A FEW FINAL WORDS.
[Illustration]
In view of the fact that the remainder of this little work will be
devoted to the World’s Fair--that mighty gathering of all nations in
myriads of manifold variety, which will concentrate the attention of
the civilized earth upon Chicago--a few farewell hints to the stranger
may not be out of place.
An effort has been made to carefully describe the places of public
entertainment, of all sorts and conditions, within the city’s
confines--in short, to furnish the visitor with a faithful and accurate
“pleasure-seeker’s guide” in fact as well as in name. How well that
task has been accomplished is a matter resting with the opinion of the
investigating reader.
In treating of resorts in attractions that are not of a kind to excite
the admiration of people of tender sensibilities or strongly pronounced
views, no effort has been made to descant on any impropriety or
undesirability that may exist. The author, throughout this work, has
been actuated by one motive--to tell facts and to tell them briefly.
The multitudes from all nations who will make the great city by the
lake their Mecca during the Fair will find here a hearty welcome and
innumerable ways of spending their time pleasantly. They will also
find, probably, the same crowds of rascals, in all guises, that kept
the police so busy during the Philadelphia and Paris exhibitions.
Every man’s good common sense must be his own guide, both in looking
out for crooks and in seeking channels of legitimate diversion for his
unoccupied hours.
That is all--and it is enough. We pass on now to a consideration of the
colossal project which is to make Chicago’s name a household word on
the tongue of the world’s enlightened nations.
THE GREAT WORLD’S FAIR.
I. THE PROJECT OF THE WORLD’S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
[Illustration]
Even at the present time, nearly a year before the date set for the
opening of the World’s Columbian Exposition, the site upon which it is
to be given forms the main object of interest to Chicagoans as well as
visitors. This interest will, of course, be heightened as time passes
on until it culminates in the attendance of visiting millions at the
exhibit, which will stand unrivaled in the history of the nations.
The World’s Fair grounds are in Jackson Park, seven miles from the
business center of the city, and any one who has noticed within the
last year or so the great expanse of swampy, uneven ground would not
recognize it to-day, so stupendous has been the transformation. The
great expanse, half wilderness, half prairie, which stretches away
southward from the Park on the shores of the Lake, has been transformed
into a miniature city, and the great buildings, several of them in a
state bordering on completion, tower high toward the skies, giving
promise of the magnificent effect they will create when finished. If
the millions of people whose eyes are directed in fancy upon this scene
could view it in reality, they would feel satisfied that the promises
made as to their entertainment will be much more than fulfilled.
The shore line of the Lake approaching the World’s Fair grounds is
graced by a sweeping promenade of flag-stones. Entering the grounds one
is greeted by a splendid vision of graceful lagoons, wooded islands and
colossal buildings, gracefully ornamented and striking the beholder
dumb with admiration.
The history of this World’s Fair project reads like a romance. All the
great cities of the country contested for the honor of holding the Fair
within their gates. By dint of splendid work, admirably strengthened of
course by the natural advantages it possessed, Chicago won the prize,
and the manner in which the city’s pledges have been carried out fully
justifies the selection. The citizens of Chicago raised over five
million dollars for a guaranty fund and pledged themselves to have a
like amount in addition ready in case it should be needed. That is one
of the reasons why Chicago secured the Fair; it was a case where “money
talked.” This Fair, which marks the four hundredth birthday of this
great and mighty Nation will be thrown open next year to the delight
of the civilized world. The following is the proclamation by which
President Harrison invited the Nations to participate:
Whereas, satisfactory proof has been presented to me that provision
has been made for adequate grounds and building for the uses of
the World’s Columbian Exposition, and that a sum not less than
$10,000,000, to be used and expended for the purpose of said
Exposition, has been provided in accordance with the conditions and
requirements of Section 10 of an Act entitled “An Act to provide
for celebrating the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery
of America by Christopher Columbus, by holding an International
Exhibition of arts, industries, manufactures and products of
the soil, mine and sea, in the city of Chicago, in the State of
Illinois,” approved April 25, 1890.
Now, therefore, I, Benjamin Harrison, President of the United
States, by virtue of the authority vested in me by said Act, do
hereby declare and proclaim that such International Exhibition will
be opened on the first day of May, in the year 1893, in the city of
Chicago, in the State of Illinois, and will not be closed before
the last Thursday in October of the same year.
And in the name of the Government, and of the people of the
United States, I do hereby invite all the Nations of the earth to
take part in the commemoration of an event that is preeminent in
human history and of lasting interest to mankind by appointing
representatives thereto, and sending such exhibits to the World’s
Columbian Exposition as will most fitly and fully illustrate their
resources, their industries and their progress in civilization.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this twenty-fourth day of December,
in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety, and
the independence of the United States the One Hundred and Fifteenth.
By the President. [Signed] BENJ. HARRISON.
[Signed] JAMES G. BLAINE, Secretary of State.
The World’s Fair grounds embrace a total of 1,037 acres and the two
adjoining parks, Jackson and Washington, form a part of the magnificent
park system of Chicago, which has been fully described in a previous
chapter. It stands to reason that a project of this scope can only be
undertaken under the supervision of a great host of officers. The
principal officers of the World’s Columbial Exposition are:
President, William T. Baker; Vice Presidents, Thomas B. Bryan,
Potter Palmer; Secretary and Solicitor General, Benj. Butterworth;
Assistant Secretary, J. H. Kingwill; Treasurer, Anthony F.
Seeberger; Auditor, William K. Ackerman; Traffic Manager, E. E.
Jaycox.
BOARD OF REFERENCE AND CONTROL.
William T. Baker, Potter Palmer, Ferd W. Peck, Fred S. Winston,
Thomas B. Bryan, Lyman J. Gage, Edwin Walker, H. N. Higinbotham.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
William T. Baker, President; Thomas B. Bryan, Vice President;
Potter Palmer, Second Vice President. Ferd W. Peck, Robert A.
Waller, William D. Kerfoot, Robert C. Clowry, Edwin Walker, H. N.
Higinbotham, A. H. Revell, Lyman J. Gage, Charles H. Schwab, Martin
A. Ryerson, Charles L. Hutchinson, John J. P. Odell, Marshall M.
Kirkman.
The officers of the National Commission are:
President, Thomas W. Palmer, Michigan; Director-General, George
R. Davis, Illinois; First Vice President, Thomas W. Waller,
Connecticut; Second Vice President, M. H. De Young, California;
Third Vice President, Davidson B. Penn, Louisiana; Fourth Vice
President, Gorton W. Allen, New York; Fifth Vice President,
Alexander P. Andrews, North Carolina; Secretary, John T. Dickinson,
Texas.
The National Commission is composed of eight commissioners at large and
two for every State and Territory in the Union, with two alternates.
There are standing committees as follows: Executive, Judicial, Tariffs
and Transportation, Foreign Affairs, Fine Arts, Science, History,
Literature and Education, Agriculture, Live Stock, Horticulture
and Floriculture, Finance, Auditing, Ceremonies, Classification,
Manufacture, Commerce, Mines and Mining, Fisheries and Fish Culture,
Electrical and Pneumatical Appliances, Forestry and Lumber, Machinery,
World’s Congresses, Printing, Grounds and Buildings, Federal
Legislation, Awards, Reference, and Control.
