LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.
GIFT OF
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FOR
OF
TH PRESIDENT
TO THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION
CHICAGO, 1 892- 1 893.
<i
CHICAGO:
RAND, MCNALLY & Co.
1898.
:^
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
Letter of Transmitted, 5
CHAPTER I. Preliminary Organization, 7
II. Organization of the Company, 13.
III. Grounds and Buildings, 19
IV. Finance and Ways and Means, 51 -
V. Concessions and Public Comfort, ..79
VI. The World's Columbian Commission, 101
VII. The Executive Department ; Foreign Affairs ; Trans-
portation, 113
VIII. The Council of Administration, 145
IX. The Dedication of the Buildings, 155
X. The Bureau of Admissions and Collections, . . . .167
XI. Last Months of Construction, Installation, and Organ-
ization, 179
XII. The Opening of the Exposition May, June, July, . . 209
XIII. August, September, October Closing Ceremonies, . 249
XIV. Post-Exposition Work: Review, 279
APPENDIX A. The World's Congress Auxiliary, 325
B. Statement of Force Employed 337
C. Report of the Auditor; Financial Statements, . . . 339
D. Report Department of Admissions, with Statistics, . 355
E. Report Department of Collections, with Statistics, . . 411
187822
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
To THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
WORL&S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to submit to you my final report
as president of the World's Columbian Exposition. In
its preparation I have endeavored to sketch briefly the
principal transactions of the company, including the work
of the preliminary organization. Since the work, for
the performance of which the company was organized,
is now almost completed, it is proper that such a record
should be made, and I undertake it for the purpose,
first, of recalling to the minds of the directors the vari-
ous important features of the great enterprise, which are
rapidly fading from our recollection; and second, for the
purpose of affording to those whose duty it may be to
conduct similar enterprises in the future, whatever benefit
may be derived from our experience.
The work of your company began in April, 1890. The
writer did not become your chief executive until August,
1892, a few weeks before the dedication of the Exposition
buildings, and less than a year before the date fixed for
its opening. The difficulties of my position are under-
stood by all of you, and they will not be urged except in
extenuation of my shortcomings. I have served as a director
of this company from its organization in April, 1890. In
April, 1891, I was called to be chairman of the Committee
on Ways and Means, by reason of the ill-health of its
first chairman, Otto Young. During the following twelve
(5)
6 LETTER OF.TRANSMITTAL.
months I visited Europe in the interest of ttie Exposition.
In April, 1892, in addition to the duties of the Ways and
Means chairmanship, I assumed those of a vice-president,
the business of the company having grown so much as to
demand an extension of the active executive power. A
few months after this, in August, 1892, " was called to
the presidency, made vacant by the resignation of Mr.
Baker, and at the same time became chairman of the
Council of Administration, and a member of 'the Bureau of
Admissions and Collections. Each of these^ offices involved
heavy responsibilities, which could not'^be delegated,
resting upon powers which were illy defined, yet were
coextensive with the purposes of the company's incorpora-
tion. The task seemed hopeless at times, and yet, with
the aid of patience and fortunate circumstances, it was
accomplished. The work demanded my entire time for
nearly two years, and more than half of it for several
months more. This time was gladly given, although at a
sacrifice of private business and personal comfort, and is
referred to only in the hope that you and your constit-
uent stockholders will be moved to overlook errors and
mistakes.
Your president gladly recalls the kindly consideration
which members of this board and leading stockholders
have shown him in trying times, and these recollections
he will always cherish. He counts it an honorable dis-
tinction to have been called to serve you, even though
the services were severe, and if he has retained the
friendship and esteem of each one of you, he will close
his work with no feeling but of gratitude and satisfaction.
I have the honor to remain, gentlemen,
Very sincerely your obedient servant,
H. N. HIGINBOTHAM,
CHICAGO, January i, 1898. President.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
CHAPTER I.
PRELIMINARY ORGANIZATION.
THE movement for the holding of a World's Fair
in Chicago, to commemorate the discovery of
America, was a gradual growth. Various dates
have been named as marking the beginning of
this movement, and various persons have claimed the
honor of first conceiving the idea. Other cities, notably
Washington, have claimed priority in the conception. In
1885 or 1886 a plan was devised in that city for an Expo-
sition to extend over three years, beginning with the
centennial anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution
of the United States, and to include the four hundredth
anniversary of the discovery of America. From such dis-
cussions was developed a competition for the honor of
holding the Columbian Exposition, in which contended
the great cities of Washington, St. Louis, New York, and
Chicago.
The movement in Chicago became general when, in
obedience to instructions from the City Council, on July 22,
1889, the mayor of Chicago, DeWitt C. Cregier, appointed
a citizens' committee of one hundred to lend the impetus
of a powerful organization and take steps necessary to
insure success. The committee of one hundred suggested
by the City Council was enlarged to the number of two
(7)
8 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
hundred and fifty. It was convened, on August i, 1889,
in the council chamber, where an Executive Committee
was chosen consisting of the following:
DeWitt C. Cregier, Chairman.
William Penn Nixon. Samuel W. Allerton.
Frank Lawler. George M. Pullman.
Lambert Tree. Ferdinand W. Peck.
Robert W. Patterson, Jr. Otto Young.
Andrew McNally. Edwin Walker.
William J. Onahan. Victor F. Lawson.
John B. Carson. Franklin H. Head.
Joseph W. Fifer. Edward T. Jeffery.
John Q. Adams. Edward F. Cullerton.
Abner Taylor. Charles B. Farwell.
J. Irving Pearce. Charles H. Schwab.
Harlow N. Higinbotham. Rollin A. Keyes.
Robert A. Waller. Leroy D. Thoman.
Jesse Spalding. Frederick S. Winston.
Samuel S. Gregory. George M. Bogue.
Richard Prendergast. ' Everitte St. John.
Solomon Thatcher, Jr. George E. Adams.
Arthur Dixon. John McGillen.
Edward F. Cragin. William E. Mason.
Charles L. Hutchinson. William C. Seipp.
Lyman J. Gage. Robert Lindblom.
John R. Walsh. James W. Scott.
George R. Davis. George O'Neill.
William D. Kerfoot. Marshall M. Kirkman.
Shelby M. Cullom. Joseph Medill.
Thomas B. Bryan.
One of the first steps taken was the formation of a
company with an authorized capital of $5,000,000, divided
into 500,000 shares of $10 each. This is the company
whose work is now drawing to a close.
On August 14, 1889, the following commissioners were
authorized by the Secretary of State of Illinois to take
subscriptions to the capital stock of the company under
the name of the "World's Exposition of 1892," namely:
DeWitt C. Cregier, Ferdinand W. Peck, George Schneider,
Anthony F. Seeberger, William C. Seipp, John R. Walsh,
and E. Nelson Blake. On April 9, 1890, the capital stock
PRELIMINARY ORGANIZATION. 9
had been fully subscribed, and articles of incorporation
were issued, the object of the corporation being set forth
as "the holding of an International Exposition, or World's
Fair, in the city of Chicago and State of Illinois, to com-
memorate, on its four hundredth anniversary, the discovery
of America."
During the eight months which elasped between the
appointment of the citizens' committee of two hundred and
fifty and the permanent organization of the company, the
work was carried on vigorously, every effort being made to
awaken proper enthusiasm in the city and State, to secure
pledges of financial support sufficient properly to launch
the enterprise, and to convince the nation at large and its
Representatives in Congress that Chicago was the most
suitable place for holding the Exposition. ^
Other cities were contending for this honor. The prin-
cipal reasons urged in favor of Chicago were:
First. Its central location with regard to all portions
of this country. It was shown that the location of Chicago
was very near the center of the population of the United
States, and that as the terminus of thirty-eight great rail-
roads it offered facilities for gathering visitors from all parts
of the nation superior to those possessed by any other city.
Second. Foreigners and Americans residing in the East
would enjoy an unusual opportunity to become acquainted
with the remarkable development of this country west of
the Alleghany Mountains.
Third. "The marvelous growth of Chicago from a
frontier camp to the active city of more than a million
souls, with a corresponding advance in commercial, indus-
trial, and intellectual activities, can best typify the giant
young nation whose discovery the projected fair is to
commemorate." *
* Resolution offered by Thomas B. Bryan, August i, 1889.
10 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
It was shown that while the city of New York was better
located for the convenience of foreigners, the holding of
the Exposition in that city would arouse among foreigners
but little desire to know our country, as most of them would
depart after having come only to our Atlantic border. It
was also urged that in Chicago, more readily than in any
other city, could a site be secured which should be adequate
to the purposes of the Exposition, together with accommo-
dations for the comfort and convenience of visitors within
a reasonable distance of such site. The truth of these
representations, and particularly of the last, was abundantly
proven by the issue.
The two most important tasks undertaken by the pre-
liminary organization were, first, the development of a
sentiment throughout the country which would insure the
location of the Exposition in Chicago by a proper act of
Congress; second, the raising of a fund sufficient to estab-
lish confidence in the ability of the city to carry out the
plan. In furtherance of the first task, missionary work
was carried on in the several States. At many places
addresses were delivered in favor of Chicago, and persistent
efforts were made to win public sentiment in sections
which had been indifferent or hostile. In the city "State
associations " were formed composed of former residents
of various States, but then living in Chicago. These asso-
ciations undertook to influence sentiment in their native
States.
The campaign culminated at Washington when the
claims of four cities New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and
Washington were considered and voted upon by the House
of Representatives. The vote resulted in a triumph for
Chicago. For the accomplishment of this result great
credit is due to George R. Davis, who conducted the campaign
at Washington, and who, by reason of his experience in
PRELIMINAR Y ORGANIZA TION. \ i
public life, was able to direct the work most efficiently.
His efforts were seconded by Edwin Walker, subsequently
solicitor-general of your company, who aided in this cam-
paign and afterward assisted in drafting the law providing
for the Exposition. In this work many other distin-
guished citizens participated, and permanent headquarters
were maintained in Washington for a number of months.
The second task presented equal difficulties, and for its
accomplishment the credit is due chiefly to Otto Young,
through whose persistent efforts a most successful canvass
was made, resulting in a few months in the securing of over
28,000 subscriptions, ranging in amount from $10 to $100,000.
In this work D. K. Hill and a number of other citizens
took a prominent and effective part.
In addition to the two lines of operation above referred
to, the preliminary organization availed itself of the ser-
vices of Edward T. Jeffery and Octave Chanute, who, in
the interest of Chicago, visited the Universal Exposition
in Paris in 1889, and, after careful study for several months,
prepared upon it a report which was published and used
in the work of the World's Columbian Exposition.
The verdict of Congress having been given in favor of
Chicago, an act providing for "celebrating the four hun-
dredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Christo-
pher Columbus, by holding an international exhibition of
arts, industries, manufactures, and the products of the soil,
mine, and sea, in the city of Chicago, in the State of Illi-
nois," was approved by the President of the United States
on April 25, 1890. This act will be referred to later. The
work of the preliminary organization closed with the first
meeting of the stockholders of the "World's Exposition of
1892," held on April 4, 1890.
It would be impossible within the limits of this report
to do justice to the services of all those who participated
12 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
in the different lines of work which culminated in the
selection of Chicago as the location and your company as
the agent for holding the Exposition. It was a cause
which excited the interest of all patriotic citizens, and led
them to labor unceasingly upon anything that would be
likely to affect the general result. For a long time public
interest was greatly aroused and "The World's Fair"
began to occupy a large amount of space in the daily
papers. Glancing through the files of these we can refresh
our minds as to the state of feeling that existed in our
midst during this preliminary work. Our citizens looked
upon the coming quadro-centennial of the discovery of
America as an opportunity for this city to vindicate its
position as a great center of industrial and intellectual
activity, and by reason of the eagerness for this oppor-
tunity the citizens were willing to do everything within
their power to make the event worthy of the nation.
CHAPTER II.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY.
A CORPORATION had been formed, composed of
nearly thirty thousand stockholders, or subscrib-
ers to the capital stock, drawn from every walk
of life. The subscriptions had been given out
of the abundance of the capitalist, the competence of the
business man of moderate means, and the salaries and
wages of the poor, all being animated by public spirit and
a feeling of pride in their city. Few expected to receive
back any considerable amount of their subscriptions. The
hope was expressed that, after every requirement to do
honor to the occasion had been fulfilled, some payment
might be made at the close of the Exposition, as in the
case of the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, in 1876,
when about one-third of the amount subscribed was
returned, but no one expected that the management of
the Exposition would be modified on this account. Never-
theless, this hope would have undoubtedly been realized
but for the financial panic which the Exposition encoun-
tered shortly after its gates were opened. In the face of
this, however, 10 per cent of the subscriptions have been
returned to the stockholders.
In response to a call for a meeting of the stockholders
several thousands gathered at the building known as
Battery D, upon the lake front, on the morning of
April 10, 1890. The meeting was presided over by Mayor
Cregier, and James W. Scott was chosen secretary. It
was an enormous and unwieldy body, and had some
(13)
I 4 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
difficulty in perfecting an organization. The first step
necessary was the election of a board of directors.
Proposals for the election of a board of forty-five
were urged on one hand and for a board of seventy-five
upon the other. Finally it was ordered that a board of
forty-five be chosen, and the meeting proceeded to elect
this board. Nearly all the stockholders were present or
were represented by proxy.
The following directors were chosen:
Owen F. Aldis. Cyrus H. McCormick.
Samuel W. Allerton. Andrew McNally.
William T. Baker. Joseph Medill.
Thomas B. Bryan. Adolph Nathan.
Edward B. Butler. Robert Nelson.
William H. Colvin. John J. P. Odell.
Mark L. Crawford. Potter Palmer.
DeWitt C. Cregier. J. C. Peasley.
George R. Davis. Ferdinand W. Peck.
James W. Ellsworth. Erskine M. Phelps.
John V. Farwell, Jr. Eugene S. Pike.
Stuyvesant Fish. Martin A. Ryerson.
Lyman J. Gage. Anthony F. Seeberger.
Harlow N. Higinbotham Charles H. Schwab.
Charles L. Hutchinson. William E. Strong.
Edward T. Jeffery. Charles H. Wacker.
Elbridge G. Keith. Edwin Walker.
Rollin A. Keyes. Robert A. Waller.
Herman H. Kohlsaat. John R. Walsh.
Marshall M. Kirkman. Charles C. Wheeler.
Edward F. Lawrence. Frederick S. Winston.
Thies J. Lefens. Charles T. Yerkes.
Otto Young.
In selecting this board, the leading spirits in the move-
ment aimed to choose, from among the prominent citizens
and representatives of various interests, men of recognized
business ability who could be counted upon as having
both the time and the inclination to labor in behalf of
the proposed Exposition. The latter qualifications were
considered the most essential, and gentlemen of great
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY. 15
prominence and capacity in several instances withdrew in
favor of younger men who could more easily be drawn
upon for hard service. The president feels ' it within his
province to recognize the wisdom shown in the selection
of directors, and desires to add his tribute to the industry
and personal sacrifice of those who were chosen.
The first meeting of the Board of Directors was held
April 12, 1890, at the Sherman House. Edwin Walker
was chosen chairman of the meeting, and the first acts
were the appointment of committees on finance and by-
laws.
The choice of the Board for president fell upon
Lyman J. Gage, at that time vice-president of the First
National Bank of Chicago, the only doubt being as to his
willingness to undertake the task in addition to his already
heavy responsibilities. Mr. Gage was chosen president on
April 30, 1890, and on the same date Thomas B. Bryan
was chosen first vice-president, and Potter Palmer,
second vice-president. Mr. Bryan assumed many of the
active functions of the executive in order to relieve Mr.
Gage as far as possible. On May 6th the Board elected
William K. Ackerman auditor, and Anthony F. Seeberger
treasurer. The secretary's office was not filled permanently
until July u, 1890, when Benjamin Butterworth, then a
member of Congress from Cincinnati, was elected secre-
tary. In the meantime the duties were performed by
Director Rollin A. Keyes. By-laws were adopted, which
provided for certain committees with jurisdiction over
various branches of the work.
These committees were appointed by the president as
follows:
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
Ferdinand W. Peck, Chairman.
Elbridge G. Keith. John R. Walsh.
John J. P. Odell. Otto Young.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
COMMITTEE ON GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.
DeWitt C. Cregier, Chairman.
Owen F. Aldis. Potter Palmer.
George R. Davis. Eugene S. Pike.
Joseph Medill. Charles H. Schwab.
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
Edwin Walker, Chairman.
William T. Baker. George R. Davis.
William H. Colvin. Frederick S. Winston.
COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL AND STATE EXHIBITS.
Erskine M. Phelps, Chairman.
Samuel W. Allerton. Edward T. Jeffery.
John V. Farwell, Jr. Anthony F. Seeberger.
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN EXHIBITS.
William T. Baker, Chairman.
James W. Ellsworth. Thies J. Lefens.
Harlow N. Higinbotham. Martin A. Ryerson.
COMMITTEE ON CATALOGUE AND PRINTING.
Rollin A. Keyes, Chairman.
Mark L. Crawford. Cyrus H. McCormick.
Herman H. Kohlsaat. Andrew McNally.
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION.
Stuyvesant Fish, Chairman.
Marshall M. Kirkman. William E. Strong.
J. C. Peasley. Charles C. Wheeler.
COMMITTEE ON FINE ARTS.
Charles L. Hutchinson, Chairman.
James W. Ellsworth. Robert A. Waller.
Potter Palmer. Charles T. Yerkes.
COMMITTEE ON MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES.
Adolph Nathan, Chairman.
Edward B. Butler. Robert Nelson.
DeWitt C. Cregier. v Charles H. Wacker.
COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS.
Otto Young, Chairman.
Edward B. Butler. Edward F. Lawrence.
William H. Colvin. Cyrus H. McCormick.
Stuyvesant Fish. Andrew ''McNally.
Harlow N. Higinbotham. Adolph Nathan.
Rollm A. Keyes. Charles H. Wacker.
Herman H. Kohlsaat. Robert A. Waller.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY. 17
These committees were created to cover every feature
of the work which, at the time, it was supposed the com-
pany would be called upon to perform. No committee on
awards was appointed because, by the Act of Congress,
jurisdiction over awards was clearly withheld from the
company and given to the World's Columbian Commission.
In other cases the functions of certain of these committees
were found to clash with the powers of the World's Colum-
bian Commission, as interpreted by the members of that
body. In some cases the committees became inactive, except
that the chairman of each was a member of the Execu-
tive Committee. The latter was clothed with the entire
powers of the Board when the Board was not in session.
The committees on Grounds and Buildings and on Ways
and Means were charged with functions which required
sessions almost daily for three years. The Committee on
Finance took charge of the general financial policy of the
company; the Committee on Legislation, of matters con-
nected with the National and State legislation relating to
the Exposition and the legal questions which arose. The
Committee on Foreign Exhibits took steps to awaken an
interest abroad, and the Committee on Catalogue and Print-
ing (subsequently Press and Printing) to awaken interest
at home. The Committee on Transportation began the
work of providing transportation facilities between the city
and Jackson Park, and making arrangements for the traffic
department, including the handling of exhibits coming by
rail to the Exposition. The Committee on Fine Arts began
at once a quiet canvass to ascertain what could be done
in this field, using the greater energy and discretion, because
it had been urged by critics that in this field Chicago would
be able to accomplish little.
On June 12, 1890, a special meeting of the stockholders
was called, at which the name of the company was changed
1 8 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
from the "World's Exposition of 1892" to the "World's
Columbian Exposition," in view of the Act of Congress
which rendered the former name unsuitable. The Act
provided for the holding of an Exposition in 1893, and, as
it recognized this company as the active organization,
responsible for performing the heaviest tasks contemplated
in the law, the change of name was necessary to conform
to the spirit of the Act. At the same meeting the author-
ized capital stock of the company was increased from five
millions of dollars to ten millions of dollars. This measure
is part of the financial history of the company described
in Chapter VI.
The World's Columbian Commission held its first meet-
ing on June 26, 1890, and from this date began a series of
differences between that body and the Board of Directors.
These differences were usually conducted in a spirit of for-
bearance and courtesy, but they delayed the work and at
times imperiled the success of the enterprise.
These matters are set forth in Chapter VII.
CHAPTER III.
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.
THE organization of your Board occurred three
years prior to the date fixed for the opening of
the Exposition, a time far too short for the
purposes in view. It became the most impor-
tant immediate duty of your Board to choose a site,
perfect plans, and begin the work of construction.
The selection of a site was made difficult by rivalries
and contentions such as might be expected under the
circumstances. Sites were tendered upon the north,
west, and south sides of the city, and the Committee
on Grounds and Buildings undertook to inform itself
speedily upon the adaptability of each site offered.
With this contention grew up a plan for using the area
known as the Lake Front, a strip of vacant ground 310
feet wide and 5,830 feet long, lying between Michigan
Avenue and the tracks of the Illinois Central Railway,
which separated it from the shore of Lake Michigan, and
extending from Randolph Street to Park Row or Twelfth
Street. This land, though scarcely improved, had been
assigned for park purposes. It had been made by filling
the margin of the lake from the east side of Michigan
Avenue to the railroad, which then was carried upon
piles at some distance from the shore. It was thought
that this strip could be enlarged by filling from the
railroad track outward to the dock line established by
the United States Lake Survey, thus giving an area of
about two hundred acres for Exposition purposes. While
(19)
2O REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
this area was not considered sufficient, it was thought
that the most important features of the Exposition could
be located upon this site and the remainder placed upon
another site at Jackson Park. It was even thought
practicable to fill an area sufficient to provide for the
entire Exposition upon the Lake Front. Many favored
this idea, in spite of the serious objections to it. Its
friends were willing to attack grave difficulties, for the plan
offered many attractions for the Exposition, with per-
manent resulting benefits to the city. Had it been possible
to locate the entire Exposition at the Lake Front, the
comfort of a large proportion of the visitors, who would
have been saved much travel, and the permanent benefit
to the city derived from the location of a magnificent
park close to the heart of the business district, would have
been advantages worthy of great sacrifices. When the
scheme involved a division of the Exposition upon a dual
site, its failure was inevitable, although, as we all remember,
those of us who favored the location upon the Lake Front
were slow to realize the fact.
On June 28th the Board of Directors adopted a resolu-
tion that the Lake Front, increased to at least three
hundred acres, be adopted as the site for the World's
Columbian Exposition, subject to concurrence by the city
of Chicago. The Committee on Grounds and Buildings
was instructed, if the World's Columbian Commission should
approve, to proceed at once with the necessary prepara-
tions. In the same resolution the Board of Directors
pledged itself that, if necessary, more space would be pro-
vided. The germ of the dual site was contained in this
resolution, for it was apparent that sufficient space could
not be found by filling the lake to the Government dock
line. The War Department would not consent to filling
beyond that line. On July i, 1890, the Board passed a
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 21
resolution adopting the Lake Front and Jackson Park as
the site for the World's Columbian Exposition, declaring
the intention " to make as large a use as may be possible
of room now existing, or that may hereafter be gained,
on the Lake Front, and to use Jackson Park, as far as may
be necessary, to provide adequate room and buildings for
the Exposition."
It can be truthfully said that while this resolution was
adopted unanimously, no one regarded it as a final adjust-
ment of the question of site. Obstacles to any use of the
Lake Front for Exposition purposes appeared in the oppo-
sition of the property owners upon Michigan Avenue to
the erection of buildings upon this area, and in the heavy
expense incident to the filling of so great an area as was
contemplated in the plan.
Meanwhile the Jackson Park site, at first adopted for
the purpose of accommodating the overflow from the con-
tracted area of the Lake Front, was carefully considered,
and negotiations were made to secure from the South Park
Commissioners a tender of ground in the South Park
system sufficient to answer the utmost needs of the great
Exposition, if it should be found necessary to abandon the
Lake Front entirely.
In the latter part of July, 1890, at a special session of
the Legislature of the State of Illinois, called to consider
matters relating to the Exposition, an act was passed author-
izing the commissioners of the various park districts about
Chicago to grant, for the purposes of the Exposition, the
use of any of the park areas under their control.
A working staff of experts became necessary for properly
carrying on the work of the Committee on Grounds and
Buildings, and this committee, under authority from the
Board, appointed F. L. Olmsted & Co. consulting land-
scape architects, Abram Gottlieb consulting engineer, and
22 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Burnham & Root consulting architects. The committee
also appointed a board of physicians consisting of Dr.
