largest piece of free gold that was never taken from a fissure vein. The nugget weights twenty-one pounds and contains ten pounds of gold. It has been split in half in order that the gold can be more readily seen and the two pieces have been temporarily placed on exhibition at the Omaha National bank.

WILL SPEND THREE DAYS IN OMAHA.

Members of the National Editorial Association Coming in September.

Louis Holtman of Brazil, Ind., and J. M. Page of Jerseyville, Ill., the former president and the latter secretary of the National Editorial association, are in the city conferring with General Manager Clarkson regarding the coming of the members of this association to the exposition in September.

The National Editorial association meets in annual session in Denver September 6 and arrangements have been made for all the delegates to rendezvous at Omaha September 2 and remain here until the evening of Sunday, September 4. The delegates from the east and south will concentrate at St. Louis and those from the north and west will meet in Chicago, the several delegations meeting at Omaha, where three days will be devoted entirely to the exposition. All of the delegations will arrive in special trains and these will be sidetracked on the exposition grounds near Ames avenue and the delegates will remain at the grounds the entire time of their stay in the city.

"There will be between 500 and 600 delegates in our entire party," said President Holtman, "and almost every delegate will be accompanied by some friend, making over 1,000 people altogether. We will occupy about twenty sleepers and our members will put in all their time inspecting the exposition. There are few of our people who are not more or less familiar with Omaha and they don't care to see much of the city, but they all want to see the exposition."

Continues to Grow in Favor.

The Marine band continues to favor and its morning and evening concerts draw a large proportion of the visitors on the grounds to the Grand Plaza. To a considerable class of people the inspiring music of the band appeals more vividly than the orchestral performances, the full appreciation of which requires a somewhat greater degree of musical culture. Yesterday morning the program was introduced by an overture that was comparatively new to most of the audience, the "Son and Stranger," by Mendelssohn. This was followed by the intermezzo from "Pagliacci," by Leoncavallo; the Scene de Ballet from "Hamlet" and a Polish dance by Moszkowsky. Chopin's "Valse Brilliante" and the grand fantasie from "Riggoletto" were played by request and the program was completed by new compositions by Sousa and Mr. Santelmann.

Sousa was represented on the evening program by a march, "The Gladiator" and the polonaise, "Presidential." Other notable selections were the fantasie from DeKoven's "Robin Hood," a selection from the "Gondoliers," by Sullivan, and the medley, "Down on the Plantation," arranged by Conterno.

Postal Clerks at the Exposition.

Most of the delegates to the convention of the National Association of Railway Postal Clerks remained in the city after the conclusion of their business meeting Wednesday night and spent yesterday in visiting the exposition. The party went to the grounds about 10 o'clock and put in the entire day in exploring the wonders of the Midway, examining the exhibits and listening to the band concerts. A few of the clerks left the city last night, but most of them are still here and many expect to remain for several days. Upon an invitation of the Swift Packing company the delegates will visit the company's plant at South Omaha and a visit to the smelter has also been planned by some of the party.

Apollo Club of Chicago.

Miss Julia Officer, manager of artists for the exposition concerts, who is an active member of the Apollo club of Chicago, succeeded in securing the club for three concerts in Omaha, at the exposition on the 21st, 22d and 23d, under the direction of Mr. William Tomlins.

Exposition Chorus Rehearsal.

The Exposition chorus held a well attended rehearsal last night at the city hall. Among the selections practiced were: "By Babylon's Wave" and "Rose Maiden." "Rose Maiden" is a complete cantata and has been in preparation for some time. Several miscellaneous choruses were also sung, but greatest stress was laid upon "By Babylon's Wave," the words to which are those of the One hundred and twenty-seventh psalm and the music by Gounod. This selection will be sung at the concert next Monday night.

Music for Today.

Tonight will be "request" program night for the Thomas orchestra at the Auditorium. In response to numerous requests Chopin's Funeral March, as orchestrated by Mr. Thomas, will be included in the evening's program, in addition to that published yesterday.

The programs for the Marine band concerts today are:

10:30 A. M.

6:00 P. M.

MISSIONARY GETS THE GIRLS

Custody of the Lun Sisters Transferred by Order of the Equity Court.

The care and custody of the three Chinese girls, Kim, Yup and Tue Lun, has been transferred from the sheriff to a Dr. Wykoff, a female missionary who is returned from China some months ago and is spending a few weeks in Omaha. What this woman will do with the girls is not known, as she has not formulated her plans, or if she has, she has not made them public.

Shortly after the arrival of the Chinese in this city to take part in the operation of the Chinese village at the exposition grounds, Wah Lee, a Lincoln Chinaman, assisted by others, secured a writ of habeas corpus for the Lun girls, who were employed as actresses in the Chinese theater. The girls were found in the Chinese quarters at Thirteenth and Chicago streets, together with some thirty-eight other Chinese girls and women. In his application for the writ, Lee alleged that in his opinion the girls were brought to this place for the purpose of eventually being sold into slavery. The case was put on for a hearing and occupied the attention of the court for several days, the decision being handed down this morning. After the girls had been passed to the custody of the missionary the woman went out to hunt a boarding place for them until she could make some arrangements for their final disposition.

GATES CLOSED TO THEM

Party from the Midway Gets Chilly Reception on Return to Grounds.

Played for a Benefit Down Town Thursday Night But Guard Turned Them Down.

Madam Bertholdi Has Trouble Getting Her Performing Fox Terrier Inside the Gate--More Red Tape.

The regulations enforced with reference to admissions continue to provoke a great deal of complaint and give rise to some interesting incidents. On Thursday night a company of Midway people, consisting of Madame Bertholdi of Hagenback's, Miss Hall and Rube of Pabst's, "Gentlemen Look" and Midway Bert of the Streets of Cairo, Eddie Barscow and La Belle Selica of the Moorish Village, and the Pickaninny quartet of the Old Plantation, left the grounds after the performances were over at 11 o'clock to assist at a benefit entertainment given by the Maccabees to replenish the sick fund, which had been depleted in furnishing the Maccabee quarters in the Nebraska building.

On returning to the grounds they were refused admittance. The officer in charge said he knew they belonged there, but that Commander Llewellyn had been reprimanded for making an exception to the rules in an equally deserving case, and he did not dare to let them in. The party drove around the city for some time trying to find an official with the necessary authority, but without success. Admission was finally secured about 3:30 o'clock, after the head of the Maccabees in the city had been routed out and the guard assured that his salary would be made up by the Midway people and by the Maccabees in case he was discharged.

Madame Bertholdi also had trouble while out with her performing fox terrier. She took the dog outside the grounds, but was stopped at the gate on her return and the dog was refused admittance. Another wild chase resulted before a pass for the dog could be secured, and the interrupted feature of the Midway show resumed.

FALL OF BABYLON.

There is now a strong probability that the famous painting, "The Fall of Babylon," will be exhibited at the exposition, as Manager Reed of the concessions department has received a proposition from George W. Carmer of New York, the owner of the picture, with this end in view, and the executive committee last evening authorized him to close a contract in the matter. The owner proposes to erect a building on the Midway and there exhibit the picture as a concession feature, the exposition to receive a certain percent of the receipts after the cost of the building and installation of the picture have been met.

This painting is one of the largest and most famous in existence, and has been accorded a great deal of space in the newspapers of the country. Director Griffiths endeavored to secure the pictures for the Fine Arts building as a regular exhibit, but was unsuccessful.

Superintendent Taylor of the Horticulture building is missing his meals now on account of a telegram received yeesterday​ from the chairman of the Texas state commission. The message read as follows: "Your expectations be met. Texas stand treat July 1. Melons and fruit. C. S. Penfold, chairman."

[?]position was a thing of the p[?]

The executive committee yesterday appointed W. K. Bradish of Detroit to be assistant superintendent of fine arts. He is Mr. Griffith's assistant in the Detroit art museum, and his selection was made at the request of the art director, his service to be rendered without pay. John B. Goodwin was appoointed​ assistant superintendent of the Mines and Mining bureau at a salary of $100 per month. He will have charge of the Mining building, as it will not be possible for Mr. Day to remain here continuously throughout the exposition period.

S. P. Rounds of Salt Lake City, formerly of the Omaha Morning Republican, was in the city Thursday. Mr. Rounds said the exposition management should bestir itself in letting its light shine abroad so that the people would know that an exposition is being held here this summer. Outside of the railroad officials and the state commissions, he says, but very few people have any knowledge of the ex-[?]

GLIMPSES OF MIDWAY.

West Midway Up in Arms Over Lack of Entrances.

The concessionaires on West Midway complain that the entrances and exits are all remote from their vicinity and they urge that the concessions department look into the matter. They have prepared and signed the following petition, which will be presented to Manager A. L. Reed today: "We, the concessionaires on West Midway, respectfully petition you to establish an entrance and an exit contiguous to our part of the grounds and would suggest the west side of the north viaduct as a good location. We urge that this be done at once, as this portion of the grounds is far removed from any entrance or exit, which is a source of great inconvenience to the public as well as to ourselves."

Members of the Reform Press association of Texas are still here and yesterday they visited most of the shows on the Midway. They were all treated in royal style by the managers and they say they will give glowing accounts of the shows and of the exposition when they return home. O. P. Pyle, editor of the Minneola Courier, is president of the association. There are forty papers of this class in the state.

H. Hess, the lion tamer and wrestler at Hagenback's, who was seriously injured about the head and left ear last week, when the big lion, Prince, bit him, has been suffering intensely this week, and yesterday afternoon he was sent to the hospital, where an operation was performed. At last accounts he was resting easily.

LUN SISTERS SENT TO JAIL

Judge Scott Caps the Climax of the Chinese Village Case.

INNOCENT VISTIMS MADE TO SUFFER.

Meddlers Who Precipitate a Row Abandon Their Alleged Object and Leave Them to Bear the Court's Wrath.

The Lum sisters, Yup, Tue and Kim, three young Chinese girls who came to the city to appear upon the stage of the theater of the Mee Lee Wah village at the exposition grounds, have been sent to jail by Judge Scott because they refused to accompany and place themselves in the custody of a Miss Wykoff, who lays claims to being a missionary who recently returned from China.

Several weeks ago the proprietors of the Mee Lee Wah village brought some 200 Chinese men, women and children to Omaha for the purpose of representing the customs and methods of life in China. They came in under a special act of congress, providing for their admission. They were received by the customs officers at San Francisco and were sent on to this city. Upon reaching here, they were checked up by Customs Officer Miller, and their certificates were examined and found correct in every particular.

A couple of weeks ago, Wah Lee, a Chinese laundryman from Lincoln, arrived on the scene and at once interested himself in the affairs at the Chinese quarters, which were under the control of Hong Sling, Chinese agent for the Union Pacific Railroad company. Not long after this, Lee applied to Judge Scott for a writ of habeas corpus, alleging that in his opinion the three Lun sisters had been brought here for immoral purposes and that it was the purpose of the proprietors of the Mee Lee Wah Village company to sell them at the rate of $1,500 each, to be delivered in San Francisco. Upon this showing, the writ was issued and the girls were arrested by Deputy Sheriff Striker and conducted into court. The trial proceeded and evidence was taken, Miss Wykoff pushing the prosecution. Any number of witnesses were called an examined for the defense, but nothing was brought out to indicate that there was any attempt upon the part of Sling or his associates to sell the girls, aside from the testimony of Wah Lee, who swore that he visited the Chinese quarters and that while there, some person who was not in [?]

Scores Everybody in Sight.

On the showing made at the hearing Judge Scott held that in his judgment the Chinese girls were in an atmosphere that was dangerous to their morals. He delivered one of his characteristic lectures and the galleries applauded. He took up the Chinese question at a point where it was first touched upon by profane history, following it down to the present date. He roasted the Chinese government, the United States government and all of its officials, intimating that men in authority at Washington were in league with the Chinese companies, and that it was never the purpose to return any of the Chinese brought to this city under the provisions of exclusion act of congress. Departing from this subject he turned his batteries of wrath upon the city officials and turned them over and abused them on account of the fact that prostitution exists in Omaha and because prostitutes are arrested and fined.

The final climax was reached by Judge Scott turning the three Chinese girls over to Missionary Wykoff and directing Deputy Sheriff Stryker to conduct them to her place of abode, the third floor of a flat at 2211 Douglas street. Last night in order to carry out the instructions of the court, the deputy took the girls to the place indicated and asked the missionary to take them and relieve him of further responsibility in the matter.

Right at this time Miss Wykoff discovered for the first time that she had bought more than she had bargained for. Notwithstanding this, she directed the officer to take the girls to the room she had provided. Obeying these instructions, Stryker took his charges up two flights of dark stairs and landed them to a dark, dirty, dismal chamber, absolutely devoid of furniture, with the exception of a couple of wood chairs, a cot and a bed. The girls rebelled and refused to remain as prisoners in this place, which lacked a great deal of being as comfortable and commodious as the Chinese quarters of which Wah Lee and Miss Wykoff complained and which are located at Thirteenth and Chicago streets.

Miss Wykoff Weakens.

Understanding that they were to be imprisoned in this upper story of the flat, the girls became violent and pleaded by signs for the deputy sheriff to take them away. To make matters worse, the missionary arrived at this time and gave the girls to understand that they were to remain there and that the court had directed her to become their custodian. This explanation being made, they revolted and the missionary threw up her hands and begged Stryker to take them away. He informed the woman that he could do nothing of the kind, as he was acting under an order of the court. Miss Wykoff continued her appeals, but as they had no effect she went out on a search for Judge Scott and finally found him and secured another order, directing Stryker to return the girls to their Chicago street quarters for the night. The order directed that the girls be in court at 10 o'clock this morning.

Once out of the presence of the missionary the Lun sisters quieted down and spent the night peacefully at the place which they had occupied since their arrival in Omaha.

This morning Miss Wykoff was one of the early arrivals at Judge Scott's court, where she poured her troubles into the judicial ear. Later Deputy Stryker arrived, bringing the girls with him. He explained the proceedings of last night and the manner in which the missionary attempted to shirk the responsibility that the court had placed upon her. Instead of chastising the woman, through an interpreter, the court gave the girls their choice of going back with the woman or going to jail. They chose the latter, after which he informed them that "no Chinese girls can run this court, and you might as well understand it first as last." The girls did not understand a word that was said, though they knew by the violent gesticulations that something had happened. They were taken into a private room, where they were informed of the action of the court. Breaking down, they cried in a hysterical manner, and declared that in their own heathen country a heather would not be treated in such an inhuman manner.

As Deputy Stryker had no alternative, he took the three girls to jail and locked them in a room, where they spent the day in weeping and pleading to be let out that they might go to their own people.

Deserted by the Missionary.

As soon as the Chinese girls were sent to jail the missionary woman deserted them, as did Wah Lee, who lays claim to being a   religious Chinaman and a great worker in the Lincoln Sunday schools. Friends of the girls gathered about the jail for the purpose of consoling them and informing them that they would not be harmed, but were driven away from the windows, Judge Scott having issued an order that no person should visit the girls or converse with them without first having secured permission of the court.

What will become of the Lun sisters is a conundrum that no persons will attempt to guess. Lawyers say that it is the first instance where parties to a habeas corpus have been jailed where the circumstances are as they are in this case. They say that the incarceration is illegal and void, but that nothing can be done, as Scott has taken the law in his own hands. They also say that Scott has no jurisdiction in the premises and that his action is a direct violation of a rule of court that he was instrumental in promulgating, that all habeas corpus cases should be heard before the judge of the criminal court.

The Christian people of the city, especially those who have watched the antics of Missionary Wykoff, are pretty thoroughly disgusted with her course, but they are not inclined to do anything except as a last resort. They contend that the woman went into a matter that was none of her concern. If she had wanted to do Christian missionary work they say that she could have found a wide field without taking up affairs of foreigners who came here to remain only during the exposition.

United States Takes a Hand.

Within an hour after the Lun sisters had been committed to the county jail the United States had taken a hand in the proceedings. The action of Judge Scott was called to the attention of Judge Munger of the United States court and immediately thereafter a writ of habeas corpus issued, directed to the sheriff of Douglas county, directing him to appear forthwith and show by what right he detained in jail persons who were directly under the control and jurisdiction of the United States officials. At 1 o'clock this afternoon the three girls were turned over to the custody of United States Deputy Marshal Allen, who escorted them before Judge Munger.

Decides to Release the Girls.

When Judge Scott convened his court this afternoon, he informed Attorney Rich, who has represented Wah Lee and Miss Wykoff in the habeas proceeding, that unless some provision was made for the care and custody of the Lun girls before 5 o'clock, he would order them released from jail and would permit them to go where they pleased. Following up this decision, the judge said that notwithstanding the fact that many of the people of Omaha pretended to be Christians, none of the church people had proffered aid or comfort in the disposition of the habeas corpus case. They had stood aloof and had made no attempt to save the girls. This being so, the judge said that he was ready to wash his hands of the whole matter.

Attorney Rich informed the court that at this time funds were being solicited for the purpose of sending the girls to the Chinese Christian mission at San Francisco.

Judge Scott reminded the attorney that further delay would not be tolerated and that unless plans were perfected prior to the hour named, the girls would be released and allowed to go back to the Chinese quarters if they so desired.

At this point in the proceedings, Judge Scott was informed that the United States court had taken action in the case, looking to setting aside the order of the district court. Judge Scott remarked that he would not interfere with the action of the United States court, but immediately thereafter he issued an order, directed to the sheriff, instructing the sheriff to detain the girls and keep them in his custody until further notice.

In the Government's Care.

The three girls were taken before Judge Munger of the federal court yesterday afternoon and their case was set for Tuesday. Meantime the girls are to be in the care of Deputy United States Marshal Homan, who will have charge of them either at their old quarters at Thirteenth and Chicago or will take them to some hotel if he thinks it desirable that they be kept elsewhere.

THREE GOOD THINGS

Exposition Enjoys a Triple Blessing for a Saturday's Experience.

WISCONSIN, WOMEN AND WEATHER

Features of the Day at the Grounds Include This Triumvirate.

MORNING GIVEN TO WISCONSIN EXERCISES

Building Formally Turned Over to the State Commissioners.

WOMEN HAVE THE WHOLE AFTERNOON

Prelude to the Denver Biennial is Being Made a Most Notable Event in Local Club History.

The close of the third calendar week of the exposition is made notable by two important events. This forenoon the handsome Wisconsin building was formally dedicated and turned over to the exposition management by the members of the Wisconsin State commission and a large delegation of prominent citizens and later in the day the exposition is honored by the presence of several hundred members of the National Federation of Women's Clubs, who will be the guests of the Omaha Women's club until their departure for Denver Monday morning. The plans that have been made for the reception and entertainment of these distinguished guests are complete even to a bountiful provision of Nebraska's most delightful June weather, in which the visitors will be able to see the exposition at its best and inhale the inspiration of the real Nebraska zephyr, fresh and invigorating from its contact with the plentifully moistened and luxuriant prairies. The thunderstorm of the early morning was a welcome visitor after the torrid heat of the preseding​ day and evening. The electric batteries cleared the air, and the short dash of rain annihilated the dust and imparted a brighter tint to the glowing landscapes. As the dawn broke the clouds retreated and the sun came out from the ruby tinted horizon to dry the tears that remained on turf and foliage and bathe the white domes and alabaster columns with its splendor. The heat was tempered by a brisk and invigorating breeze and Nature outdid herself in gallantry in welcome to the feminine guests.

Weather an Inspiration.

The beautiful weather conspired with the attractions of the day to bring out a fair crowd this morning, which increased rapidly toward noon. The grounds never looked more attractive than today and the entire absence of heat and dust contributes to make the enjoyment of the visitors complete. The morning concert at the band stand was postponed in deference to the ceremonies at the Wisconsin building, but those who missed the morning music were compensated by the enjoyable program rendered by the Thomas orchestra in the Auditorium from 12 to 1 o'clock. At the latter hour the visiting women were entertained at lunch by the Omaha Woman's club at the Boys; and Girls' building, and the principal exercises of the day are in progress at the Auditorium this afternoon. Tea will be served to the visitors at 5 o'clock by the Bureau of Entertainment at the Mines building, and this evening will be pleasantly occupied by a short program at the Auditorium and a reception at the luxurious quarters of the Bureau of Entertainment.

The first skirmish lines of the visiting women appeared last night, but the bulk of the excursionists came in on this morning's trains. During the afternoon and evening they will have full sway at the grounds and the usual concerts will be transferred in order that they may have the unrestricted use of the Auditorium.

Some Additional Exercises.

In addition to the program heretofore announced there will be an extended program this evening and tomorrow.

The exercises this evening will be held in the Auditorium at the exposition grounds, commencing promptly at 7:45 o'clock and concluding at 8:45, as the building will be required for a rehearsal of the exposition chorus at that time. The program will include addresses by three women noted in the councils of woman's clubs. Mrs. Cornelius Stevenson of Philadelphia, president of the Civic club of that city, will speak on civics.

Miss Sadie American of Chicago, secretary of the National Council of Jewish Women, will speak on "A Summer Duty."

Mrs. Edward Longstreet of Philadelphia, a member of the directory of the General Federation of Woman's Clubs, will speak on "Federation."

Following these exercises the visiting women will be tendered a reception in the rooms of the Bureau of Entertainment of the exposition in the gallery of the Mines building. The rooms have been tendered to the Woman's club of Omaha by the Bureau of Entertainment and the visitors will be entertained there for an hour or more.

The exercises on Sunday will take place in the First Congregational church, commencing at 3 o'clock. Mrs. Celia Parker Woolley of Chicago will speak on "Modern Religious Tendencies." Mrs. A. P. Stevens of Hull House, Chicago, will speak on the subject, "The Public School and the Children of the Laborer."

The music for this entertainment will be furnished by a quartet composed of the following women: Miss Helen Wyman, Miss Rene Hamilton, Mrs. A. P. Ely and Miss Coster. Mrs. Ely will also sing a solo.

MANY CLUB WOMEN COME TO OMAHA

Special Trains Bearing Delegates to Denver Stops Here for the Day.

Several hundred feminine delegates to the convention of the Federation of Women's Clubs at Denver next week are in the city today taking in the exposition. They come in special trains and special cars and are from all parts of the country east of here. They will all stop over a day or two and some will stay until Monday.

The Burlington brought in a special train of eight cars of the women. The Rock Island had a special of four cars bearing delegates from Boston and the New England states and an extra car on the regular train from Michigan. The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha brought in several carloads from Minnesota, the Milwaukee had several special cars, the Northwestern brought in a contingent from Milwaukee and New York state and the other eastern lines all had representations of delegates on board their trains.

A number of these specials proceed to Denver tomorrow night, but several will stay over until Monday. On the latter day the delegates and visitors from this city and state will journey to the Convention City.

Among the prominent women who arrived this morning are: Mrs. Ellen Henrotin, president of the General Federation of Clubs, Chicago; Mrs. Edward Longstreth, Mrs. Mary E. Mumford, Miss Agnes Repplier, Miss Claire de Grafenreid, Miss Cornelia Bedford, Miss Cornelia Stevenson, Philadelphia; Mrs. Kate Tannatt Woods, Miss Carpenter, Miss Ellen A. Richardson, Boston; Miss Eetta Osgood, Portland, Me.; Miss Celia Parker Wooley, Chicago; Mrs. William E. Fischel, St. Louis; Miss Margaret J. Evans, Northfield, Minn.; Mrs. Jeannie S. Tuller, president of the North Dakota federation; Miss Louis Van Loon Lynch, Syracuse, N. Y.; Mrs. F. H. Briggs, Auburn, Me.

