"This Exposition stands, not only as a monument to our progress, but to our united and determined effort to take a prominent part in all that means the advancement of mankind and the prosperity of the whole world. We owe that which we are at present to the devotion and heroism of the men of the past, and to protect and guard the inheritance which has come to us should be our aim. To be broad and conservative in our conception of our duties and responsibilities should be our purpose. To instill into the minds of our youth a determination to meet every question with true American courage should be our object. Every effort that makes for the good of humanity is a fitting tribute to that national policy which has taught us that there is no responsibility too great for our citizens to bear, and that in the onward progress of civilization America recognizes her duty and will not fail in its performance."
At the conclusion of the Governor's address the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. W. W. Boyd, after which Governor Odell held a public reception, shaking hands with several hundred people, who pressed forward to greet him. During the progress of the reception Mr. S. H. Grover, of New York city, rendered an organ recital. Luncheon was served the Governor and party in the offices of the Commission, and the afternoon was devoted to sight seeing.
THE EVENING RECEPTION
In the evening was held the grand reception and ball in honor of Governor and Mrs. Odell. Six thousand invitations had been issued for the function, those invited including the President of the United States and his Cabinet, judges of the United States Supreme Court, United States army and navy officers, governors of all the states, New York State officers, members of the New York State Legislature, judges of the Court of Appeals and Appellate Division and Supreme Court, Exposition officials, members of the National Commission, members of State and Foreign Commissions, the Board of Lady Managers and many prominent citizens of the Empire State and St. Louis. In spite of the fact that the day assigned to the State of New York, a year before by the Exposition Company, fell upon the date of the greatest festival of all the year in St. Louis, viz., The Veiled Prophets' ball, which is similar to the Mardi Gras festival at New Orleans, it did not affect the attendance at the reception in the least, many people attending both functions. Throughout the evening the capacity of the building was taxed to the utmost by those who came to enjoy New York's proverbial hospitality.
The exterior of the building and the grounds were illuminated on a lavish scale by the Pain Pyrotechnic Company, of New York city. The entire building was outlined by means of thousands of fairy lamps, and many strings of Japanese lanterns were festooned from the roof line to the veranda balustrade. Fairy lamps were used in profusion about the grounds, forming unique figures, and at various points spelled the words "New York." At no other function during the entire Exposition were such elaborate illuminations attempted on the part of any state commission. The interior decorations consisted of the National and Exposition colors, gracefully wound here and there about the pillars, supplemented by festoons of smilax, which was used in profusion in the entrance hallway. Special music for the event was furnished by Fancuilli's band, of New York city, and Schoen's orchestra, of St. Louis, which were stationed respectively in the south and north galleries of the grand entrance hall.
THE RECEIVING PARTY
The receiving line was stationed at the foot of the grand staircase, the guests entering at the south portal of the building and approaching through the reception rooms.
Receiving with the Governor and Mrs. Odell were Mrs. Norman E. Mack, Colonel and Mrs. Edward Lyman Bill, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Woodbury, Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. McGraw, Mr. Frederick R. Green, Mrs. Daniel Manning, Hon. S. Frederick Nixon, Mrs. Doré Lyon and Hon. James T. Rogers. The guests were presented to the Governor by Major Harrison K. Bird, his military secretary, two lines of United States marines guarding the approach to the receiving party. The Governor's military staff, resplendent in vari-colored uniforms, formed a line directly in front of the receiving party, and, while adding eclat to the occasion, prevented any crowding about the receiving line.
Supper was served at eleven o'clock at small tables upon the verandas.
The following was the menu: