Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 January 1896 — ONE OF THE LARGEST [ARTICLE]

ONE OF THE LARGEST

SUCH SHOULD BE INDIANA’S CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION. It Is the State’! Greatest Opportunity to Bring Credit on Itself—Comments on the Project By Ooatmlssioners Hathaway, Cravens, Smith, Hadley Goldthwalte and Skinner. The proposed Indiana Centennial in 1900 is becoming a subject of lively interest, and the general expression indicates that it is the wish of the people that it should be made creditable to the state in the highest degree. Commissioner Hathaway of Winamac, says regarding the project: “In my opinion nothing but good can result from a proper and fitting celebration of the centennial anniversary of the organization of Indiana territory by holding an exposition at the State capital, of at least three months duration, at the most opportune and appropriate time during the year 1900, that will not only reflect credit upon the originators of the proposed enterprise, but as well upon the great state that bears the name ‘lndiana.’ And when 1 speak of ‘a proper and fitting celebration’ I do not mean that we should limit the displays to the products of Indiana, for such, to me, would seem too much of the nature of a state fair. The gates, in my opinion, should be thrown wide open and the entire universe most cordially invited to assist in making it a ’Mid-Continent Exposition’ on Indiana soil, the immensity of which should and will demand a few pages in future histories of the world. To me, there seems no end to reason why this should be done. The efforts of the eminent statesmen who shaped the boundary and destiny of this great territory de-

serve it. It will afford the greatest possible medium for advertising our progress, enterprise and civilization and especially enable the population of Hoosierdom to familiarize themselves with the same, and Indiana, for her prominence in both peace and war, for her magnificent educational institutions and her ideal school system, for the scale and magnitude of her many and various si ate institutions, deserves more widespread advertising to the world in these particulars, that she may be properly classed and ranked a model among states for the same. An exposition properly celebrating this historic period would do al] this and more; it would be a source from which the citizens of Indiana would obtain the greatest possible knowledge of the products of their own state, the most fertile spot and portion of the great Mississippi valley, of the cereals and grasses of the Wabash, Ohio and White river valleys, of the virgin forests of the central and northeastern portions of the state, of her rich fields of coal, iron, copper, marble, granite, slate and gypsum, of her various clays so abundant and valuable, of her wonderful gas and oil fields, and of the great development of her expanding manufacturing interests, assisted so greatly by from the 7,000 to 10.000 miles of railroads that traverse and permeate the entire state in every direction. Indiana, for her rapid strides in wealth, commerce and her social and political prosperity, deserves a front seat among the states of the nation and nothing will so quickly place her there as an exposition proportionate with the importance of the event we expect to celebrate, participated in by the entire world. By all means let as have an exposition, complete in its every part, one that will be long remembered and ever classed as one of the greatest of the age,or none at all, is my idea of the proposed enterprise.” THE BEST STATE IN THE UNION. Asked for his ideas concerning the proposed Indiana centennial exposition, John W. Cravens of Bloomington, commissioner of the Fifth district, said: “I am heartily in favor of the exposition. It should be given in a manner that will shed renewed luster on the name and fame of the best state in the Union. This cannot be done without funds. Financial matters are serious questions and from start to finish they must be handled by men of recognized ability Ind strictest integrity.”

“How about the wvnm «f r*v«n*» F* “The expenses ought to be so divided f among the government, the state, the ; city of Indianapolis and the exhibitors that the burden will fall lightly on each, taking into consideration the great good that can be accomplished. Of oourse no exposition ought to be undertaken unlees it is to be made worthy the occasion. ” “What about the buildings?” was asked. To this Mr. Cravens replied, “There ought to be a main building that will be permanent—one that will continue to be the people’s pride ever afterward. Each county should be given its share of sp*e, and the products of glorious Indiana should be shown in detaiL Take my own county of Monroe for instance. We have the best building stone quarries in the world. Think what a splendid display the stonemen could make.” “What about an educational exhibit?” “Certainly, that ought to be made one of the chief features. Indiana has the best educational system in the United States. Our common schools are the foundation on which is built a peerless educational structure, the crowning glory of which is the most progressive university in the country—the Indiana University—located in Bloomington. Just think of it. In this congressional district alone are the State University, Depauw University, Franklin college, Central Normal college and many other institutions of higher education. AH thesS ought, and doubtless will be elaborately represented in the exposition. "So numerous are Indiana’s products that we are a whole country unto ourselves. Everything that grows or is made is found here. We have more beauty and brains than any other state in the Union. We are going to furnish the presidential candidates for both the Democratic and Republican parties next year. Why shouldn’t we have a big exposition? The material is here. The crop is ready for the reaper, and the members of the centennial commission and all other sons and daughters of Indiana ought to enter the fields of grain at once.”