KANSAS BUILDING FAR ADVANCED.

Commissioners Plan for the Exercises Attending the Dedication.

The Kansas exposition commissioners are making preparations for the dedicatory exercises in connection with the formal opening of the handsome state building erected by the Sunflower state on the Bluff tract immediately east of the Horticulture building. The building is being fitted up in pleasant and comfortable style and its sightly location on the lower portion of the Bluff tract makes it one of the most enjoyable buildings in the group of state buildings.

Secretary Greef and a force of clerks are engaged in sending out invitations to officials of the exposition, the state officers of Kansas, members of the Kansas legislature, the mayors of the principal cities, representative commercial organizations and to the leading newspapers of the state. These invitations are handsomely engraved and bear on their face a picture of the state building.

The reports received by Secretary Greef from all portions of his state indicate that the attendance from Kansas will be large. A large delegation will attend from Topeka and reports from other cities indicate that the parties being organized to come to Omaha will swell the crowd to very respectable proportions.

AT THE HORTICULTURAL BUILDING.

Exhibits in Place Make a Temptingly Beautiful Picture.

The exhibits in the Horticulture building are completely installed with the exception of Colorado, which has not arrived, although it is expected daily, and the building presents a beautiful sight. The display of apples, cherries and strawberries in the center and the west wing gives these portions of the building an appearance of brightness which is as pleasing as it is surprising, while the prevailing yellow tone imparted to the entire east wing by the thousands of oranges in the Los Angeles county exhibit offers a striking contrast to the warm red color which predominates in the other fruit exhibits.

There are other things besides oranges in the California exhibit made by Los Angeles county, but the major portion of the decoration being golden apples a characteristic tone is given to the entire exhibit. One of the most striking things in connection with this exhibit is a bunch of bananas which has just been received. The banannas​ are grown in Los Angeles county and are a species of plantain, the fruit being slightly shorter and much thicker than the true bananna​. Every variety of fruit grown in this fertile region and many other things which are produced there are shown in the most attractive manner and the exhibit is the central point of interest for large numbers of the visitors. It is in charge of Mr. C. L. Wilson, assistant secretary of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Wiggins, the secretary of that body, having been called some by business. Mrs. Wiggins has arrived and will stay during the exposition and Mr. Wiggins is expected to return in a short time.

The exhibitors in the Horticulture building are up in arms with a demand for an entrance and an exit gate in the lower portion of the bluff tract. There is neither entrance nor exit nearer than the viaduct leading to the main court and the exhibitors protest against what they claim is an injustice to them. They say that in order to visit the Horticulture building people are compelled to walk the full length of the Bluff tract, and when they wish to leave the grounds after visiting the building, as many do, they are compelled to walk back to the viaduct. The exhibitors claim that these conditions keep many people away from the building who would otherwise visit it. They have petitioned the executive committee to locate an entrance and an exit at Spencer street, near the Georgia building, where people may alight from the car and enter the grounds, passing the Horticulture building, or may leave the grounds after inspecting the buildings on the lower portion of the Bluff tract. The executive committee notified the petitioners that a gate is to be located at the south end of the Bluff tract for the convenience of people coming from the Iowa side, and that this will answer the purpose suggested in the petition.

DELIGHTFUL EVENING AT GROUNDS

People Find Attractions of Exposition Irresistible After Nightfall.

Another delightful evening at the grounds was enjoyed by a crowd that was decidedly larger than that of the day. The fact that the exposition affords an opportunity to pass a really enjoyable evening at a small expense is apparently gaining ground with the Omaha people and it is becoming quite the thing to come out after supper and enjoy the beautiful spectacle to the entrancing strains of one of the most magnificent orchestras in the world. Hundreds of people sat all the evening long in the seats provided at either end of the lagoon and enjoyed the pretty scene while the music floated out through the open window of the Auditorium and mingled with the gentle splashing of the water as the gondolas glided silently along the brilliantly lit lagoon. It was enough to bring out all the poetry in human nature and it was really distressing when the harsh falsetto of the "barker" broke in with its discordant clamor for new passengers.

In the Auditorium the "request" program of the orchestra was heard by an exceptionally large audience in spite of the fact that it was decidedly more comfortable outside. The program indicated that Omaha people are far from lacking in musical taste for a more enjoyable succession of the masterpieces of musical composition could scarcely be suggested. The extent to which the Wagnerian taste has been cultivated in this city during the last three or four years was evident in the fact that nearly half of the program consisted of his compositions. These included the overture from "Tannhauser," the prize song from "Die Meistersinger," the funeral march from "Gotterdamerung" and the "Ride of the Valkyries." A more artistic selection could hardly be made from the works of the great composer than this quartet and they were most adequately rendered and thoroughly enjoyed. Schubert's beautiful "Serenade" was a favorite as usual; the Chopin funeral march was also a distinct success. Mr. Steindel's cello solo was enthusiastically applauded and Mr. Bare also scored a notable success in his rendition of the violin obligato of the largo by Handel. "Peer Gynt Suite" by Grieg and the minuet from Mozart's symphony in C completed one of the most meritorious programs that has yet been rendered.

DAY RECALLS A FAMOUS BATTLE.

Anniversary of Bunker Hill is Fittingly Observed.

The societies of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution held a joint celebration in the Nebraska building yesterday afternoon in honor of the battle of Bunker Hill. The day was made the occasion of the installation of the exhibit of revolutionary relics which occupies a conspicuous location at the southeast corner of the main floor of the building. This exhibit includes a large number of valuable and curious relics of revolutionary times and was installed by a joint committee from two societies, of which Mrs. C. S. Langworthy of Seward is chairman, with a subcommittee on exhibits, of which Rev. Luther M. Kuhns of Omaha is chairman.

The meeting yesterday was attended by representatives from Lincoln, Seward, Minden, Fremont, Grand Island, Council Bluffs and several other points. It was held in the assembly room of the Nebraska building and was presided over by L. D. Richards of Fremont.

A gavel made of wood taken from the Avery house, a famous revolutionary landmark, was presented to the presiding officer by Mrs. Pound of Lincoln, former state regent, on behalf of Della Avery chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Lincoln. Chairman Richards received the gavel in the name of the assembly and then Mrs. Langworthy of Seward, on behalf of Lincoln chapter, presented the meeting with a large register, handsomely bound, which was ordered placed in the exhibit so that visiting members of the two societies may register their names and other data provided for by the headlines. It was ordered that when the exposition shall have passed into history the register shall be deposited with the Nebraska State Historical society, and it was further ordered that the register shall be used on similar occasions until it is filled.

This concluded the preliminaries and the formal program of the meeting was entered upon. Rev. Samuel Goodale of Columbus, Neb., a son of a revolutionary soldier, himself a man who has passed the allotted span of life, invoked the divine blessing upon the proceedings about to be held.

Greetings and Addresses.

Mrs. Angus Cameron of La Crosse, Wis., wife of the ex-senator and vice president of the national society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, extended a greeting to those present in the name of the national society.

George D. Hale of Topeka, Kan., president of the Kansas society of the Sons of the American Revolution, presented the greetings of the Kansas society.

Mrs. S. C. Langworthy of Seward, Neb., delivered an eloquent address, in which she made especial reference to the exhibit which had been prepared under the direction of the two societies, calling attention to some of the more interesting relics in the collection, among them being the sword carried by Colonel Merriam at the battle of Bunker Hill, the sword of "Mad Anthony" Wayne, a chip taken from the capstone of Bunker Hill monument the day of its dedication in 1843; a uniform of a British soldier, a genuine "red coat;" a coat worn by James Fennimore Cooper, etc.

The principal address of the occasion was delivered by Rev. Luther M. Kuhns of this city. He called attention to the fact that the most memorable administration between Washington and Abraham Lincoln was that of Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, by whose foresight in making the Louisiana purchase by the treaty of April 30, 1803, this magnificent region was added to the union, forever securing the granaries and mints of the nation and preserving its great artery of inland commerce. "The grandeur of western enterprise appears," said the speaker, "when it is remembered the great ignorance prevailed respecting this region until the birth of the generation yet engaged in active pursuits."

Mr. Kuhns said the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, which assured the successful termination of American independ-[?]

As a closing feature of the meeting, William Huddelson of Lincoln, a son of a revolutionary soldier, was introduced and merely bowed his acknowledgments to the applause which greeted his appearance.

Texas Melon and Grape Day.

July 1 has been designated as "Texas Melon and Grape Day" and a big time is promised on that occasion by the representatives of the Lone Star state. In order to make sure that the arrangements had not "slipped a cog" somewhere, Superintendent Taylor of the Horticulture bureau telegraphed Chairman Penfield of the Texas Exposition commission to ask if the affair would take place according to schedule. In reply Mr. Penfield said, "your expectations will be met. Texas stands treat July 1 with melons and grapes."

According to the arrangements made by Mr. Penfield last month the commission will send several carloads of their best and biggest watermelons and other fruits to Omaha in time for distribution July 1 and these will be distributed free to all comers.

Stieringer Plans New Surprises.

A number of very pretty and surprising effects are being planned by Luther M. Stieringer of New York, consulting electrical engineer of the exposition, and Superintendent Rustin of the electrical department in connection with the illumination of the exposition grounds and especially the main court. These effects will be in the nature of surprises to the public and the details will not be announced, but the public may prepare to be as greatly surprised at the beautiful effects which will be produced as is the case when the beautiful effect of the lighting of the main court is seen at night for the first time. Mr. Stieringer is receiving the highest compliments from all sources on the magnificent effect which has been accomplished by means of incandescent lighting of the main court and he promises that the results which will be produced by the preparations now under way will be fully as beautiful and satisfactory. These new conceptions are designed for special occasions, such as Illinois day and other events of importance in the course of the exposition and the progress which has been made in the way of preparation makes it certain that the public will be highly entertained.

Admission to the Auditorium.

Commencing Monday night of the coming week a charge will be made for admission to the concerts in the Auditorium, in order to put a stop to the incessant annoyance caused by people who persist in wandering in and out during the progress of the concert. Those who want to stay through the concert are annoyed and harassed by the people who crowd by them to get a seat in the middle of a row and then crowd their way out as soon as a number is completed. It is thought if a nominal charge is made people will not enter unless they wish to hear the music and the delay caused by waiting for the noise to cease will be avoided.

The usual charge for admission will be 10 cents, but this will be varied in some instances where special attractions are offered.

Opening the German Village.

Today and tonight will be a gala occasion for the newest of amusement places on the Midway—the opening of the German village. This place is designed to be one of the sort where one may go in quest of a quiet rest and find it; where a man need not fear to take the woman he is escorting; where a father may take his family. It will be a place where high grade vaudeville attractions will appear, where good music will always be heard and where the refreshments will be of the best. Manager von Szenney has arranged a program for the opening week that is far above the average. He has been at especial pains to secure a fine lot of performers, who will begin their engagement today and will certainly redeem the promises he has made during his tedious wait for the time to open his gates and say to all: "Come. Was wohlen sie?"

Notes of the Exposition.

The paid admissions for June 16 were 3,911.

Several new county exhibits are being installed in the Agricultural building, among them being Hitchcock and Red Willow.

The firm of Vilmorin-Andrieux & Co., seed growers of Paris, France, are making a display of the sugar beet in connection with the Nebraska agricultural exhibit.

The "crown of thorns," which was suspended from the inside of the large dome which formed the central figure of the Nebraska exhibit in the Agricultural building, has been taken down.

The Pottawattamie county Wigwam will be dedicated on the same day as the Iowa state building, June 23. The exercises will occur at 1 o'clock and be followed one hour later by those of Iowa.