There is also a Board of Lady Managers composed of two members for
every State and Territory of the Union, with alternates, under whose
supervision woman’s share in the exhibit is being prepared. The
following are the officers in the Board of Lady Managers:
President, Mrs. Potter Palmer; First Vice President, Mrs. Ralph
Trautmann; Second Vice President, Mrs. E. C. Burleigh; Third Vice
President, Mrs. Charles Price; Fourth Vice President, Miss K. L.
Minor; Fifth Vice President, Mrs. Beriah Wilkins; Sixth Vice
President, Mrs S. R. Ashley; Seventh Vice President, Mrs. F. B.
Ginty; Eighth Vice President, Mrs. M. B. Salisbury; Vice President
at Large, Mrs. R. D. Harrison; Secretary, Mrs. Susan G. Cooke.
There is also a body known as The World’s Congress Auxiliary, which is
an organization authorized and supported by the Exposition corporation
for the purpose of bringing to Chicago a series of world’s conventions
of leaders in the various departments of human progress during the
Exposition season of 1893. The auxiliary has also been recognized
by the Government of the United States as the appropriate agency to
conduct this important work. Its general announcement has been sent to
foreign governments by the department of State, and an appropriation
for its expenses has been made by act of Congress.
The Auxiliary consist of an active membership of persons residing in
Chicago or sufficiently near to attend committee meetings without
inconvenience and a nonresident membership divided into advisory
councils of the different departments of progress and honorary and
corresponding members. Each committee has its own advisory council,
composed of eminent leaders of the world in the department to which it
relates. Honorary and corresponding members are persons not assigned to
a particular department, but whose prominence and influence make their
aid and co-operation desirable.
The officers of the Auxiliary are:
President, Hon. Charles C. Bonney; Vice President, Hon. Thos. B.
Bryan; Treasurer, Hon. Lyman J. Gage; Secretary, Hon. Benjamin
Butterworth. There is also a President of the Woman’s Branch of the
Auxiliary, Mrs. Potter Palmer, and a Vice President, Mrs. Charles
Henrotin.
The dimensions and costs of the various buildings are shown complete in
the following table:
==============================+=============+========+==========
BUILDINGS. | Dimensions | Area | Cost.
| in feet. | acres. |
------------------------------+-------------+--------+----------
Mines and Mining | 350 x 700 | 5.6 |$ 260.000
Manufactures and Liberal Arts | 787 x 1687 | 30.5 | 1.100.000
Horticulture | 250 x 1000 | 5.8 | 300.000
Electricity | 345 x 700 | 5.5 | 375.000
Woman’s | 200 x 400 | 1.8 | 120.000
Transportation | 250 x 960 | 5.5 | 280.000
Administration | 260 x 260 | 1.6 | 450.000
Fish and Fisheries | 163 x 363 | 1.4 }| 200.000
Annexes (2) | 135 diam. | .8 }|
Agriculture | 500 x 800 | 9.2 | 540.000
Annex | 328 x 500 | 3.8 }| 200.000
Assembly hall, etc | 450 x 500 | 5.2 }|
Machinery | 500 x 850 | 9.8 }|
Annex | 490 x 551 | 6.2 }| 1.200.000
Power House | 80 x 600 | 1.1 }|
Fine Arts | 320 x 500 | 3.7 }| 500.000
Annexes (2) | 120 x 200 | 1.1 }|
Forestry | 200 x 500 | 2.3 | 100.000
Saw-Mill | 125 x 300 | .9 | 35.000
Dairy | 95 x 200 | .5 | 30.000
Live Stock (3) | 65 x 200 | .9 }| 150.000
Live Stock Sheds | | 40.0 }|
Casino | 175 x 300 | 1.2 | 150.000
+-------------+--------+--------
Total | | 144.4 |$5.990.000
United States Government | 350 x 420 | 3.4 | 400.000
Battle Ship | 348 x 69.25 | .3 | 100.000
Illinois State | 160 x 450 | 1.7 | 250.000
State Annexes (2) | | .3 |
+-------------+--------+----------
Grand Total | | 150.1 |$6.740.000
==============================+=============+========+==========
The first two of these are erected by the United States Government, and
the third by the State of Illinois. They will form a striking portion
of the group of buildings surrounding the lagoons. In addition to
these buildings at the north end of the Park, buildings will be erected
that are to be devoted to individual States and the foreign Governments
structures, probably one hundred in all. The latter will surround the
gallery of fine arts at the north end of the lagoon. On the Midway
Plaisance the visitor will find special features, such as the bazaar
of all Nations, the street of Cairo, the Constantinople Street, the
Japanese village, the German village, etc.
Among the various buildings in a more or less advanced state of
construction, the ADMINISTRATION BUILDING at once challenges
attention, being regarded as the finest. It stands at the west end of
the great court in the southern part of the site, facing eastward,
the transportation facilities and depots being immediately in its
rear. The Administration Building cost $450,000, and its lofty dome
is observable from all parts of the grounds. It consists of four
pavilions, each eighty-four feet square, one at each of the four angles
of the square and connected by the central dome, which is 120 feet in
diameter and 220 feet in height. The design of this building is after
the French _renaissance_, the first story being on the Doric order of
architecture of heroical proportions, the tiers of each pavilion being
ornamented with fine sculptures. On the second story the Ionic style
prevails. There are four great entrances fifty feet wide and fifty
feet high, covered with huge arched vaults. Above the entrance doors
are enormous screens of glass, through which light is given to the
central rotunda. Galleries connect between the different pavilions. The
internal features of the building are even more magnificent. Between
every two of the grand entrances is a hall thirty feet square, giving
access to the offices. The rotunda is octagonally formed, the first
story consisting of eight great arched openings, corresponding in
size to the arches at the entrance. The second story, fifty feet in
height rises above the balcony, and from this rises the interior dome,
200 feet from the floor, in the center of which is an opening fifty
feet in diameter and through which light falls from the exterior dome
overhead. The interior of the dome is richly paneled and moulded, the
panels being ornamented with sculpture and paintings of numerous size
and splendid design. The corner pavilions are divided into offices
for the administration, lobbies and toilet rooms. The fire and police
departments are located on the ground floor. In the second pavilion are
the ambulance offices and other departments; in the third, a bank and
post office; in the fourth, a restaurant.
Next in magnitude to the Administration Building, perhaps, is the
Transportation Building, which is one of a group of edifices forming
the northern architectural court of the Exposition. It is situated
between the horticultural and mines buildings, facing eastward and
commanding a view of the floral island and part of the lagoon. The
building is simple in its outlines, but rich and elaborate in detail.
The cupola of the Transportation Building, reached by eight elevators,
commands a most beautiful view of the entire exterior Exposition.
The main entrance is in the form of a single arch, richly carved and
decorated with _bas reliefs_ and mural paintings. The main part of
the building is composed of a continuous arcade in which numerous
minor entrances are pierced, while almost at every place are grouped
terraces, drinking fountains, statues, etc. The main part of the
building is 960 feet front by 250 feet deep, from which extend a huge
annex one story in height, covering about nine acres. In the annex, the
more bulky exhibits are to be found. Along the central avenues scores
of locomotive engines will be found, highly polished and greatly adding
to the grandeur of the effect. In this building will be found exhibits
of everything connected with transportation, from a carrier pigeon to a
traction engine.