Hosmer A. Johnson of the south division, Dr. Oscar
De Wolf of the west division, and Dr. Fernand Henrotin
of the north division of the city. These appointments
were made for the "purpose of advising the committee as
to the physical features of the sites offered, the approxi-
mate cost of preparing them for occupancy, their suscep-
tibility of proper drainage, the cost of erecting the
Exposition buildings thereon, and the hygienic conditions
accompanying them."*
The scope of the site question was again enlarged.
Your Board was not in a position to appropriate from its
funds the amount necessary for filling the space required
at the Lake Front, unless it could be reimbursed therefor
by the city, which reimbursement the city declined to
undertake. The portion of Jackson Park which had been
adopted as a part of the site was the unimproved portion,
including about 500 acres, the improved area at the north
end of the park and the Midway Plaisance, connecting
this park with Washington Park, being withheld. It was
thought that less than 400 acres could be made available
for Exposition purposes in the unimproved portion. Your
landscape architects reported that this area could not, by
reasonable expenditure and within the time practically
fixed, be made to accommodate satisfactorily the entire
Exposition. The landscape architects further stated that
even the addition of the Midway Plaisance would not
make Jackson Park a satisfactory site for the entire Ex-
position.
Therefore, on August 19, 1890, the Board of Directors
declared that unless enough area could be made available
*Report of the Committee on Grounds and Buildings, September 8, 1890,
Document No. 80, secretary's office.
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 23
within a reasonable cost to accommodate the whole Expo-
sition in Jackson Park, another location should be secured,
such location, if adopted, to possess the merit of having
at least 400 acres available for use, so as to accommodate
the whole Exposition if necessary. The Board of South
Park Commissioners was urgently requested to tender the
use of Washington Park and the Midway Plaisance in
addition to Jackson Park, thus giving up the whole South
Park system to the Exposition. On August 26th the
Board of Directors named September gth as the date for
the final settlement of the question of site. On this date
the Committee on Grounds and Buildings submitted a
final report containing a careful statement of the advan-
tages of each site, and a thorough treatment of the diffi-
culties which the committee had encountered. By this
time the South Park Commissioners had enlarged their
original tender so as to include all of Jackson Park and
the Midway Plaisance, an area of about 650 acres. This
was all the space which the Exposition finally occupied,
although subsequently efforts were made to secure Wash-
ington Park, also, from the fear that otherwise the area
would not be sufficient for the extensive plans which were
being outlined.
At the meeting of September 9, 1890, the question of site
was reopened. A formal ballot was taken in which twenty-
one votes out of thirty-five were cast for "Jackson Park
and the Lake Front," the other fourteen votes being scat-
tered for the several north or west side sites. This vote
shows that the use of the Lake Front, notwithstanding the
well known obstacles, was still seriously entertained.
The Act of Congress providing for the Exposition
required that the site should be accepted by the World's
Columbian Commission. The members of the Commission
looked with little favor upon the plan of a dual site, neither
24 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
were they willing to accept Jackson Park and the Midway
Plaisance as sufficient for the purpose. Nevertheless, the
Commission, at its meeting of July 2, 1890, formally accepted
the dual site. This acceptance did not end the contention
any more than did the various votes of the Board of Direct-
ors upon the same subject. It was one of those questions
that would not stay settled until it was settled properly. I
make this remark with no intention of reflecting upon the
position taken by any director at the time, having been
myself for a long time in favor of the Lake Front idea.
The Board had twice, on July ist and September pth, by
formal vote, declared in favor of the dual site, enlarged in the
second case by added area in Jackson Park. Each time the
Commission had acquiesced, but the second time it made
a request that the Board of Directors obtain from the
South Park Commissioners the use of Washington Park
also. This was subsequently done, but with the condition
that if any considerable portion of Washington Park should
be used the improved part of Jackson Park should not be
used. Several ordinances were adopted by the South Park
Commission to complete the formal tender of the various
portions of the site. These were coupled with conditions
requiring your company to give a bond in the sum of
$100,000, conditioned upon the restoration of the park to
the commissioners at the close of the Exposition in as
good condition as received, the removal of the buildings
and debris, and compensation for damages. As a matter
of fact the portion of Jackson Park upon which most of
the buildings were located was certain to receive consider-
able improvement from the work of your company, as it
consisted mainly of low and marshy areas partially covered
with water, together with sand dunes and ridges. The
growth upon it consisted mainly of native scrub oaks, of
little value for park purposes.
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 25
These difficult questions were handled by the Com-
mittee on Grounds and Buildings, and great credit is due
to its members for the careful consideration which they
gave to them. In these deliberations over the site months
of valuable time were lost and the success of the Exposi-
tion was to that extent endangered.
From this time, September 9, 1890, efforts were made to
push the work rapidly forward, but the starting was very
slow and difficult. In October an attempt was made to
designate, by formal resolution of the Board, the portions
of the Exposition which should be located upon the Lake
Front, the Committee on Ways and Means pledging itself
to secure the funds required to do the piling and filling
necessary for enlarging the area to about 150 acres. Mean-
while the Committee on Grounds and Buildings took a
decisive step by making plans for the prosecution of work
in Jackson Park for that part of the Exposition which, in
any event, would be there located.
The Act of Congress provided that, before the President
of the United States should issue his proclamation setting
forth the time and place of the Exposition, and should
extend an invitation to foreign nations to participate
therein, he should be notified by the World's Columbian
Commission that provision had been made for grounds
and buildings for the use of the Exposition, and that ten
millions of dollars had been provided, to be used and
expended for its purposes. Great anxiety was felt that
this proclamation and these invitations should be issued
at the earliest moment. Before this could be done it was
necessary that the Commission should accept the site
tendered by your company, and approve the plans and
specifications of the buildings. A third condition was the
securing of ten millions of dollars from bona fide sub-
scriptions or other legally binding means. The first con-
26 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
dition was complied with by the selection of the Lake
Front and Jackson Park; the third had been satisfied, as
will appear in Chapter VI. The term "plans and specifi-
cations" taken literally would have postponed the Presi-
dent's proclamation at least a year. The term was not
taken literally, and that which was accepted by the Com-
mission consisted of a paper in which the expert advisers
of the Committee on Grounds and Buildings set forth a
general scheme for the improvement of Jackson Park and
the Midway Plaisance as the principal site for the Expo-
sition.
This paper was the first outline of the scheme for the
Exposition grounds and buildings as finally developed.
It provided that parts of the marsh were to be dredged
and other parts filled, thus creating a lagoon with an
outlet upon the lake shore, an island to be covered with
native wood, affording a charming natural landscape to
relieve the formal treatment of other portions of the
grounds; the lagoons to be continued south by a canal,
passing the principal buildings, into a large basin, forming
a court around which the principal buildings of the Expo-
sition should be grouped. It provided that this canal and
basin should be treated formally, with embankments of
stone and brick, with parapets and balustrades, and steps
and landings here and there, in contrast with the lagoon
at the north, the shores and banks of which were to be
left in a natural state. It provided in a general way for
working out the landscape features with turf, flowers, trees,
etc. The idea of a Court of Honor, now so familiar and
famous, was clearly indicated in this paper. Everything
which was afterward done was in harmony with the scheme
thus presented, and a natural development thereof. It pro-
vided that the buildings around the Court of Honor should
be impressive and treated classically. It named the Admin-
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 27
istration Building, the Machinery Hall, and the buildings
for Manufactures, Mines, and Electricity, placing them sub-
stantially as they were finally located, and provided that
they should form, in design, a substantial and impressive
whole. North of this court the architecture should be of
a lighter character. The Government Building was placed
north of the Manufactures Building, and, across the lagoon
from it, the building for Fish and Fisheries. The Horti-
cultural Building was placed in the meadow in the north
or improved part of the park, where, afterward, the Art
Building was located. The specifications provided that
transportation lines should enter the park at the south-
west corner, although stations might be located at the
Midway Plaisance, and also provided for an electric
intramural railway passing around the grounds. It con-
tained the idea that visitors to the Exposition should
be brought by the various transportation lines and landed
inside the Administration Building, whence they would
pass into the grounds and secure their first impression
of the Exposition from the best possible point of
view. This idea was not carried into effect. The speci-
fications mention generally the subjects of electricity,
steam, gas, sewerage, and water supply, and close with a
promise that the Lake Front would be dealt with as
soon as it was determined how much land would be there
required.
It is hardly possible to say too much in praise of the
men who, grasping the possibilities of the situation with-
out dismay at its difficulties, evolved a plan so broad as
this; a plan necessarily elastic, but containing the germs
of grand ideas which, developed in the spirit in which
they were conceived, realized a complete and splendid
success. These ideas, though quickly formulated, were
the result of the careful study and critical examination
28 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
which had been going on for several months. These
plans and specifications were adopted by the Board of
Directors on November 21, and by the World's Columbian
Commission on November 25, 1890.
In order to perfect the organization necessary for the
great work of construction, radical changes were made in
the staff of the Committee on Grounds and Buildings.
By the authority of the Board of Directors, the commit-
tee created a Construction Department, and appointed
Daniel H. Burnham, of the firm of Burnham & Root,
chief of construction. His partner, John W. Root, be-
came architect ; Abram Gottlieb, engineer, and Olmsted
& Co., landscape architects, all attached to the Construc-
tion Department. To work out the above plan and to
prepare the designs for the buildings was the next task.
The Committee on Grounds and Buildings considered three
methods of procedure:
First. That of inviting unlimited competition from
those who might desire to submit plans for buildings.
Second. A limited competition among a number of
architects to be selected by the committee.
Third. The selection of a few leading architects to
constitute a Board of Consulting Architects,, acting in
harmony, apportioning out the work among its members,
and consulting at various stages until the plans were
perfected.
The third plan was adopted.
The creation of the Board of Architects marks one of
the turning points of the Exposition. The adoption of
any other course for obtaining designs would have delayed
the work, and would have prevented that harmony in the
general outline which was so desirable. In a large meas-
ure the success of the architectural features of the Expo-
sition was due to the method adopted for securing the
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 29
designs. It is, therefore, of interest to know how the plan
for a Board of Architects originated. In his final report
as chief of construction and director of works, Mr. Burn-
ham says :
On December 10, 1890, the chief of construction drew up a memo-
rial to the Grounds and Buildings Committee. Mr. Olmsted made
some changes in its verbiage, and the whole was then rewritten by
Mr. Root, the arguments of the original and their order being strictly
adhered to. The chief of construction personally presented the docu-
ment to the committee. It was not signed, but he wrote the names
of his confreres in it in pencil before leaving the meeting, obtaining
their consent a few hours afterward.
This memorial discussed at length the several methods
by which architectural designs might be obtained, and
mentioned the friendly cooperation, mutual helpfulness,
and enthusiasm that could be evoked in such a body as
the proposed Board of Architects called together in the
spirit and for the purpose contemplated.
It was at first the intention that this board should
consist of five leading architectural firms of this country,
selected from outside the city of Chicago, and that their
task should be the designing of the buildings forming the
Court of Honor, leaving the remaining buildings of the
Exposition to be designed by other architects to be selected
later. Accordingly the Committee on Grounds and Build-
ings, upon the nomination of the chief of construction,
selected the following architects:
Richard M. Hunt of New York, George B. Post of
New York, McKim, Mead & White of New York, Peabody
& Stearns of Boston, Van Brunt & Howe of Kansas City.
Subsequently five Chicago firms were added: Burling &
Whitehouse, Jenney & Mundie, Henry Ives Cobb, Solon
S. Beman, and Adler & Sullivan.
This board met in Chicago on January 10, 1891. The
members visited the park and conferred regarding the
30 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
task before them. Before the board had fairly organized
and concentrated its attention upon the task, John W.
Root was striken with pneumonia and died. His death
caused universal grief in Exposition circles, in which he
was beloved for his genial character and esteemed for his
great reputation as an architect. His loss was felt to be
almost irreparable. The board paid a tribute to his mem-
ory by spreading upon its records a memorial apprecia-
tive of his great worth, his eminent genius, and his
exquisite taste, and of their grief at his untimely removal.
The services which he had rendered in designing the
Exposition were felt to be far in excess of the compensa-
tion which he had received during the brief period of his
employment, and the amount of his salary as consulting
architect for a year was paid to Mrs. Root in recognition
of this fact.
His partner, Mr. Burnham, has paid a tribute to
Mr. Root's memory in the report of the Department of
Works, which expresses more adequately than is in my
power his reputation as an architect.
During the first session of the Board of Architects
the Committee on Grounds and Buildings, as a preliminary
measure, instructed the Construction Department to pro-
vide in its plans and estimates that all the Exposition
buildings except the Art Building should be provided
for in Jackson Park, and to consider a location suitable
for an Art Building, should it be found desirable to place
that building there also.
The buildings were assigned to the architects as follows:
Administration Richard M. Hunt.
Agriculture McKim, Mead & White.
Machinery Peabody & Stearns.
Manufactures George B. Post.
Electricity Van Brunt & Howe.
Horticulture Jenney & Mundie.
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 31
Fisheries Henry Ives Cobb.
*Venetian Village Burling & Whitehouse.
Mines Solon S. Beman.
Transportation Adler & Sullivan.
By this time it had been decided not to use the Admin-
istration Building as a terminal station, but that a separate
building should be erected for this purpose.
The two features of the building scheme most important
to the success of the Exposition were the comprehensive
general plan adopted November 2ist, heretofore referred
to, and the fortunate selection of the Board of Architects.
It was arranged that this board should adjourn after appor-
tioning its work among the members; that the members
would then immediately prepare preliminary sketches for
their buildings and submit them at a second conference,
where these sketches would be examined, criticised, and
corrected; afterward complete general working drawings
would be prepared.
The architects were not to make calculations of strength
or stability, or to work out the engineering problems con-
nected with their structures, but only those problems
relating to artistic and economic design. After the prepa-
ration of the working drawings their work was to cease,
except that they were to give attention to the develop-
ment and execution of their designs sufficient to assure
themselves and the Committee on Grounds and Buildings
that their designs were executed in accordance with their
true spirit. For this service they were to receive their
necessary traveling expenses and the sum of $10,000 to
each architectural firm; $3,000 to be paid upon the com-
pletion of the preliminary sketches, $6,000 when the designs
were completed, and $1,000 when the buildings were com-
pleted. The architects reassembled in Chicago on Febru-
*A structure to be placed at the end of the great pier projecting into the lake,
east of the Court of Honor. This part of the plan was afterward abandoned.
32 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT,
ary 22d, bringing with them their preliminary sketches.
These were criticised and amended and were presented
to the Board of Directors on March 6, 1891. These sketches
served to inform the directors of the plans, elevations,
and general appearance of the buildings, and gave evidence
that the work was progressing satisfactorily. The Board
expressed its approval and instructed the Committee on
Grounds and Buildings to proceed with the work upon
the lines laid down.
About this time the Construction Department furnished
estimates of cost based upon the plans under consideration,
amounting to $12,766,890.
Meanwhile, on February nth, the Board of Directors
had taken action which laid the ghost of the Lake Front,
finally. Under the supposition that it would be placed
there, the Art Building had been left otherwise unprovided
for. In January a Budget Committee, consisting of eight
directors, had been created and instructed to prepare a
budget of estimates for all departments of the Exposition.
This committee, after much labor and careful consideration
of every sort of data upon which estimates could be based,
submitted a report. It estimated the amount of the
expenditures required for all branches of the Exposition
to May i, 1893, at $16,075,453, of which, as above stated,
$12,766,890 was for the preparation of grounds and the
construction of buildings. This estimate was given after
careful scrutiny of each item, with a view to reducing
the total of requirements to the lowest possible amount,
and was based upon the supposition that the entire Expo-
sition would be located in Jackson Park. The committee
pointed out the very evident fact that the attempt to use
even the limited area available on the Lake Front without
filling would undoubtedly increase the estimate at least a
million dollars.
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 33
The presentation of this budget to the Board represented
a distinct advance in the enterprise. It was- the first time
the Board had before it any comprehensive and reasonable
estimate of the amount of work to be done and of funds
to be expended. The magnitude of the task was unfolded
and the Board could adjust its measures in accordance
therewith. There was not a director who did not feel the
serious difficulties which the problem presented, and all
would have shrunk with dismay had they known how greatly
these figures would be exceeded within the next two years.
The gravity of the financial problem facilitated the task of
disposing of the Lake Front. The report of the Budget
Committee was adopted and thenceforward all attention was
concentrated upon Jackson Park, and every energy was given
to the accomplishment of the work laid out there. Daring
the following spring, while the work of dredging and filling
was being rapidly pushed at the park, the plans of the
buildings came in, one by one, from the distinguished
architects who had them in charge. In the Construction
Department these were promptly taken up and prepared
for contracts. This department extended itself rapidly as
the needs of the work increased. With little friction and
without delay sprang up around the chief of construction
that splendid organization which played such a great part
in the results achieved. The discipline and efficiency of
the force was greater than that of a veteran army, for it
was largely composed of intelligent, well educated, profes-
sional men, each one eminent and respected in his particular
line of work. The chief of construction possessed wonderful
enthusiasm, which he was able to impart to those about
him. He had success in choosing his assistants and lieu-
tenants. He had a capacity for attracting to him young
men of ardent temperament and unusual ability, whose
vigor and enthusiasm, when tempered with the discretion
34 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
of older heads, formed the best possible combination for
the purposes in view.
The dredging and filling, which must precede building
operations, was begun on February n, 1891. The great
dredges worked their way slowly through the channels
marked out for the future picturesque lagoons and threw
up on either side the sand and soil that some months later
became beautiful under the hands of the landscape archi-
tect. The marshes that lay but little above the level of
the lake were soon raised to proper grades, but even when
so much was accomplished it can not be said that the
appearance of the site was in the least improved. It
would be difficult to imagine a more barren and unsightly
spot than this gaunt, cheerless plain with the fresh earth
and sand scattered over its surface. The total cost of
excavating and filling was $615,254.36.
The first building upon which proposals for construction
were invited was that of Mines and Mining. Bids were adver-
tised for on May 14, 1891; the contracts were awarded nine
days later. During June, 1891, contracts were awarded for
the construction of the building for Manufactures and the
Liberal Arts, and for the Horticultural, Electrical, and
Woman's buildings; during July for the Administration,
Transportation, and Agricultural buildings. In August the
Fisheries Building was placed under contract, followed in
September by the quaint and interesting Forestry Building,
composed of timbers and natural logs of wood in the bark,
comprising every species of wood known in this country.
Machinery Hall and the Art Building were the last. Both
were contracted for in October, 1891.
The rapidity with which these plans were prepared,
placed under contract, and put under way is another evi-
dence of the energy and efficiency of the chief of con-
struction, and of his success as an organizer. The lateness
ND BUILDINGS. 35
of the time when the contracts were let for the Machinery
Hall and the Art Building was a serious misfortune. In
each case the installation crowded upon the heels of con-
struction and was delayed. This was particularly true of
the enormous power plant, but little of which was in opera-
tion on May i, 1893. The delays were, however, unavoid-
able. In the case of Machinery Hall they grew out of a
commendable caution upon the part of the chief of con-
struction, who deemed it advisable to have certain engi-
neering features of the plan revised and the strains
recalculated in order that perfect stability and security
might be insured. The Art Building was for many months
in an unfortunate predicament ; a sentiment prevailed
throughout the city that while so many millions were to
be expended for temporary buildings it was only just that
one of a permanent character should be erected, that
might remain as a memorial. It was urged that the Art
Building for the Exposition should be located upon the
Lake Front and become the property of the Art Institute.
The additional cost of making this building permanent
could, it was thought, be borne by the Art Institute. Few
who were identified with the Exposition enterprise could
look with favor upon the separation of this one building
from the others, and its location at a point seven miles
distant from the rest of the Exposition. The design of
the Art Building was delayed many months that this plan
might be considered. It was finally abandoned. Charles
B. Atwood, the designer in chief of the Exposition,
prepared the plans of the beautiful Art Building. It was
located in the great meadow in the northern part of
Jackson Park, the site previously assigned to the Horticul-
tural Building. It was constructed more substantially than
were the other buildings, both for the better protection of
the art treasures to be displayed within it, and with the idea
36 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
that, with some alterations, it might remain after the rest
of the Exposition had passed away. It was built of brick
and steel, and, like the other buildings, was covered with
staff. But little wood was used in its contraction, and it
was substantially fireproof.
For the admission of material into the park a spur
track was brought in from the Illinois Central Railroad,
and as the filling continued tracks were made to diverge
in every direction, so that building material was readily
delivered wherever it was most convenient for use. Mill-
ions of feet of lumber, thousands of tons of structural
metals, nails and glass by the car load, every kind of build-
ing material came into the park in unheard of quantities.
Thirty-six thousand four hundred and seven car loads of
structural material, coal, and supplies were received at
Jackson Park before July n, 1893.
The work of filling was begun with a few hundred men.
When the construction was fairly organized the number of
men employed in the park increased rapidly to more than
a thousand, and, as the work went forward, to several thou-
sands. The number employed at any one time can not be
given accurately. During the later months, when the con-
struction was nearly finished and the installation was vig-
orously progressing, from 12,000 to 14,000 workmen were
busily employed within the inclosure.
Shortly after the contracts were awarded for the Manu-
factures Building it appeared that the space which this
building provided would be utterly inadequate for the
accommodation of the departments of manufactures, liberal
arts, and ethnology. The external outline of this building
as it was finally constructed was the same as was first
designed. The original plan provided a suppressed iron
dome in the center and two interior courts, one to be
occupied by the leather and shoe trades building and the
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 37
other by a music hall. When it was realized that more
space must be secured, the plan of the dome and the inner
courts was abandoned and the entire inner space was placed
under one enormous roof supported by steel-trussed arches.
These arches sprang from the floor 206 feet into the air.
Their width was 360 feet. They supported a roof of steel
and glass, whose central ridge was 237 feet from the floor.
They were so connected by hinged bolts at top and bot-
tom as to adjust themselves to changes of temperature
without injury to the building.
Little can be said in these remarks regarding the
structural features of the Exposition. The brief mention
of the stupendous character of the Manufactures Building
is made to illustrate the rapidity qf action and the fertility
of resource, coupled with boldness and audacity, which
were the notable characteristics of the Construction Depart-
ment. The radical change in this structure, just described,
was determined upon and designed in a very few days
after the conditions which required it were fully under-
stood, and, unlike most radical changes in architectural
design, this change was successful from both an artistic and
a practical point of view. The enormous glass roof, at its
great altitude, presented certain serious objections and
very nearly precipitated a lamentable failure of at least a
portion of the Exposition. It might be unwise to repeat
this experiment, unless with many additional precautions.
The danger and damage from broken glass, the difficulty
of preventing the roof from leaking, and the snow from
forming avalanches of such weight as to crush the lower
roofs in their descent, are serious objections. As late as
April, 1893, the whole available force in Jackson Park was,
on more than one occasion, called into action to protect
exhibits from torrents of rain pouring through defective
or shattered roofs.
38 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
An interesting and important controversy occurred in
the spring of 1892 over the letting of contracts for the
arc and incandescent electrical lighting. This is worthy
of mention, although it is not the purpose of this report
to make a continuous record of even the prominent feat-
ures of the construction work. The almost successful
attempt of a combination of electrical manufacturers to
compel an enormous outlay upon the part of this company,
and the means by which the attempt was frustrated, are
subjects of especial interest.