“What have you to say in regard to the manner and extent of advertising the exposition?” “Judicious advertisement is the steam that makes the engine of any business move. If you have a good thing let the people know it. To the newspapers, more than to any other agency, will be due the success of the enterprise. This feature must be put in charge of men who are both practical and progressive. If the men in charge of this department will do their duty, the editors will do theirs. The thing to do is to Inaugurate an exposition of merit. The press will keep the public posted, and the public will show its appreciation by its presence.” INDIANA’S GREATEST OPPORTUNITY. H. B. Smith of Hartford City, one pt the Eleventh district commissioners, says: “There can be no question as to the desirability and Importance of the proper celebration of the centennial of the organization of Indiana territory. Plans should be adopted for such a showing as will be in keeping with the size, importance and dignity of our state. Indiana is one among the very best states of the Union, with general resources second in importance to none. In the past our resources have not been brought to the attention of the country as they should have been. The proposed centennial, if properly planned and managed, will give us the opportunity to do so, and will be of incalculable benefit to the state, instructive and interesting to our citizens, as well as a great and valuable advertisement of our state. To meet with the success that the proposed celebration should it will be necessary to have the earnest support of all of our people, which I think we will have when the matter is brought to their attention. Therefore, the subject should be agitated, discussed and in every way possible brought to the attention of our citizens and get them thoroughly aroused to the importance of the enterprise, and it can and will be made a success.”

Commissioner J. C. Hadley of Logansport says: “It is too early yet to express views in detail, though I feel that the importance of some sort of a celebration ought to be thoroughly impressed upon the minds of all citizens. I believe that we ought not to attempt to give an exposition with the hope of attracting the world; that would be too big an undertaking and might not be a success. But we can hold an attractive exposition for our own state’s people and those of adjoining states. I would think that the work ought to be permanent in a degree, so that after the exposition is over there will remain a monument in the way of an art hall or a state museum that will forever be an object of interest.” Commissioner Goldthwaite of Marion thinks that the legislature should authorize a tax levy of at least 2 mills on taxable property for a fitting centennial celebration. “Whatever is attempted,” he says, “should be commenced deliberately and on a sure foundation. Davy Crockett’s motto should be strictly adhered to.” Hon. DeFoe Skinner of Valparaiso, one of the commissioners at large, says: “There is a class of people wholly unused to enthuse over our progress or growth in the direction of great achievements, and yet no one cm be indifferent to the fact that we are on an ascending scale—so much so that we already match and have exceeded the attainments of many older communities and states. “The organization of Indiana as a territory was an event of great historic value, and gave to the then frontier an impetus which has resulted in a civilization without a parallel in the annals of any people. This being so, what more fitting than an exposition commemorating the first centurv of our existence; why not publish to the world the pride we feel in the developments of our first one hundred years? “From a wilderness within the memory of living man we have risen to a great state, containing 2,500,000 of intelligent, industrious and thrifty people, with laws affording protectiou'and support to every measure and means of merited need. To think about it is to become enthusiastic, and the hope follows that the commission appointed under a resolution of the last general assembly will devfse a plan to be submitted to the next legislature fully enabling it to take the proper steps necessary to carry into full effect the purposes of the resolution. That the state is able to thus emphasize its marve’ous advancements no one doubts. How to best do this is a question to be considered. To this end the commission will labor faithfully, and we may hope successfully.”