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.
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.
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.