Passing from the Transportation Building one comes to Machinery Hall,
which is said to be second only in magnificence to the Administration
Building. Machinery Hall is located at the extreme south of the
Park, between the west Park line and Lake Michigan, standing south of
the Administration Building across the lagoon from the Agricultural
Building. This building is spanned by three great archways, and the
interior looks not unlike three railroad train houses grouped side
by side. The arches or trusses are built separately and will be sold
after the Exposition is over to the railroads for use as train houses.
The building has numerous platforms upon which visitors may stand and
view all that is transpiring. A power-house adjoining will supply all
the power needed. The entire group of buildings in this vicinity is
designed so as to conform with the idea of a Spanish town, the same
being considered appropriate in a Columbian celebration.
[Illustration]
Between the Machinery and Agricultural Halls is a space covered by a
colonnade and _cafe_; in the center is an archway which, if followed
to the end, will lead the visitor to the cattle exhibit. There is
also a portico which affords a view of nearly a mile down the lagoon.
Machinery Hall has an annex covering between four and five acres, thus
increasing the length of the actual building to about 1,400 feet. It
ranks second of the larger structures of the Exposition.
The Woman’s Building, it is safe to say, will be the main object of
interest to a large number of visitors at the Fair. It is situated
in the north-west part of the Park, facing the great lagoon with the
beauty island of flowers at its front. In this building will be grouped
exhibits showing woman’s work in every conceivable form, and judging
by the progress made at this writing, the building itself will be no
less splendid than the array of marvels it will contain. In front of
the Woman’s Building the lagoon stretches out to a bay 400 feet in
width, from the center of which a landing and staircase leads to a
wide terrace. Above the terrace are other staircases giving access
to the ground floor of the building itself. On the first terrace
are artistically designed flower beds and shrubs, and the building
itself, in the style of the Italian _renaissance_ will be considered
one of the most attractive points for the visitor. The main grouping
of the building consists in a center pavilion with a corner pavilion
at each end, connected at the first pavilion with open arcades. There
is a shady promenade the whole length of the structure. The first
floor is ten feet above the ground line. The pavilion is reached by
a wide staircase which forms the main triple-arched entrance. The
corner pavilions are two stories high, where are located the hanging
gardens and the committee rooms of the Board of Lady Managers. There
is a lobby forty feet wide leading into the rotunda, the latter being
surrounded by an open arcade of beautiful design. On the first floor
of the building will be found a model hospital and a kindergarten. As
to exhibits, the whole floor of the south pavilion will be devoted to
the delineation of woman’s work in the past; the one on the north to
reform work and charity organization. Above this are located ladies’
parlors, committee rooms and dressing rooms, all of which lead to the
open balcony on the front. The balcony commands a superb view of almost
the entire grounds. In the south pavilion will be found the kitchen and
refreshment rooms, etc.
The Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building stands alone as the largest
Exposition building ever designed, being 1,687 feet long and 787 feet
wide and covering an area of thirty and one-half acres. The building
is rectangular in form, its great central hall being its feature. The
height of the roof is 245½ feet at the apex, and the 380 feet space is
covered by a single arch without so much as a supporting column. The
height from the floor to the center of the arch is 201 feet, the roof
being supported by twenty-two steel arches, each arch weighing 125
tons. An idea of the magnitude of this building may be conceived from
the fact that over 5,000 tons of steel were used in the construction
of the main hall. Extending around this hall is a gallery twenty feet
from the floor, sixty-seven feet wide, twenty-one feet of which space
overhangs the floor of the hall. Beyond the gallery is a nave 108
feet wide and 114 feet to the roof. Extending around the nave into
the outside limit of the building is a gallery twenty feet from the
floor and forty-nine and one-half feet wide, the two galleries being
connected by twenty-eight bridges fifty feet in width and 108 feet
in length. Forty-one carloads of glass were used in the construction
of the roof. The immensity of the building may be still further
conjectured by the fact that it is three times as large as St. Peter’s
Cathedral in Rome; twenty buildings the size of the Auditorium could
be placed side by side on its floor, and its central floor is big
enough to seat 50,000 people. The building, which is in the Corinthian
style of architecture, will contain, besides pavilions and promenades,
about sixteen large _cafes_ and seventy-five private dining rooms.
The building faces the lake and fronts upon smooth lawns and wide
promenades. Its estimated cost is $1,500,000.
But the building that will challenge the attention of everybody,
rich and poor, young and old alike, will be the ART PALACE, which
is Grecian-Ionican style and a pure type of the most beautiful
architecture. The Art Palace is 500 feet long by 320 wide. Collections
of sculpture will be displayed on the main floor of the nave and
transit, and on the walls of both the ground floor and balcony will
be ample space for paintings. Small picture galleries will occupy the
corners. All around the building are spacious galleries forming a
continuous promenade. In small spaces between the promenade and the
naves are small rooms to be devoted to private collections and the
collections of the various art schools. There are also large annexes to
the main building, which will be used for various art exhibits. There
are four entrances to the main building approached by broad flights
of stairs. The entire construction of the Art Palace is the most of
classic order and will compare favorably with any Exposition building
ever constructed. The location of the palace is the northern portion of
the Park, the south front facing the lagoon, from which it is separated
by beautiful terraces, and immense flight of steps lead from its main
portal to the lagoon, where there is a landing for gondolas. From the
north front are to be seen the wide expanse of lawn and the group of
State buildings.
The Horticultural Building stands just south of the entrance to Jackson
Park from the Midway Plaisance, facing east on the lagoon. The front
of the terrace borders the water, its center forming a boat landing.
The length of the building is 1,000 feet and its width 250. Its plan is
a central pavilion with two end pavilions connected by front and rear
corridors, forming two interior courts, each 270 feet by eighty-eight
feet. A colossal dome 288 feet in diameter crowns the central part of
the pavilion, under which are to be shown the tallest palms, bamboos
and tropical tree plants to be found anywhere on the face of the earth.
The galleries in each of the pavilions have been designed particularly
for _cafes_, the surroundings being considered inducive to the
enjoyment of refreshments. On three sides of these _cafes_ stretches an
arcade commanding a fine view of the grounds. In this building will be
found arrayed every variety of flower, plant, vine and sod, together
with a complete array of every implement used in horticulture. Such
parts of the building as require it will, of course, be warmed to a
tropical temperature.
The Dairy Building will be of special interest to the agriculturist
for whose special favor and edification it was designed. Besides
the exhibits of dairy products it will contain a dairy school, in
connection with which will be carried on a series of tests to
determine the various merits of different breeds of dairy cattle and
milk and butter producers. The Dairy Building stands close to the lake
shore in the southeastern part of the Park, and covers one-half acre.
It measures 200 feet by ninety-five, and is two stories in height. It
is simple in design. On the first floor appears a large open space to
be devoted to the butter exhibits, while further back will be the large
operating room to be devoted to the dairy. This room will contain an
amphitheater capable of accommodating four hundred spectators, under
whose seats will be stored refrigerators for the care of the products
turned out. The cheese exhibits will be placed in the gallery, the rest
of the second story being devoted to a _cafe_ which overlooks the lake.
The dairy school, which is regarded as of special interest, this being
a great agricultural country, will continue in operation throughout
the entire Fair, and will, no doubt, prove of surpassing interest to
visitors.
The Fisheries Building is regarded as one of the most artistic of all,
embracing, as it does, a large central structure with two smaller
buildings connected with it by arcades at either end. The extreme
length of the building is 1,100 feet and its width 200 feet. It stands
to the north of the United States Government Building. In one of the
similar buildings or annexes will be found the angling exhibit and in
the other the aquaria. The architecture of the building is exceedingly
quaint, the designer having arranged the ornamentation in such a way
as to employ only fish and sea forms for his designs. The display of
live fish will be something wonderful. In the middle of the rotunda
will be found a basin or pool twenty-six feet wide, in the center of
which will be a mass of moss-covered rocks. From crevices in this mass
will flow streams of water to the basin below, and in this great basin
all sorts of live fish will disport themselves. Outside the rotunda
is a great corridor or arcade, on opposite sides of which are tanks,
great and small to accommodate members of the finny tribes. This arcade
is fifteen feet wide. The glass fronts of the aquaria will have 3,000
square feet of surface.
PART II.
LOOKING AROUND.
[Illustration]
A trip to the World’s Fair grounds even now will convince the visitor
of two things, namely: the magnitude of the undertaking and the steady
approach of the whole enterprise to completion. The arrangement of
roadways whereby one may make the circuit of the grounds in carriage
or afoot, stopping at every point desired to examine the details of
the work, is excellent. An admission fee of twenty-five cents is now
charged and the readiness with which thousands of persons pay it
everyday for the privilege of taking a look around is some index to the
probabilities with regard to the attendance a year hence.
Besides the buildings mentioned in a preceding chapter there are the
following: The Forestry building, Electrical building, Agricultural
building, Mines and Mining, Government building, Illinois State
building, the casino and pier, the United States naval exhibit. Before
proceeding further these may be briefly sketched.
The dimensions of the Forestry building are 500 by 200 feet. The
architecture is rustic in style and is surrounded by a veranda and
colonnade, the latter consisting of a series of columns composed of
three tree trunks 25 feet long, one of which is 16 to 20 inches in
diameter and the others of smaller girth. The tree trunks have been
permitted to retain their bark, thereby creating a unique effect. They
come from all states and countries, each of which has contributed a
specimen of the best known tree. The building itself is constructed
of slabs and thatched with various barks, the interior being finished
in woods in such a manner as to show the graining and polishing
susceptibilities of each. Tablets on the tree trunks forming the
colonnades will inform the visitor as to where each came from, with
other interesting information. Flags will float above this building,
denoting the different nations whose products are on exhibition within.
The forestry exhibit may be considered as one of the most interesting
to be found at the fair, comprising, as it will, logs and sections of
trees and “worked” lumber in every form, such as shingles, flooring,
casing, etc. Look also for dye woods, barks, mosses, lichens, gums,
rosins, cocoanut shells, gourds, rattan, willow-ware and wooden-ware,
tubs, brooms, etc. More than one saw mill will be seen in active
operation and will be quite distinct from the exhibits of saw-mill
and wood, working machinery on view in Machinery hall. The Forestry
building is one of the cheapest at the Fair, costing only $35,000, but
its projectors expect it to be by no means the least entertaining or
instructive.
The Electrical building will be one of the most important, the exhibit
of electrical appliances and devices being expected to enchain the
attention of scientists and experts as well as the uniniated millions.
The building is 700 feet in width by 345 feet in length, and has
been constructed on magnificent plans at a cost of $345,000. It is
two stories in height and contains spacious galleries from which
crowds may view all that is going on below. In the north end of the
building is a great semi-circle window, above which, 102 feet from the
ground, is a spacious gallery, affording the visitor a wide view of
the lagoon and that part of the grounds stretching to the north. In a
niche at the south part of the Electrical building is a heroic statue
of Benjamin Franklin, whose name connects American history with one
of the most important discoveries of modern times. The building has
four pavilions, with towers 169 feet high. There are domes, spires
and columns adorning the building with an architectural and imposing
magnificence that rivets the attention at first sight and makes it one
of the most striking attractions in the grounds. It is needless to say
that the exhibit will show everything in connection with the marvelous
power, electricity, discoveries in which, some people claim, are yet
in their infancy and the rapid advancements in which are destined
ultimately to revolutionize the world.
The Agricultural building, 800 feet in length by 500 feet in width,
stands close to the shore of the lake, its east side fronting upon a
harbor of refuge for pleasure craft. The designs of the building, which
is but one story in height, is bold and impressive. On either side of
the main entrance are Corinthian pillars, fifty feet high. The main
entrance is 60 feet wide and leads into a vestibule, thence into a
rotunda 100 feet in diameter. Above the rotunda is a large glass dome,
130 feet in height. To the south of the Agricultural building proper
is the vast structure to be devoted to the live stock exhibit and
agricultural assembly hall. The elevated railway station affords every
access to the building. In it will be held the meetings of all persons
interested in live stock. There will also be a bureau of information,
spacious waiting and toilet rooms; also an assembly room with a seating
capacity of 1,500, and complete facilities for lectures, etc. More than
twelve acres of ground are covered by the Agricultural building and its
annex.
The Mines and Mining building is one of the most imposing on the
grounds and stands at the south end of the western lagoon, between the
Transportation and Electricity buildings, being 700 feet in length by
750 feet in width. From its balconies and porticos splendid views may
be had of a vast portion of the grounds and in its front are spacious
lawns dotted with flowers. The wonders to be found in this building
cannot be adequately described in advance. Mines of all sorts, in every
stage of operation, are to be shown. The visitor may feast his eyes on
piles of silver and gold in every stage, from the ore freshly taken
from the earth to the gleaming double-eagles, most royal of all the
coins! And silver dollars fresh from the mint. And precious stones!
They will be there in every variety and all stages of preparation. A
promise has been made that an African diamond mine will be shown in
active operation. At one point will be seen the dusky native delving
for the rarest of gems; at another a skilled workman cutting and
setting brilliants of “purest ray serene.” All this and much more will
this wonderful building contain; and it is a question whether any other
will possess so great a charm for the crowds who will be apt to stand
there and let their mouths water in awesome hunger at the sight of so
vast an aggregation of wealth.
[Illustration]
The Government building is situated on the lake shore, south of the
main lagoon, near to the buildings of England, Germany and Mexico.
It is built of iron, brick and glass at a cost of $400,000. All the
departments of the Government, such as the post-office, war office,
etc., will make special exhibits. Ample space has been allotted for
the exhibits of the Smithsonian Institute and interior department.
The government exhibits include the mint, the coast and the geodetic
survey, the bureau of engraving and printing, the bureau of statistics,
the life-saving board, the light house board and the marine hospital.
The life-saving exhibit shows a life-saving station built and equipped
with every appliance and a regular crew which will go through all the
life-saving maneuvers in practice on the coasts. The coast survey
exhibit includes a mammoth map of the United States, 400 feet square,
constructed of plaster of paris, and placed horizontally on the ground
beneath a covering erected over it. By a system of galleries and
pathways on the inside the visitor may “walk over the whole United
States” without touching it, as one recent writer has expressed
himself. The scale of the map accurately shows the exact height of all
the mountains and the depth of all the rivers in the United States.
Here is a fine chance for a lesson in geography. The war department
exhibit shows all the uniforms ever worn by United States’ soldiers, a
telephone as it would be used on the battlefield, besides all means of
army telegraphing and signaling.