The Electrical Department had been organized with
Frederick Sargent as electrical engineer. Great delay
was experienced in obtaining data upon which reliable
estimates could be made of the amount of electric lighting
which would be required. This difficulty was enhanced
by the lack of harmony between the two portions of the
dual organization, namely, the director-general's depart-
ments, under the World's Columbian Commission, and the
construction department, under the Committee on Grounds
and Buildings of your company. The first complete esti-
mate of the amount of electric light and power required
was obtained in January, 1892. Finally, in February, 1892,
the chief of construction advised the Committee on Grounds
and Buildings that he was ready to contract for the elec-
tric lighting for the various great buildings, the Midway
Plaisance, and the State and foreign buildings, and for
decorative lights. He was at once authorized to advertise
for proposals. The bids for arc lighting were presented
to the committee on March i5th. The only bid for the
entire work was from the Thomson-Houston Company
for 6,000 arc lamps at $38.50 each. This bid was exclusive
of wiring, which it was proposed should be done by the
Construction Department. Another bid for a part of the
whole amount was also considered. The bids were
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 39
promptly rejected by the committee. The price named
was believed to be excessive and much anxiety was felt
over the matter. The gross amount for arc lights would
be $231,000. Nearly all of the principal electric companies
of the country were at this time entering into a combina-
tion and forming the General Electric Company, and fear
was felt lest the prices for lighting would be advanced
and the Exposition company be made to suffer thereby,
especially as the contract for incandescent lighting, a work
of much greater importance than the arc lighting, had
not then been arranged for. Two days after the rejection
of the bids, when the committee was still considering this
important matter, a proposition was received from the
Standard Electric Company of Chicago to furnish the
apparatus for the arc lighting for $35 per 2,000 candle
power lamp, the company agreeing to take back the
apparatus after October 30, 1893, at the rate of $20 per
lamp, making the net price to the Exposition only $15
per lamp. This bid tended to relieve the situation. In a
few days an arrangement was reached whereby the arc
lighting was parceled out among several companies at
the rate of $20 per lamp of 2,000 candle power capacity,
thus effecting a saving of nearly 50 per cent. Contracts
were made with the Standard Electric Company and the
General Electric Company at the price named. The total
number of arc lamps furnished by them under these con-
tracts was 4,710.
Bids for incandescent lighting were received and con-
sidered early in April, 1892. At once the committee had
reason to suppose that the tactics employed by bidders in
the case of the arc light contracts were being repeated on
a larger scale. The estimated number of incandescent
lights required was 93,040. The various companies com-
posing the General Electric Company put in bids aver-
40 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
aging over $18 per lamp, which would have brought the
total cost of these contracts to the enormous sum of
$1,675,720. But the South Side Metal & Machine Works
of Chicago offered a bid for the entire work at $6.60 per
lamp. The other bidders had not supposed that this com-
pany would enter into the competition. The remarkable
difference between this bid and the others aroused much
attention. The figures spoke for themselves, and demon-
strated the attempt to obtain from your company an
enormous profit out of this contract. Action upon the
bids was postponed from day to day, while a subcommit-
tee investigated the bid of the South Side Metal &
Machine Works, and conferred with the officers of the
General Electric Company with a view to securing a
lower bid. It was learned that the bid of the South
Side Metal & Machine Company was supported by
George Westinghouse, Jr., of the Westinghouse Electric &
Manufacturing Company. The General Electric Com-
pany reduced their bid to $10 as against their former
bid of $18.49 P er lamp, and thence by stages the bid was
reduced to $5.95 per lamp. Thus was effected a saving
over the original bid of $1,227,771.76.
On April i4th the Committee on Grounds and Build-
ings received from its subcommittee a report presenting
the amended bid of the General Electric Company at the
rate of $5.95 per light, and an assignment of the bid of
the South Side Metal & Machine Works to the West-
inghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company. All of
the original bids were thereupon rejected, and the com-
mittee referred the matter to the vice-president of the
company, the writer, and the vice-chairman of the com-
mittee, W. P. Ketcham, with instructions to close a
contract for the incandescent electric lighting with the
General Electric Company under the emergency clause in
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 41
the by-laws. (This was a clause which authorized the
Committee on Grounds and Buildings to close contracts,
even for large amounts, without the authority of the Board
of Directors or its Executive Committee, whenever an
emergency requiring haste should arise.) Within the
next few days it became evident that the "bottom price"
had not been reached. Mr. Westinghouse, with his attor-
ney, took up the matter afresh with your vice-president,
urging that he had not had an opportunity to inform
himself sufficiently as to the plans as a basis for present-
ing a proper bid. After a careful consideration of the
subject, your vice-president who, in the absence of the
president, Mr. Baker, was acting president reported to
the Committee on Grounds and Buildings that, in his
opinion, an emergency did not exist, and that he deemed
it inexpedient to enter into the contract as directed by
the committee. The vice-president had already obtained
ample assurance that if the contracts were readvertised a
bid lower than $5.95 per light would be presented. The
committee authorized the chief of construction to adver-
tise again for bids for incandescent electric lighting. In
response the General Electric Company submitted the
same bid as before, and the Westinghouse Electric &
Manufacturing Company a bid for the entire service for
the gross sum of $399,000. The contract was awarded to
the latter company on May 23, 1892. The total saving
upon the contract for incandescent electric lighting was
$1,275,720. Adding to this the amount saved upon the
contract for arc lighting, we have a total saving of about
$1,386,720, a sum about equal to the entire surplus fund
which your company had on hand after winding up its
affairs. The difficulties involved in this matter were not
confined to questions of finance. The electric light plant
was to be of enormous size two or three times as great
42 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
as that in existence at the time in the business district
of the city of Chicago. Failure of the contractor to per-
form, properly, the stipulations of his contract would have
involved the Exposition in serious disaster. It is a pleas-
ure to add that the Westinghouse Company complied
fully with its contract, and performed its huge task in a
manner entirely satisfactory.
The Mechanical Department was closely allied to the
Electrical Department. The latter was naturally dependent
upon the former. Their development was upon parallel
lines and for a portion of the time both were in charge of
one officer. The amount of power and light which the
Exposition would require could not be definitely ascertained
in advance. Both the power plant and the lighting system
had to be so constructed as to permit great and frequent
enlargements as found necessary. Power and light were
naturally of vital importance to the needs of the Exposi-
tion, and yet, for perfectly natural causes, these departments
were often subordinated in matters of detail to artistic
requirements and the demands for exhibit space.
The Mechanical Department was organized with J.
C. Slocum as mechanical engineer, who entered upon the
discharge of his duties on March 2, 1891. The first esti-
mate was for a plant of from 15,000 to 20,000 horse power.
As finally completed the plant aggregated 29,830 horse
power. In the summer of 1891 a temporary power plant
was provided, to furnish light for carrying on work by
night. Besides this the temporary plant supplied power
for electric motors and operated pumps for fire protection.
The installation included engines which aggregated 830
horse power, two 500 horse power Babcock and Wil-
cox boilers, and three Worthington pumps capable of
supplying a million gallons of water per day. All the
boilers, engines, and pumps were furnished by the manu-
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 43
facturers free of cost to your company. The first engine,
as well as the first electric lights, was operated on October
29, 1891. The plant was located west of the Mines Building
and south of the building for Transportation Exhibits. It
was used continuously until April, 1893, when it was
removed.
The Henry R. Worthington Company offered to furnish,
under certain conditions, as exhibits, free of cost to the Ex-
position, four pumps of an aggregate capacity of 40,000,000
gallons of water per day, for the fountains in the Court
of Honor. This offer was accepted and subsequently two
additional pumps were accepted from the same company
for the purpose of forcing water to the roofs of the
highest buildings in case of fire. The boiler plant was
located in an annex, eighty feet wide, extending along the
south side of Machinery Hall. A similar house extended
along the annex to Machinery Hall. In these two buildings
were installed fifty-two boilers, aggregating over 20,000
commercial horse power capacity. For their use the
Exposition paid $5.33 per horse power, except in case of
some of the later contracts, for which $6.20 per horse power
was paid. The engines were located along the south side
of Machinery Hall and of its annex, adjacent to the boiler
houses referred to. They were supplied by the manufac-
turers as exhibits, free of cost to your company, except
that the Exposition paid the expense of operating them.
In all there were seventy-seven engines, aggregating 29,830
horse power.
The fuel used was oil. This was determined upon after
much deliberation as to the use of oil, or of coal, or of
gas to be manufactured on the grounds. A contract was
made with the Standard Oil Company for fuel oil at 70
cents a barrel prior to January i, 1893, and 72% cents
per barrel thereafter. The oil was received by pipe line
44 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
from the Standard Oil Company's station at Whiting, Ind.,
twenty-two miles distant, and was delivered into tanks
in the southwestern part of the grounds. From these
tanks it was pumped to the boilers under pressure deter-
mined by a standpipe. A large amount of machinery,
and devices of all sorts, for use in the Mechanical Depart-
ment were furnished free as exhibits.
Mr. Slocum resigned in March, 1892, and Frederick
Sargent, the electrical engineer, became mechanical
engineer as well. In February, 1893, Mr. Sargent resigned,
leaving to Charles H. Foster, who had recently entered
the service of your company, the difficult task of completing
the power plant in time for the opening ot the Exposition.
At the same time Richard H. Pierce became electrical
engineer.
The 2,000 horse power Allis engine was the only
one of the large engines in the incandescent plant which
was run on May i, 1893, but several others were started
during the same week. A few were delayed for several
weeks after the Exposition was opened. That this plant
was in condition at the opening of the Exposition your
company is indebted to the energy and ability of Mr.
Foster.
The Department of Water Supply, Sewerage, and Fire
Protection was organized in November, 1890, by the
appointment of W. S. MacHarg as engineer. The
task of this department was to supply water for drinking,
for domestic purposes, fire protection, mechanical uses, and
fountains, and to construct a system of sewerage which
would render the grounds habitable for an average popu-
lation of 200,000 per day, with the possibility of 600,000
on some days. To supply water for domestic uses and
fire protection the most economical and satisfactory
arrangement was to secure water from the neighbor-
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 45
ing Hyde Park tunnel and pumping station. This was
done by a contract with the city whereby the Exposition
agreed to erect two pumping engines at the Hyde Park
station, the city agreeing to purchase these engines at cost
when the Exposition no longer required them, and until
then to supply water to the Exposition at a sufficient
pressure, by means of these pumps, at the cost of pumping,
not to exceed $20 per million gallons. The capacity of
the engines was 12,000,000 gallons per day and they cost
$196,415.71.
The water for the fountains in the Court of Honor
was supplied by means of the Worthington pumps, here-
tofore referred to in connection with the Mechanical
Department, the pumps being erected south of the south-
east corner of Machinery Hall and supplied by a tunnel
five feet in diameter -and 165 feet long, taking water from
the south end of the south canal. Additional fire pro-
tection for the high roofs was also furnished from this
pumping station. About thirty-two miles of mains and
submains, from thirty-six inches to four inches in diameter,
were laid in the park.
As it was known that sickness, particularly typhoid fever,
had been caused by impure water at previous expositions,
and as there was much complaint as to the condition of
the water supply of Chicago at this time, arrangements
were made for supplying filtered water to the public from
100 Pasteur-Chamberland filters distributed at various
points through the grounds. In addition to this precaution
a concession was granted to the Waukesha Hygeia Mineral
Springs Company for the sale throughout the park of
water from springs in Southern Wisconsin. This water,
brought more than a hundred miles by a pipe line from
the spring in Waukesha, was received into a cooling plant
and thence distributed to convenient points, where it was
46 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
sold at i cent a glass. There were 167 booths for the
sale of this water and 372 taps for private delivery.
There were three systems for caring for sewage. First,
for the roof water, which was collected and discharged
directly into the lagoons or into Lake ; Michigan through
pipe sewers at the most convenient points. Second, the
roadways and grounds were drained of storm water by a
system of sewers discharging into Lake Michigan, each
system being provided with a pump well and pumps.
Third, sewers for domestic service, by means of which
sewage was pumped to the Sewage Cleansing Works in
the southeast portion of the grounds, where it was treated
with chemicals, solidified, and burned.
These systems were used in Jackson Park only. The
Midway Plaisance was drained into the city sewers.
A garbage crematory was erected near the Sewage
Cleansing Works and to it was brought all the garbage
collected upon the grounds by the teams of the Transpor-
tation Department, as well as the material from the Sewage
Cleansing Works, all being consumed without producing
any odor. From May gih to November ist, 5,009 tons of
garbage were burned, 90,116 gallons of fuel oil being
required for the purpose. In addition 1,854 tons of sludge
cake were burned, using 79,723 gallons of oil.
Fire hydrants were distributed throughout the grounds
and the floors of the great buildings. Standpipes for fire
protection led from the water mains to the roofs of all
the large buildings. They were supplied with hose-reels
and hose upon every floor, ready to furnish streams of
water at an instant's notice. A pressure of seventy-five
pounds per square inch was maintained upon the mains
connected with the Hyde Park pumping station, enough
to protect the roofs of the Exposition buildings to the
height of 100 feet. For protection above this height a
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 47
secondary system was constructed connected with the
Worthington pumps, upon which a pressure of 180 pounds
was maintained constantly. This pressure could be
increased promptly to 200 pounds per square inch, which
would have afforded forty pounds pressure upon the high-
est roofs. One thousand hand fire extinguishers were
distributed throughout the buildings, and concessionaires
provided over 800 more. The cost of standpipes, reels, hose,
and connections was $83,076.84. The amount disbursed
by the Exposition for water and sewerage was $944,492.20.
The details of the work of this department are fully set
forth in the admirable report of the engineer, W. S. Mac-
Harg, attached to the report of the director of works.
The Department of Transportation was ultimately
merged with that of Construction, but as its work is
closely allied to the events of the Exposition season I
have postponed reference to it, as well as to the Medical
Department, Fire Department, etc., until that stage in the
narrative of the company's work is reached. All of the
branches of the Construction Department and of its suc-
cessor, the Department of Works, are covered in the report
of the director of works and the reports of his chief officers
attached thereto. These documents are with the Exposition
files in the possession of the Field Columbian Museum.
The winter of 1891-92 was open and favorable. Owing
to this fortunate circumstance, and to the energy of the
officers, excellent progress was made. The Woman's Build-
ing was substantially completed by March 19, 1892. The
Mines Building was nearing completion at the same time, and
the dread of failure to accomplish the work within the time
given was lessened materially by these evidences of progress.
The needs of the World's Congress Auxiliary, a body
organized for the purpose of assembling congresses and
conventions in connection with the World's Columbian
48 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Exposition, required the provision of several large con-
vention halls. The plans of the Art Institute of Chicago
for a permanent memorial building had by this time
matured, and in its aid of this plan, on May 8, 1892, the
Exposition appropriated $200,000 with the understanding
that the Art Institute, with the assistance of this appropri-
ation, would construct a building at a cost of $600,000
which should be used by the World's Congress Auxiliary
for its purposes during the Exposition season and should
revert to the uses of the Art Institute at the close thereof.
Such in brief is an outline of the inception and the
early development of the work of construction. This report
can give but a faint idea of the work and can not be
expected to do justice even to its most prominent features.
For all the many details, it is necessary to consult the
reports of the director of works and of his chiefs, and
the records of the Committee on Grounds and Buildings.
This committee sat almost daily from the spring of 1890
until August, 1892. It was composed at first of Messrs.
Cregier, Aldis, Davis, Medill, Palmer, Pike, and Schwab.
Messrs. Medill and Palmer were soon succeeded by
Edward T. Jeffery and Robert A. Waller. Mr. Jeffery
became vice-chairman and presided at many of the meet-
ings in the absence of Mayor Cregier. The duties of the
committee were never more severe than during the first
year of its work, when meetings were held daily and often
extended far into the night. President Gage met regularly
with it, being ex officio a member. The sense of the grave
responsibility resting upon them caused all the members
to attend punctually and to give the work their undivided
attention, although at the great sacrifice of personal con-
venience. After the election of a new Board of Directors
in April, 1891, the membership of the committee was some-
what changed. Of the old members Messrs. Jeffery, Gage,
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. 49
Waller, and Schwab remained, and Edward F. Lawrence,
William P. Ketcham, and George W. Saul' were added.
Mr. Jeffery became chairman. During the year that suc-
ceeded, the work of receiving bids and placing contracts
for the major portion of the work was accomplished.
Before the close of the year, in the midst of the great
work over which he was presiding, Edward T. Jeffery
resigned to accept the presidency of the Denver & Rio
Grande Railroad Company, which required his removal
from Chicago. Lyman J. Gage succeeded him as chairman,
and William P. Ketcham became vice-chairman. The
vacancy in the committee was filled by the appointment
of Henry B. Stone, who had been elected a director and
whose presence on the Board and in the committee had
been earnestly desired.
Another change in the committee occurred during the
year. This was the resignation of Mr. Waller and the
appointment of Robert C. Clowry in his place. Mr.
dowry was chairman of the Committee on Electricity,
and it was found necessary to keep the electrical work
in close touch with that of the Committee on Grounds
and Buildings, and, therefore, Mr. Waller tendered his
resignation in order that Mr. Clowry might become a
member. Mr. Waller continued his arduous service as a
member of the Committee on Ways and Means, of the
Insurance Auxiliary Committee, and as chairman of the
Committee on Liberal Arts.
Mr. Stone, by his intelligent and active cooperation,
soon justified the opinion which had been held as to the
value of his services. In April, 1892, after an election of
directors, when the committee was reappointed, he became
the chairman, the other members being Messrs. Gage,
Ketcham, Lawrence, Schwab, Pike, and Clowry.
As the year 1892 advanced, and the buildings began
50 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
to take on the appearance of completeness, uneasiness as
to the future was universally felt. The success which
had been achieved in pushing the work rapidly forward
was due to superb organization and the effective control of
every instrumentality operative within the grounds. It was
felt that this unity of control was about to come to an end.
As the director-general and his exhibit departments moved
upon the situation for the purpose of accomplishing the
functions for which they were constituted, the committee
would necessarily cease to have that perfect control of the
situation necessary to maintain its present rate of progress.
Many anxious conferences were held. A relaxation of
energy at this time, it was felt, would be fatal. The finan-
cial problem was yet unsolved and was likely to prove a
burden sufficient to require all possible strength. It was
by no means clear that the work of construction, under the
best conditions, could be completed in time, especially as
during the approaching winter of 1892-93 the construction
and installation would have to proceed at the same time.
The members of the Committee on Grounds and Buildings,
confronted with the contingencies and dangers of the situa-
tion, felt that even if the price of efficiency was their own
effacement, they must pay the price. The deliberations
upon this subject finally led to the creation of the Council
of Administration on August 1 8, 1892. This will be referred
to in Chapter VII.
To the Council of Administration was given full
authority over both the director-general and the chief of
construction, subsequently called the director of works,
thus effecting that unification of control which had been
so earnestly desired. With the creation of this body the
splendid services of the Committee on Grounds and Build-
ings came to an end.
CHAPTER IV.
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS.
FROM the first the members of the Board of Directors
were keenly alive to the magnitude of the task
which the Act of Congress had laid upon them.
The attitude of foreign nations toward the Exposi-
tion could not be learned until they had been invited to
participate. The invitation of the President of the United
States could not issue until a site had been tendered and
accepted, plans and specifications of buildings approved,
and satisfactory guarantees secured to the effect that
$10,000,000 would be provided by your company "in ample
time for its needful use."
Two per cent of the subscriptions to the capital stock
was paid when the subscriptions were made, to create a
working fund for the use of the preliminary organization.
Soon after its organization the Board of Directors called
for a further payment of 18 per cent on or before the first
Monday in June, 1890. An engraved certificate was offered
as a premium for the payment of subscriptions in full,
with a view to save the labor of collecting the smaller
subscriptions by installments. Payments of this first install-
ment were made promptly and the company was soon
provided with a fund of over a million dollars.
The Board of Directors determined immediately to make
further efforts to increase the subscriptions to the capital
stock. For this purpose a meeting of the stockholders was
held on June 12, 1890, and the authorized capital stock of
(sO
52 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
the company was increased from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000.
At the same meeting the official title of the corporation
was changed from the "World's Exposition of 1892 " to the
"World's Columbian Exposition."
It was hoped that a considerable amount of additional
capital stock would be subscribed, thus increasing the
available funds of the company, but it was not reasonable
to suppose that, after the vigorous canvass of the city
made to secure the first $5,000,000, it would be possible
to go over the same ground and raise an equal amount.
The company was therefore compelled to look to other
sources for the remainder of the sum which Congress
by law required it to furnish. There was but one other
source, namely, an issue of bonds by the city in aid of
the Exposition. This was impossible under the constitu-
tion of the State, the city having already a bonded debt
as great as the constitution permitted. To accomplish the
desired result it was necessary to obtain an amendment
to the constitution. The situation was properly represented
to the Governor of the State, Hon. Joseph W. Fifer, who
thereupon convened the Legislature in special session on
July 23, 1890. The Legislature promptly passed a joint
resolution authorizing an amendment to the constitution
of the State and providing for the submission of the same
to the people of the State at the election to be held in
the following November. This amendment authorized the
city of Chicago to issue $5,000,000 of bonds in aid of the
World's Columbian Exposition. It received a substantially
unanimous vote of the people of the State. In presenting
the financial needs of the company to the Governor and
to the State Legislature many directors were active. The
newly elected secretary of the Board, Benjamin Butter-
worth, took up his duties at this point and labored
for the accomplishment of this work, aided by the presi-
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 53
dent, Mr. Gage; the vice-president, Mr. Bryan; the chairman
of the Committee on Legislation, Mr. Walker, and many
others. They met a ready, willing, and sympathetic response,
the State pride and enthusiasm of the Governor and the
members of the Legislature being fully aroused and equal
to the occasion.
The two committees of the Board of Directors charged
with the different branches of the financial problem were
the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Ways
and Means. It was really the duty of every director to
further the financial interests of the corporation in every
way in his power, and each one labored upon its details
in one way or another.
The Committee on Finance consisted of Mr. Peck, chair-
man, and Messrs. Gage, Higinbotham, Keith, and Odell. Its
duties related to the general direction and control of the
financial policy of the company.
The Committee on Ways and Means was a larger body,
composed of thirteen members. As first organized, it
consisted of Otto Young, chairman, with Messrs. Butler,
Colvin, Fish, Higinbotham, Keyes, Kohlsaat, Lawrence,
McCormick, McNally, Nathan, Wacker, and Waller. This
committee had charge of the details of the collection of
installments upon the capital stock as they were called for,
the raising of money by new subscriptions to capital stock,
the granting of privileges and concessions in connection
with the Exposition, and the arrangement of a system for
the admission of visitors during the Exposition season.
The difference between these two committees consisted
in this: The smaller committee, on finance, composed,
with one exception, of leading bankers, was an advisory
committee on the larger questions of financial policy. In
addition to this, it exercised general supervision over the
offices of the auditor and the treasurer. Its members kept
54 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
in touch with the larger stockholders of the company, and
especially with the banks of the city. It frequently met
for conference; it recommended to the Board of Directors,
from time to time, when installments upon the capital
stock should be called for. It was the center for the dis-
cussion of movements for the financial support of the
Exposition and of efforts to interest the National Govern-
ment in behalf of the enterprise.
The larger committee, on Way and Means, composed
of active business men engaged in mercantile and manu-
facturing pursuits, took charge of the work of soliciting
and collecting subscriptions to the capital stock, and map-
ping out the details for securing the largest financial
returns consistent with the dignity of the Exposition.
The Committee on Finance, anticipating the ratification
by the people of the State of the proposed amendment
to the constitution providing for the issue of bonds,
approached the city council and arranged for the details
of this issue. Immediately after the election the city
council adopted an ordinance directing the sale of
$5,000,000 of 5 per cent bonds, with the condition that,
before the proceeds of said bonds should be paid into
the Exposition treasury, $3,000,000 should be collected
from stock subscriptions.
In the meantime the Committee on Finance, with the
aid of the treasurer, had carefully examined the stock sub-
scription list, and made an estimate of the amount which
would probably be collected thereupon. In this estimate
they were assisted by a study of the payments made upon
the first installments, in the previous month of June.
It could not be expected that the entire amount would be
paid. On account of the large number of subscriptions
over 28,000 in April, 1890 and the great number of sub-
scribers for small amounts, whose ability to pay could be
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 55
destroyed by a small change of circumstances, it was but
reasonable to assume that a considerable portion would
prove delinquent, and that some part of this delinquency
could not be collected. The officers of the company and
the committee in charge were agreeably disappointed in
this respect. A considerable delinquency occurred at first.
This was greatly reduced from time to time until finally all
but 7 per cent of the total amount subscribed was collected.
Additional subscriptions to the capital stock had been
taken, so that when the city bonds were authorized in
November, 1890, the Committee on Finance was in a posi-
tion to state that whatever delinquency might occur would
be more than offset by new subscriptions, and that the
Board was sure of realizing $5,000,000 from this source.
This matter was submitted to the World's Columbian Com-
mission for investigation, in common with other matters
which the Act of Congress required that body to pass
upon, and the Commission, by resolution, declared itself
satisfied that an actual, bona fide, legally binding subscrip-
tion existed, from which the company would realize
$5,000,000; also that satisfactory guarantees existed for
$5,000,000 more, thus recognizing that the obligation placed
upon the city of Chicago by the Act of Congress was
fully complied with.