The Exposition chorus will make its next appearance in public at the concert in the Auditorium next Monday evening, when it will sing "By Babylon's Wave," by Charles Gounod and "Moonlight," by Fanning.

The exhibit of grains and grasses is now in process of installment in the Douglas county booth in the Agricultural building. The display will represent 152 species and will be as complete as that of the other materials that are included in the exhibit.

The brick pavement leading from the bridge to the Administration Arch has been completed, and future rains will not transform the avenue into a puddle. The repairs to the lagoon are practically completed and it is being gradually filed​ to its full capacity.

Montgomery Ward & Co. have just received from New York a magnificent piano that is operated by electricity. It will be on exhibition at their building on the bluff tract every day and evening. The novelty attracted general attention from their numerous visitors yesterday.

The state officials of Wisconsin and the exposition state commission of the same state will arrive in the city this morning at 8:20 o'clock. They are coming in over the Milwaukee in a special car attached to the regular train.

The belated car which brought the furniture for the Colorado mineral exhibit arrived this morning and Commissioner Lee, with a large force of men, is busily engaged in installing the exhibit. This is being done with exceptional rapidity, and the exhibit will be practically complete before Sunday.

Lun Fung, a 7-year-old Chinese girl at the Chinese village, met with an accident yesterday afternoon which badly hurt her. She was walking around in the joss house when she fell through an opening a distance of about ten feet. She was stunned and upon being taken to the hospital it was found she was badly bruised.

Dr. George E. Ladd, dean of the Rolla School of Mines at Rolla, Mo., arrived at the grounds this morning. Dr. Ladd is recognized as one of the leading clay experts of the United States, and he is in charge of a large collection of specimens of raw and manufactured brick clay which forms a part of the Missouri exhibit in the Mines building.

The revolutionary exhibit in the Nebraska building has been enriched by the addition of an old-fashioned flintlock musket, which was contributed by John R. and W. A. Webster of this city. The weapon was captured from a British soldier by their great-grandfather at the battle of Bennington and has been retained in their family as a relic of that famous engagement.

WHERE WOMEN MAY BE FOUND

Addresses of the Distinguished Guests During Their Visit to Omaha.

The Omaha Woman's club will entertain the officers of the General Federation, the state presidents, state chairmen and the speakers while they visit in Omaha. They are assigned as follows:

Mrs. Ellen M. Henrotin of Chicago, president General Federation; Mrs. Edward Longsworth, chairman program committee of the Denver biennial, Philadelphia; Mrs. Cornelius Stevenson, president of Civic Federation, Philadelphia; Miss Agnes Ripplien, Mrs. Ruth McEmery Stuart, Miss Clair de Graffenried and Miss Cornelia E. Bedford, of Philadelphia, are at the Paxton.

Mrs. Alice Ives Breed, Lynn, Mass., entertained at Mrs. Arthur S. Smith, Park avenue.

Mrs. Cameron, Wisconsin, at Mrs. H. B. Larson, 406 North Fortieth street.

Mrs. W. D. Tisdale, Ottumwa, Ia., at Mrs. E. E. Brice's, Eighth and Worthington.

Dr. Mary C. Greene, president National Household Economic association, at Mrs. Frank Pugh's, 2537 St. Mary's avenue.

Mrs. John A. Allen, Mrs. Edwin Harrison, Mrs. Liddy, Mrs. Bradwell, from St. Louis, at the Madison.

Mrs. Herman Hall at Mrs. W. W. Keydor's, 2724 Caldwell street.

Mrs. J. T. Whitney, Mt. Pleasant, Ia., and Mrs. Ida L. Snyder, Plattsmouth, Neb., at Mrs. Z. T. Lindsey's, 406 South Fortieth street.

Mrs. John Moore, Chicago, at Mrs. A. J. Vierling, 2606 Poppleton avenue.

Miss Sadie American, at Mrs. Charles Rosewater's, 2417 Jones street.

Mrs. Mary L. Lockwood, Washington, D. C., at Mrs. Guy C. Barton's, 2105 California street.

Mrs. Stoutenborough, Plattsmouth, Neb., Mrs. Celia Parker Wooley, Chicago, at Mrs. Draper Smith's, 624 Park avenue.

Mrs. Van Veckten, Cedar Rapids, Ia., president Iowa State Federation, and Rev. Florence Crooker, Boston, Mass., at Mrs. Mary G. Andrew's, 3819 Charles street.

Mrs. Mary E. Munford, Philadelphia, Pa., at Mrs. Richard Carrier's, 2963 Pacific street.

Miss Nicholls and Mrs. Harrington, Chicago, at Mrs. George M. Nattinger's, 2611 Pierce street.

Mrs. W. B. Leech, state chairman of Minnesota, and Mrs. Stearer, Duluth, at Mrs. J. F. Swan's, 3019 Pacific street.

Mrs. A. J. Sawyer, Lincoln, Neb., at Mrs. E. F. Dundy's, 718 South Twenty-ninth street.

Mrs. C. W. Bassett, state chairman, and Mrs. Clara A. Cooley, Dubuque, Ia., at Mrs. W. E. Riddell's, 1614 North Twenty-second street.

Mrs. Louise Van Loon Lynch and Mrs. Ellen M Mitchell, Syracuse, N. Y., at Mrs. A. L. Stiger's, 2530 Capitol avenue.

Mrs. Etta Osgood, director of General Federation, Portland, Me., at Mrs. George Patterson's. 2224 Howard street.

Dr. Ellen Spencer Mussy, Washington, D. C., at Mrs. Dr. Ross. 2121 Lake street.

Mrs. Kate Tannatt Woods, Salem, Mass., Mrs. E. W. Carpenter, Boston, Mass., at Mrs. F. M. Richardson's, 2523 Capitol avenue.

Mrs. W. E. Fischel and Mrs. W. W. Boyd, St. Louis, at Mrs. E. L. Patterson, Thirty-second and Woolworth.

Miss Margaret J. Evans, president of Carleton College, Northfield, Minn., at Mrs. Joseph H. Millard's, 2406 Harney street.

Mrs. C. B. Pillow, Helena, Ark., at Mrs. Edward Johnson's, 2224 Poppleton avenue.

Mrs. Robert Hall Wiles, Chicago, president Illinois State Federation, at Mrs. C. E. Ford's, 125 North Thirty-second avenue.

Mrs. Frank H. Briggs, Auburn, Me., and Mrs. Henry W. Blair, Manchester, N. H., at Mrs. L. R. Towne's, 2530 Farnam street.

Mrs. Anna A. Palmer, Saginaw, Mich., at Mrs. E. E. Bryson's, 1302 Georgia avenue.

Mrs. Laura E. Scammon, president of Missouri State Federation, Kansas City, at Mrs. J. J. Evering Crane, 2507 Pierce street.

Mrs. Jennie L. Tullar, state chairman General Federation, Fargo, N. D., at Mrs. J. G. Black's, 610 North Twenty-third street.

Miss Buks, president National Stenographers' association, at Mrs. C. A. Tracy's, 1712 North Twenty-fifth street.

Mrs. Ellen A. Richardson, president of the George Washington Memorial association, Boston, at Mrs. Euclid Martin's, 3608 Jackson street.

Mrs. H. E. Stevens, Hull House, Chicago, at Mrs. F. W. Tucker's, 118 North Twenty-sixth street.

President of Chicago Woman's club at Mrs. E. V. Lewis's. 2021 Wirt street.

GETS A COUNTER INJUNCTION

Ben Yagga Injects Another Restraining Order Into the Fight Over Camels.

Another complication has arisen in the litigation over the right to exhibit the camels and their equipment on the Midway. The camels in the Streets of All Nations are owned by Ben Yagga, who is under contract with Akoun to work then during the season. Yesterday Yagga conceived the idea that the enforcement of the injunction issued by Judge Scott stopping the use of camels in the Streets of All Nations was likely to throw him out of a job, so with this job in view, through his attorney, he appeared before Judge Fawcett and secured a temporary order that restrains Akoun from ordering the camel riding to stop. The hearing to make the restraining order permanent was set for Monday morning.

Some time ago the Streets of Cairo secured an injunction restraining the Streets of All Nations from putting on the camels and donkeys. Notwithstanding this, the latter named attraction continued to give camel and donkey rides. Three or four days ago contempt proceedings were instituted before Judge Scott, by which Manager Reed and Assistant Wadley of the Department of Concessions of the exposition, Caston Akoun and Assistant Manager Zitoun of the Street of All Nations were cited to appear and show cause why they should not be punished. Yesterday was the time set for the hearing but none of the parties were on hand. During the afternoon Judge Scott took judicial notice of this fact and issued a process directing the sheriff to have all the parties in court next Monday morning at 10 o'clock.

Streets of All Nations.

The "Streets of All Nations," owned by Mr. Gaston Akoun and under the management of Mr. Kahliel E. Neimy, in spite of the rumors spread all over town of different characters, has acquired a great reputation as being the whole attraction of the Midway. As a matter of fact, the large capital invested in this enterprise, with the careful management in running the show properly, has given the right to both public and press to pronounce that the Streets of All Nations is the most attractive, original and characteristic show on the grounds. The nature of the show consists of a combination of different nationalities gathered together to represent no one certain feature existing on the entire exposition grounds, but to give an idea to visitors what one of the biggest shows in the world should look like. The construction is a conglomeration of buildings of different nations, the striking feature amongst which is the theater, which stands in the middle of the street to represent the Pantheon of Athens, Greece, bordered upon a beautiful court, where the Greek athletic games, together with a performance of different characters concludes with the great vaudeville show that takes place in the theater. While there is no performance going on the visitors can enjoy rides on camels, dromedaries and donkeys, or examine the beautiful ware in the booths around the streets, the goods in which booths are imported from countries represented by the Streets of All Nations. The performers are in number about 150, besides 150 others connected with concessions in the streets. The performers are considered without a doubt the best in their line in the world and draw the biggest salaries. The management secured these performers at very great expense, therefore the Streets of All Nations must be highly recommended as being a place of first class entertainment and of the best moral standing and character, while it furnishes various features of amusement, and where a person could spend a whole day and still be pleased to continue, without in the least being overtaxed.

DOUBLEDAY A BEAUTY

Nature Makes Amends for Her Surly Mood of Late Days.

SMILES FOR THE WOMEN AND WISCONSIN

Loveliest of Nebraska June Weather is Put on Exhibition.

TWO NOTABLE EVENTS AT THE GROUNDS

Wisconsin's Dedication and Women's Clubs' Visit Mark the Occasion.

EXERCISES ARE MOST AUSPICIOUS

Badger State Building Turned Over with Fitting Formality and the Women Welcomed with an Appropriate Program.

It was most appropriate that the day which had been set apart for the gathering of the women from all parts of this wide land and for the dedication of the beautiful building erected by the people of Wisconsin on the exposition grounds should be the fairest day which has dawned upon the exposition since the gates were opened. The day was a dream of loveliness—nature lavished hitherto hidden beauties in bountiful profusion and the atmospheric conditions left nothing to be desired; the passing shower of the early morning hours had touched the budding foliage with the finger of an artist and removed the last vestige of dust from each leaf and flower; the tiny drops of moisture sparkling in the sunlight until each individual plant seemed to be decked with diamonds in honor of the occasion. The sky was beautiful with huge banks of fleecy, white clouds drifting majestically along as though loth to leave a scene of such surpassing beauty, tempering the rays of the sun with their flitting shadows and bringing out, by contrast, the deep blue of the heavens. In the midst of this magnificent setting the stately beauty of the "White City" stood out with the grandeur of ancient Greece and evoked paeans of praise which swelled with gladness the hearts of those who have worked with might and main that this magnificence might become a reality.