The naval exhibit will without doubt attract a great share of
attention. It consists of a structure, erected in the lake, typifying
with marvelous accuracy one of the new coast-line battleships recently
constructed for the American navy. The structure stands on piling at
the edge of the lake at the north-east side of Jackson park. Being
quite surrounded by water the structure has the exact appearance of a
vessel moored to the wharf. It is fitted with all the appliances of
an actual ship, such as guns, turrets, torpedo tubes, anchors, etc.
The navy department will send on a special crew to serve during the
exposition and the visitors will have an opportunity to witness all the
workings of an American man-of-war.
A delightful feature of the fair will be the mammoth casino and pier.
The pier runs out 1,000 feet into Lake Michigan and at its extremity
is the casino, which is so constructed as to give, on the waters of
Lake Michigan, a miniature representation of beautiful Venice. The
casino is built on piles and embraces nine pavilions, eight of which
are two stories in height, the center one rearing 180 feet. Bridges
and gondolas afford communication between the pavilions. In part of
the casino is a harbor for pleasure craft. At night the harbor will be
lighted by incandescent lamps sunk beneath the surface of the water and
the brilliancy of the scene may be imagined.
The Illinois State building occupies a fine site in the prettiest spot
in Jackson park. The state appropriated $800,000 for this building and
the money has been well expended. The building is 450 feet in length by
160 feet in width, and is constructed of wood, stone, brick and steel,
nearly all the material having been procured in Illinois. A feature
of the building is Memorial Hall, which contains a superb collection
of relics of the war and other periods. An admirable view of the main
exhibit hall may be had from the spacious galleries. The exhibit will
include five model school-rooms, equipped and furnished under the
direction of the state superintendent of public instruction. Here will
be illustrated the methods of education pursued in the state, from the
common school to the university. The exhibit also includes collections
illustrating the natural history and archæology of the state; an
exhibition by the State Fish Commission of native and cultivated live
fish, with hatchery, appliances and equipments for transportation. Also
maps, charts, etc., illustrative of all the resources of the state. The
women of Illinois were promised, or presented with, $80,000 and space
in this building for a special exhibit illustrating women’s work in the
state.
PART III.
THE DEDICATORY CEREMONIES.
[Illustration]
Though the great exposition will not be formally opened until May 1st,
1893, the fall season of the present year will witness the dedicatory
ceremonies, which will be conducted on a scale of magnificence
unequaled in the history of such enterprises. The dedication of the
buildings will in reality be a sort of informal opening of the fair
itself, inasmuch as the publication of accounts of the ceremonies
will start the stream of visitors Chicago-ward, and all through the
succeeding year, up to the time of the opening, people will journey
hither to see how the colossal enterprise is progressing. If crowds
are willing even now to pay an admission fee of 25 cents (which is at
present charged) to see the buildings in their embryotic state, how
much more willing will they be to do so after the dedication of the
buildings has set the stamp of actuality on the stupendous display.
The dedication ceremonies are to take place in October of the present
year, and the programme has been fully arranged. The celebration will
last four days, during which one of the features will be a military
encampment. The troops will be under command of an officer of the
United States army, to be designated hereafter by the Secretary of
War. The ceremonies will open with a mammoth civic parade which will,
doubtless, be appreciated by the thousands of visitors who will by
that time have assembled. The parade will be allegorical in character
and typical of the world’s “march of progress.” This will transpire
during the morning hours. In the evening there will be an even grander
display, in the form of the “Procession of Centuries,” a historical
representation of American progress, including scenes in the life of
Columbus, and showing the gigantic strides accomplished in science
and art, the discovery and development of steam, electricity, etc.
This procession will be repeated each evening during the four days’
celebration. The regular evening features will also include magnificent
displays of fireworks at Jackson Park and along the Lake Front.
The feature of the second day’s celebration will be a magnificent
military parade and review, in which all the visiting troops will take
part. The display of the following day will be for dedication day
proper, and the main building in Jackson Park will be the scene of the
memorial services. An idea of the grandeur of these services may be
gained from a glance at the programme as already mapped out. Promptly
at 10 o’clock in the morning the troops will parade in readiness to
receive Benjamin Harrison, president of the United States, with proper
military honors. After being saluted by the troops the president
will lead the way into the building, accompanied by his cabinet, the
diplomatic corps (which will come on in a body from Washington for the
occasion), and other distinguished foreigners. Inside the building the
president will receive the representatives of the thirteen original
states with proper ceremonies. After this the remaining states will
be received in the order of their admission to the union. The various
states will be represented by their governors and their staffs, whose
brilliant uniforms, together with the banners and other insignia that
they will bear, will contribute to a scene the gorgeousness of which
can scarcely be imagined.
When the formal receptions are over and the great throng of people
comfortably arranged the following programme will be observed:
1. Overture--(Original music by an American composer.)
2. Prayer.
3. Address and report from Director-General George R. Davis.
4. Presentation of buildings by the president of the World’s
Columbian Exposition to the president of the World’s Columbian
Commission.
5. Commemoration Ode--(Miss Harriet Monroe)--with original music.
6. Address by the president of the United States.
7. “Star-Spangled Banner.”
8. Dedication oration.
9. Hallelujah chorus.
10. National salute of forty-eight battery volleys.
On the evening of the second day the president will hold a reception
in honor of the diplomatic corps, distinguished foreigners and
invited guests. On the evening of the third day there will be a grand
dedication ball at the Auditorium, a ball which for magnificence and
brilliancy will probably supersede anything ever seen in this country.
Even now, several months before the date set, people are figuring
on how to secure invitations, but as 5,000 people at the most can
enter the ball-room many of course will have to be disappointed.
Participation in this gorgeous _fete_ will be confined to very
prominent citizens and distinguished visitors from other cities and
across the ocean. Every day there will be military drills and parades,
closing on the last day with a grand sham battle.
The foregoing is merely an outline of the entertaining and elaborate
ceremonies. It is only reasonable to expect that the programme will
be enlarged in its attractiveness as the time approaches for carrying
out the carefully studied plans and features. It is to be presumed
that every one knows these ceremonies will be commemorative of the
completion of the world’s fair buildings. The day after the ceremonies
are concluded the work of arranging the exhibits in the buildings
will begin and this will be carried on with all due expedition until
the great opening day, 1st of May, 1893. The ceremonies, it should be
stated, are at present under the charge of the following gentlemen,
composing the committee on ceremonies of the World’s Columbian
Commission: Hon. P. A. B. Widener, Philadelphia, Pa.; Hon. John D.
Adams, Little Rock, Ark.; Hon. Wm. Lindsay, Frankfort, Ky.; Gen. V. D.
Groner, Norfolk, Va.; Hon. C. H. Richmond, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Hon.
G. W. Allen, Auburn, N. Y.; Hon. M. B. Harrison, Duluth, Minn.; Gov.
R. B. Furnas, Brownsville, Neb. And of the following who compose the
committee on ceremonies of the World’s Columbian Exposition: Messrs.
Edward F. Lawrence, Chas. T. Yerkes, James W. Ellsworth, Charles L.
Hutchinson, W. D. Kerfoot, Ferd. W. Peck, Charles H. Schwab, Chas. H.
Wacker--all of Chicago.