The financial requirements of the Act of Congress, as
well as the requirements as to site and plans, were brought
to a satisfactory conclusion in the latter part of November,
1890, and thus the Board was placed in a position to ask
for the issuance of the President's proclamation and of
the invitations to the nations of the world to participate
in the Exposition.
Although the Act of Congress imposed upon the city
of Chicago no further financial duty than the raising of
$10,000,000, the Board of Directors had no thought of
56 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
resting at that point. Such an Exposition as the dignity
of the occasion and the desires of the nation demanded
could not have been prepared for this amount. Fifteen
millions of dollars, it was thought, might do it, but those
who looked farthest into the future and studied the situa-
tion most carefully placed their figures considerably higher.
There was no pledge upon the part of the National
Government to aid the enterprise financially, beyond paying
the actual expenses of the National Commission and
providing a Government Building with an exhibit of the
various departments of the United States Government.
Nor was there any pledge or requirement of the city of
Chicago to furnish anything in excess of the $10,000,000
already provided. Nevertheless, the effort to obtain new
subscriptions to the stock was pushed vigorously. The
Committee on Ways and Means opened a bureau of
subscriptions, and additional subscriptions were taken at
all times during the preliminary period of the Exposition,
almost up to the time when the gates were opened. It
had been hoped that a considerable portion of the addi-
tional $5,000,000 of stock authorized might be secured, and
that thus the financial problem might be materially assisted,
if not fully solved. The total amount taken in subscriptions
did not greatly exceed $6,000,000, from which the company
realized, up to June 30, 1894, eight months after the close
of the Exposition, $5,614,425.86. It was, indeed, too much
to expect that so large a sum as $5,000,000 could be
secured for the enterprise from a community which already
had been canvassed and pledged for a like sum. In a city
so comparatively young as ours, and without the great
accumulations of wealth existing in cities of greater age, the
public spirit of the citizens was heavily taxed for the
amount which was secured and it was difficult to obtain
anything more.
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 57
As soon as the conditions precedent to the issuance of
the President's proclamation were satisfied, the work of
dredging" and filling Jackson Park begun, and the designing
of buildings placed in the hands of the eminent gentlemen
of the Board of Architects, the Board of Directors under-
took to ascertain, as nearly as possible, the true extent of
its financial problem. A Budget Committee was formed,
consisting of President Gage and Messrs. Baker, dowry,
Higinbotham, Jeffery, Keith, Peck, and Young. After sev-
eral weeks of careful deliberation, during which estimates
were received from the Construction Department embracing
every part of its work as it then appeared, and every
department under the director-general, as well as the cor-
porate officers of the company, the committee submitted
the following estimates, on February 20, 1891, to the Board
of Directors:
ESTIMATE OF AMOUNT REQUIRED BY THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSI-
TION FOR ALL PURPOSES UP TO OCTOBER 30, 1893.
Grading and filling . $ 450,400
Landscape 323,490
Viaducts and bridges 125,000
Piers 70,000
Waterway improvements 225,000
Water supply and sewerage.. 600,000
Railways (not including the Intramural Railway) 500,000
Art Palace 600,000
Agricultural Building 800,000
Passage between Agricultural Building and Ma-
chinery Hall. 30,000
Machinery Hall and Annex _ 1,200,000
Administration Building 500,000
Mines and Electricity 550,000
Horticultural Hall 400,000
Manufactures and Liberal Arts _ 1 ,500,000
Stock show, complete. 350,000
Transportation Building 375,000
Annex 100,000
Fisheries Building _ 240,000
Woman's Building _ 200,000
Music Pavilion _ 20,000
Main Colonnade 25,000
Entrances 50,000
Pier, Casino 50,000
Carried forward.. . $9,283,890
58 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Brought forward $9,283,890
Storage House and working force accommoda-
tions _ 25,000
Construction office 15 ,000
Police stations 20,000
Outside water closets 20,000
Plumbing, etc. , special for buildings 150,000
Water and sewerage for buildings. 75,000
Total.. .$9,588,890
Steam plant.... 800,000
Electricity 1,500,000
Miscellaneous (statuary on buildings, fuel and light during
construction, vases, lamps, decorative lamp-posts, and
seats) 178,000
Total for Construction Department $12,066,890
Lake Front Park (landscape, viaducts, fountains, statues,
etc.) 200,000
General expenses of Construction Department (salaries,
architects' fees, rents, labor, and material until build-
ings are removed) 500,000
ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION.
Departments under control of director-general. Salaries
and expenses:
Agricultural $ 88,225
Horticulture 91,975
Live Stock and Premiums 186,440
Fish and Fisheries 38,575
Mines and Mining... 66,025
Machinery.. 109,000
Transportation Exhibits 39,850
Manufactures 94,000
Electricity 83,000
Fine Arts 103,800
Liberal Arts.... 100,000
Ethnology and Archaeology... 150,000
Forestry and Forest Products 21,900
Publicity and Promotion 300,000
Foreign Affairs 300,000
Installation Department 50,000
Total for director-general's departments 1 ,822,790
Expenses of officers, departments, committees, and agencies
of the Board of Directors, including insurance, claims,
and contingencies 1 ,395,800
Expenditures of preliminary organization prior to April 4,
1890 89,973
Total for all departments of the Exposition to
May i, 1893 $16,075,453
Operating expenses May i to October 30, 1893... 1,550,000
$17,625,453
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 59
This was the first careful estimate which the Board had
been able to make, and was of value as a basis upon which
to shape the financial operations of the company, but, as
will hereafter appear, it fell short several millions of dol-
lars of the total requirement for the work. The estimated
expenditures for construction alone were $6,000,000 less than
the actual amount disbursed for that purpose, and operat-
ing expenses estimated at $1,550,000 actually amounted
to $3,540,037.41.
While the company had not the resources necessary to
meet its estimated expenditures, the directors decided that
the work must be carried on upon the lines laid down.
The estimates were made as low as possible, with due
regard to the dignity of the Exposition, and the directors
had confidence in their power to make provision for the
deficit before the necessity arose. For more than a year
to come the company would have resources with which to
meet its obligations, and in the meantime efforts could be
made to place the work in a proper light before the coun-
try, and arouse public sentiment to its support. Little
doubt was felt that aid from the National Government
would be forthcoming, provided the company fulfilled its
duty, administered its affairs properly, and carried the work
forward energetically upon the grand plans which had
been adopted.
As before stated, 20 per cent of the capital stock had
been called for by June, 1890. A second call was made
for 20 per cent payable June i, 1891, and soon after this,
as heavy payments began to fall due upon construction
contracts and for salaries and general expenses, a third
installment was called for, to be paid on September i,
1891. These installments, if paid in full by every stock-
holder, would have realized over $3,000,000, and would
have enabled the company to call upon the city govern-
60 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
merit for the proceeds of the $5,000,000 of the city bonds.
The inevitable delinquency of a part of the subscriptions,
which had to be collected by solicitors, and in some cases
through the courts, caused the amount to fall short of
$3,000,000. To reach the desired sum without calling for
a fourth installment, the Board offered a premium of two
tickets of admission for each share of stock paid up in full
before a certain date. This inducement was specially
intended to facilitate the collection of the small subscrip-
tions. The payments made in response to this offer
brought the desired result, and about the middle of Sep-
tember, 1891, the city government was requested to sell the
bonds and pay the proceeds into the Exposition treasury.
Three millions of dollars of its bonds were sold by the
city to Blair & Co. of New York, on January 7, 1892,
at par and accrued interest, to be delivered and paid for
as follows:
February 1, 1892 . ..$1,000,000
February 15, 1892 500,000
March 1, 1892 ... 500,000
March 15, 1892 ... 500,000
April 1, 1892 500,000
Blair & Co. also obtained an option to purchase the
remainder of the issue, $2,000,000, before a certain date,
and by August 2, 1892, the entire proceeds of the bonds
issued by the city for this purpose had been paid into
the Exposition treasury. Meanwhile the fourth install-
ment of 20 per cent upon the stock of the company was
paid in, April isth, and the fifth installment on June 15,
1892. Thus at the beginning of August the company had
gathered into its treasury all its available resources.
In the meantime steps had been taken which relieved
the situation and bridged over the deficit in the budget.
The early warning in February, 1891, that such a deficit
was inevitable had given the Board of Directors time in
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 6 1
which to act. This budget was published more than a
year before the payment of the last installment of the
capital stock, and eighteen months before the full amount
of the stock and the city bonds had been expended. The
utterances of Lyman J. Gage, first as president of the
company and afterward as a member of the Board of
Directors and of its Committee on Finance, kept this
difficulty clearly in the minds of the directors, and he was
tireless in urging the consideration of the problem and
devising means for its solution. At the close of his term
as president in March, 1891, he submitted to the Board of
Directors a report, embodying the budget estimates as
recently prepared and presenting concisely and clearly
the situation of the company. With eloquent and stirring
words he set forth the high and dignified character of the
enterprise in which the company was engaged. The
report carried with it, also, words of warning as to the
difficulties which beset your company, and his language
served as an index to the incoming Board of Directors
of the magnitude of the trust accepted by it. He pointed
to the fact that in providing more than $10,000,000 for the
enterprise, Chicago had fulfilled all the financial conditions
imposed upon her by the Act of Congress. He asked:
"Why, having done this, should this company assume the burden
and risk of creating an exposition to cost fifteen or sixteen millions of
dollars? Why not, instead, limit and restrict the undertaking to a cost
of $10,000,000, unless the National Government, or some other respon-
sible and equally interested party, shall first agree to provide the
difference ? "
In answer to this he replies:
"Neither the people of our city, of our State, of our country, or of
the world would be, or ought to be, satisfied with any exhibition that
will not worthily exemplify the progress of the world in art, science,
and industry, and which will not typify the highest achievements in
architecture, in art, and in all things which illustrate the utilization
by man of the resources and powers of nature."
62 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
He pointed to the fact that M. Berger, late director-
general of the Universal Exposition of 1889 at Paris, after
careful study of the conditions existing at Chicago, had
named $17,000,000 as his estimate of the capital needed
for this purpose, an amount which was in striking coinci-
dence with the total named in the budget given above.
Frequent warnings of a semi-official character had been
received that this company and the city of Chicago must
not expect aid from the National Government. The dis-
appointment of other cities which had competed for the
location of the Exposition was an additional reason for
doubt as to the possibility of securing aid from the
national treasury, yet it was the firm belief of Mr. Gage,
as of every other director, that when this company and
this city had met, and more than met, its fair share of the
enormous cost of this great work, in which every citizen
of the republic was interested, the generous recognition
and cooperation of those outside of our municipal bound-
aries could be reasonably demanded. Finally, if this
expectation should not be realized, there remained a last
alternative of carrying the enterprise through and com-
pelling the patriotic citizens of Chicago to bear the heavy
burden unaided. That this alternative would have been
met had the necessity arisen, no true citizen of Chicago
will doubt for a moment.
To foster the interest of the world at large in the
Exposition, a commission was sent to Europe in the
summer of 1891, just as the construction of the buildings was
fairly begun, and the diplomatic corps at Washington was
invited to make a visit to Chicago in a body to inspect the
work and the plans. The Department of Publicity and Pro-
motion used every effort to spread reliable information and
to create a favorable sentiment regarding the Exposition.
The Fifty-second Congress was to assemble in December,
FINANCE AND WA YS AND MEANS. 63
1891, and the Board of Directors determined that an appeal
to this body should be made with a view to securing proper
financial recognition. In preparation for this appeal, the
Committee on Grounds and Buildings, on August 31, 1891,
submitted a brief report, setting forth its operations to
that date, the organization of the Construction Department
and the work done thereby. This report is the next pub-
lished utterance as to the progress of the work after the
report of Mr. Gage made six months before. It marked
another stage in the enterprise, for in the meantime the
buildings, with two exceptions, had been placed under con-
tract and the work was advancing rapidly. Sufficient time
had not elapsed, however, to reveal the true proportions
of the enterprise and to show how inadequate even the
large amount named in the budget was destined to prove.
Nevertheless, something of the true situation was beginning
to be felt. While the figures of the budget of February,
1891, were quoted almost without change, they were not
looked upon as the limit of the expenditures.
The committee said:
"The scope of the Exposition has grown upon your committee as
the work has progressed. It has appeared to us that the preliminary
estimates of the cost of the work are entirely inadequate to such an
exposition as the people of the United States expect to be produced
under national auspices. The classification comprises exhibits on an
enormous scale, in departments heretofore either wholly ignored or
lightly treated in great expositions or made the subjects of special
expositions at great expense.
"At the Exposition of 1893 all branches of human industry will
be included, on a complete and comprehensive scale. This requires
that each department should have for its installation a building and
grounds such as have previously been considered unnecessary or impossi-
ble in great expositions. The area embodied in the Exposition grounds
will be nearly three times that of the greatest exposition heretofore held.
The separate departments of Agriculture, Electricity, Mines, Horticul-
ture, and Transportation especially will each be developed on a scale that
has not been produced even where they have been made the subjects of
special expositions.
64 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
' ' The great dimensions of the Exposition are not due to any extrava-
gant ideas of your committee, but are forced upon us by the comprehen-
siveness of the plan and scope set forth in the classification adopted
by the Commission, as authorized by the Act of Congress. Your com-
mittee, however, heartily concurs with the Commission that in the pre-
sentation of the Exposition, all features, whether relating to the compre-
hensive display of exhibits, the beauty of the grounds, the style of the
buildings, the convenience of visitors, facilities for transportation, deco-
rations, or general beauty, must, in order to keep pace with American
progress and enterprise, be in advance of any of its predecessors, and
the honor and dignity of the people of the United States demand that
all of these conditions be fully met. To do this, expenditures on a scale
larger than was originally estimated are necessary and, indeed, absolutely
indispensable. "
By this language the committee sought to show clearly
the fact that the Exposition company was not responsible
for the scope of the enterprise, but was simply endeavor-
ing to provide for a national undertaking that should be
adequate to the requirements of the classification of exhibits
prepared by the World's Columbian Commission, and that
some portion, at least, of the burden of this undertaking
should be borne by the nation at large.
The World's Columbian Commission, at its meeting in
the fall of 1891, gave its indorsement to the work, as under-
taken by the company, and adopted a resolution approv-
ing the project of appealing to Congress for a loan in aid
of the Exposition. The directors, however, had no inten-
tion of asking for a loan. They did not consider it proper
that the Government, in granting financial aid to this
national undertaking, after the city had expended over
$10,000,000 upon it, should receive in return a first lien
upon the proceeds of the entire investment. Further than
this, a loan of $5,000,000 secured by a first lien upon the
resources of the Exposition would have fallen short of
meeting the company's requirements by at least $2,000,000,
even under the budget of February, 1891, and at the same
time would have exhausted the company's capacity to
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 65
borrow. There was no need of going to Congress for this
kind of a loan. It could have been placed at home. What
the company insisted upon as the proper expression of the
financial responsibility of the Government toward the
Exposition was an appropriation in its aid without any
requirement as to repayment in other words, a gift.
In' December, 1891, both the Senate and the House of
Representatives appointed committees on the World's Colum-
bian Exposition. A bill was introduced providing for an
appropriation of $5,000,000 in aid of the Exposition. A
subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives visited Chicago on March 30, 1892,
and conducted an investigation in open session until April
8th. The committee then adjourned to Washington, where
the investigation was continued, and on May 20, 1892, pre-
sented to the House of Representatives a report which was
ordered to be printed. This report filled 689 pages of
closely printed matter and included estimates from several
standpoints as to the total receipts and disbursements of
the company. The magnitude of the report of this investi-
gation illustrates the great number and importance of the
operations already under way in connection with the
Exposition. This report includes an estimate of expendi-
tures to May i, 1893, amounting to $16,956,684.92, nearly
$1,000,000 more than the total of requirements in the budget
of February, 1891, prepared more than a year before.
This increase was made in spite of the most determined
efforts to cut down estimates to the lowest possible limit,
and to present to Congress the most favorable showing
consistent with the facts of the case. As a matter of fact
this estimate could very justly have been increased by a
large amount. On the other hand, the work was still in
that period of transition when parts of the plans were
being enlarged and changed from day to day, and when
66 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
it was more difficult to arrive at reliable estimates for the
various branches than either at the beginning or later
when the work had reached a more definite stage. Noth-
ing could be truthfully said of the situation except that
large and unexpected increases in the expenditures of every
department might be required to enable it to meet fully
the probable demands.
The report of the Congressional Committee closed with
the following tribute to the Exposition:
In closing this report your committee express, without reserve, their
confidence in the assured success of the Exposition. In every essential
feature it stands unrivaled in all time. Fifty-six nations and colonies
have accepted the invitation to participate in the enterprise, and have
appropriated $3,783,000 for that purpose. It is expected that twenty
other foreign nations will also be represented. Complete exhibits will
be made by all countries which promise attendance, twenty-six of which
will erect special buildings for their own displays. Thirty States and
Territories of our own Republic will erect buildings and make special
exhibits, for which $3,182,500 has already been provided. It becomes
obvious, therefore, that the expenditures of the local corporation, of
individual enterprises of the States and Territories, and of our own and
of all foreign governments, will reach the stupendous aggregate of not
less than $30,000,000* for Exposition purposes.
In its scope and magnificence the Exposition stands alone. There
is nothing like it in all history. It easily surpasses all kindred enter-
prises, and will amply illustrate the marvelous genius of the American
people in the great domains of agriculture, commerce, manufactures,
and inventions, which constitute the foundation upon which rests the
structure of our national glory and prosperity.
After the Congressional Committee had reported, vig-
orous efforts were made to secure an appropriation of
$5,000,000 in aid of the Exposition. The difficulties in the
way can scarcely be overestimated. They included every
kind of misrepresentation and criticism, often unjust and
arising from failure to appreciate the character of the
undertaking. Moreover, the political situation entered into
* The total disbursements of the Exposition Company alone to June i, 1894, were
$27,245,566.90. The estimate of $30,000,000 in the Congressional report as the total
expenditures from all sources was too small.
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 67
the case and complicated the difficulties of the task. A
presidential election was approaching, and public measures,
especially appropriations, were affected by their supposed
bearing upon this event. It was intimated that if the
company would accept a loan instead of a direct appro-
priation, this form of aid might be secured. The Board
of Directors rejected this proposition, and, moreover, refused
to be put in the attitude of suppliants for favor, rather than
that of persons conscious of the justice of their demands.
The struggle continued through June and July, and it
became apparent that the bill would not pass. The time
approached for Congress to adjourn^ and in the meantime
the company had entered into contracts in excess of the
total amount of its capital stock increased by the proceeds
of the city bonds. Deep anxiety was felt. Still there was
no thought of changing the request for an appropriation
to a request for a loan. The Committee on Finance quietly
conferred with prominent stockholders and wealthy citizens,
and had in hand a half -formed plan which provided that
in case the loan were tendered, it would be promptly
rejected, and the entire amount necessary for the purposes
of the Exposition be raised by a loan in Chicago.
Owing to the opposition a change of tactics was thought
advisable. After consultation among the friends of the
Exposition, a bill was prepared and introduced early in July,
1892, instructing the Secretary of the Treasury to have
coined, out of the uncurrent subsidiary coin in the Treasury,
five millions of dollars, in Columbian half dollars, the
devices and designs of which should be prescribed by the
Director of the Mint, said coins to be paid by the Secretary
of the Treasury to the World's Columbian Exposition, upon
estimates and vouchers certified to by the president and
by the director-general, "for the purpose of completing in
a suitable manner the work of preparation for inaugurating
68 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
the World's Columbian Exposition." In the House action
on this bill was delayed from time to time. In the Senate
the feeling toward the Exposition was more friendly, and,
as the outlook for action in the House of Representatives
became less promising, the Senate attached the souvenir
coin bill to the sundry civil bill and returned the latter
to the House with this amendment. Conference between
the two Houses ensued, and finally the House, by a small
majority, voted to instruct its conferees to agree to the
Senate's amendment. Just at this point occurred a most
remarkable case of "filibustering." A motion to reconsider
the vote instructing the House conferees to agree to the
Senate's amendment was made, and several days wore away
in dilatory motions and parliamentary tactics for the pur-
pose of tiring out the friends of the bill and defeating the
appropriation. Members were anxious for adjournment.
There was nothing to prevent but the sundry civil bill,
the passage of which was necessary to the conduct of the
Government. Had this bill passed without the souvenir
coin amendment, the friends of the Exposition could not
have held Congress together to pass an appropriation for
the Exposition. A day was fixed for adjournment, and as
the time drew near the anxiety to secure the passage of
the sundry civil bill increased. The Senate was stanch
in support of the Exposition measure. Finally, both
parties, weary of the controversy and suffering from the
intense heat of August in Washington, agreed upon a com-
promise. The Senate amendment was stricken from the
sundry civil bill and a bill was introduced for the appro-
priation of $2,500,000 in Columbian half dollars, instead of
the $5,000,000 named in the original measure. Both bills
passed without opposition and the souvenir coin measure
became a law by approval of the President on August
5, 1892. The appropriation was coupled with a con-
FINANCE AND WA YS AND MEANS. 69
dition that the Exposition should be closed to the public
on Sundays.
These 5,000,000 of half dollars would have yielded to
the Exposition, at par, only $2,500,000, and the measure
was a compromise consented to with a bad grace by the
enemies of the Exposition, and accepted with a like spirit
by its friends. Immediately afterward a plan was devised
for selling these coins at a premium, thus obtaining for the
Exposition something more than the par value of the issue.
The passage of this act cleared the financial horizon,
as, by the aid of the sum appropriated, it was possible to
obtain the amount still required to complete the work.
Upon the credit established by this appropriation and the
other financial resources of the company steps were immedi-
ately taken to float an issue of $5,000,000 of World's
Columbian Exposition 6 per cent debenture bonds. Four
millions of dollars of these bonds were authorized first,
with the proviso that the entire issue should not exceed
$5,000,000. Later the fifth million was also authorized.
In the fall of 1892 the Committee on Finance undertook
the double task of selling the Columbian half dollars at $i
each and floating this issue of bonds. A design was pre-
pared for the Columbian half dollars, bearing suitable
inscriptions, with a profile following the Lotto portrait of
Columbus upon the obverse and a Spanish caravel upon
the reverse. The time required for the preparation of the
dies and the minting of the coin delayed the delivery of
the first half dollars until winter. Nearly a million of
them were received during December, 1892, and after this
time they were delivered as rapidly as the mint could manu-
facture them.
Meanwhile the city was thoroughly canvassed for the
sale of bonds. They were taken by wealthy citizens and
by the banks. The latter agreed among themselves that
70 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
each bank would subscribe for bonds to the amount of 5
per cent of its capital and surplus. Upward of $3,600,000
were taken, dated November i, 1892. These bonds were
redeemable at the option of the company at any time after
May i, 1893, and payable absolutely on January i, 1894.
The company had the option of paying at any time upon
these bonds installments of not less than 20 per cent of
their . face.
It was found difficult to place any more bonds after
the amount named above had been taken. The financial
situation was becoming threatening throughout the country.
An uneasiness over the Government's financial policy and
a tightening of the money market were felt everywhere.
In fact, what is now remembered as the "panic of 1893"
was approaching. Nevertheless, the work must go on.
Payments upon contracts were being made at the rate of
nearly a million dollars a month, and this average was
expected to be maintained until the Exposition opened.
Previous to the passage of the bill appropriating the
Columbian half dollars, the auditor and the Committee on
Finance had undertaken to compile, from data presented
to them by the director-general, the chief of construction,
and other officers, a new budget of estimates which could
be relied upon as a statement of the total requirements for
all departments of the work. The Council of Adminis-
tration, to whom had been committed the functions of the
Committee on Grounds and Buildings, had found the budget
of February, 1891, totally inadequate. It had been out-
grown, was useless and, in fact, misleading. Some of the
buildings had cost less than the original estimates, but
numberless features of decoration and embellishment, and
very many small buildings and structures of all sorts, had
not figured at all in the first budget. A few instances will
serve to illustrate. The item of painting and decoration.