The announcement of the many attractions for the day was sufficient to draw a large number of people to the grounds and the hour was early when the first arrivals knocked at the gates for admission. There was no cessation in the flow and all day long and far into the night the people continued to come. The railroads brought hundreds of people from the nearby farms and towns as well as from a distance, and the farmer boy with his best girl rubbed elbows with his city brother and his sweetheart. The yellow badges designating the people from Wisconsin in attendance at the dedication of the building which marks the semi-centennial of Wisconsin's statehood, besides serving as a rendezvous for natives besides serving as a rendezvous for natives of the Badger state, were everywhere in evidence, and the rosettes of light blue ribbon which indicated visiting delegates to the "Omaha prelude" of the annual meeting of the General Federation of Woman's Clubs at Denver, were to be seen in all parts of the grounds, usually accompanied by a woman wearing corresponding rosette of white ribbon, indicating the Omaha committee appointed to look after the personal comfort of the visiting women.

Women Explore the Grounds.

While the Auditorium was comfortably filled with women, and some men, who desired to hear the addresses of the women who occupy positions of prominence in the councils of the women of the United States, there were large numbers of delegates who men and Pres got a base on it. Holly came ing the exposition and these women, accompanied by Omaha woman as pilots, made tours of the grounds, taking in all the points of interest and enjoying to the full the opportunity for acquiring information. They were immensely pleased with the many interesting things to be seen on every side and their opinions, after a full examination and opportunity for passing calm judgment, were flattering in the extreme.

The Wisconsin visitors were especially pleased with the result of their examination of the general arrangement of the grounds, the beauty of the building and the completeness of the exhibits. Their compliments were numerous and flattering and many of them declared their intention of remaining in the city several days to make a more careful inspection of the exhibits.

The surprise of all of these visitors at the magnificence of the grounds and buildings was changed to amazement as they gazed at the beauty of the grounds when seen under the soft glow of the electric lights. Words were lacking to express their admiration of the grandeur of the scene and they simply looked their enjoyment. They crowded the many points of vantage in the main court and drank in the beauty of the scene, punctuating the silence with exclamations of pleasure and registering vows that this visit should not be their last.

The music of the Thomas orchestra and the always famous Marine band filled the cup of pleasure to the brim and the visitors left the grounds almost speechless with pleasure at the bountiful extent of the entertainment provided for those who enter the grounds.

BRAINY WOMEN IN CONVENTION.

Interesting Observance of Woman's Day at the Exposition.

The exercises that constituted the principal celebration of Woman's day were held in the Auditorium yesterday afternoon before what was in many respects one of the most notable audiences that has ever assembled in Omaha. It was second only in numbers and importance to the big convention of the General Federation of Women's clubs that will congregate in Denver this week, and it included most of the talented and progressive women whom the feminine club movement has brought into conspicuous notice during the last few years. The big building was almost entirely filled, and in spite of the heat that grew almost insufferable at times, a program that lasted almost three hours was heard to the end with an enthusiasm that was significant of the interest that the occasion inspired. The breadth of comprehension resulting from the associations and culture of the club work was apparent in the scope and practical character of the addresses which abounded in clever comments and original ideas.

Mrs. Winona S. Sawyer, president of the Board of Lady Managers of the Exposition association, presided, and introduced the program with a few well chosen remarks. She alluded to the fact that there are now two great questions before this country. One relating to the storm of war and another to the pursuits of peace and civilization. She declared that good thought and new inspiration had a vitality that would survive military force.

Miss Margaret J. Evans of Minnesota, dean of Carleton college, offered a brief prayer, after which the Lorelei quartet, consisting of Miss Lillian Terry, Miss Flora Philleo, Mrs. A. G. Edwards and Miss Frances Roeder, sang "Legends," by Mohring. The music was exquisitely rendered and the audience responded with an enthusiastic encore which brought the quartet back to sing "Old Kentucky Babe," which was received with equal warmth.

Mrs. Draper Smith, president of the Omaha Woman's club, then welcomed the visitors in behalf of the organization. Her remarks were brief, but every sentence was graceful and to the point. She said that it falls to the lot of few cities to be refused a convention and then receive the cream of it in advance. This was the unique position that Omaha now occupied. She then bade them thrice welcome in the name of the club, the city and the state and assured them during their short stay of the most heartfelt cordialty​.

Speaks for the West.

President G. W. Wattles of the Exposition association extended a welcome in behalf of the exposition management. He called their attention to the fact that this exposition was held in a territory that only fifty years ago had been inhabited by savages, and indicated on the map as the Great American Desert. He said that some nations were in the vigor of life, while others were in process of disintegration and decay. This could be no better illustrated than by a comparison between the resources of this country and of Spain. In the midst of war the greatness of the country was celebrated in this exposition, which represents the arts of peace. This demonstrated the fact that we live in a nation that is great enough and rich enough to go to war with one of the oldest monarchies in the world and at the same time educate and elevate its own people. In conclusion, he referred in complimentary terms to the work of the women in organizing the educational exhibits and the various congresses incidental to the exposition, and extended the best wishes of the management for a pleasant journey and a safe return.

To these felicitations Mrs. Ellen Henrotin of Chicago, president of the General Federation of Woman's Clubs, very gracefully responded. Her manner charmed those of her audience who had never had the pleasure of listening to her before and those who knew her best declared that they had never heard her speak with more effect than on this occasion. She stated in beginning that the history of the general federation was in fact a history of expositions. It had received its inspiration from the great gatherings incidental to the successive expositions and in this connection she compared the part that the women had taken in the Centennial with that which had been performed by them in connection with the Transmississippi Exposition. This was illustrative of the progress of woman's clubs.

Mrs. Henrotin very feelingly declared that at this time the women all over this country were sacrificing what was dearest to them for freedom and it was eminently fitting that they should now meet together to give their reasons for the faith that was in them. Referring to the beautiful White City around them, she declared that the reason why this color had been adopted at every exposition was because it was the conception of the celestial city to which all aspire. And such an association as this was one of the steps by which they were mounting upwards to that eternal white city.

Mrs. Henrotin left immediately after her address to take the afternoon train for Denver and the great audience of women rose while a thousand handkerchiefs waved her a loving adieu.

The solo, "Love in Springtime," by Arditti, by Master Horace Sims, the boy soprano of Milwaukee, was a very enjoyable interlude in the speechmaking and after he had responded to a well merited encore Mrs. Mary E. Mumford of Philadelphia gave a very interesting address on "A Phase of Education." This was the home and mother influence that, during the last few years, had been inculcated in the schools. The kindergarten was the nursery phase of home in the school. Kindergartning​ was real good mothering and that was all there was of it. Not only the nursury​, but the kicthen​, was gradually taking place in the curriculum and in the cooking school people had gone to the mother's plan of teaching the domestic virtues. The only trouble was that this had not been carried far enough. It should be followed up by teaching domestic science in the high schools and by courses in domestic economy in colleges. As yet we had no real college education for women. When a girl went to college she was limited to the study of the things a man should know.

Mrs. Mumford also emphasized the practical value of teaching sewing the public schools. Machinery would never so fully take the place of the needle but that a knowledge of sewing would be of value.

Teaching in Public Schools.

Continuing, the speaker suggested that the parlor had been taken into the schools by teaching the children that the bare walls of a school room did not make the pleasantest place in the world in which to pass their lives. So the idea of decoration had developed and the most unattractive school rooms had been transformed into places that charmed the child and implanted in him the artistic taste. Thereafter he would not be satisfied with the commonplace, but would strive to make his surroundings more attractive.

Mrs. Mumford particularly emphasized the value of the manual training department for boys. She regarded this as one of the most important incidentals to modern education and urged her auditors to go home with a determination to do all they could to have the system engrafted in their schools. In this connection she condemned the women who neglected to vote at a school board election and criticised the character of many of the men who were elected as members of the board in various cities. She insisted that no man was competent to serve in this capacity unless his moral character was such as to furnish an admirable example to the children and that it was the duty of the women to use their right of suffrage to assist in the election of such men.

One of the most interesting papers of the afternoon was read by Mrs. Herman Hail of Chicago, who is the founder, not only of the Central Art association of that city, but also of an art club of 500 women. Her address abounded in practical suggestions on the subject, "Art in the Home, the School and the Community." In speaking of the development of the artistic spirit Mrs. Hall declared that while we are waiting for genius we should support and encourage talent. Then we would be more likely to recognize genius when it came. Continuing, she suggested that the development of art should begin in the home. In this connection she illustrated her meaning by a series of practical suggestions relative to the architecture and furnishing of the home. She pointed out the manner in which deep horizontal lines and arches over the windows should be used to relieve the vertical lines of the building and then discussed in considerably detail the colors that should be used in the interior and how they should be arranged in order to give an artistic effect. Above all she urged that yards of daisies and pansies should not be hung on the walls simply because they were painted by some one who was regarded by her immediate relatives as a genius. It was better to spend a quarter of a dollar in the purchase of a photograph of some real masterpiece and be forever happy in its contemplation.

Mrs. Hall contended the more morality could be installed into the minds of the boys and girls through the medium of an attractice​ school room than by any other means. Nothing taught the lessons of morality and charity more forcibly than the masterpieces of art.

In discussing art in the community the speaker deprecated the fact that the introduction of machinery to supplant hand labor had robbed some classes of art of its individuality. The time was past when a man spent a life evening in carving a crucifix because no one would wait for it or buy it after he had finished it.

Another musical number was contributed by Mrs. Thomas Kelly, who sang "A Summer Night" by Gorign​ Thomas with a voice of rare sweetness but scarcely strong enough to fill such a vast structure. In view of the long program she declined to respond to the very hearty encore that rewarded her effort.

Mrs. Kate Tannett Woods of Salem, Mass., was to speak on "Club Courtesies," but as her manuscript was in her trunk, which still lingered somewhere between Salem and Omaha, she excused herself by very gracefully suggesting that in view of the courtesy that the visitors had experienced in Omaha any further comment on the subject would be superfluous.

The Lorelei sang "Stay With Me," by Otto Lob, and scored another decided success. The program closed with an exceptionally able paper by Mrs. Ellen A. Richardson of Boston on "The Keystone of the Educational Arch." She said that as a nation the Americans are the builders of an educational arch that should span the earth with its bow of promise. The keystone was the ideal that would make civilization in its highest form possible for the whole world. She proceeded to analyze the technical structure of an arch using each element to point an educational moral. At the conclusion of her address the visitors adjourned to the quarters of the Bureau of Entertainment in the Mines building, where tea was served.

Exercises in the Evening.

The evening entertainment offered to the visitors and the women of Omaha was announced to commence promptly at 7:45 o'clock in order that the rehearsal of the Exposition chorus and orchestra might be held after the conclusion of the exercises, but a delay in the arrival of the audience and the speakers prevented the commencement of the exercises before 8:25. At that time Mrs. Draper Smith, Mrs. F. M. Ford, Miss Sadie American of Chicago and Mrs. Alice Ives Breed of Lynn, Mass., appeared on the platform and the program was entered upon without any delay. Mrs. Smith introduced Mrs. Breed as the chairman of the evening and the latter took occasion to express her pleasure at being once more in "God's country," after a sojourn in China. She spoke of having been at Hong Kong when Dewey sailed for Manila, saying that she had returned to this country to find him a hero. She paid a neat compliment to the exposition management for the beautiful white city which had been erected for the display of the resources of the great west and expressed her best wishes for the success of the enterprise.