Acting for the best interests of everybody concerned these two
committees, acting as the joint committee, have selected the following
sub-committee to assist them with the details in connection with the
preparation for the ceremonies:
On behalf of the World’s Columbian commission--Director-General George
R. Davis and Secretary John T. Dickinson. On behalf of the World’s
Columbian Exposition association--Chas. T. Yerkes, E. F. Lawrence and
C. H. Wacker.
PART IV.
THE CHICAGO HUSSARS.
[Illustration]
There is every reason to suppose that considerable interest will attach
to the Chicago Hussars, a regiment of volunteer cavalry which has
already secured the honor of acting as special escort to the officers
of the exposition on all occasions of state. The Chicago Hussars are
comprised of gentlemen who own their horses and are rich enough to
afford the luxury of costly uniforms, expensive banquets and other
delights dear to the military heart. Mr. E. L. Brand, a prominent
citizen, is the commanding officer of the Hussars, and the rank and
file numbers over a hundred gentlemen, who, when mounted on their
dashing steeds and clad in their gorgeous trappings, present a most
dazzling appearance. Chicago at present enjoys the distinction of
being the only city of the United States possessing a volunteer cavalry
regiment. The Hussars are shortly to erect, at some advantageous point
on the South side convenient to the boulevard, the finest club-house
and armory in America. This will include a riding ring, perfect in
appointments and over 500 feet in circumference. The appointments
include one hundred box stalls and a balcony seating fifteen hundred
spectators, commanding a perfect view of the ring. The prosperity
of the Hussars and their appointment by the director-general of
the exposition as a special guard of honor, for properly escorting
distinguished visitors and officials about the city during the
continuance of the fair, makes a membership in their ranks a prize much
to be desired. The volunteer cavalrymen on the march will be one of
the sights of the city. The regiment’s list of officers is as follows:
Captain, E. L. Brand; First Lieutenant, M. L. C. Funkhouser; Second
Lieutenant, Joseph B. Keene. The staff officers are: Inspector, P. R.
McLeod; Judge Advocate, A. Fouguer; Quarter-Master, Charles Kern;
Surgeon, Stewart Johnstone, M. D.
PART V.
WORLD’S CONGRESS.
The imposing structure known as the Permanent Memorial Art Palace,
about to be erected on the site of the old exposition building and
mentioned in a previous chapter, is to be the scene of some notable
gatherings during the continuance of the fair. The building is to be
devoted to the exclusive use of the world’s congresses. It will contain
two large audience halls, having a seating capacity of 3,500 each,
with twenty smaller halls, which may be utilized by committees and
other bodies into which congresses are usually divided. These world’s
Congresses will be interesting from every standpoint. There will be
special congresses of lasting organizations, under the supervision of
the auxiliary, to which will be delegated the consideration of all
live questions, such congresses being conducted by their own special
officers. There will also be popular congresses, open to all who
may desire to attend, and at which will be presented for discussion
all questions governing the results of human progress in all the
channels of civilized life. The discussion will be carried on under
the direction of the ablest exponent of that particular branch of
knowledge whose services can be procured for the occasion. These
congresses, besides providing the various organizations with the
opportunity to discuss their interests, will secure to the people the
opportunity to hear words of wisdom from the wisest of mankind. Suppose
Mr. Gladstone, the most eminent Englishman of his time, should visit
the fair, as is not improbable? Should he do so he will unquestionably
be invited to deliver an oration. Mr. Gladstone is only one of many
European notables who are expected to attend, and they will of course
be conspicuous at these world’s congresses in the Permanent Art
building.
[Illustration: BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE WORLD’S FAIR.]
PART VI.
THE FAIR ITSELF.
[Illustration]
When Mr. Edwin Lee Brown, a pioneer citizen of Chicago, died in the
summer of 1891, there passed away the man who is said to have been the
first to suggest the idea of holding a world’s fair in commemoration of
the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. The mind, therefore,
which conceived this mighty project, over which all the nations are
agog, is now stilled in everlasting sleep, but to those of us who have
memories the fair will remain a lasting monument to the greatness of
that master mind.
Mr. Brown first proposed his scheme to a meeting of citizens in
1885. His words took root immediately. Like a flash the idea rushed
through the land, and met with such a unanimous response that long
before the plan had the sanction of Congress the holding of the
fair was a certainty. From the time it so became a settled fact in
prospect a number of cities waged a strong and at times bitter fight
for the honor of having the fair held within their favorite environ.
New York was Chicago’s most formidable rival, though various other
cities contested determinedly for the honor. Chicago’s campaign was
carried on with energy. A stock company was formed and $5,000,000
subscribed--$5,000,000 more being pledged long before it was needed.
Headquarters were established and agents sent all over the United
States to enlist the national sympathies in behalf of Chicago. When
the question of location finally came up before Congress the struggle
was sharp, short and decisive. But a few ballots were taken when the
decision was made. That night was a happy one in Chicago. Some people
celebrated a little uproariously, it is true, but “everything went,”
so to speak, on an occasion like that, and nobody complained of the
widespread enthusiasm.
[Illustration]
Not a day was lost. It seems a long stretch of time since then, but
everything considered the progress made has been simply phenomenal.
All judges agree on this point. The great nations of the earth,
in response to the president’s proclamation, have signified their
intention to be fully represented. The following is a list of the
countries that will participate, showing the amounts appropriated by
their respective governments:
Argentine Republic, $100,000; Austria-Hungary $147,000; Bolivia,
$150,000; Brazil, $550,000 Chile, $100,000; Colombia, $100,000;
Costa Rica, $100,000; Danish West Indies, $10,000; Ecuador, $125,000;
France, $400,000; Germany, $20,000; $215,000; Great Britain, $125,000;
British Guiana, British Honduras, $7,000; Cape Colony, $25,000; Ceylon,
$40,000; Jamaica, $10,000; New Zealand, $27,500; Trinidad, $15,000;
Guatemala, $120,000; Honduras, $20,000; Japan, $700,000; Mexico,
$750,000; Dutch Guiana, $6,000; Dutch West Indies, $10,000; Nicaragua,
$30,000; Peru, $140,000; Salvador, $30,000; Cuba, $25,000.
It is hardly possible, in mere words, to convey an idea of what the
fair will be like, but from previous chapters the reader will have
formed his own opinion and his imagination must supply the rest. To
say that it will be the most wonderful exhibition in all history is
to employ very mild language indeed. The grounds will present a sight
that will never be forgotten. At night, when all the buildings are
glittering with their myriads of electric lights and great showers of
fireworks soaring heavenward; when the great lake itself fairly blazes
under the glare of illuminated craft and the stupendous carnival is at
its height, the visitor may be pardoned, if, in the excitement of the
moment, he fancies that he has fallen off the earth and stepped into
another world, peopled by fairies and decked with palaces reared by the
magicians’ wand.
PART VII.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE FAIR.
[Illustration]
Aside from the great buildings that will of course be the main points
of interest, there are numerous special features promised--features
that will be unique in their way and reflecting in a great degree the
manners and customs of the people who inhabit the countries of which
they will be typical. It has been decided that a single entrance fee,
probably fifty cents, shall entitle the visitors to see the entire
exposition proper. For the special attractions on Midway Plaisance a
moderate additional charge will be made. In the course of time these
attractions will doubtless be added to, but even the present plans are
liberal enough to give satisfaction. The Plaisance, which is a strip
of land connecting Jackson Park with Washington Park, will be occupied
throughout its entire length by special exposition features, largely
of a foreign character, such as the “Bazaar of All Nations,” “Street in
Cairo,” “Street in Constantinople,” “Moorish Palace,” “Maori Village,”
etc. Concessions have been granted to all these enterprises and their
production will represent the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of
dollars. Panoramas, cycloramas, the sliding railway, etc., will also be
located in this part of the exhibition grounds.