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 71
one of much importance, did not appear in the first budget,
except that under the head of " miscellaneous " an item of
$50,000 had been entered for vases, lamps, and decorative
lamp-posts. In August, 1892, painting and decorating was
set down at a total of $606,000, nearly $25,000 of which had
already been paid for, and $85,000 more was due on obliga-
tions incurred. In the first budget the items of grading and
filling, landscape work, viaducts and bridges, and waterway
improvements amounted to an aggregate of only $1,123,890,
whereas, in August, 1892, the estimates for grading and
filling, bridges, terraces, interior docking, walks and road-
ways, landscape department, and viaducts amounted to
$1,562,545.23. Statuary in the first budget was estimated at
$100,000. In August, 1892, statuary and the grand fountain
were estimated at $320,000. In the first budget no estimate
whatever was made for guarding the buildings and exhibits
prior to May i, 1893, probably on the theory that this item
would be inconsiderable before that date. The Budget Com-
mittee overlooked the fact that an efficient guard service
can not be created in a short time or without expense, and
in August, 1892, the estimate for the guard prior to May
i, 1893, amounted to $450,000. Piers in the first budget
were entered at $70,000; in August, 1892, piers and break-
waters amounted to $372,544.74. It may be remarked that
few of the estimates given above corresponded to the sums
actually expended for the items named, but proved to be
almost as defective as those which they supplanted.
The causes which prevented the making of reliable
estimates were two:
First. The entire lack of experience in your officers as
to the requirements of an Exposition of this magnitude.
Second. The well-known fact that artists and men of
highly cultivated artistic instincts are often not well adapted
for dealing with the practical details of business and finance
72 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
and of confining themselves strictly to a line and a limit
of expenditures. I make this comment without the least
desire to criticise any persons who were engaged in the work
of creating our Exposition. I feel that I am repeating- a
well-known fact, the truth of which none will dispute.
The budget of August, 1892, proved unreliable almost
before it had been finished and its total ascertained. Grave
oversights and startling omissions appeared, and the whole
had to be revised. Finally, on September 3oth, what was
thought to be a reliable budget was completed, showing an
estimated total for construction of $17,094,164.03, and for
all other branches of $2,343,663.13, making the total for the
Exposition from the inception of the work to May i, 1893,
$19,437,827.16. This budget showed an increase over that
of February 20, 1891, of $3,362,374.16.
The resources of the Exposition by which this expen-
diture was to be met were at this time estimated as follows:
From capital stock and city bonds $10,700,000
Sale of Exposition bonds. 4,000,000
Souvenir coins _ _ 2,500,000
Gate receipts prior to May i, 1893, interest
on bank deposits, etc'. 330,000
Total $17,530,000
This estimate showed a deficit of $1,907,827.16. This
sum was reduced by $422,000, being the amount which it
was expected would be received by the company for work
done for exhibitors, foreign and State commissioners, and
others, which amount the company subsequently collected.
To meet the net deficit the company had the reserve of
$1,000,000 of bonds previously authorized by the Board and
the premiums which it expected to receive upon the Colum-
bian half dollars. Thus the financial situation was by no
means hopeless, and had this budget marked the limit of
the company's expenditures, and had not Congress subse-
quently diverted a part of its appropriation, your officers
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 73
would have had but little cause for anxiety at any time
after Congress had made the appropriation of. the souvenir
coins. As a matter of fact, this budget, after being
approved, on October i;th, by the Committee on Finance
and by the Board of Directors, and passing into operation,
began to exhibit signs of weakness before the ist of Decem-
ber, and by the middle of that month the work of budget
making had to be done over again. The task seemed hope-
less. The directors were in the hands of the officers of
their Department of Works. This department was finely
organized; it had accomplished marvelous results; its de-
mands for appropriations had been promptly met, that it
might not be hampered in its great struggle against time.
But one purpose inspired your Finance Committee, your
Executive Committee, and your president, and this was to
support the efforts of the Department of Works and, at all
costs, to furnish the means with which to complete their
magnificent work. At the same time there was a feeling
that no matter how great we might make the total of our
estimates, it could not be relied upon as the limit of
requirement. The suspicion arose that details were some-
times withheld for presentation at a more convenient
season. This was groundless, it is true, but it was natural
that such suspicions should arise in the midst of the excite-
ment of the struggle to provide means.
On January i, 1893, a new budget was completed, the
total of which for the Department of Works was $17,668,-
604.95, an increase of $574,440.92. The most that can be
said of this budget is that it was about as reliable as that
which preceded it.
Under the agreement creating the Council of Admin-
istration (see Chapter VII) that body could expend no
moneys except such as had first been appropriated by the
Board of Directors or its Executive Committee. The
74 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
approval of the budget constituted an appropriation of the
amounts named therein, and when a budget item was
exhausted the Council had no recourse but to refer any
requests to the Executive Committee, with the statement
that the item to which the expenditure was chargeable was
already exhausted. These statements began to appear
frequently a month after the adoption of the budget of
September 30, 1892, and did not cease for more than a week
or two after the adoption of the budget of January, 1893.
From this time on these statements appeared with monoto-
nous regularity at each meeting of the Executive Committee,
and it usually occurred that, owing to the exigencies of the
work, the appropriation asked was for the payment of an
obligation which the director of works or some one of his
staff had already taken the responsibility of incurring. This
latter practice was most unbusiness-like and dangerous, and
yet could scarcely have been avoided at some stages of the
work. There was not a head of a bureau or division in
the entire Construction Department, from its chief down,
but felt that the Board of Directors would probably
pardon him for exceeding his authority providing he
accomplished his work, wherein a failure would have
been unpardonable.
Exposition bonds to the amount of $3,700,000 had been
sold. The proceeds melted rapidly away. About $400,000
in souvenir coins was received from the Mint by January
i, 1893. These were quickly disposed of at $i each
and the proceeds were paid out by the treasurer. After
this coins were rapidly received, but the demand for them
fell off. The caprice of the public in the matter of souvenirs
and coin collection had been counted on too heavily. Being
a caprice, it sprang up when not expected and disappeared
when it was relied upon.
In February, 1893, your company's finances received a
FINANCE AND WA YS AND MEANS. 75
severe blow from a quarter whence nothing but aid and
encouragement should have been looked for. The Congress
of the United States inserted in the sundry civil bill a
clause directing the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold
$570,880 of the souvenir coins until your company should
give security that it would defray the expenses of judges
and awards.
The subject of awards was wholly within the jurisdiction
of the World's Columbian Commission, and your company,
under the Act of Congress providing for the Exposition,
had no control over it nor responsibility for it. The Com-
mission, through its Committee on Awards, had prepared
plans and estimates for judging exhibits and making awards
thereon, and it asked for an appropriation from Congress
to defray its expenses, as in the case of other branches of
the Commission's work. The amount estimated by the Com-
mittee on Awards to be necessary was $570,880. Instead
of making an appropriation for the purpose, Congress
directed that an equal amount of souvenir coins be with-
held from your company until it gave security to the Secre-
tary of the Treasury that an appropriation of the amount
needed for this purpose would be made out of your com-
pany's funds.
The great injustice of this act can easily be understood.
The appropriation of $2,500,000 in aid of the Exposition
was made " for the purpose of aiding in defraying the cost
of completing, in a suitable manner, the work of prepara-
tion for inaugurating the World's Columbian Exposition,"
and by the terms of this act the money could be paid to
your company only upon receipted vouchers for work done
and material furnished, each voucher bearing the certificate
of your president and the director-general that the money
had actually been expended for such purpose. Upon the
credit of this appropriation, as a part of its available
76 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
resources, the company had sold $3,700,000 of bonds to aid
in the same work of completing the Exposition and was
attempting to sell $1,300,000 more of the same issue of
bonds. At this time, when the company was relying, almost
from day to day, on the remittances of souvenir coins to
replenish its treasury, Congress diverted this $570,000 of its
appropriation to a purpose not in any way connected with
the "completing of the work of preparation for inaugu-
rating the World's Columbian Exposition." Such a thing
could not have been attempted between individuals in the
great business world without speedy redress through legal
process. This act roused great indignation among the
citizens of Chicago. The recollection of it is still bitter to
the officers and directors who were compelled to bear the
additional burden thus laid upon your company in th.e hour
of its need. After carefully considering the action of Con-
gress thus referred to, the Board of Directors, on April 27th,
refused to make any appropriation for the work of judging
and awarding, taking the ground that to give the security
required by this last Act of Congress would create an
obligation inconsistent with the covenants contained in
the Exposition bonds. Subsequently the Secretary of the
Treasury decided that the amount of souvenir coins with-
held from your company by the Act of Congress could be
applied directly to defray the expenses of the Committee
on Awards, and thus the intention of Congress was made
effective without the acquiescence of the Board of Directors.
To meet the necessities of your company, made doubly
pressing by the Act of Congress just described, James W. Ells-
worth undertook to dispose of part of the Exposition bonds
among the railroad companies doing business in Chicago.
He had been appointed a member of the Committee on
Finance to fill the vacancy caused by the election of the writer
to the presidency. By his efforts, aided by those of other
FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS. 77
directors and leading stockholders as opportunity offered,
bonds were placed with the railroad companies as follows:
Pennsylvania Lines $ 140,000
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 100,000
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 100,000
Chicago & North-Western 100,000
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific 100,000
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern 100 ,000
Michigan Central 50,000
Illinois Central. 100,000
Chicago & Alton 60,000
Total $ 850,000
The railroad companies were induced to take these
bonds from a knowledge that speedy financial assistance
was necessary to avert a crisis in our affairs. The railroads
were interested in the success of the company both as
stockholders and as carriers, expecting to participate in the
business which it would produce in the event of success.
Nevertheless, in view of the menacing condition of the
country and the approaching financial storm, the promptness
with which these corporations responded to the demand can
scarcely be commended too highly. Frequently the treasury
ran very low and occasionally the treasurer would find
that the amount of vouchers on hand was more than enough
to exhaust his entire available cash balance. At such times
the avails of the bonds taken by railroad companies would
come just in time to avert the impending crisis. Finally
there remained unsold of the Exposition bonds $440,500.
These could not be disposed of in any way, because of the
stringency of the money market. But the Committee on
Finance was not yet at the end of its resources. A million
dollars in souvenir coins was on hand, the sale of which at
$i each was proceeding slowly. The banks of the city
agreed to take and hold these coins as a part of their legal
reserves, advancing to the Exposition the par value of the
coins as a loan. This loan was made by most of the banks
without any charge for interest.
78 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
The banks which charged no interest were the following:
First National Bank, Union National Bank, Commercial
National Bank, Continental National Bank, Metropolitan
National Bank, Northwestern National Bank, National
Bank of Illinois, Illinois Trust & Savings Bank, Corn
Exchange Bank, The Northern Trust Company, and
American Exchange National Bank.
This was the Finance Committee's last entrenchment,
and the amount received from this source was barely suf-
ficient to bridge over the period remaining.
It is impossible, in a cold recital of these transactions,
to convey a clear idea of the grave anxiety and the severe
strain upon the resources of every one connected with this
branch of the work. Of the gentlemen serving as directors
and especially of the members of the Finance Committee,
who assumed this task, in addition to the burden of their
private affairs, too much can not be said in praise. The
stockholders of your company and the citizens of Chicago
owe them a debt of gratitude.
When the money provided by the loan upon coins had
disappeared, the first of May was at hand, and the long
period of disbursement without earnings was at an end.
For three years, while we had been building, we had been
struggling to provide the means to reach with credit and
success the opening day of the Exposition. That day
dawned, and the first great financial problem, that which
related to the raising of the funds required to open the
Exposition, was brought to a final solution. I repeat that
one who had not shared in some way in that task can not
appreciate its gravity and the deep, heartfelt thankfulness
of those who had borne it when they saw the end of
their labors, and the great Exposition practically complete,
unfolding its noble and beautiful proportions to the eyes of
the world.
CHAPTER V.
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT.
THE great task intrusted to the Committee on Ways
and Means was that of arranging for privileges
and concessions of every kind upon the Exposi-
tion grounds. Other duties equally important
were intrusted to this committee, but none requiring such
constant and careful attention, nor any involving the same
amount of difficulty and differences of opinion.
By the term "concession" was understood every line
of business conducted upon the Exposition grounds, for
purposes of gain, whether the object of such business was
the comfort of the public or its amusement or entertain-
ment. "Privileges" were operations conducted by exhibi-
tors, involving the sale of articles on the grounds for the
purpose of exemplifying the process of manufacture, or of
illustrating more fully the exhibit in connection with which
the privilege was conducted; for example, the sale of the
product of a machine on exhibition, the sale being conducted
not primarily for gain, but to dispose of the product or to
lessen the expense of exhibition. Naturally applicants for
"privileges" were entitled to more liberal treatment than
applicants for " concessions," and they were not required to
pay as much for the license to operate.
How to collect from the holders of privileges and con-
cessions the charges exacted by your company was the
first important question.
Next to this and of equal importance was the question
of what concessions your company ought to license. The
(79)
8o REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
importance of this question was due to its bearing upon
the dignity of the Exposition.
Generally speaking the collection of charges could be
effected under one of two systems, the "percentage " system
or the "bonus" system. Under the first, the holders of
privileges and concessions would pay a percentage of their
receipts to your company. Under the second, they would
pay a fixed sum for the license to operate. I am inclined
to think that at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 but slight
importance was attached to the subject of concessions
as a means of raising revenue. Its total receipts from
privileges and concessions amounted to only $441,411.16,
while at the World's Columbian Exposition the receipts
amounted to over $4,000,000. The bonus plan was adopted
at the Centennial. At the Exposition at Paris in 1889 a
payment was exacted, based principally upon the number
of square feet occupied by the concessionaire and the
number of admissions at the Exposition gates on each
day; as, for example, a charge of so much per square
foot for every 10,000 gate admissions. This was on the
theory that the value of the concessionaire's space was
in proportion to the volume of his business, and that the
volume of his business was governed primarily by the
number of people upon the Exposition grounds. This plan
is a distinct improvement upon the bonus plan, as it enables
the Exposition to participate to a larger extent in the prof-
its of the concessions. Naturally, the fixed sum which the
concessionaire is willing to pay for a license to operate will
be less than could be realized by the collection of a just
proportion of his profits; for he must weigh in advance all
the chances of failure, and common business prudence would
cause him to be conservative as to the amount which he
would be willing to pay as a license fee or bonus.
The theory of the committee was that the closer
*lA*
OF THE
UNIVERSITY
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 8 1
the business relation between the concessionaire and your
company, the greater would be its share of the business,
if it were successful, and it was the duty of the committee
to grant no concessions except such as were likely to prove
successful business ventures. This theory had, of course,
its limitations. The company could not undertake to
share with concessionaires the net profits of their con-
cessions, because it could not control the expenses thereof,
but it was thought that the concessionaires might con-
tract to pay the company an agreed percentage of their
gross receipts, and if such agreements were made, it
would be the duty of the committee to provide for audit-
ing concessions and collecting the proper amounts. The
difficulty was to secure a reliable audit. This difficulty
was so great as to cause the committee to hesitate and to
doubt seriously the advisability of entering into such
arrangements at all. While the system of exacting per-
centages of gross receipts was never formally adopted as
a rule of general application, it was adopted in the first
important concession granted, that of the Egypt-Chicago
Exposition Company, and soon became the fixed policy
of the committee in all concessions. Some doubted the
wisdom of the policy, and it is not strange that such
doubts arose.
In adopting this policy the Exposition pinned its hopes
of realizing profit from concessions almost wholly upon
the man who would have charge of auditing their receipts.
If the company had failed to secure thoroughly efficient
service in this direction its losses would have been enor-
mous. Moreover, in the absence of experience in such
work, it might well be doubted whether it would be pos-
sible, even with a good organization, to collect the
amounts due under this system, and to prevent fraud,
not only among concessionaires but among their employes.
6
82 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
As to the danger of theft and fraud, a certain amount of
this was conceded to be inevitable, and the efforts of the
collector were directed toward reducing it to a minimum.
Moreover it was thought that the danger of loss by con-
cessionaires through the dishonesty of their own employes
would induce them to cooperate with us for their own
protection as well as that of the Exposition.
As to the difficulty of excluding concessions not in
harmony with the dignity of the Exposition, safeguards
were adopted which prevented most of the threatened
mistakes. Mistakes did occur, just as frauds occurred, but
probably not more seriously than usual at expositions.
In fact the criticisms and predictions of the enemies of
the enterprise and of our city were such as to arouse
a high degree of sensitiveness among directors as to the
dignity of the Exposition, and this feeling led to the
rejection of a large number of applications.
The consideration of the fitness of concessions at all
times outweighed the question of probable receipts there-
from. Concessions negotiated by the Committee on Ways
and Means were subject to the approval of the director-
general of the World's Columbian Commission, and to the
allotment of space for the conduct of the concession by
the Committee on Grounds and Buildings. By reference
to the director-general, possible objections from an exhibit
standpoint received consideration in advance, and by refer-
ence to the Committee on Grounds and Buildings for the
allotment of space the danger of interfering with the plans
for the order, decorum, and symmetry of the grounds were
weighed and considered. , Difficulties and misunderstandings
arose at times between these three authorities, namely, Ways
and Means, Grounds and Buildings, and the director-general,
particularly between the first two. Such misunderstand-
ings were inevitable between two bodies, one considering
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 83
the artistic and the other the revenue side of the same under-
taking. They ended usually in satisfactory compromises.
The first chairman of the Committee on Ways and
Means was Otto Young. During his incumbency con-
cessions received much preliminary consideration, but it
was as yet too early to think of granting any of impor-
tance, and, moreover, the committee's time was thoroughly
occupied with securing additional subscriptions to the
capital stock and, with the treasurer, in collecting the
installments upon the stock already subscribed. At the
first meeting of the Board after the election of directors
in April, 1891, Mr. Young resigned as director, on account
of the condition of his health, and James W. Ells-
worth, who, at the election, had been omitted from . the
Board at his own request, on account of the competition
among stockholders for the position of director, was chosen
to fill his place. Lyman J. Gage, who had just closed
his services as president, became chairman of the Com-
mittee on Ways and Means, and the writer became vice-
chairman. It should be explained that Mr. Gage's appoint-
ment to the chairmanship was against his wish, and for
the purpose of retaining him upon the Executive Com-
mittee. He did not serve actively with the Committee
on Ways and Means. This arrangement continued until
October 9, 1891, when Mr. Gage became chairman of the
Committee on Grounds and Buildings. Later the by-laws
were so amended that the ex-president of the company
was made a member of the Executive Committee. When
Mr. Gage resigned the chairmanship of the Committee
on Ways and Means the writer became chairman.
Formal applications for concessions of every kind were
received upon blank forms prepared for the purpose, which
were filed in tfce office of the committee, awaiting con-
sideration. These forms contained the following rules:
84 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
APPLICATION FOR CONCESSION.
REMARK: " Privileges " refer to the sale of such goods as are manu-
factured in order to illustrate a machine or process exhibited. ' ' Con-
cessions " refer to the sale of all goods and operation of attractions from
which the securing of revenue is the sole object of the lessees.
Applications to sells goods of any kind not manufactured on the
grounds, as the products of a machine or process exhibited, or lessees of
concessions for restaurants, soda water, cigars and tobacco, photographs,
guide books, rolling chairs, cut flowers, confectionery, bakery, lemonade,
messenger service, telegraph service, perfumery, and all other conces-
sions not named in above list, must apply to the Committee on Ways
and Means, setting forth the size of building, if special building is
required, in the column headed "Size of Building," or length and
breadth of space required, if located in any of the Exposition buildings,
under the head of "Space Desired." The Exposition management
reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications for conces-
sions.
GENERAL RULES TO GOVERN LESSEES OF CONCESSIONS.
RULE i. Lessees and such employes or assistants as may be nec-
essary for the proper conduct of the business will have full access to the
Exposition grounds, but they will be subject at all times to the general
rules and regulations of the Exposition, and shall enter at such gates
and at such hours as may be designated by the Exposition manage-
ment.
RULE 2. No business under any of the concessions shall be conducted
in other than a first-class, orderly manner. No gambling or games of
chance will be allowed anywhere within the Exposition grounds.
RULE 3. All buildings, stands, or booths leased or erected for
concessions shall be open at all reasonable hours to the inspection of the
director-general and such agents as may be designated by the Exposi-
tion management.
RULE 4. No transferring or sub-letting of any interest in the con-
cessions granted will be allowed without the written consent of the
Exposition management.
RULE 5. No employe or assistant of lessees of concessions shall
enter upon his duties until his name and address have been registered
in the office of the Committee on Ways and Means, who will designate
an official number, which shall attach to said employe or assistant, and
such number must be worn by said employe or assistant when on duty,
and used as the rules may designate.
RULE 6. All goods sold must be what they are represented, and no
deception will be allowed.
RULE 7. Wagon gates will be open at 5 A. M. and closed at 8.30
A. M. , for the purpose of admitting supplies to all those having conces-
sions; all supplies must be brought in between those hours. Only such
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 85
articles as are covered by the concession will be admitted without a
special permit.
RULE 8. All stands, counters, and fittings, together with all decora-
tions, to be erected at the expense of the lessee; plans of the above to be
subject to the approval of the director-general.
RULE 9. Solicitation for the sale of goods will not be allowed.
RULE 10. Concessions will be limited to a given number of the
same in each class or branch concerning which concessions are granted.
RULE u. Lessees will be required to keep their premises clean and
in complete order at all times, and shall not permit any violence, coarse
or insolent language, or unnecessary noise about their premises. Any
employe or assistants wearing the number assigned by the Exposition
management, appearing on the grounds at any time intoxicated, mak-
ing unnecessary noise, or using coarse or insolent language, will be
deprived of their number and be immediately and permanently expelled
from the grounds.
RULE 12. Persons procuring concessions to sell foreign goods will
be subject to the above rules in addition to the regulations issued by
the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States for the protection
and collection of the revenue.
RULE 13. Any person who attempts to sell or expose for sale, on
the Exposition grounds, or in any of the buildings erected thereon, any
article whatever, without having first obtained a concession for such
purpose, will be forthwith ejected from the Exposition grounds, and
prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
RULE 14. Any violation on the part of the lessees of any of the
rules governing the Exposition or concessions will make void their con-
tract at the option of the Exposition managers.
RULE 15. All lessees, assistants, and their employes must leave the
grounds within two hours after the close of the Exposition.
RULE 1 6. Persons procuring concessions will be required to furnish
the Exposition management with a good and sufficient bond for the
faithful performance of their contract.
RULE 17. The Exposition management reserves the right to amend
or add to these rules whenever it may be deemed necessary for the
interest of the Exposition and the public good.
Some portion of an Exposition must be assigned to light
entertainment for the amusement of visitors. The eye and
the mind need relief after the contemplation of vast exhibits
of the results of human activity and the triumphs of art.
The Exposition grounds were most fortunately adapted to
this purpose. The Midway Plaisance, a narrow strip of
ground projecting at right angles to the west side of Jackson
86 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Park, offered an admirable location for picturesque displays
characteristic of the customs of foreign and remote nations,
and for various forms of amusement, refreshment, comfort,
and rest, so grateful to those wearied with the exertion of
sight-seeing.
This narrow strip of land gave an opportunity for isolat-
ing these special features, thus preventing jarring contrasts
between the beautiful buildings and grounds and the illimit-
able exhibits on the one hand, and the amusing, distracting,
ludicrous, and noisy attractions of the "Midway." This
strip had been abandoned to the Committee on Ways and
Means at the outset and it is safe to say that it did not
occupy very much of the thought of the Exposition manage-
ment outside of that committee until the time drew very
near for opening the gates. During this time the entire
plan of the Midway underwent many changes. Often the
plat was completely filled up with concessions, only to see a
number of them drop out and the substitution of others in
their places.
Among the proposed features of the Midway, one most
fully discussed was a " Bazar of all Nations." This was a
plan for the opening of a grand bazar for the sale of
strange, interesting, and curious articles of all sorts and from
all quarters of the world, India, China, Japan, the South Sea
Islands, the Black Forest of Germany, Bulgaria and Rou-
mania, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Turkey, Persia, South
America, and Mexico, in fact from every land from which
curios and articles of vertu could be obtained. One of the
results expected from this plan was the restriction of the
sale of articles in connection with exhibits, so difficult to
accomplish in expositions. The plan was attractive and
might be made successful at a future exposition. It was
abandoned and the sale of curios was relegated to the several
characteristic "villages" of foreign nations in the Midway.