Mrs. Breed then introduced Mrs. Sadie American, the secretary of the National Council of Jewish Women, to speak on the topic, "A Summer Duty." Miss American's address treated the sociological conditions which exist during the summertime in the great cities. She dwelt at some length on the conditions which exist in the crowded portions of these cities during the months when "nobody is in town." During this period schools are not in session and the children of the working people are thrown upon their own resources. The laws of these cities forbid playing in the streets, there is no opportunity for the children to find occupation of a beneficial kind, their parents are too busy with their own cares to amuse them and the result is that they are thrown entirely upon their own resources. The speaker declared that from this condition arises a very large percentage of the crimes committed in those cities. The establishment of schools for the children during the summer, where they have leave to play, is expected to promote the welfare of the children and educate them along different lines than those taught in the public schools. In this connection, the speaker complimented the exposition management on its action in keeping the exposition upon on Sunday. She declared that the opportunity thus afforded the children of this section to visit the exposition in company with their parents or some one who can explain the various sights to them would be of incalculable value to the children, and she expressed the regret which she said the women of Chicago feel that they had neglected this opportunity which was offered them during the World's fair.

Miss American's address was well received, being liberally applauded.

Mrs. G. W Johnston of Omaha sang a lullaby, which captivated the audience. She was in good voice and sang with much expression and feeling.

Women in Public Affairs.

The only other speaker of the evening was Mrs. Cornelius Stevenson of Philadelphia, president of the Civic club of that city. She read a paper on "Civics." She declared that the World's fair was the epitome of the greatness of nations and at that exposition the woman's club movement received its greatest impetus. The expositions of Atlanta and Nashville had still further promoted the movement and the speaker said that the warm welcome which had been extended to the delegates in Omaha gave promise of further impetus from this exposition. Mrs. Stevenson dwelt upon the importance of the influence of the women in securing the highest standards in public affairs, declaring that permanent results are only brought about by education in the higher sense. The speaker said that the women form the heart of the nation and can render assistance in many ways. In illustration of this point she related the action of many of the women of the east who had countermanded orders given to French importers before the open opposition of the French press and people in connection with the war in Spain. She spoke of one firm which had received orders to cancel orders for $35,000 worth of goods in one week and declared that there were many such cases. These little occurrences, she said, would go a long way toward changing the sentiment of the commercial element in France toward this country and would aid in smoothing the way toward diplomatic proceedings.

Mrs. Stevenson referred to the progress which has been made in the west in the matter of opening the higher educational institutions to women, and expressed the hope that the conservatism which has marked the attitude of the eastern institutions in this matter would soon give way before the demand of public sentiment. This portion of the paper was cut short by the lateness of the hour and was brought to a close with little ceremony.

This concluded the exercises in the Auditorium, and the audience adjourned to the rooms of the Bureau of Entertainment in the gallery of the Mines building, where an informal reception was held for over an hour. The visitors and the Omaha women were given an opportunity to cultivate the acquaintance formed during the day, and the social time which resulted was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

TO BE PRESENT ON ILLINOIS DAY.

Union League Club of Chicago Has a Strong Delegation.

CHICAGO, June 18.—In response to an invitation extended by William H. Harper, chairman of the executive committee of the Illinois Transmississippi and International Exposition commission, to have representatives in attendance on Illinois day at the exposition, the Union League club has appointed the following to act on such committee: Alexander H. Revell, George A. Follansbee, Hiram R. McCullough, Will H. Clark, James L. Archer, Josiah L. Lombard, Charles M. Hewitt, Edward A. Turner, Frederick W. Upham, John H. Hamline, H. S. Burkhardt, William G. Jerrems, F. J. Dewes, W. A. Alexander, Ephriam Banning, E. G. Halle, Otto C. Schneider, C. B. Beardsley, George A. McKinlock, Henry D. Estabrook, George William Dixon, Robert Vierling and R. C. Clowry.

The committee will leave on a special train over the Chicago & Northwestern at [?]:15 p. m. Monday, arriving in Omaha early [?]

Chorus Will Not Appear.

The exposition chorus will not appear at the concert in the Auditorium tomorrow night as announced, as no rehearsal could be held last night. The rehearsal was to have been held in the Auditorium last night with the orchestra, but the building was occupied until 9:30 o'clock by the women of the Woman's club and Conductor Kelly dismissed the orchestra and chorus on account of the lateness of the hour.

Exposition Notes.

The Scenic Railway commenced business yesterday.

The paid admissions to the grounds June 17 numbered 3,875, not including commutation tickets.

Exit gates are being placed just south of the Georgia building for the convenience of visitors to the Bluff tract.

The exposition postage stamps have been placed on sale at the Government building and a brisk demand is made for them.

An observation car containing agricultural and horticultural products from South Dakota has been placed in position on a track just north outside the Transportation building.

Horace Sims, the famous boy soprano from Wisconsin, who sung at the Auditorium yesterday afternoon, will sing "Angels Ever Bright and Fair" and the First Methodist church this evening.

The German village on the Midway was opened to the public yesterday afternoon and last night. The construction is not entirely completed, but was sufficiently advanced to allow the gates to be opened. The concert hall was in full blast with a vaudeville performance of unusual extent and excellence and the patronage of the village was very liberal.

A treat is promised those who attend the reception which is to be held in the Illinois building Tuesday evening, Illinois day. Mrs. Catherine Bloodgood, one of the noted singers of this country, will sing several selections during the progress of the reception and Mrs. Allen Spencer, a pianist of wide reputation and Mr. Justin M. Thatcher of Chicago, a tenor singer of ability, will add to the excellence of the entertainment.

W. K. Bradish of Detroit, Mich., assistant director of the Detroit Art museum, has arrived in the city to relive Art Director Griffiths of the Art building, who will leave the city next week to fill several lecture engagements. Mr. Bradish has been appointed assistant superintendent of the Art building and will be in charge of the building during the absence of Mr. Griffiths.

BADGER STATE'S BUILDING

Wisconsin Dedicates Its Beautiful Home at Exposition Grounds.

CELEBRATES ITS GOLDEN JUBILEE

Fifty Years a State and the Epoch Marked by Participation in the Wonderful Show of the Western Empire.

The weather god smiled on Wisconsin day at the exposition and a brisk shower at sunrise was followed by one of those rare days in June for which Nebraska has gained a world-wide reputation. The grounds were looking their best, the verdure clear and bright after its shower bath and the profusion of flowers nodding a pleasant welcome to the guests of the day. The shower had simply served to make the grass greener the building whiter and the pleasant tan color of the gravel walks a shade darker, forming a series of contrasts which made the grounds a scene of beauty unexcelled in attractiveness.

Fully an hour before the time for the formal exercises to commence the beautiful Wisconsin building on the Bluff tract was the objective point of large numbers of people and the spacious and beautiful rotunda which is the main feature of the building was filled with men and women.

The building is a very handsome structure, facing the Illinois building on one of the finest locations on the portion of the grounds devoted to state buildings. It is classic in style and is excellently planned to meet the requirements for which it was erected. A. C. Clas of Milwaukee, a member of the commission, was the architect of the building.

The feature of the interior of the building is a central rotunda lighted mainly from above and having a balcony at the second floor which commands a full view of the main floor. Handsome furniture, a profusion of potted plants and spreading foliage of plants, together with a grand piano, make the interior attractive and beautiful.

A large number of Wisconsin people arrived in the city Friday, among them being a delegation of about thirty women en route to attend the meeting of the General Federation of Woman's clubs at Denver. A party of people from the Badger state, including several of the Wisconsin exposition commissioners, arrived this morning and these with a number of Wisconsin natives residing in Omaha and delegations from the Omaha Woman's club, made a gathering which filled the spacious building to the doors.

Wisconsin's Representatives.

The Wisconsin commissioners present were: John C. Koch of Milwaukee, president of the commission; A. C. Clas of Milwaukee, treasurer; J. E. Hausen of Milwaukee, Senator C. H. Baxter of Lancaster, G. H. Greenback of Madison, H. D. Fisher of Florence, Fred Kickhefer of Milwaukee, Mrs. Angus Cameron of La Crosse, General John Hicks of Oshkosh Northwestern, Willard E. Carpenter of the Waupaca Record, John G. Gregory of the Evening Wisconsin of Milwaukee and John Larsen of the Ashland News.

The Marine band made a special trip to the grounds to play a couple of selections in front of the building.

The ceremonies were opened promptly on time by President John C. Koch of the Wisconsin commission. He referred to the fact that the dedication of Wisconsin's building at the exposition marked also the celebration of the semi-centennial of Wisconsin's admission to the union of states. He spoke of the friendly relations which exist between Nebraska and Wisconsin on account of the large numbers of natives of the latter state who have taken up their residence to Nebraska. The history of the origin of the Wisconsin building was reviewed briefly by the speaker, who, in a few words, turned the building over to President Wattles for the exposition.

President Wattles accepted the building on behalf of the exposition management and dedicated it in honor of the semi-centennial of Wisconsin's history as a state.

Wisconsin history was reviewed briefly by President Wattles, who referred to the fact that in the original settlement of the state the Germans predominated, as do their descendants today, and he declared that their thrift, industry and reputation as good citizens have made the state famous. The excellent educational facilities possessed by the state were referred to and an array of figures regarding the agricultural and farm products was quoted showing the great resources of the state. The president made reference to the fact that the state had furnished many enterprising citizens to many of the western states and said the erection and dedication of the building on the exposition grounds constitutes a tie which still further binds the people of the two sections together.

William Amadeus Haas delighted the assembly by playing the "Bismarck March," one of his own compositions.

Mr. Quarles' Oration.

The orator of the occasion was William C. Quarles of Milwaukee, a prominent member of the bar. He was introduced by President Koch and among other things said:

Wisconsin men are found wherever true Americans dwelt beyond the Alleghenies, beyond the Rockies, their influence is felt. No sooner have their cabins been located in the wilderness, than as if by magic all the institutions of civilization spring up about them.

This exposition is great monument to the ability, energy, taste and culture of the people of this broad western land. It may well excite wonder and admiration. As we behold these magnificent buildings and all these evidences of wealth and culture, we can hardly realize that within the narrow span of a human life this great prairie was a wilderness, ripening for future use, where every autumn the dusky savage, in pursuit of game, roamed over vast stretches, of country, whose surface, clad in a mantle of sombre brown, undulated like the billows of the sea. While we contemplate in Europe the fate of kingdoms that have been tottering for ages on the brink of decay, slowly dying for a thousand years, we behold our own states growing to maturity within the experiences of a generation.

It is eminently fitting that Omaha, which so well represents the spirit of western advancement, should at the consummation of the Nineteenth century, set up in its midst this magnificent object lesson. As we look about us today we realize that we live in the heart of a republic, whose shores touch either ocean, which stretches from the frozen zone to tropic lands, whose men and women are the demigods of industrial and intellectual conquest, of and concerning whom it is not necessary that any man make explanation or apology, but who stand upon the hilltops of civilization, with a national emblem representing everything that is grand in human life and noble in human endeavor.

In casting the eye over the map of Nebraska, we are thrilled with patriotic joy to see among the names of your counties those of our Jefferson, Grant, Logan, Blaine, Garfield, Sherman, Lincoln and Washington. We feel that our hearts are thus linked together by the tie of common devotion to the precious memory of our soldiers and patriots, whose fame is a common heritage, and we confidently rest in the assurance that our children will unite with yours in the tribute of gratitude due to those who, whether at the north or south, east or west, have stood or fallen in this country's cause.

Few of us have realized the tremendous resources of our united country. The world failed to appreciate it. The events of the last few months have amazed foreign nations, as they have quickened the pulse of America with pride and exultation.

Wisconsin presents to Nebraska today not merely a beautiful building, as a token of her admiration and esteem, but as an older to a younger sister, she extends to you affectionate and well merited congratulations and the most earnest wishes for the success of this, your great undertaking.

During his remarks Mr. Quarles paid a warm tribute to Senator Thurston and the troops now in the field.

The exercises closed with the reading of a poem written for the occasion by John Goodby Gregory of the Evening Wisconsin, the poet laureate of the state.

ILLINOIS IS NEXT

Sucker State's Joyous Celebration Takes Its Turn Tomorrow.