[Illustration]
A person of imaginative temperament can easily picture to himself the
attractions that may be found in this locality. The “Bazaar of All
Nations” is a mammoth structure in which will be representatives of
almost every clime under the sun, grouped in their native habitations
and presenting to the visitor exactly the same appearance as that
which characterizes their home routine of life. Their manufactures,
occupations and pleasures will be graphically pictured. The “Street in
Cairo” is to be exactly what its name implies. A street in that sleepy
and quaint old Egyptian city will be deftly reproduced, in passing down
which the visitor may see sights exactly similar to those that would
greet his vision if he were touring in far-off Cairo itself instead of
in Chicago--the famous city that finds everything possible, even to the
reproduction of an entire Egyptian city, to say nothing of a single
street from such. The Moorish Palace will be a splendid structure
and within its gorgeous recesses one may wander and try to imagine
how Othello felt when he paced his vaulted halls a prey to the demon
jealousy.
According to recent plans fully 150 restaurants and cafes will be in
operation in the various buildings and about the grounds. These will be
conveniently distributed and will have an estimated aggregate seating
capacity of 6,000 to 8,000. It is intended to have in the Fisheries
building a restaurant devoted as far as possible to the exclusive
serving of fish. Fish dinners and fish, fresh and salt, served in
every edible style, it is believed, will be a popular feature. In view
of the present outlook it doesn’t seem as though any visitor need go
hungry at the fair.
[Illustration]
In line with the special features, perhaps, is the announcement
recently made that a silversmith in Monterey, Mexico, is engaged on
a work in silver which when completed will be an exact reproduction
of the Agricultural building now in process of completion at the
exposition grounds. It will be eight feet wide, will contain a quality
of silver valued as bullion at $10,000, and when finished will be
valued at $20,000. The Connecticut members of the Board of Lady
Managers have undertaken to raise by contribution a fund with which
to pay for a fine bust of Harriet Beecher Stowe. This will be their
contribution toward the adornment of the walls of the Woman’s building.
Copies of Mrs. Stowe’s literary works will also be contributed.
The President of Ecuador has decreed that the governors of each state
of the Republic shall collect and forward to Quito, the capital,
exhibits of all kinds illustrating the riches and productions of their
several states. The Archbishop of Ecuador has issued an order to the
bishops and priests throughout the Republic directing them to do the
same, and also collect and forward everything which may be in their
keeping illustrative of the history of the country suitable to exhibit
at Chicago. The Consul-General of the United States at Quito has
directed the consuls and vice-consuls and consular agents at different
points in Ecuador to assist the governors of states in every way
possible in the matter of collection of articles relating to commerce
with exterior countries. The entire exhibit so collected will be
forwarded intact to Chicago.
Lieut. Baker, head of the marine section of the department of
transportation, has secured a promise from the Detroit Dry-dock Company
for an exhibit of a perfect model in stucco of the entire ship-building
plant of that company, both at its Detroit and Wyandotte yards.
A bill has recently been introduced in Congress carrying an
appropriation of $18,000 “to procure, prepare, compile for publication
and publish statistics of the moral, intellectual and industrial
progress of the colored people of the United States from January 1,
1863, the date of the emancipation proclamation, to January 1, 1893, as
a part of the government exhibit, the same to illustrate the growth of
liberty, morality and humanity of the United States.”
The women of England, it is understood, are actively preparing for
their participation in the exposition. At a meeting of the Woman’s
Committee in London, March 3, of the present year, it was announced
that Queen Victoria had promised specimens of her own work in spinning
and knitting, done when she was a girl; also some of her embroidering,
fine drawing and water-color painting. Princess Louise will contribute
some clay modelling, Princess Beatrice several paintings and Princess
Christian some embroidery.
It is probable that the visitors to the exposition will have an
opportunity to see a more extensive and finer exhibition of ancient
Greek art than it has heretofore been possible to contemplate outside
of Greece. Mr. P. Canreading, director-general of Grecian antiquities,
has accepted the invitation to participate in the exposition, with
the understanding that it will be represented only by memorials of
its antiquities. Charles Walstein, director of the American school
of classic studies at Athens, states that the Grecian government has
agreed to make and send to the exposition casts of the principal
works of ancient art now in Greece, together with maps, diagrams and
photographs. To these will probably be added casts and perhaps some of
the original specimens of classic Greek art which are now distributed
throughout Europe.
A wheelman’s parade, participated in by 24,000 bicyclists, may be one
of the sights at the exposition. Efforts are being made to bring about
that result.
The Pennsylvania coal operators want to construct a building entirely
of anthracite coal at the exposition and to have 50,000 tons of best
anthracite on exhibition.
A continuous clam-bake will be one of the attractions which epicurean
visitors will find at the exposition.
The South African diamond mine exhibit will doubtless prove an
eye-opener, to use a slang expression. The exhibit will come from Cape
Colony and will include 10,000 carats of uncut stones, a very large
quantity of stones fine cut and polished, together with all that is
necessary to show the process of mining and washing. For this it will
be necessary to transport to Chicago 100 tons of pulverized blue earth,
50 tons of unpulverized earth, and a complete washing machine, which
will be operated by natives. The exhibit will also include a unique
collection of crocidolite, special diamondiferous products, ostrich
feathers, fleeces, etc. It is reported that a Bushman and Hottentot in
native dress will accompany the exhibit.
A communication has been received by the fair officials from the
British Commission asking for space to exhibit the rifle-calibre guns
manufactured by the Maxim-Nordenfeldt Gun Company. The company wants to
erect a building in which to exhibit its guns in practice. One end of
the building will be filled with sandbags into which the projectiles of
the guns will be fired. It is claimed that the arrangements are such
as will insure perfect safety and will be reproductions of a similar
exhibit recently given at the Royal Naval Exposition in London.
The wooded island in the exposition grounds has already begun to assume
the character which in great part it will have during the fair--that
of a gigantic flower garden. The horticultural department has recently
received 27,000 rose bushes and other plants, several thousand of which
came from abroad. These are being transplanted on the island.
It may be said to be assured that the exhibits at the fair will cover
a wider range and be far more numerous than any array ever before
gathered together. They will present a picture of the condition and
industrial progress of mankind in every quarter of the world and of its
achievements in every branch of the sciences and arts. The exposition
classification embraces 12 departments, 176 groups and 967 classes. The
applications for space by intending exhibitors in the United States
alone numbered 2,082 in January last. The number at the Philadelphia
Centennial in corresponding space was 864. Applications from foreign
visitors are rapidly increasing in numbers. It seems assured that the
visitors will outnumber those at any previous world’s fair.
In April, 1893, a grand international naval review, preliminary to the
opening of the exposition, as provided for by an act of Congress,
will be held in New York harbor, arrangements for which are already in
progress. All the great navies of the world will participate in this
vast aquatic pageant.
PART VIII.
ABOUT THE CITY DURING FAIR TIME.
[Illustration]
With the exception of the Auditorium and the Chicago Opera House the
plans of which have been heretofore outlined, the theatres, so far as
at present known, have not arranged for any special attractions during
the fair. All of the down-town houses have booked more or less to the
time from May to October, and the attractions for the most part are
such standard renditions as have been proved popular with playgoers
for the last two or three years. The patron of the regular playhouses
will be able to take his choice between grand or light opera, local
drama, tragedy, comedy or burlesque, and the most exacting taste will
doubtless be amply satisfied. The contract between managers Abbey and
Adams for the production at the Auditorium has already been signed and
the spectacle to be presented there will, it is expected, eclipse
anything that these two managers have ever before attempted. At the
Chicago Opera House the first great successes in the way of burlesque
that Mr. Hendersen scored, “Arabian Nights,” “Crystal Slipper,” and
“Sinbad,” are to be repeated in rotation, and people will have an
opportunity to witness the perfection of the class of entertainment
termed by the irreverent “leg-shows,” but known to the world at large
by the more dignified title of burlesque.
Pain & Sons, the great firm whose pyrotechnical productions have made
them famous wherever fireworks are known, are to produce their famous
spectacle, “The Fall of Pompeii,” at the Cottage Grove amphitheatre,
near South park, this summer. They are also, it is understood,
arranging for a production on a much more wonderful scale for the
fair season in the same locality. One of the beauties of the Pain
projections is their shortness. Their glare and brilliancy is generally
crowded into an hour or at most an hour and a half, thus enabling the
spectator to secure a surfeit of pleasure, as it were, in a short space
of time, without forcing him to spend an unnecessary season in waiting,
Micawber-like, for something to turn up.
The racing, the boating, the riding, and the hundred other attractions
of the city have already been described in detail. None are likely to
get away between the present time and the day set for the opening of
the fair. On the contrary, they are likely to be added to and enhanced,
for human ingenuity is being taxed to its utmost to invent new charms
for the pleasure-seeker and, incidentally, of course, to catch the
nimble dollar that he is willing to disburse for the procurement of
such pleasures, elevating or otherwise.
Of course no well regulated person ever enters a saloon except for
purposes of investigation, but there are a few saloons and cafes
in Chicago that are visited as much for sight-seeing as for liquid
refreshment. In some there hang pictures worth small fortunes. The
objects represented are generally a little bit _outre_--“_saloonish_,”
as I have heard it called. Hannah & Hogg’s saloons, of which there
are several, located in the business district at various points,
are celebrated for the works of art that adorn their walls. The one
on Madison street, under the Madison Street Opera House, contains a
valuable gallery of paintings, the cash estimate of which runs into
thousands of dollars. This is the largest place owned by the firm; some
of their branch establishments contain rare pictures that are almost as
valuable.
“Handsome Harry Varnell’s” place on South Clark street, near
Madison, is perhaps the most gorgeous saloon in Chicago. It was only
recently completed at a cost said to exceed $40,000. All the walls
and wainscoting are finished in Mexican onyx, and the outer part is
designed in iron and bronze. Some oil paintings, the subjects of which
are very interesting, adorn the walls. Varnell, the proprietor, is a
“character.” He enjoys a large popularity with the sporting classes. He
is said to be interested in the Garfield park race track and is quite a
“plunger” at other games as well. He was one of the principals in the
old-time “boodle” sensation, which resulted in several of the county
officials of that period going to the penitentiary under sentence for
bribery and corruption.
Just across the way from Varnell’s is Lansing & McGarigle’s saloon
and restaurant, a place made famous both by the personality of its
chief proprietor and by a historical tragedy that occurred there some
few years ago. William J. McGarigle has held various offices. He was
once superintendent of police and later warden of the county hospital.
When the boodle trials were held he was tried and sentenced to two
years imprisonment, but, while awaiting in the county jail the result
of his appeal for a new trial, he secured permission from Canute R.
Matson, the sheriff of the county, to visit his home. He drove there
with Matson, and, on the pretext of taking a bath, he slipped away from
the house, boarded a schooner, and got over into Canada. His flight
formed one of the newspaper sensations of the hour. Matson never quite
recovered from the shock. In the language of the song, McGarigle “never
came back,” that is to say, not until his friends had so arranged
things that when he did come back he was permitted to pay his debt to
the law by the payment of a fine of $1,000. McGarigle’s place now is a
famous rendezvous for “sports” of both sexes. The fare served is of a
high quality, and the visitor may find all the enjoyment he desires in
studying the people who sit at the tables near him. There are ladies
of great beauty and of all ages, but all of whom manifestly belong to
the class whose existence reputable people endeavor to forget; there
are gamblers, touts and so on, in loud clothes and wearing much loud
jewelry, both genuine and bogus. The best of order and good conduct
prevail for the reason that no boisterous actions are tolerated. But
sometimes all the rules and regulations in the world are not proof
against the angry passions of men, a fact that was conclusively proved
by the tragedy already mentioned.
The principals were “Doc” Haggerty, a well known and very muscular
person, who bore the reputation of being something of a bully, and
“Jimmy” Connorton, a gambler. There was a feud between the two and when
Connorton went into McGarigle’s place one Saturday evening and met his
foe face to face high words and blows were instantly interchanged.
Accounts vary as to who first drew the deadly pistol, but Connorton
got in the first shot. He shot Haggerty through the stomach, and then
fled through the restaurant, pursued by the wounded man, who at every
step snapped his revolver in the effort to slay his adversary. But
the weapon would not explode, and it was not until the two reached
the sidewalk and Connorton had almost succeeded in escaping through a
line of cabs that it did respond to the fall of the hammer. Connorton
sunk to the sidewalk desperately wounded. The excitement over the
tragedy was only equalled by that occasioned by the Dunn-Elliott
encounter in the old Tivoli. Haggerty died, but Connorton recovered
and was acquitted on the ground of self-defense. At present Lansing &
McGarigle’s is a model resort of its kind. It caters to the sporting
element almost exclusively, and happily such tragedies like the one
here told do not occur often.
Hogan and Batchelder’s, two well-known and popular resorts on
State street, also cater to the sporting element. They have private
supper-rooms in which hilarious parties are wont to hold high revel,
especially after a return from a successful day at the races.
The places mentioned are of course of a certain variety, but the reader
has been told in preceding chapters of the many more quiet and more
decorous places that he may visit. It is a “great big” city, full
of all sorts of attractions, godly and ungodly. If the world’s fair
should be closed on Sundays, something that the religious element is
sedulously endeavoring to bring about, the army of pleasure-seekers
will be driven to the city itself for recreation.
[Illustration]
Transcriber’s Notes
Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made consistent when a
predominant preference was found in the original book; otherwise they
were not changed.
Simple typographical errors were corrected; unbalanced quotation
marks were remedied when the change was obvious, and otherwise left
unbalanced.
Illustrations in this eBook have been positioned between paragraphs
and outside quotations. In versions of this eBook that support
hyperlinks, the page references in the List of Illustrations lead to
the corresponding illustrations.
Two illustrations contain multiple photographs. The captions for them
are grouped vertically: left, right, center.
Page numbering in the original book jumps from 10 to 21.
The List of Illustrations omits the sketches on pages 77 and 177, and
the decorative drop cap on page 212. The illustration listed as being
on page 223 actually is on page 222.
Page 63: “adjoin” should be “adjourn”.
Page 208: “$1000” probably should be “$10.00”.