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 87
The articles sold, while generally interesting, were usually
small and inexpensive, and there were fewer objects of
rarity, great value, and artistic worth than could have been
desired.
The first important characteristic concession granted was
for a " Street in Cairo," conducted by the Egypt-Chicago
Exposition Company. This was also one of the most suc-
cessful of the concessions, the stockholders of the company
realizing more than 100 per cent upon their investment.
The admission fee was at first 10 cents, but the demand
became so great that the fee was raised to 25 cents. The
interior of the inclosure presented an interesting and credit-
able representation of a Cairo street lined with dwellings,
showing overhanging windows inclosed with quaintly carved
lattices, shops for the sale of wares and curios in great
variety, cafes, a mosque, a theater where dancing girls kept
time to characteristic music, a fountain, etc. The street
was filled with a motley throng of sight-seers, donkeys,
camels with their Arab drivers, flower girls, dervishes, jug-
glers, sword players, and now and then was resplendent
with all the glories of a wedding procession. It was vocal
with the cries of vendors, the yells of camel-drivers, the
shouts of the riders, and the merry laughter of all bystand-
ers. Probably no livelier or more mirthful scene existed
on the Midway, and few concessions were more popular or
profitable.
The erection of a steel tower of great height was
frequently proposed, and because such a tower was very
popular at Paris in 1889, the project received much con-
sideration from the committee. The objections urged to it
were the shortness of the time in which to construct it, the
difficulty of securing the large amount of capital necessary
for such a venture, and the fact that the scheme did not
possess the merit of originality. Nevertheless, a concession
88 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
for this purpose was granted and a location assigned, being
upon the east end of the Midway between Stony Island
Avenue and the tracks of the Illinois Central Railroad. The
work of construction was never begun, except that piles for
the foundation were brought and for a long time cumbered
the site, being removed only shortly before the opening of
the Exposition.
The special feature of this Exposition, which corre-
sponded in boldness and novelty more nearly to the Eiffel
Tower of the Paris Exposition of 1889, was the "Ferris
Wheel." This was an enormous wheel, 250 feet in diameter,
projected into the air, hung upon supports of steel frame-
work, by an axle 32 inches in diameter, 45 feet long, and
weighing 56 tons, said to be the largest piece of steel ever
forged, and to have cost $35,000. Upon the periphery of this
wheel were hung thirty-six passenger cars, each capable of
seating forty to sixty persons. The total weight of the
wheel was 4,300 tons. It was propelled slowly by link belts
underneath, engaging with cogs upon the circumference of
the wheel, and driven by engines of great power. At night
the wheel was brilliantly illuminated with 3,000 incandescent
electric lights, the electricity being developed by the same
engines which moved the wheel. Visitors were allowed to
ride round twice, the time consumed being about twenty-
five minutes, for a fee of 50 cents. The motion was slow
and pleasant, and the ride afforded a view of the Exposition
grounds and of the environs for many miles in every direction.
The contract under which the wheel was built provided
that the concessionaire was to receive from the first proceeds
the cost of the construction, not to exceed $300,000, after
which your company was to have one-half of the gross
receipts. The gross receipts from this concession reached
the maximum named in the contract early in September,
after which the Exposition began to receive its equal share.
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 89
The funds for this enterprise were supplied by an issue of
bonds, and the bondholders received back from the profits
the par value of their bonds with interest. In addition to
this, the stockholders received a dividend and the ownership
of the wheel, fully paid for out of the profits. The wheel
was not finished until six weeks after the opening of the
Exposition, and because of difficulties of construction, an
advance in the price of steel, and other causes, its cost was
said to exceed greatly the original estimate of $300,000.
The list of concessions located upon the Midway Plaisance
is as follows:
THE DIAMOND MATCH COMPANY Samples of its products.
THE IRISH VILLAGE OF THE IRISH INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION An
imitation of Blarney Castle.
WORKINGMEN'S HOME A reproduction of a model cottage such as
are owned by workingmen in Philadelphia.
INTERNATIONAL DRESS AND COSTUME COMPANY Young women wear-
ing costumes of various nations.
ELECTRIC SCENIC THEATER Views of Alpine scenery electrically
illuminated and showing changing effects from dawn to night.
ANSCHUTS ELECTRO-PHOTOGRAPHIC TACHYSCOPES Reproductions of
the natural motions of objects and animals.
LOG CABIN AND RESTAURANT Containing colonial relics and a
restaurant for old-fashioned New England dinners.
LIBBEY GLASS WORKS A large, complete, and very interesting
model glass factory.
COMPAGNIA VENEZIA-MURANO An exhibit of Venetian glass-blowing.
A SECOND IRISH VILLAGE A reproduction of Donegal Castle.
HAGENBECK'S ZOOLOGICAL ARENA COMPANY A remarkable exhibit
of trained animals.
i^ JAPANESE BAZAR.
VILLAGE OF SOUTH SEA ISLANDERS.
JAVA VILLAGE.
VIENNA BAKERY, CAFE, AND THEATER.
PANORAMA OF THE BERNESE ALPS.
GERMAN VILLAGE This contained a fine ethnographical museum
consisting of a rare and valuable collection of implements of war and
the chase, of periods beginning with the prehistoric and ending with
the renaissance. The building containing this museum was in the
shape of a castle chapel. In addition to this musuem there was the
village proper, containing characteristic houses of the different portions
of the German Empire. Besides this there was a concert garden and
90 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
restaurant halls. The garden was large enough to comfortably accom-
modate 8,000 visitors, and two fine German military bands one from
the infantry and one from the cavalry gave concerts daily. Their fine
physique, handsome uniforms, and excellent music lent an additional
charm to this very creditable concession.
EGYPTIAN TEMPLE.
STEREOPTICON VIEWS OF POMPEII.
PERSIAN PALACE.
BARRE SLIDING RAILWAY This was never operated. The project
was for a car supported on hollow iron shoes sliding upon rails, water
being fed into the cavity of the shoe and escaping between the rail and
the shoe during motion. The project failed, owing to defective man-
agement and lack of funds.
MOORISH PALACE.
MODEL OF EIFFEL TOWER on a scale of one-fiftieth.
PARISIAN ART GLASSWARE COMPANY.
FERRIS WHEEL Heretofore described.
ICE RAILWAY A sleighing or coasting track, 875 feet long, covered
with artificial ice and snow.
MODEL OF ST. PETER'S CHURCH OF ROME.
FRENCH PAVILION and Cider Press for the manufacture and sale
of cider from apples from France.
VIENNA CAFE AND RESTAURANT.
ALGERIAN AND TUNISIAN VILLAGE.
EAST INDIA BAZAR.
*^CYCLORAMA OF THE VOLCANO OF KILAUEA in the island of Hawaii.
AUSTRIAN VILLAGE AND OLD VIENNA A reproduction of that part of
Vienna known as "die Graben " as it appeared 200 years ago. The
appearance of mediaeval German house architecture upon the outside
was cleverly maintained and continued inside the inclosure, where
booths for the sale of Austrian and Hungarian curiosities and excellent
restaurants were located. In the center of the interior court, surrounded
by the most quaint and picturesque Vienna architecture, was a concert-
stand, where an excellent Viennese orchestra played. Here one could
secure a meal of characteristic Viennese cookery in the open air or under
the shelter of canopies, while listening to the concert. There was also an
interesting collection of antiquities, the whole effect being most charm-
ing and full of comfort. It soon became one of the most popular features
upon the Exposition grounds, particularly with residents of the city.
Soon after it was placed in operation, a fashionable custom grew up of
holding little dinner parties and reunions of all sorts in this restaurant,
and persons who had "done " the Exposition daily for weeks until the
interest of novelty had worn off, continued to come many times for the
purpose of " seeing the sights " f or a little while, and then settling down
to the enjoyment of the concert and restaurant and the picturesque fea-
tures of " Old Vienna," before fatigue had dulled the edge of enjoyment.
The admission to the inclosure was 25 cents.
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 91
CHINESE VILLAGE.
CAPTIVE BALLOON.
DAHOMEY VILLAGE.
BRAZILIAN CONCERT HALL Dances performed by natives from the
interior of Brazil.
LAPLAND VILLAGE.
CALIFORNIA OSTRICH FARM.
HUNGARIAN CAFE AND CONCERT PAVILION.
BULGARIAN CURIOSITIES.
COLORADO GOLD MINING Machinery illustrating the method of
gold mining.
UNITED STATES SUBMARINE DIVING COMPANY.
JOHORE BUNGALO Malayan curiosities.
GERMAN WIENERWURST HOUSE Nurnburg Bratwurst Glocklein.
CAMERA OBSCURA Exhibit of views transformed by the camera
obscura, of a portion of the Exposition grounds.
MOORISH MOSQUE.
AMERICAN INDIAN VILLAGE.
SITTING BULL'S CABIN.
OTTOMAN HIPPODROME Racing on dromedaries, Arabian sports
and horsemanship, dancing, feasting, and wedding ceremonies, show-
ing life in the wild East.
The foregoing is a list of concessions as they were
finally arranged upon the Midway Plaisance. Many of the
minor ones were not planned until after the Exposition
was opened. Many agreed upon as to terms never reached
the stage of a contract, or, if contracts were made, failed
to go into operation.
In August, 1892, when the writer became the president
of your company, Edward B. Butler, who had been vice-
chairman of the committee, and most active and efficient
in the conduct of the work, succeeded as chairman. He
entered upon the discharge of this duty just when all the
scattered threads were rapidly converging, when the strain
was growing intense, and the demand for ceaseless care,
labor, and attention imperative. Loyally and earnestly he
strove with the heavy task, neglecting his personal affairs,
fulfilling at the same time the duties of the chairmanship
of the Bureau of Admissions and Collections, an offshoot
92 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
of the Committee on Ways and Means, and serving as a
member of the committee in charge of the Bureau of
Public Comfort.
The concessions located upon the Midway were only a
part of those operated upon the Exposition grounds, while
the aggregate represents but a fraction of the work per-
formed by the committee. During the writer's incumbency
as chairman 233 propositions, and during Mr. Butler's chair-
manship 258 propositions, were considered. These do not
include the thousand varied applications received but never
formally considered by the committee.
Among the most important concessions operated in
Jackson Park were the following:
THE INTRAMURAL RAILROAD This was an elevated railroad extend-
ing around the north, west, and south sides of the park, operated by a
"three rail" electric system, and for 10 cents carrying visitors the
entire circuit of the grounds, except a part of the east side, left open to
preserve the lake view. The elevated position of the open cars gave an
opportunity for a most charming survey of the grounds and buildings.
THE ELECTRIC LAUNCHES of the Columbia Launch and Navigation
Company. These launches were propelled by motors operated by
electricity from storage batteries. They moved noiselessly through the
lagoons without smoke, steam, heat, or dirt, the mechanism being con-
cealed and leaving the entire boat open for the accommodation of
visitors. They offered a most charming means of making by water the
inner circuit of the grounds, serving as did the Intramural Railway for
the outer circuit. About sixty of these boats were provided, including
two for the president and the Council of Administration, one for the
director-general, and one for the director of works. The batteries were
charged at night at a station located in the South Pond, just south of
the Agricultural Building.
RESTAURANTS A general restaurant concession was granted to the
Wellington Catering Company, which operated restaurants and lunch
counters of various grades in most of the principal Exposition buildings,
in a structure erected for the purpose in the north part of the grounds,
and in one in the Midway. Besides these there were the Marine Cafe,
located near the Fisheries Building, in a picturesque house where
sea and lake food of all kinds were served; the New England Clam
Bake; a restaurant upon the roof of the Woman's Building; a small
restaurant over the Golden Door of the Transportation Building, after a
time discontinued because the lack of elevator capacity made the loca-
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 93
tion dangerous in case of fire; the Columbian Casino, in the building at
the south end of the Peristyle; the White Horse Inn, in the southern
part of the grounds; the Big Tree Restaurant, connected with an
exhibit of a large tree from California; and numberless pavilions for
the sale of tea, coffee, and chocolate, operated by various interests,
domestic and foreign, as privileges or concessions.
THE COLUMBIA ROLLER CHAIR COMPANY This concession was for
the operation of light-running, comfortable wicker rolling chairs, each
pushed by an uniformed attendant who was trained to be an efficient
and courteous guide. The corps was recruited from undergraduate
students of colleges and academies, who thus secured, in addition to
employment for their vacation, an opportunity of seeing the Exposition.
THE MOVABLE SIDEWALK This was an endless traveling platform,
with seats, located upon the great pier east of the Peristyle. It was
propelled at the rate of six miles an hour. Persons desiring to use the
sidewalk stepped first upon an outer platform, which moved at half
speed, and from this to the inner platform, which moved at full speed.
It was operated by the Multiple Speed and Traction Company.
It was the intention to limit the concessions in Jackson
Park to such as intimately affected the comfort and con-
venience of visitors, and therefore but few special attractions
were there admitted.
Among the few exceptions to this rule may be noted :
In the southern part of the grounds, a cave of the prehistoric Cliff
Dwellers, reproduced within an artificial mountain ; a most creditable
exhibit and eventually very attractive.
Upon the lagoons a number of Venetian gondolas, operated either
as cabs to be chartered by the hour, or for a fee for the circuit of the
lagoons. Also a number of steam launches which ran out into the lake
from the Grand Basin, or from the north and south entrances to the
lagoons.
In the South Pond was shown the old whaling bark, the Progress,
brought by water to Lake Michigan from New Bedford, Mass. It con-
tained a marine museum of considerable interest, which was shown for
a small fee.
From the foregoing it is evident that the collection of
percentages of gross receipts from so many concessions
involved enormous labor, a most perfect organization, and
great executive ability. To one not acquainted with sys-
tems for auditing perfectly every branch of business the task
94 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
would seem hopeless. It was grave enough at best. The
Exposition was fortunate in securing the services of a man
admirably adapted to this work in Paul Blackmar, superin-
tendent of collections, and for a complete and detailed
account of his department I refer to the valuable report
which he has submitted. His work will be referred to in
Chapter X.
A few suggestions for improvements in this department
are certainly in order. Doubt was frequently expressed
whether a committee organization was the best for the pur-
pose of granting concessions. In view of the success which
was achieved, one should be very slow to suggest changes ;
nevertheless, it would seem that if our superintendent of
collections had served us during the entire period when con-
cessions were granted, many of the vexations, inaccuracies,
mistakes, and confusions in concession contracts might have
been avoided. When we recall the misunderstandings
which arose, the losses which we sustained, and the troubles
which compelled the appointment of a Committee of Adjust-
ment to settle disputes with concessionaires and to get
them on a paying basis, there would seem to be some
room for improvement, of course without the hope of
avoiding all misunderstandings and disagreements, some
of which are sure to occur in work involving such an
infinite variety of details.
A smaller Committee on Ways and Means would seem
to have been better adapted to the work. It became
necessary, in the course of our committee's work, to reduce
the number for a quorum to five out of thirteen members
in order to permit the transaction of business. A com-
mittee of seven would probably have been better than
thirteen. A further improvement would have been the
organization of a bureau or department of concessions, in
charge of a chief, equal in efficiency and capacity to our
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 95
superintendent of collections. Attached to his office, or in
close proximity, should have been a talented, industrious,
painstaking attorney with sufficient experience to enable him
to perfect the details of a great variety of contracts, in the
framing of which he would be almost entirely without the
advantage of precedents.
With such an organization the following results might
be hoped for: The chief, with a proper force, receiving
and investigating applications for concessions, securing at
the same time from the construction department data as
to available locations, looking into the character and stand-
ing of would-be concessionaires and the possibilities of
the lines of business which they propose to conduct, would
submit the results of his investigations to a small com-
mittee, meeting daily, or at least four times a week, com-
posed of men equal in character and business qualifications
to the members of our admirable Committee on Ways
and Means. This committee would be relieved of the
attention to details which burdened our committee in the
consideration of concessions. It could concentrate its
attention upon the important elements of a problem, the
facts having been gathered for it in advance. If neces-
sary, it could send subcommittees of its own members to
visit countries to which concessions related, or could
delegate this work to commissioners appointed for such
and other Exposition purposes. Thus the hurry and con-
fusion, the makeshifts and temporary expedients, and a
large part of the misunderstandings which arose in the
conduct of our Exposition, might possibly be avoided.
Not the least important of the functions of the pro-
posed committee would be that of giving confidence to
the stockholders and the general public that, in the grant-
ing of concessions, no favoritism or corrupt practice could
by any possibility obtain. This result our Exposition
96 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
secured in the highest degree, for the character of its
Committee on Ways and Means placed its work above any
suspicion of partiality or dishonesty.
Under instructions from the Board of Directors, in
May, 1892, the Committee on Ways and Means undertook
to organize a Bureau of Public Comfort, and for that
purpose created a Board of Control consisting of Messrs.
Butler, Waller, and your president, then chairman of
the committee. W. Marsh Kasson was appointed chief
of the bureau. Mr. Kasson had had some experience in
this work at the Centennial Exhibition in 1876. He laid
out comprehensive plans for the proposed work. These
plans included a rooming department to provide lodgings
for visitors who might desire such assistance. The most
important task was to provide places on the grounds where
visitors could rest, eat lunches, procure light, inexpensive
refreshments, especially where women and children might
come to recuperate, thus preventing them from overtax-
ing their strength to an extent likely to send them home
ill through exhaustion, or to bring them into the emer-
gency hospital before the close of the day. It was planned
that such resting places would be established in various
parts of the grounds, and that some inexpensive articles,
such as fans, canes, photographs, souvenirs, cigars, etc.,
would be sold in these places, in addition to light refresh-
ments, thus providing certain features from which revenue
might be derived. An exclusive par eel- checking privilege
for the grounds was included in the scheme of public
comfort, but this was afterward made a separate concession.
Several unfortunate circumstances militated against the
Bureau of Public Comfort. Mr. Kasson, who entered the
service apparently in excellent health, and certainly with
a mind alert, active, and well schooled for the task which
he was to undertake, soon fell a victim to an organic
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 97
disease which caused him to withdraw from work. He
died before the Exposition was opened. The work was
continued by his assistant, W. P. Stewart. The plans of
the Bureau of Public Comfort were not well supported in
the Department of Works. The bureau was not thoroughly
understood and Mr. Kasson's illness prevented him from
getting into touch with the Department of Works in time
to have his plans thoroughly considered while the details
of the Exposition were being developed.
To the Bureau of Public Comfort was allotted a station
in the Terminal Building, one in the Casino, and a third
in a triangular building erected for the purpose just north
of the Woman's Building, and not far from the east end
of the Midway Plaisance. The headquarters were in the
Terminal Building, where adequate preparations were made
in cool waiting-rooms, with easy wicker chairs, toilet rooms,
and a piano. Attendants were always in waiting, and
those who succeeded in finding this station were always
delighted with it and loud in their praises of the thought-
fulness of the management. As the Terminal Building
was itself little used, this station of the bureau benefited
comparatively few people.
The station in the Casino was located on the first floor
of that building. On this floor the sides of the building
were mostly open, giving a view of the lake and of the
Court of Honor, and making a situation delightful in warm
weather, but less so in the colder days of the earlier and
later parts of the Exposition. The restaurant, which
occupied the upper floors of this building, failed soon after
the Exposition opened, and as relatively few visitors came
to the park by water, this station was only moderately
successful. The comfortable seats provided here were grate-
ful, especially on warm and crowded days, when the Lake
Front was very attractive and this station had fair patronage.
98 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
The third station in the triangular building was best
situated for the accommodation of the public. Unfortu-
nately the restaurant established here was not properly
managed. In spite of several efforts and the personal
attention of your president, this unsatisfactory condition
could not be remedied. There was a general air of slov-
enliness and everything was the reverse of attractive to
women and children, for whose comfort it had been spe-
cially designed. Attempts were frequently made to sell
beer, and noise and uncleanliness prevailed instead of the
order, comfort, and quiet repose which attracted to rest
in the Terminal Building.
Thus, to a large extent, the efforts of the Bureau of
Public Comfort became ineffectual. Its place was supplied
by other agencies. The Council of Administration ordered
benches and chairs capable of seating 30,000 people, and
directed that they be placed in various parts of the grounds,
especially in the Court of Honor. The concessions for
rolling chairs and camp chairs supplied other means of
rest. Then each of the State buildings became, to an
extent, a veritable public comfort station. Visitors natu-
rally sought the buildings erected by their respective
States. They made appointments to meet there. They
rested in the easy chairs in the rooms and on the verandas.
In some cases parcels were checked there, although in
violation of a concession granted by the Exposition man-
agement. This infraction of the rules could not be pre-
vented, although it made the checking privileges practically
worthless and laid your company open to an attempt to
collect damages. Through the courtesy of the concession-
aires this contingency was avoided.
The rooming department of the Bureau of Public
Comfort suffered likewise on account of the ill health
of Mr. Kasson. I am inclined to think that the man-
CONCESSIONS AND PUBLIC COMFORT. 99
agement of an exposition should not attempt to find
lodgings for visitors, a matter wholly without the scope of
the exposition and very difficult of satisfactory adjust-
ment. Very little demand for such a lodging bureau
appeared, the visitors manifesting in this, as in other
matters, a decided preference for taking care of them-
selves. Under the conditions prevailing in Chicago, where
accommodations for the multitude were largely in excess
of the probable demand, there was little danger of extor-
tion being practiced upon persons of ordinary intelligence.
I would hesitate to recommend such a feature in connec-
tion with an exposition unless it should become clearly
apparent to the management, in advance, that there was
danger of extortionate rates being exacted for lodgings,
or unless a general and firm impression existed throughout
the country that such extortion would be practiced. In
that case such a provision might have a beneficial effect.
In this connection it is well to remark that some inter-
esting facts as to the conduct of large assemblages of
Americans were learned by your officers during the course
of the Exposition work. It would be safe to assume always
that the intelligence displayed by a large gathering will
be less than the average intelligence of the individuals
composing it. Large crowds are susceptible to panic or to
bad judgment, and prone to become excited. Strangers in
a large city sometimes seem to have left all their prudence
and common sense behind them. Of all the things that
troubled the minds and imaginations of the Exposition
management directors, officers, and employes the fear
of panic, injury, loss of lives of visitors or employes, or
of extortionate practices which might give the city a bad
name, were the most constant and unremitting. To this
was due the creation of the Columbian Guard, numerically
stronger than the police force of New York or Chicago,
IOO REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
the unusual and expensive fire protection, and the efforts
to take especial care of the public comfort by means of
places of rest, and the employment of the best and most
modern facilities for caring for the sick or injured. The
extraordinary sewerage and water supply systems and de-
vices for detecting impurities and disease are referred to
in connection with the work of construction.
But all of these precautions and provisions were seconded
and aided to a marvelous extent by the public itself. The
predominant characteristic of the gatherings on the grounds
or at the railroad stations and other approaches was good
humor, not so much of the rollicking as of the patient and
cheerful kind. Forbearance would, perhaps, be a better
word. The city's accommodations were too great to permit
the successful practice of extortion. The gatherings were
too intelligent to give way to panic, and too forbearant to
manifest ill-temper in any other way than by individual
complaints to the newspapers. The latter, of course, is the
individual's inalienable privilege, and as it is quite certain
to lead to the correction of genuine abuses, it is vastly
better than ill-temper, riot, or vandalism.
CHAPTER VI.
THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN COMMISSION.
THE Act of Congress of April 25, 1890, providing for
the holding of the World's Columbian Exposition,
recognized two agencies for the preparation of
the Exposition and its general supervision; these
were a body to be known as the World's Columbian Com-
mission and your corporation, then known as the World's
Exposition of 1892.
The World's Columbian Commission, under the Act of
Congress, was to consist of two commissioners from each
State and Territory of the United States and of the
District of Columbia, and eight commissioners at large.
All the commissioners were to be appointed by the
President of the United States, those from the States and
Territories upon the nomination of the respective Governors
thereof. In like manner alternate commissioners were to
be appointed to assume and perform the duties of their
respective principals who should, for any cause, be unable
to perform them themselves. The commissioners were to
be appointed within thirty days after the passage of the
Act; they were to be convened by the Secretary of State
in the city of Chicago as soon as convenient after their
appointment; they were to organize by the election of such
officers and the appointment of such committees as they
might deem convenient. The Commission was empowered
to accept a site for the Exposition and to approve the plans
and specifications for buildings, to be tendered for that pur-
pose by your company, provided the Commission deemed
(101)
102 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
such site and plans adequate for the purposes intended.