PROMISE OF A WARM TIME IS HELD OUT

Delegations from the Great State Come to Give the Affair Eclat.

GOVERNOR TANNER LEADS THE WAY

Chief Executive and His Personal Staff Already in the City.

LIVELY MONDAY AT THE GROUNDS

Week Opens with Glorious Weather and a Prospect of a Bust Session for Everybody at the Exposition.

In the absence of any special event on the exposition calendar, this is largely a day of preparation for the notable occasions that are scheduled for the remainder of the week. Of these Illinois is first and foremost in point of interest, and tomorrow the sons and daughters of the Sucker state will gather in force to celebrate their participation in the exposition, in which they have taken such an extensive interest. The presence of a full representation of the notable personages of the state is assured, as well as a large attendance of private citizens. It will be one of the big days of the exposition, and it will be celebrated on a scale commensurate with the dignity of the state that built the World's fair.

The advance guard of the visitors arrived this morning. Governor Tanner, with Mrs. Tanner and his official staff, reached the grounds about 10 o'clock and proceeded at once to the handsome Illinois building, where they were received by Colonel and Mrs. Hambleton and the exposition officials. There were about seventy persons in the party and the staff officers were dressed in the handsome uniform of the Illinois National Guard. Governor and Mrs. Tanner, with several others of the party, were taken for a trip over the grounds by Major Clarkson, and they expressed the most extravagant delight with the magnificent panorama that they witnessed. The remainder of the visitors will arrive on the morning trains tomorrow and proceed at once to the grounds to be present at the formal ceremonies that will be held in the Auditorium at 11:30 o'clock. After lunch a public reception will be tendered the guests of the day in the Illinois building, and in the evening Colonel and Mrs. Hambleton will give a private reception in their honor which will be one of the most notable social events of the exposition.

This is the official program of the exercises at the Auditorium:

In the absence of any special attraction, a very creditable Monday morning crowd was on the grounds. It was another glimpse of Nature's kindest mood, and even as early as 9 o'clock the aisles in the main buildings were well occupied with visitors. There was also a good crowd on the Bluff tract, and the morning concert by the Marine band was enjoyed by a good sized audience. The appearance of the landscapes is constantly improving as the flowers approach maturity, and with the exception of one or two corners where belated exhibitors are at work there is nothing to contradict the impression that the exposition is complete in every detail.

MARINE BAND'S SUNDAY CONCERT.

Director Santelmann Adds to the Approbation He Has Worn in Omaha.

The concert of the Marine band yesterday was played in front of the Government building, where a suitable space had been marked by ropes to prevent the crowd from jostling the musicians. At the time announced for the concert to begin, 2:30 o'clock, a large crowd had gathered at the west end of the lagoon. The wide steps leading to the Government building presented a gay appearance with the multitude of colors displayed in the dresses of the women, and the colonnades on either side were filled with people who had taken refuge there from the rays of the sun. As the afternoon advanced the crowd increased in size, but there was no room for any increase in the enthusiasm with which every number was received. The playing of the band was all that the most pessimistic critic could ask and the audience manifested its enjoyment of the excellent program by frequent and vigorous applause.

The first number on the program was one of Sousa's stirring marches, "The Bride Elect," and the inspiring strains aroused the enthusiasm of the audience. The overture of the "Merry Wives of Windsor," by Nicolai, met with a hearty reception and then a selection from Bach, "Ein Maerchen," was played with all the art of the finished musicians constituting this famous organization. A selection from "Wizard of the Nile" followed and then came "Robin Adair," played as only the Marine band can play this charming and touching old folk-song. Sousa's "Three Quotations" which has been played many times during the engagement of the band, was the next number and the "Transmississippi March," composed by Director Santelmann, was played. This latter has become one of the greatest favorites in the repertory of the band and each repetition increases its popularity.

The program was concluded with "America," and the stirring strains of the national anthem, played with all the pathos and feeling possible, formed a fitting close for a concert which was enjoyed to the utmost.

One of the best crowds that has yet been seen at the exposition heard the magnificent program that was rendered by the Marine band last night. The Grand Plaza was packed clear back to the casino and it was such an audience as might assemble at an opera house to hear a popular production. It included a large representation of the swell set of Omaha and Council Bluffs, who vie with the families of workingmen in their appreciation of the splendid performance of the band. It was altogether a pretty and inspiring scene that lay under the brilliant glitter of the arc lights and it seemed to enthuse the musicians as well. The program was composed of "request" numbers and was admirably suited to the character of the audience. The rendition of the famous Tannhauser march took the crowd by storm and while the Largo from Handel's "Xerxes" that followed was less perfectly understood it was also received with marked favor. A selection from "The Bohemian Girl" touched a familiar chord and Weber's beautiful "Invitation to the Waltz" was enthusiastically applauded. Mr. Walter F. Smith's cornet solo, the "Inflammatus," by Rossini, was most artistically rendered. Two of Mr. Santelmann's compositions, the "Admiral Dewey" march and "The Voice of Our Nation," were rendered with marked success and the Intermezzo from "Cavalleria's Rusticana" and the popular "Comical Contest" completed the program.

CONCERT AT THE AUDITORIUM.

Nominal Admission Fee Plan Works Remarkably Well.

The experiment of making a nominal charge for admission to the Auditorium concerts was tried last night to test its effect upon the annoyance caused by people who insist on running in and out during the performance of the program. The experiment was pronounced a success in every way, and it is probable that the custom will be continued. There was no apparent decrease in the size of the audience, and there was much less noise. People who came to hear the music were able to do so without being disturbed by those whose only object seemed to be to be able to say that they had "heard the Thomas orchestra." The house was well filled and with a very few exceptions those who entered remained until the close.

The program was of the same high order of excellence which has obtained during the entire engagement of the orchestra, and the audience was most appreciative. The overture of "Die Meistersinger" was the first number, and the masterly manner in which this beautiful selection was rendered was rewarded by the close attention of the audience until the last note had died away, when the applause was quick and vigorous. A suite of seven number of ballet music from "The Cid," by Massanet, afforded an excellent opportunity for the display of the versatility of the orchestra, and the all but supernatural effect of the baton of Director Mees produced a variation in tone shading and expression which caused the audience to break out with applause frequently during the performance of the number. Saint Saens' symphonic poem, "Phaeton," was a dream of wild beauty, and the pretty serenade by McCloskey, which was substituted for the choral number on account of the cancelling of the appearance of the exposition chorus, was greeted with pleasure. The intermezzo, "I Pagliacci," by Leoncavallo; "Pizzicato Sylvia," by Delibes; the "Funeral March," by Chopin, and the "Mignon" polonaise completed a program which left nothing to be desired.

Notes of the Exposition.

The official statement of admission for Monday indicates 3,499 admissions, not including commutation tickets.

Superintendent Griffith of the Art department leaves tonight for Detroit to fill a number of ?lecture​ dates.

The management has designated July 14 as boys' and girls' day, and on that occasion the Boys' and Girls' building will be dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. Children under 15 will be admitted for 15 cents.

One of the Illinois day visitors, E. H. Wright, is a colored attorney of Chicago, who is a member of the Cook county Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Wright is being entertained by some of Omaha's prominent colored people.

The Colorado Mineral exhibit is being rapidly installed and Commissioner Lee says that it will be ready for inspection before the end of the week. The exhibit contains over 6,000 specimens and the arrangements of the booth compare favorably with any in the building.

The official badges of the exposition officers were received last night and are worn for the first time today. They are the work of a local firm and the design is exceptionally artistic. The badges that designate the principal officials are of gold, and those of the directors and superintendents of departments are of silver.

The oratorio of "Creation" by Joseph Haydn, and "Barbara Freitchie" by Jules Jordan, will be given by the Dubuque Choral club under the direction of William H. Pontius at the Auditorium Saturday evening of this week. The choral club will bring a chorus of 150 voices and the soloists of the evening will be Mrs. Sophia Markee, soprano, Miss Estelle Rose, contralto, Mr. Henry Stow, tenor, and Mr. Homer Moore, basso. An admission fee of 25 cents will be charged for this concert.

There was rather a funny scene at the Sherman avenue entrance this morning, where about fifty colored gentlemen who officiate as waiters in the casino restaurant found themselves unable to secure admission. Through some oversight their employers had not provided the necessary transportation and they were compelled to wait in the hot sun while it was secured. A madder lot of individuals would be hard to find, and their feelings were scarcely mollified by the rather officious actions of an officer, who insisted that they could not wait under the viaduct, but must go out and cool themselves in the sun.

DEDICATIING THE BUILDING

Formal Exercises Connected with the Illinois Day Celebration.

ELOQUENT WORDS OF PRAISE AND AMITY

Speakers Extol the Pride of a Great Commonwealth and the Beauties of a Great Exposition to a Great Audience.

Some time previous to the time announced for the commencement of the exercises in the Auditorium the people gravitated toward the Illinois building, and the wide porches, the rotunda and the parlors were soon crowded with people. As fast as they came they were supplied with badges of white ribbon on which were printed "Illinois day, June 21, 1898, Transmississippi and International Exposition, Omaha, Neb." Many people who came from Illinois to take up their home in Nebraska and neighboring states took advantage of the opportunity to renew old acquaintance with the visitors and an hour was spent very pleasantly in social intercourse. The members of the Illinois commission who had come early to the grounds, the visiting delegations from the Chicago commercial organizations and large numbers of people from all sections of Illinois had gathered at the building when the hour arrived for the exercises to begin. The entire party passed in a body to the Auditorium and on arrival there found the big building fairly well filled. The interior was hung with bunting which lent an air of gaiety to the scene and improved the accousties​ of the building. Palms and other foliage plants gave the stage a pleasing appearance. The Apollo Musical club of Chicago occupied seats at the back of the platform.

At 11:30 o'clock the official party made its appearance at the northeast door and marched down the main aisle to the stage, preceded by the official flag of Illinois, borne by J. Mack Tanner, private secretary of the governor. Governor and Mrs. Tanner led the way, followed by Governor Holcomb, President Clark E. Carr of the Illinois commission, Chairman W. H. Harper of the executive committee, the speakers of the day, members of the Illinois commission and their wives, members of the Nebraska commission, members of the executive committee of the exposition, members of the Bureau of Entertainment, the official staffs of Governor Tanner and of Governor Holcomb, all in full uniform. The staffs of the governors and the Transmississippi troopers were seated in the center of the house immediately in front of the platform.

Opening the Exercises.

When all were seated the Marine band made its way to the stage, amid a burst of applause. It was just 12 o'clock when the band formally opened the exercises with Sousa's stirring march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever."

Chancellor MacLean of the University of Nebraska invoked Divine blessing on the proceedings, returning thanks for the prominence which had been bestowed on the state and people of Illinois, and for the cordial relations which have been established between the people of the two sections. Blessings were invoked on the army and navy and Divine guidance invoked in national affairs.

Chairman Harper of the executive committee of the Illinois commission was the first speaker, his address being devoted to a resume of the work of the commission. The speaker extolled the standing of Illinois in the business world and spoke of the friendly feeling existing between the people of Illinois and Nebraska on account of the fact that the former has furnished a large percentage of the citizens of the latter commonwealth. The incidents in connection with the appropriation of $45,000 by the legislature and the appointment of the commission provided for in the appropriation act were reviewed, as were the details in relation to the choosing of plans for a state building and the erection of the same. In closing Chairman Harper congratulated the exposition management and expressed the hope that the exposition would result in permanent good to the entire section of country represented in the exposition.

Clark E. Carr's Address.

