Let us hold fast to the meaning that under
lies this ceremony and let us not lose the Im
l pressiver.ess of this moment. As by a touch
the machinery that g.vcs life to this vast ex
position is now set in motion, so at the same
instant let our hopes and aspirations awaken
forces which In all time to come shall influ
ence the welfare, the dignity and the freedom
J of mankind.
| At the conclusion of his address, the presi
| dent touched the button, and the World’s
Columbian exposition of 1893 was ushered
into official existence. The huge fountains
200 feet away from the grand stand threw a
volume of water seventy feet into the air,
and the roaring of the engines in machinery
, hall, a quarter of a mile away, told the multi
tude that the electric spark had done its
1 duty.
“Old Glory” was released from Its embrace
by the same subtle fluid, and proudly floated
In the breeze. Electric fountains reflected
their prismatic colors through the plaza, and
the huge figure of the Republic parted with
Its drapery and stood forth in all its golden
lieauty, welcoming all the nations of the earth
to the Imperial city of the West. The chimes
in Manufacturers’ Hall and in the German
‘ building pealed forth the intelligence that
the great exposition is now open. Out In the
harbor the Michigan’s guns pealed forth the
; national salute, while every steam whistle
added its din to the confusion. The crowd
made all the noise that it could, while Theo
dore Thomas seemed disgusted that his musl
j clans playing Handel’s "Hallelujah Chotus”
i could not be heard.