At the close of his brief address Chairman Harper introduced Colonel Clark E. Carr, president of the Illinois commission, as the permanent chairman of the meeting. Colonel Carr took occasion to compliment Chairman Harper on the magnificent outcome of his constant efforts in behalf of Illinois at the exposition, saying that what has been accomplished is largely the result of these efforts. Colonel Carr then began his address, speaking as follows:

When Lasalle was, with his heroic followers, exploring western wilds, soon after leaving Lake Michigan he came to the headwaters of a river upon which he launched his canoes and floated down with the current. The river broadened and deepened as he advanced, and he soon became convinced that it belonged to the great system which drained all the vast region of the northwest. He made excursions upon either side and found himself in the midst of vast meadows of waving grass which seemed illimitable. One day the party came upon an Indian village and found it to be the home of a people who called themselves Illini. He called the region the land of the Illini, and he called the river upon which he was floating the river of the Illini. When he asked the significance of this name, he found it to be men, full grown, complete, or as we would say, stalwart men. From this dusky race not only that river but our great state takes its name.

There is scarcely an attribute of mankind so universal as that of affection for the region in which our lot is cast; the land which has given us birth, or which in maturer years has received us to her bosom. The heart of the Esquimaux, alike with the inhabitants of more favored regions, swells with the liveliest emotions in contemplating what seem to him the beauties and excellencies of his own country. If this emotion be an universal attribute to mankind, it cannot fail to be more profound and intense in proportion as those beauties and excellencies are real. There is no true son of Illinois

Boast of the Commonwealth.

No other commonwealth can boast of more enterprising and prosperous cities and towns and villages or of more delightful rural homes. Our great metropolis with her magnificent buildings towering into the skies, with her vast libraries already provided for, with her university and institutes and schools, with her charities and eleemosynary institutions, with her parks and great avenues, is destined with the growth of architecture and the development of art to be the most resplendent city on the face of the earth. Millions of revolving wheels are forever rolling to her great storehouses treasures

"Which far outshine the wealth of Ormus and of Ind."

But it is of our complete, stalwart men that we are proud. They have shown themselves worthy of the name they bear. Men "whose wrestling thews can throw the world." Scarcely had the people of Illinois begun to enjoy the privileges and appreciate the glories of full citizenship of the republic when almost immediately after the state was admitted into the union the demon of human slavery tried to fasten itself upon them. Though most of them were from slave states, they met and overcame the monster, and hurled it from them, banishing it forever. A few years later, when borne down and overwhelmed with debt and taxation, and the last hope of being able to extricate themselves seemed gone, the siren of repudiation, as she has successfully done elsewhere, beckoned them to follew​ her for relief. They indignantly repelled her and deliberately, in their fundamental law, put upon themselves a burden of taxation and, after years of self-denial, paid the debt in full, dollar for dollar. When the Mexican war came Illinois carried the banner of the republic on many a victorious battlefield, and finally assisted in dictating terms to the enemy in his own capital. When human slavery sought to fasten itself upon California and Kansas, Illinois men helped to drive it out. In the war of the rebellion Illinois men "hewed their way down the Mississippi valley with their good swords," as their greatest volunteer leader, whose achievements have lately been commemorated in bronz​, said they would do, and the great river flowed "unvexed to the sea."

The names of the stalwart sons of Illinois who have won imperishable renown would fill volumes. One of them conquered the sword of rebellion, and, with mangnanimity​ and generosity unequaled in history, declined to receive it, and another is recognized throughout the world as the sublimest character of the age.

Statesmen and Soldiers.

While there is a tendency to exalt military genius above all other, there have been intellectual conflicts in which the laurels have been as resplendent as those which deck the soldier's brow. In the great debates before the people of Athens, Demosthenes gained renown which has brought his name down through all the ages.

Just preceding the war of the rebellion, on the prairies of Illinois we witnessed a campaign of public discussion, continuing for several months. As it progressed from day to day it attracted more and more attention until finally all the people of the nation became interested. The great[?]   the United States the platform, the greatest American statesman the champion, and the fate of a continent the issue.

The original fabric of the government was composed of states bordering upon the Atlantic, of which the great state of Pennsylvania was appropriately designated as the keystone. Soon the adventurous and hardy pioneer subdued the western wilds, new states were formed and the republic expanded. By the Louisiana purchase, the conquest of Mexico and the settlement of the Oregon boundary the domains of the republic have extended until our boundaries are the oceans. Her adamantine foundations, laid broad and deep, support the most majestic edifice that has ever been projected.

In the midst of this mighty structure so amplified and extended from its original boundaries Illinois appeared. Through the achievements and great names of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant and the deeds of our other statesmen and heroes Illinois has so risen in her central position that from every quarter of the union men and women instinctively lift their eyes to her and so carry out the now clearly discerned will of the divine architect. She unites and cements and canopies with grace and symmetry and beauty the majestic edifice. As Pennsylvania was appropriately called the keystone, so Illinois may be appropriately designated as the dome of the republic of the United States.

In the midst of this most splendid exposition of the world's progress that has ever been attempted and carried out in the transmississippi region, equal, in so far as designed, to the World's Columbian exposition and superior in manay​ of its details, Illinois has erected a building. In the work of laying out and erecting this building the Illinois commissioners, representing every part of the state, have taken a lively interest. It has been their desire to, without unnecessary outlay, have a building that would be worthy of the state which has honored them by placing the important trust in their hands. It has been a labor of love, and they will feel amply compensated if their work is approved. For them and in their behalf I now turn the building over to his excellency, the governor of Illinois, whom I have the honor to present to you.

In introducing Governor Tanner it is unnecessary for me to add more than a word. Some of us have known him from the time when a mere lad he wore the blue uniform of his country. We do not always agree with him, but we recognize his sterling qualities. He learned from Abraham Lincoln to be just and kind and considerate, and he learned from General Grant to keep steadily on in the line of duty, unmoved by denunciation on the one hand, or by flattery on the other, and he learned from John A. Logan, whose faithful and trusted companion he was, to never desert a friend. He is one of the Illini.

Colonel Carr's delivery was forceful and eloquent and he was frequently interrupted by the applause of the audience.

Governor Tanner Speaks.

Governor Tanner followed Colonel Carr, accepting the building in the name of the state and turning it over to the officials of the exposition. He spoke as follows:

Mr. President of the Illinois Commission and the Officers of the Transmississippi Exposition: It affords me sincere pleasure on behalf of the state of Illinois, as its governor and executive head, to receive from the distinguished and genial president of the Illinois commission this commodious and elegant building, which is not surpassed, I believe, in point of beauty and convenience, by any similar structure upon these capacious grounds. It is a building of which the great state I have the honor here to represent may be justly proud and I trust that many Illinoisans may see it, rest beneath its hospitable roof and share the sentiment of admiration and approval with which I view it for the first time.

The people of Illinois have the most cordial and sympathetic feeling for the state of Nebraska and its citizens. They are largely the same people, since Illinois has contributed so largely to populate these virgin and fertile plains. I see in this audience of brave men and fair women many a spectator and listener who was born in Illinois, but for one reason or another has cast his or her lot with a younger community. To no other state in the union, I think, have we given so many of our sons and daughters. We cherish the belief that even Nebraska can show none better. They are gone from us; but they are still of us. Their memories are cherished by those whom they have left behind, many of whom will take this opportunity to renew old ties of affection and friendship.

It is this common blood flowing through all our veins, much of it inherited from the early settlers of New England, some of it from the founders of Maryland and Virginia and the Carolinas, but all of it, whether its original source was in England, Ireland, Germany or elsewhere, now thoroughly and forevermore American, which is the promise and pledge of perpetual union of every portion of our common country.

Lessons of War and Peace.

The mention of our country at this moment of national peril and anxiety thrills every patriotic heart. It is hard for us, far removed as we are from the island shores in two hemispheres, where our destiny is even now being shaped to some unseen end by the thunderbolts of war, to command our thoughts and hold them to the peaceful scenes which at home greet our view. In imagination and sympathy we are only partly here. Our hearts are with our bravest and dearest in camp or at sea, where the children of Illinois and the children of Nebraska have joined hands to purchase, at the cost of their own lives if so great a sacrifice is required of them, the liberty and prosperity for an alien race which we ourselves enjoy and of which this magnificent exposition is the latest and highest symbol. What a contrast! May we not derive from it the lesson that greater are the triumphs of peace than of war? War is a destructive, but peace is a creative force.

As I look around me I pray for the restoration of peace, a just and honorable peace, a lasting peace, which shall usher in for all mankind a brighter era of humanity and universal brotherhood. We can never be again what we have been—an isolated nation, selfishly enjoying our immunity from international responsibilities. We have a duty to discharge to the world as well as to ourselves, and the destruction of the Maine with its gallant crew was the rude voice which awakened us from our dream of perpetual exemption from entanglement with the affairs of other nations and aroused us to a higher conception of our duty as to the pioneers of the new Christian civilization which is to characterize the coming century.

But I have led away from the matter in hand. As governor of the state of Illinois I congratulate the commission which has so well performed the task assigned to it of preparing and presenting a fit testimonial of our friendly regard for a sister state and our cordial sympathy with its noble ambitions.

I thank you for what you have done and now, in the name of this commission and on behalf of the people of Illinois, I tender to the officials in charge of the Transmississippi Exposition this edifice for the use of all who may enjoy its hospitality, whether they be Nebraskans, Illinoisans, or from whatever state or land they may come. Let Illinois and Nebraska vie with each other which of the two shall give them the warmer welcome.

Governor Tanner's address was punctuated by frequent applause and at the close he was presented with a bunch of beautiful roses.

Cheer the News from Shafter.

Following the address of the governor ensued one of the most dramatic scenes ever witnessed in Omaha. Colonel Carr announced that Mr. Melville E. Stone, the chief representative of the Associated Press, had received a bulletin announcing that General Shafter and his army had arrived off Santiago in safety. The crowd went wild in an instant. Men and women jumped to their feet and wild cheers rent the air, while the flutter of dainty white handkerchiefs and the waving of hats, canes and umbrellas filled the air. While the cheering was at its height the stirring strains of "The Star Spangled Banner" rose above the glad shouts and the enthusiasm of the audience knew no bounds. Men and women mounted the seats and waved their arms in the air as though carried completely away and the music was almost drowned beneath the flood of glad acclaims. The audience soon joined in the music, however, and the shouting gave place to singing as the whole audience joined in the stirring war song.

The enthusiasm was not allowed to wane with the cessation of the song. The Apollo club was on the bill for a song, "Illinois" and as soon as this was concluded, without pause the club sang "America," the audience rising to join in the song and again the big building rang with a volume of sound which threatened to burst the walls.

When the enthusiasm had slightly subsided, Colonel Carr announced that as the Marine band was compelled to leave for Washington on the afternoon train it would be asked to play at this point instead of later in the excercises​ as was originally intended.

"The Voice of Our Nation," an arrangement of national and patriotic airs and folk-songs by Director Santelmann, was selected by the leader and as the familiar strains rose upon the air the audience was again electrified. People jumped to their feet and cheered madly as "Yankee Doodle," "Star Spangled Banner," "Dixie," "The Knight's Farewell," and other popular airs were played in quick succession. Such enthusiasm is rarely witnessed in any assembly and the applause which followed the conclusion of the selection was continued unabated as the band played "Auld Lang Syne" for an encore.

The band withdrew at the conclusion of this selection and quiet was restored when President Wattles of the exposition was introduced by Colonel Carr.

President Wattles' Address.

President Wattles' address was very brief and to the point. He reviewed the proceedings between the exposition management and the Illinois commission leading up to the erection of the Illinois building and the participation of the state in the exposition. He complimented the commission and the people of Illinois on the beautiful building which has been erected and accepted the structure in the name of the exposition.

The president referred to the many famous sons Illinois has furnished to the country, and evoked thunderous applause by allusions to the magnificent resources of a country which can conduct a great exposition and a war with a foreign power at the same time. The ties which bind Illinois and Nebraska in one common interest were touched upon briefly and the president closed his speech by dedicating the Illinois building to t