The Commission was also required to certify that your
company had acquired actual and bona fide subscriptions
to its capital stock which would secure the payment of
at least $5,000,000, of which sum not less than $500,000
should be already paid into the treasury; and that the
further sum of $5,000,000, making 1 in all $10,000,000, would
be provided by your corporation in ample time for its
needful use during the prosecution of the work for the
complete preparation of the Exposition.
The Commission was empowered to determine the plan
and scope of the Exposition, to prepare a classification of
exhibits, to allot space to exhibitors, to appoint all judges
and examiners, award all premiums, if any, " and generally
to have charge of all intercourse with the exhibitors and
representatives of foreign nations."
It was authorized and required to appoint a Board of
Lady Managers of such number and to perform such duties
as might be prescribed by the Commission.
The Act further provided that after the plans for the
Exposition had been prepared by your company and
approved by the Commission, the rules and regulations of
your company governing rates for entrance and admis-
sion fees, or otherwise affecting the rights, privileges, or
interests of the exhibitors or of the public, should be estab-
lished by your company, subject to such modifications,
if any, as might be imposed "by a majority of said
commissioners. ' '
The Act further provided for a naval review to be held
in New York Harbor in April, 1893, just prior to the open-
ing of the Exposition, and that foreign nations be invited
to participate in this review. It also provided for the
dedication of the buildings of the Exposition with appro-
priate ceremonies, on the i2th of October, 1892, that day
THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN COMMISSION. 103
l^eing, under the old-style calendar, the four hundredth
anniversary of the discovery of America.
It provided that when the Commission had accepted
the site and approved the plans and specifications, and had
become satisfied that not less than $10,000,000 had been
provided by your corporation, it should so report to the
President of the United States, who would thereupon make
proclamation of the Exposition, and through the Depart-
ment of State extend invitations to the nations of the earth
to participate in the Exposition.
It further provided for the admission of dutiable goods,
as exhibits, free of duty, and appropriated $20,000 to be
expended in connection with the admission of foreign
goods for the Exposition. It provided that the Commission
should report from time to time to the President of the
United States as to the progress of the work, and fixed
the limit of its existence at January i, 1898.
The Act provided that the United States should not,
in any manner, be liable for the acts, doings, proceed-
ings, or representations of your company, all financial
responsibility on the part of the United States Govern-
ment for the doings of your company being expressly
waived.
A Government exhibit was provided for under the
management of a board to consist of one person appointed
by the head of each executive department of the National
Government, one by the Smithsonian Institution and Na-
tional Museum, and one by the United States Fish Com-
mission. This board was to prepare from the depart-
ments and institutions which they severally represented,
an exhibit of such articles and materials as would illus-
trate the function and administrative faculty of the Govern-
ment in time of peace and its resources as a war power,
and demonstrate the nature of the institutions of our
104 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
country and their adaptability to the wants of the people.
A building for this exhibit was to be erected under the
supervision of the Secretary of the Treasury, at a cost not
to exceed $400,000. The extreme liability of the Govern-
ment of the United States, on account of the erection of
buildings, the expenses of the Commission, or of its officers
or employes, was not to exceed $1,500,000. The members
of the World's Columbian Commission and their alternates
were not to be entitled to any compensation for their
services out of the treasury of the United States, except
their actual expenses for transportation and the sum of
$6 per day for subsistence for each day they were neces-
sarily absent from their homes on the business of the
Commission. The salaries of the officers of the Commis-
sion were to be fixed by that body.
Pursuant to the above Act, the members of the World's
Columbian Commission, duly appointed, assembled in
Chicago June 26, 1890. The meeting was organized by
the election of John T. Harris, commissioner from Virginia,
as temporary chairman, and R. R. Price as temporary sec-
retary. A committee of twelve on permanent organization
was instructed to recommend a list of permanent officers
and to define their duties, and also to report what standing
committees should be appointed and what should be their
duties and powers. On the following day the Commission
elected Thomas W. Palmer of Michigan, its president, and
John T. Dickinson of Texas, its secretary, and the following
vice-presidents: Thomas M. Waller of Connecticut, M. H.
de Young of California, Davidson B. Penn of Louisiana,
Gorton W. Allen of New York, Alexander B. Andrews of
North Carolina.
A committee was appointed to ascertain and report to
the Commission whether or not the company had an
actual and bona fide subscription of $5,000,000 to its capital
THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN COMMISSION. 105
stock, and whether your company had $10,000,000 in actual
resources, as provided in the Act of Congress.
An Executive Committee of twenty-six commissioners
was appointed ; also committees on Rules, Transportation,
Foreign Affairs, Legislation, Classification, Grounds and
Buildings, Auditing, and the various divisions of arts and
industries to which the Exposition would relate.
A Board of Lady Managers was provided for, to consist
of two ladies from each of the States and Territories and
the District of Columbia, and eight at large, with alternates,
making a body in number and arrangement similar to the
Commission itself.
The Commission held three sessions in 1890 the first,
June 26th to July 3d; second, September i5th to September
23d; third, November i8th to November 26th. The prin-
cipal topics considered were the plan and scope of the
Exposition, which included the classification, the site of
the Exposition, the appointment of a director-general, and
the various questions relating to the jurisdiction of the
Commission and of your company.
On July 1 8, 1890, the Committee on Permanent Organi-
zation commissioned G. Brown Goode, assistant secretary
of the Smithsonian Institution, to prepare a system of
groupings and classification for the exhibits. This work,
which represented- much research and careful examination
of the classifications of previous expositions, and was
arranged in an orderly and logical form, was completed
by Mr. Goode in a few weeks. The classification as pre-
sented by Mr. Goode was not adopted, but formed a basis
for the work of the Committee on Classification, which, on
November 18, 1890, presented to the Commission a classifi-
cation prepared by itself, assisted by Mr. Goode, Prof.
William P. Blake of Connecticut, and others. On Novem-
ber 19, 1890, the Commission adopted this classification,
106 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
subject to such revision as might subsequently be found
necessary.
The controversy as to the site for the Exposition has
already been fully described in Chapter III. On Septem-
ber 23, 1890, the (Commission formally accepted the whole
site as tendered by the Board of Directors of your company,
including in its possibilities the Lake Front, Jackson Park,
the Midway Plaisance, and Washington Park. The fact
that this action was final was emphasized by the Commis-
sion because of the conflicting rumors widely circulated as
to the difficulties in which the Exposition was involved,
especially regarding the question of site.
The selection of the director-general was involved in
the question of the jurisdiction of the two bodies, and
both of these matters occupied much time during the
sessions of the Commission held in September and No-
vember, 1890. The Board of Directors of your company
desired to concentrate in its own hands as much executive
power as possible. Having corporate existence and organ-
ization, a smaller governing body, permanent location in
Chicago, and being charged with the disbursement of the
funds raised for preparing the Exposition, it was in a better
position for active work. On the other hand, the Commis-
sion, called into existence by the Act of Congress, which
authorized the Exposition and gave it a national character,
believing itself to be a body of national importance, inas-
much as it was charged with such functions as the deter-
mination of the plan and scope of the Exposition, the
approval of plans and specifications of buildings, the allot-
ment of space to exhibitors, and the exclusive intercourse
with the exhibitors and representatives of foreign nations,
and realizing that the funds of this company were necessary
to carry these powers into effect, sought to control the
action of your company, upon the theory that the funds of
THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN COMMISSION. 107
the company formed a "quasi public fund, dedicated by
the Act of Congress, with the consent of the Illinois cor-
poration, to a specific purpose, and to be controlled and
expended in the execution of that purpose by the agencies
named by the said Act of Congress."* By the "agencies
named by said Act of Congress," probably the select com-
mittee meant the Commission and the Board of Directors
of your company, the idea being that the two bodies
should in some way jointly control the expenditure of the
funds in your company's treasury.
The by-laws of each body provided for the election of
a director-general. Each body felt alarmed at the prospect
of the appointment of such an officer by the other. The
decided differences of opinion upon this and many other
subjects were at times sufficient to have widened into a
serious breach, the differences being aggravated by news-
paper reports and by published interviews in which indi-
vidual members of one body would indulge in talk intended
for effect upon the members of the other body. Too
earnest a warning can not be given against leaving such
an opening for discord and confusion in devising the organ-
ization of future expositions. The amount of time lost
and energy wasted in the settlement of disagreements
and in diplomatic maneuvers to avoid disagreements, or
even open breaches, between these two bodies was very
great. The confused and evil impressions disseminated by
the exaggerated accounts of these differences caused incal-
culable injury to the Exposition.
Fortunately the leading minds in both bodies were
animated with the same spirit which had called into being
the plan for this Exposition, and in these minds every
other consideration was secondary to a desire for the per-
*Report of a Select Committee on Jurisdiction, presented to the Commission
November 21, 1890.
108 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
feet success of the enterprise. The Commission elected a
director-general on September 19, 1890. Before doing
this the Commission requested the Board of Directors of
your company to indicate its preference for a director-
general, and in reply to this request the Board of Direct-
ors, after balloting, expressed a preference for George
R. Davis of Chicago. In doing this, however, the Board
of Directors emphatically expressed its opinion that the
director-general should be considered an officer of the
Commission only, and not an instrument of your com-
pany; and it so stated in the communication by which
his name was transmitted to the Commission. By the
election of a director-general the Commission secured an
executive head in charge of allotments of space and of
intercourse with exhibitors, and the questions under dis-
cussion were advanced toward the stage of final settle-
ment.
A basis for such a settlement was reached in the latter
part of November, 1890. On November 2ist the Commis-
sion adopted the report of the select committee already
referred to, setting forth its view of the powers and duties
of the two bodies. This report was transmitted to the
Board of Directors, which secured the opinion of eminent
counsel relative thereto and took a decided stand in oppo-
sition to the deductions of the report. Thereupon a con-
ference was entered into by representatives of the two
bodies, which resulted in the drafting of a report by a
committee, specially appointed, consisting of eight com-
missioners and eight directors, which report was unani-
mously adopted by both bodies, and became thereafter
the basis for the settlement of all controversies as to
jurisdiction. It provided for immediate necessities by
directing the organization of fifteen great departments
under the director-general. These departments corres-
THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN COMMISSION. 109
ponded mainly to the general heads of the classification of
exhibits, and were as follows:
Department A. Agriculture; food and food products, farming
machinery and appliances.
Department B. Horticulture.
Department C. Live stock; domestic and wild animals.
Department D. Fish; fisheries, fish products, and apparatus of
fishing.
Department E. Mines, mining, and metallurgy.
Department F. Machinery.
Department G. Transportation exhibits; railways, vessels, vehicles.
Department H. Manufactures.
Department J. Electricity and electrical appliances.
Department K. Fine arts; pictorial, plastic, decorative.
Department L. Liberal arts; education, engineering, public works,
architecture, music, and the drama.
Department M. Ethnology; archaeology, progress of labor and
invention, isolated and collected exhibits.
Department N. Forestry and forest products.
Department O. Publicity and promotion.
Department P. Foreign affairs.
The chiefs of these departments were to be appointed
by the director-general, subject to confirmation by the Com-
mission and the Board of Directors. The salaries of the
chiefs and their subordinates, and the current expenses of
their offices, were to be paid out of the treasury of your
company, the amount of the salaries to be fixed by the
director-general, subject to the approval of the Board of
Directors. The right was reserved to the Board of Direct-
ors to discontinue or to reduce the appropriations of any
one or more of the departments when, in the opinion of
the Board, the interests of the Exposition should so require.
The expenses of the director-general's office and his clerk
hire were to be paid out of the Government appropria-
tion for the World's Columbian Commission.
Under this agreement the Commission created a Board
of Reference and Control consisting of the president, the
vice-chairman of the Executive Committee, and six mem-
HO REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
bers of the Commission, to be appointed by the president.
This board was to have all the powers and duties of the
Executive Committee when the latter was not in session,
and, with a like committee of the Board of Directors of
your company, appointed by its president, should constitute
a Committee of Conference, to which all matters of differ-
ence should be referred, the action of such Committee of
Conference upon such matters as should be referred to it
being final and conclusive upon both bodies.
The agreement also provided that any material changes,
modifications, or extensions of the plans of the grounds or
buildings should be subject to joint approval by the Board
of Reference and Control of the Commission and the Com-
mittee on Grounds and Buildings of your company, and
the director-general was to have access at all times to the
grounds and buildings for the purpose of inspection and
information.
In presenting this report of the Committee of Confer-
ence, the framers stated that they had deemed it best to
avoid all discussion of legal issues and technicalities and
to adopt such measures as to them seemed advisable for
the harmonious administration of the affairs of the Exposi-
tion. The fact is that to create such an organization as
would have in it elements adequate to its needs, the mem-
bers of the Commission and of the Board of Directors
were compelled to abandon the strict letter of the Act of
Congress and to proceed with only a general reference to
its provisions. At all times during the preparation of the
Exposition the intercourse between the two bodies was
characterized by constant concessions to expediency, and
differences were continually arising which hampered the
work and lessened the efficiency of the organization.
The Board of Lady Managers held its first meeting on
November 19, 1890, and organized by the election of Mrs.
THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN COMMISSION. m
Potter Palmer of Chicago as president, and the following
vice-presidents: Mrs. Ralph Trautman of New York, Mrs.
Edwin C. Burleigh of Maine, Mrs. Charles C. Price of North
Carolina, Mrs. Katharine L. Minor of Louisiana, Mrs.
Beriah Wilkins of the District of Columbia, Mrs. Susan R.
Ashley of Colorado, Mrs. Flora Beall Ginty of Wisconsin,
Mrs. Margaret Blaine Salisbury of Utah, Mrs. Russell B.
Harrison of Montana.
Miss Phoebe Cousins of Missouri was elected secretary.
She was succeeded by Mrs. Susan Gale Cooke of Tennessee.
Under Mrs. Palmer's administration this board set
about the task of preparing a suitable exhibit of woman's
work.
Plans for a Woman's Building were secured by competi-
tion among woman architects; the plans submitted by Miss
Sophia G. Hayden were accepted. The building was con-
structed by your company at a cost of $138,803.90.
Correspondence was entered into with representative
women in all parts of the world, and appropriations were
secured from Congress for the prosecution of the work; a
comprehensive exhibit of woman's work, more complete
and elaborate than had ever before been seen, was collected.
A Children's Building was located near the Woman's Build-
ing as the result of the efforts of a number of public-spirited
women identified with Mrs. Palmer. This part of the
Exposition has been fully reported elsewhere.
A complete report has been prepared by Mrs. Palmer
as president of the Board of Lady Managers, fully setting
forth the work which that body accomplished. Its offices
were the center of most active and intelligent work in the
interest of the Exposition for several years, resulting in
the collection of a large number of interesting and beautiful
exhibits the work of women and their arrangement
either in the Woman's Building, where the display was
112 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
very attractive, or in their appropriate sections of the
general exhibit in competition with the works of men.
With this reference to the earlier sessions of the World's
Columbian Commission, I pass to an account of the trans-
actions of the Executive Department of your company,
during which the subsequent acts of the Commission will
be considered in their bearings upon the enterprise. The
Commission met only at long intervals, its functions being
performed in the interim by monthly or bi-monthly meet-
ings of its Board of Reference and Control. This board
consulted and advised with the director-general and held
informal conferences from time to time with the similar
board or with the Committee on Grounds and Buildings
of your company. By this means its members kept in closer
touch with the work than was possible for the members of
the Commission in general.
CHAPTER VII.
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT ; FOREIGN AFFAIRS ;
TRANSPORTATION.
THE "Executive Department" is meant to include
the office of the president and those of the other
principal officers of the company grouped about
him. In this chapter will be reviewed the principal
operations of your company, aside from those of contruction
and finance, from the time of its organization to the crea-
tion of the Council of Administration, in August, 1892.
From April, 1890, to January i, 1891, the offices of the
company occupied a few rooms in the Adams Express
Building, No. 185 Dearborn Street, whence, on the latter
date, they were removed to the Rand-McNally Building,
168 Adams Street. Of this building, the fourth floor, half
the fifth floor, and a part of the sixth floor were leased
until May i, 1894. A portion of this space was taken by
the World's Columbian Commission for the offices of its
president, director-general, and secretary, and of the Board
of Lady Managers. The remainder was occupied by the
officers of your company the president, secretary, auditor,
and treasurer the Law Department, the committees on
Ways and Means, on Grounds and Buildings, and on Press
and Printing, and the World's Congress Auxiliary. A
large room was arranged for meetings of the Board of
Directors, which held its regular meetings on the second
Friday of each month. This room was also used by the
committees of the Board, particularly the Executive Com-
mittee, which met regularly once a week, and the Commit-
8 (113)
114 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
tee on Ways and Means, which met from three to six
times a week. The committees on Grounds and Build-
ings, on Ways and Means, and on Transportation also had
offices for the transaction of current business.
While the duties of the president were not defined, he
had the authority usually exercised by the president of a
corporation organized for business purposes. He repre-
sented the company in matters of importance, had charge
of its principal negotiations, and the adjustment of ques-
tions arising between the company and the Commission.
He conferred with the various officers of the company,
the secretary, treasurer, auditor, and solicitor-general, and
advised them as to the policy of the corporation.
The Executive Committee consisted of the president,
who was its chairman, the vice-president, and the chair-
men of the various committees; it exercised the powers
of the Board of Directors when that Board was not in
session. Both the president and the director-general were
ex-officio members of the Executive Committee and of
the other committees of the Board. The president from
time to time submitted to the Executive Committee sub-
jects requiring its consideration. The secretary of the
Board was secretary of each committee, and appointed
assistants, or under-secretaries, to prepare and preserve
the records of the committees. Committee proceedings
reached the Executive Committee as reports or recommen-
dations, and these received the approval of the committee
or of the Board before becoming operative. The Commit-
tee on Grounds and Buildings was, however, to a certain
extent, relieved from this restriction. It had power to act,
through the Construction Department or otherwise, upon
matters connected with the carrying out of building plans
which had previously received a general approval of the
Board of Directors, but all matters which involved new feat-
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 115
tires or radical departures from plans previously approved
were referred to higher authority before final adoption.
All contracts, whether for construction, concession, or
other purposes, were signed by the president and the secre-
tary, and were attested by the corporate seal. More than
1,200 contracts were entered into by the company. Those
for construction were prepared in the Construction Depart-
ment, based upon bids previously accepted by the Com-
mittee on Grounds and Buildings, and scrutinized with
great care as to the drawing of specifications, etc. After
the contracts had been approved by the chief of construc-
tion they were referred to the attorney, an assistant
having been specially detailed to attend to this part of
the legal work. The contracts were drawn in triplicate,
one copy being filed with the auditor, a second with the
Construction Department, and the third being delivered
to the other contracting party.
Concession contracts were drawn with great difficulty
because of the lack of precedents or of suitable models
upon which to frame them, and the results were not entirely
satisfactory. In Chapter V I have suggested possible
improvements upon the routine which was adopted.
All payments for work done, materials furnished, etc.,
were made upon vouchers. These originated in the auditor's
office, were certified by the officer under whose authority
the expenditure was incurred, and were approved by the
chairman of the committee having jurisdiction over such
officer; they were then audited for the proper amount by
the auditor and finally approved by the president, after
which checks were drawn for their payment. Checks were
drawn by the treasurer and countersigned by the auditor.
The labor of executing contracts and approving vouchers
soon became very great, the vouchers frequently number-
ing several hundred each day. In fact, for many months
1 1 6 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
the work of signing vouchers, contracts, letters, and papers
of all sorts required several hours of the president's time
each day, and later, when vouchers were drawn for pay-
ment in souvenir half dollars out of the United States
Treasury, these vouchers being made in duplicate, each
requiring the signature of the president in two places,
the labor was increased fourfold. Those who were some-
what familiar with the routine of the office offered much
criticism as to the cumbersome methods of making pay-
ments, but owing to the danger of wastefulness and extrava-
gance, no one was disposed to recommend a simplification of
these details. The president and the auditor frequently
urged upon each officer or director, whose signature to a
voucher was required, the need of great care and personal
investigation before affixing such signature. Finally, when
the vouchers became so numerous as to forbid the presi-
dent's personal scrutiny of the amounts for which they were
drawn, the secretary of the Council of Administration was
instructed to examine each voucher carefully before passing
it to the president for signature. To provide for emergen-
cies, the Board of Directors authorized the secretary of the
company to affix the signature of the president, at his
request.
As first organized, the Executive Department consisted
of Lyman J. Gage, president; Thomas B. Bryan, first vice-
president, and Potter Palmer, second vice-president. Mr.
Gage, although busily occupied as vice-president of the
First National Bank, gave to the work of the Exposition
a large share of his time each day, and his wisdom and
experience guided the company safely through the diffi-
culties which beset its earlier operations. Mr. Bryan gave
his entire time, and Mr. Palmer rendered service as oppor-
tunity offered.
On July ii, 1890, Benjamin Butterworth of Cincinnati
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 117
was elected secretary. He had been prominent as a mem-
ber of Congress since 1878, had served as Commissioner of
Patents during the latter part of President Arthur's admin-
istration, and had taken part in the preparation and man-
agement of the Government exhibit at the Exposition at
New Orleans. He entered heartily upon his duties with your
company, and assisted in many important matters during
the early stages of the company's existence, among which
may be mentioned the appeal to the State Legislature at
its special session in July, 1890, called for the purpose of
securing legislation in aid of the Exposition. He took
part in the discussions of the differences between the com-
pany and the World's Columbian Commission, and assisted
in the adjustment of those differences and in planning the
organization of the departments of the director-general's
office. At the same time he continued to serve as a mem-
ber of the Fifty-first Congress, and during the following
winter he became the champion of the Exposition upon
the floor of the House of Representatives. The manage-
ment of the Exposition was subjected at this time to an
amount of criticism and misrepresentation through the
press, especially in cities which had contended with Chicago
for the Exposition, which was decidedly discouraging, and
rendered doubtful the possibility of securing that coopera-
tion throughout the country necessary to give the Exposi-
tion a national character. Because of this criticism and
the differences between your company and the World's
Columbian Commission, a committee from the House of
Representatives visited Chicago in November, 1890, to
investigate and report upon the progress of the work.
The Exposition greatly needed a strong and able advocate
to explain its difficulties and champion its cause, both
before the Congressional Committee and in Congress as
well, and for this purpose Mr. Butterworth was admirably
1 1 8 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
adapted. In reply to many criticisms and in defense of
the bill appropriating money for the current expenses of
the World's Columbian Commission, he was able, by means
of a speech in the House, to place the enterprise and its
management in the proper light before Congress and the
country, and to show that the difficulties experienced in
organizing the administrative forces of the Exposition
were not due to incompetent management by your com-
pany, but to the unfortunate terms of the Act of Congress
authorizing the Exposition.
With the adoption of the compact between the two
bodies in November, 1890 (Chapter VI), the way was opened
for effective work in every direction. A site had been
accepted. Ten millions of dollars had been provided. The
conditions prescribed by Congress as precedent to the issu-
ance of the President's proclamation had been fulfilled.
Evidence of these facts was presented to the President by
Mr. Peck and Mr. Butterworth, and being found satis-
factory, on December 24, 1890, the proclamation was issued.
Recognizing Mr. Butter worth's services, and wishing to
enlarge the sphere of his activity, the Board, on February
n, 1891, appointed him solicitor-general, and this office he
held, in addition to that of secretary, until April, 1892.
Upon the adoption of the compact between the two
bodies in November, 1890, the director-general began the
organization of the departments provided for therein. He
appointed William I. Buchanan chief of the Department
of Agriculture in December, 1890, and gave into his charge
also the departments of Live Stock and Forestry. At the
same time he appointed Major Moses P. Handy chief of
the Department of Publicity and Promotion. He also
appointed several secretaries, and gave them charge of
preliminary work in connection with other departments,
thus delaying the appointment of department chiefs until
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 119
later, and giving him time to make suitable selections
for these important offices. The appointments of these two
chiefs were presented to the Board of Directors by the
director-general in person, and he outlined his plans as
far as possible at the time, in an address to the Board.
The appointments were promptly approved, and the salaries
were fixed at the rate of $5,000 per annum. This rate
of compensation was adopted for all of the department
chiefs subsequently appointed, with a few exceptions.
Previous to the organization of your company a com-
mittee of citizens of Chicago had been organized for the
purpose of promoting the holding of congresses and con-
ventions representing various lines of human thought and
activity during the progress of the proposed exposition.
In the fall of 1890 this committee was reorganized under
the name of the World's Congress Auxiliary of the World's
Columbian Exposition, with Charles C. Bonney as presi-
dent; Thomas B. Bryan, vice-president; Lyman J. Gage,
treasurer, and Benjamin Butterworth, secretary.
From this time forward Mr. Bonney gave at least one-
half of his time daily to this work, and received salary
at the rate of $5,000 per annum. The result of his labors
will be referred to in Appendix A.
The preparation of the budget of February, 1891, occupied
the Executive Department during the latter half of the
winter (see Chapter IV). By the adoption of this budget
the vexed question of the use of the Lake Front was
laid at rest and the energies of the management were
concentrated, as had been impossible before, upon the
preparation of Jackson Park.
At the same time preparations were made for hold-
ing the annual meeting of the stockholders of the com-
pany. The by-laws fixed this meeting upon the first
Saturday in April. Thirty thousand stockholders were
120 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
entitled to vote, and in view of the confusion which had
occurred at the first meeting of the stockholders, rules
were adopted for the ensuing election for the purpose
of securing a speedy organization and an accurate account
and record of the votes cast for directors. After much discus-
sion, and upon the advice of Mr. Butterworth and Messrs.
Walker and Winston, of the Committee on Legislation, a
plan was arranged. The meeting was called and held at
Battery D, upon the Lake Front. A resolution was adopted
fixing the time for the election of directors ten days later,
and directing that every proxy be registered in the office
of the secretary several days before the date fixed for the
election. The arrangement worked admirably. A large
force in the secretary's office, working day and night, care-
fully entered all proxies in a ledger, which showed the
number of shares each person was entitled to vote upon
because of proxies filed in his favor up to the close of
the time fixed for registration. The election was held
without confusion and the following new members were
elected to the Board: C. K. G. Billings, Isaac N. Camp,
William J. Chalmers, Robert C. Clowry, George B. Harris,
Egbert Jamieson, William D. Kerfoot, Milton W. Kirk,
William P. Ketcham, Alexander H. Revell, Edward P.
Ripley, A. M. Rothschild, George W. Saul, George Schneider,
James W. Scott, Bernard E. Sunny, Hempstead Washburne
(Mayor), John C. Welling.
The members who retired were Messrs. Aldis, Allerton,
Borner, Crawford, Cregier, Colvin, Farwell, Fish, Keyes,
McCormick, Medill, Peasley, Pike, Seeberger, Strong, Walsh,
and Wheeler. Messrs. Chalmers, Clowry, and Kerfoot had
already served some months on the Board, having been
elected to fill vacancies during the summer and fall of 1890.
Before this election Mr. Gage announced that he could
not serve again as president, because of the pressure of his
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 121
private business. Shortly before the election he presented
to the Board of Directors an address in which he discussed
the salient features of the situation, past, present, and pros-
pective, and his words made a deep impression on all minds.
This address was printed and distributed as the first
annual report of the president of your company. It was an
admirable presentation of the clear ideas and the firm grasp
which Mr. Gage had of the conditions and the demands
of the World's Columbian Exposition.
The compact between the Commission and the Board
of Directors, adopted in November, 1890, had made inroads
upon the organization originally adopted in the by-laws of
your company. The by-laws and the committee list of
the Board of Directors were therefore revised. All direct
jurisdiction over exhibits and such other matters as
were to be administered through the departments under
the director-general was eliminated. The committees, as
newly arranged, had, in some cases, authority over affairs
directly controlled by the company, and in others had
power to inspect and report upon the various depart-
ments of the director-general. The amended by-laws were
adopted in March, 1891. The new Board, elected as before
described, elected William T. Baker to succeed Mr. Gage,
and reflected all of the other officers.
Upon assuming office, President Baker appointed the
following committees:
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
Ferdinand W. Peck, Chairman.
Lyman J. Gage. Elbridge G. Keith.
Harlow N. Higinbotham. John J. P. Odell.
COMMITTEE ON GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.
Edward T. Jeffery, Chairman.
Lyman J. Gage. George W. Saul.
William P. Ketcham. Charles H. Schwab.
Edward F. Lawrence. Robert A. Waller.
122 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT,
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
Edwin Walker, Chairman.
Egbert Jamieson. Erskine M. Phelps.
Ferdinand W. Peck. Frederick S. Winston.
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE.
William D. Kerfoot, Chairman.
Isaac N. Camp. Edward F. Lawrence.
William P. Ketcham. Thies J. Lefens.
COMMITTEE ON MINES, MINING, FORESTRY, AND FISH.
Charles H. Schwab, Chairman.
William J. Chalmers. Bernard E. Sunny.
Robert Nelson. John C. Welling.
COMMITTEE ON PRESS AND PRINTING.
James W. Scott, Chairman.
Edward B. Butler. Alexander H. Revell.
Milton W. Kirk. George Schneider.
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION.
Marshall M. Kirkman, Chairman.
George B. Harris. George W. Saul.
Edward P. Ripley. John C. Welling.
COMMITTEE ON FINE ARTS.
Charles L. Hutchinson, Chairman.
James W. Ellsworth. Martin A. Ryerson.
Potter Palmer. Charles T. Yerkes.
COMMITTEE ON LIBERAL ARTS.
Robert A. Waller, Chairman.
Isaac N. Camp. Egbert Jamieson.
Charles L. Hutchinson. Alexander H. Revell.
COMMITTEE ON MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES.
Robert C. Clowry, Chairman.
C. K. G. Billings. Bernard E. Sunny.
Robert Nelson. Charles H. Wacker.
COMMITTEE ON MANUFACTURES.
Harlow N. Higinbotham, Chairman.
Adolph Nathan. Erskine M. Phelps.
Elbridge G. Keith. A. M. Rothschild.
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN EXHIBITS.
Martin A. Ryerson, Chairman.
James W. Ellsworth. Herman H. Kohlsaat.
Harlow N. Higinbotham. Thies J. Lefens.
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 123
COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS.
Lyman J. Gage, Chairman.
Edward B. Butler. Edward F. Lawrence.
William J. Chalmers. Adolph Nathan.
Harlow N. Higinbotham. Edward P. Ripley.
William D. Kerfoot. George Schneider.
Milton W. Kirk. Charles H. Wacker.
Herman H. Kohlsaat. Robert A. Waller.
The committees on exhibits were intended to exercise
a general supervision over the departments dealing with
such exhibits, to advise with and assist the chiefs of such
departments and to control expenditures in connection
therewith. In some cases where committees kept in active
touch with their departments and held frequent meetings,
good results were obtained; in others the committees failed
to act as intended, held meetings infrequently, and were
soon out of touch with the work which they were intended
to supervise. This was not wholly the fault of the com-
mittees, but was rather the result of circumstances and of
the pressure of other Exposition business, particularly ques-
tions of finance. Besides this the feeling of distrust which
had existed between the members of the Board of Direct-
ors and of the World's Columbian Commission was very
slow to disappear, and this distrust extended into the
director-general's departments; it was, in fact, distributed,
more or less, throughout the entire organization under
both bodies, to the great detriment of the work.
Mention has been made of the appointment of the chiefs
of the departments of Agriculture and of Publicity and
Promotion. The appointments of other chiefs were made
in the following order:
February 13, 1891, Capt. Joseph W. Collins, Chief of Department
D. Fish, fisheries, fish products, and apparatus of fisheries.
Same date, John P. Barrett, Department J. Electricity and elec-
trical appliances.
Same date, Prof .Frederick W. Putnam, Department M. Ethnology.
124 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
May 8, 1891, Prof. Halsey C. Ives, Department K. Fine arts,
pictorial, plastic, and decorative.
June 12, 1 89 1,. Frederick J. V. Skiff, Department E. Mines, mining,
and metallurgy.
June 23, 1891, J. Walker Fearn, Department P. Foreign affairs.
July n, 1891, James Allison, Department H. Manufactures.
Same date, Willard A. Smith, Department G. Transportation
exhibits, railways, vessels, and vehicles.
September 3, 1891, Leonard W. Robinson, Chief Engineer, U. S. N.,
Department F. Machinery.
Same date, Dr. Selim H. Peabody, Department L. Liberal arts,
education, engineering, public works, music and the drama.
Same date, John M. Samuels, Department D. Horticulture.
In the spring of 1891 the subject of most importance
was that of awakening among foreign nations sufficient
interest in the Exposition. Much anxiety was felt as to
the reception abroad of the President's proclamation and
invitation which had been issued some months before.
The Committee on Foreign Exhibits of the Board of
Directors had already done effective work in other lands.
During the previous year this committee had been pre-
sided over by Mr. Baker, and care had been taken that no
jurisdictional controversy should prevent the inauguration
of such work as was deemed essential to success. The
committee had frequent conferences with the correspond-
ing committee of the Commission, of which Thomas M.
Waller of Connecticut was chairman, meeting both in
Chicago and in New York, and commissioners had been
sent to Japan, to China, and to Turkey, Syria, and Egypt.
A Latin-American bureau was organized, with William E.
Curtis as its chief officer, the object being to awaken an inter-
est among the republics of Central and South America, and
in Mexico. Through the courtesy of the War and Navy
departments, officers familiar with the languages and cus-
toms of those countries were selected and commissioned
for this duty. They met in Chicago in the fall of 1890,
became familiar with the plans and purposes of the Expo-
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 125
sition as far as they were then developed, and then, as
rapidly as possible, made their way to the various countries
to which they had been commissioned. The results accom-
plished by these officers were excellent, as the many
interesting exhibits shown from those southern countries,
and the elegant government buildings erected by many
of them, amply testify.
Little had been accomplished in Europe. Our ambassa-
dors and ministers were but poorly supplied with informa-
tion as to the Exposition, and, in fact, knew little more in
regard to it than that it was to be held. The Exposition
had, however, one friend abroad whose services all acknowl-
edge. I refer to James Dredge of London, one of the
proprietors of Engineering, and a member of the council of
the Society of Arts. He visited Chicago in October, 1890,
showed much interest in the preparations then in progress,
and, in conference with Mr. Butterworth, volunteered his
assistance. His correspondence thereafter contained much
useful information and advice.
It was desirable to prevent any impression from obtain-
ing among foreign governments that the World's Columbian
Exposition was to be one of those oft-recurring local and
commercial exhibitions which, while beneficial and praise-
worthy, do not rise to the dignity of an universal and
international exposition, such as was planned by the man-
agement at Chicago, and was contemplated by the Act of
Congress. Something was needed to vitalize the effect of
the proclamation and invitation already issued. Mr. Dredge
advised that leading officers of the Exposition, bearing com-
missions from the Department of State, should personally
visit the principal courts and communities of Europe. Such
officers, thoroughly familiar with the Exposition plans,
capable of presenting the subject effectively, and accredited
by commissions from the Government, would arouse the
126 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
intelligent appreciation of European governments and
induce them to participate in the Exposition on a scale com-
mensurate with its real merits. After careful consideration
by the officers of the two governing bodies, a commission to
visit Europe was appointed, consisting of the following:
The Hon. William Lindsay, a member of the Commission
from Kentucky, and afterward United States Senator from
that State; A. G. Bullock, member of the Commission from
Massachusetts ; Ferdinand W. Peck, chairman of the Com-
mittee on Finance of the Board of Directors ; Moses P.
Handy, chief of the Department of Publicity and Promotion;
and the Hon. Benjamin Butterworth, secretary and solicitor-
general of the World's Columbian Exposition, who was
unanimously chosen by his colleagues president of the
commission. The commissioners sailed early in July, 1891.
On arriving in London they were warmly aided by Mr.
Dredge, and through his efforts and those of other leading
members of the Society of Arts, particularly Sir Richard
Webster and Sir Richard Cunliffe-Owen, the council of that
society became thoroughly interested. The commissioners
had an interview with the premier, the Marquis of Salisbury,
and soon afterward the council of the Society of Arts was
constituted the Royal British Commission to the World's
Columbian Exposition. Thus the cooperation of Great
Britain on an adequate scale was thoroughly assured.
The commissioners then visited France, Germany, Aus-
tria, Hungary, Russia, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, and
Sweden, going to the capitals and the principal cities of
each, and as far east as Nijni Novgorod. They returned in
September with a most satisfactory record of success.
Personal acquaintance and friendship with many of the
American ministers at courts visited enabled Mr. Butter-
worth to awaken their interest and friendly support, while
the persistent and careful work of all the members of the
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 127
commission enabled them to see in every country visited
steps taken which resulted in its adequate representation in
the great enterprise.
On their return to this country the commissioners were
accompanied by James Dredge of the British Royal Com-
mission, with Sir Henry Trueman Wood, its secretary; Herr
Adolph Wermuth, the Imperial German commissioner-
general, and Dr. Emil Meyer, royal commissioner from
Denmark. Commissioners from other countries had been
appointed and were expected soon to follow.
When presenting the plans of the Exposition to the
representatives of the several governments, and particu-
larly in Great Britain, the commissioners met frequent
doubts as to the possibility of holding a great international
Exposition at a point a thousand miles west of the Atlantic
seaboard. The plan and scope of the Exposition and the
noble scheme of grounds and buildings were looked upon
as almost Utopian; something which might be possible in
one of the older countries of Europe, but out of the question
in America. To these doubts the commissioners were able
to respond with a clear idea of the resources at hand for
carrying into effect the plans which had been devised, until
their hearers were convinced that the undertaking would
be carried into effect in a manner entirely worthy of our
nation and of the event it was intended to commemorate.
Moreover, the act of our Government in sending commis-
sioners personally to invite and to urge participation in the
Exposition was appreciated as a courtesy which in itself had
weight.
This commission did not visit the countries of Southern
Europe, the season being unfavorable. A visit to Rome
was abandoned because the officials whom the commis-
sioners would wish to see were absent from the city. The
success of this commission, and the desire for similar pro-
128 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
motion in the countries of Southern Europe, led to the
sending abroad of a second commission, consisting of Mr.
Bryan, vice-president, and the writer, chairman of the
Committee on Ways and Means. Originally, it was hoped
that Hon. Thomas F. Bayard of Delaware and Hon.
James Hodges, member of the Commission for Maryland,
would also be members of this commission. For personal
reasons each of these gentlemen felt obliged to decline,
as did also Senator Eustis of Louisiana. Meanwhile Mr.
Bryan and myself were ordered to Paris, to await the arrival
of our colleagues, Mr. Bryan arriving there first. Halsey
C. Ives, chief of the Department of Fine Arts, who was in
Europe in the interest of his department, was instructed
to join us and accompany us to the capitals of Southern
Europe.
I should mention that, before going to Paris, I attended
a meeting of the Society of Arts in London, pursuant to
an invitation telegraphed to me by Sir Henry Wood on my
arrival at Queenstown ; also a luncheon with the Lord
Mayor at the Mansion House, and a banquet of the Haber-
dashers' Society. At the meeting of the Society of Arts,
Mr. Dredge delivered an address on the subject of Chicago
and the Exposition, and in response I addressed the meeting
on the same subject.
While Mr. Bryan and myself were waiting in Paris
we endeavored to disseminate through the press informa-
tion relative to the Exposition. We were entertained at
breakfast by M. Sigfried, a member of the Chamber of
Deputies, and at dinner by the principal commercial organ-
ization of Paris. On both of these occasions Exposition
matters were discussed, and also the changes in the
American tariff laws involved in the recently enacted
McKinley bill. Serious objections to it were presented,
which Mr. Bryan and myself endeavored to overcome by
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 129
statements in regard to its operation. In December we
proceeded to Rome, where, for some time, owing to the
festivities of the season, we were unable to accomplish
much. As soon as possible we secured audiences with the
premier, the ministers of Agriculture and of Education, the
Syndic, the president of the Board of Trade, and with vari-
ous societies. We endeavored to get in touch with persons
and firms which might be planning to make exhibits.
Immediately after the holiday season was over we were
accorded an audience by his majesty, King Humbert, who
expressed great interest in the Exposition, in Chicago, and
in America generally. He promised to aid the Exposition
and to encourage his people to make a proper representa-
tion. Miss Bryan, who accompanied her father, was granted
an audience by Queen Margherita, and as a result of nego-
tiations then begun the queen was pleased to send to the
Exposition her remarkable collection of old laces.
While in Rome we engaged the services of Chevalier
Guglielmo Grant and Angelo del Nero for a period of six
months, the former to develop an interest in an industrial
exhibit, and the latter to gather an art exhibit from Italy.
The services of these gentlemen were continued for some
months longer and resulted in collecting an exhibit in
every way superior to what might otherwise have been
secured.
We next visited Naples, where we had interviews with
city officials, societies, and individuals. We then went to
Palermo, where was in progress a national exposition
which the king had formally opened a few days before
our arrival in Rome. While pursuing the policy of the
previous commission to Europe in establishing cordial rela-
tions with officials, we endeavored, also, to extend our work
among business houses, so that, even if a government
should fail to respond, exhibits might be obtained from
130 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
persons awake to the opportunities of introducing their
wares into the New World.
In Venice we closed a contract with the Venice Murano
Company for a concession to exhibit the manufacture of
Venetian glass. We visited shops of wood carvers, mosaic
makers, and the builders of gondolas, the latter for the
purpose of procuring gondolas for the lagoons of the
Exposition. Mr. Ives visited Genoa and rejoined me in
Paris, while Mr. Bryan proceeded to Greece, Bulgaria, and
Spain. He subsequently had an audience with the Pope,
from whom he received a letter highly commending the pur-
poses of the Exposition. This letter, added to the many
other expressions of cordial good feeling and encouragement
which we received, greatly benefited the Exposition in
Europe and throughout the world.
The writer returned to Chicago in the latter part of
February, 1892, after a fairly successful journey. Mr. Bryan
continued the work in Europe for some months longer.
Previous to the departure of the first commission to
Europe, such legal services as had been needed were fur-
nished by Mr. Butterworth and by the chairman of the
Committee on Legislation, Hon. Edwin Walker, who sub-
sequently became the solicitor-general of the Exposition.
During the summer additional legal service became neces-
sary, in connection with contracts for concessions, the work
of the Construction Department, and items connected with
other branches of the organization. William K. Carlisle
was appointed attorney; later Charles H. Baldwin was
appointed assistant attorney and was detailed for duty in the
Construction Department; Joseph Cummins was appointed
assistant attorney for. the Committee on Ways and Means.
These appointments indicate the rapid increase of legal
work consequent upon the development of Exposition
plans.
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 131
At each stage of the enterprise some pressing difficulty
seemed to threaten the Exposition with disaster. The
shortness of time was always an ominous factor. The year
1890 had its controversy as to jurisdiction and its question
of site. The year 1891 had the question of finance
and the question of adequate transportation to Jackson
Park. These were, apparently, overcome in 1892, but
the financial difficulties returned in 1893, because of the
vast increase in expenditures, the Act of Congress which
diverted part of the appropriation made for building the
Exposition, and the approach of the financial revulsion of
that year. Again in 1892 the character of the organization,
believed to be inadequate for dealing with approaching
conditions, rekindled the smoking embers of the question
of jurisdiction. This was scarcely settled, placing the
administration of the Exposition again upon a new and
experimental basis, when the approach of the dedication
in October, 1892, bringing with it vast crowds of spectators,
for whose reception and transmission the available facilities
seemed wholly inadequate, threatened disaster and even loss
of life. In the winter of 1892-1893 came danger of the
non-arrival of exhibits, from an incomplete power plant,
and from defects of construction. The succeeding spring
revealed acres of leaky roofs, which threatened enormous
damage to the values stored beneath them, and the early
part of the Exposition season, until August, 1893, saw your
company on the verge of bankruptcy.
The transportation question was like the stone of Sisy-
phus. Before it was finally settled many gentlemen essayed
the task of rolling this stone up the hill, only to see it
roll down again. In the summer of 1891 the transport of
visitors to Jackson Park became the most important prob-
lem awaiting adjustment. This problem might be formu-
lated as follows : How to move 300,000 people from their
132 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
lodgings and residences in the city to Jackson Park within
a reasonable time in the morning, and return them to
their homes at night. It was conceived that facilities for
transporting 150,000 people an hour for three hours in the
morning, and for the same time in the evening, would
answer this problem, and leave the margin necessary for
emergencies.
As our chief reliance was the Illinois Central Railroad,
the first part of the task was to see that this road was
brought to its maximum of efficiency. A point just west
of the Administration Building was selected for the site
of the Terminal Station. Architectural and landscape
requirements had determined this selection, as the rail-
road company preferred a place near its crossing of the
Midway Plaisance. The plan contemplated a station built
upon a large loop, around which trains would run, dis-
charge and receive passengers, and continue out of the
grounds for the return journey. The plan of a loop
was abandoned, and a system of stub tracks was substi-
tuted.
It soon became clear that the Illinois Central Railroad
could not reach its greatest efficiency while crossing at
grade the city streets in the neighborhood of Jackson
Park. Such grade crossings would surely be crowded at
all times of the day and night. It was evident that the
grades of the railroad and of the streets should be sepa-
rated, and after full consideration it appeared that this
could be best effected by a moderate depression of the
streets and a larger elevation of the tracks. With this
question, however, arose similar questions regarding the
South Side Elevated Railroad line, the Chicago City Rail-
way Company's cable line from the city, and its cross-town
horse-car lines. Several meetings were held in the summer
and early fall of 1891, by the general officers of the Illinois
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 133
Central Railroad Company, the Chicago and South Side
Rapid Transit Company, the Chicago City Railway Com-
pany, the city commissioner of public works, the city engi-
neer, the Committee on Grounds and Buildings and that
on Transportation, and the chief of construction of the
Exposition. These meetings were presided over by the
president of the Exposition, Mr. Baker.
The city engineer, the engineer of construction of the
Illinois Central Railroad Company, the engineer of the
Chicago City Railway Company (South Side cable line),
and the chief of construction of the Exposition were con-
stituted a subcommittee to consider physical difficulties.
A report from this committee, submitted October 31, 1891,
and printed, estimated the capacity of the various methods
of transportation then existing as follows:
Walking and carriages, per hour i 15,000
Chicago City Railway Company's lines 12,000
Illinois Central Railroad 6,000
Water craft .... 5,000
Other railroads 1,000
Total, per hour 39,000
Certain changes in the conditions of the Illinois Central
Railroad were suggested, which would somewhat increase
the small amount estimated for it ; but nothing short of
the elevation of the tracks from Forty-seventh Street to
Sixty-seventh Street, and the purchase of a large amount
of equipment, was deemed sufficient to place in a satisfac-
tory condition this line, which, as it could give the most
direct and rapid means of access, was expected to receive
the largest share of patronage. A plan was recommended
which provided for the elevation of the tracks as above
outlined, the operation of two tracks upon the west side
of the Illinois Central right of way for local business, and
two tracks on the east side of the right of way for through
trains, running without stops between Van Buren Street
134 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
and Jackson Park. This plan proposed a viaduct over the
railroad tracks at Van Buren Street, a loop at this point
running on piles out into the lake, a loop at Jackson Park,
and an interlocking block-signal system along the right of
way between these two points. It also proposed the carry-
ing of the tracks of the elevated railway over the elevated
tracks of the Illinois Central Railroad at Sixty-third Street,
and the construction of a terminal station for the Alley
Elevated Railroad upon the roof of the annex to the
building for transportation exhibits within Jackson Park.
It also proposed the equipment of the cross-town lines of
the Chicago City Railway Company, with cars moved by
the overhead electric system, the cars to run beneath the
tracks of the Illinois Central Railroad and to the Exposi-
tion gates, and to connect with the State Street cable and
the Englewood district. In addition to this the Chicago
City Railway Company already had the terminal loop of
its Cottage Grove Avenue line within a few feet of the
northern entrances on the west side of Jackson Park. With
these improvements the following was the estimated hourly
capacity of the various transportation methods :
Foot passengers and vehicles... 25,000
Chicago City Railway, Cottage Grove cable line 20,000
Chicago City Railway, State Street cable line 20,000
Illinois Central Railroad, on existing tracks (local) .. 21,600
Illinois Central Railroad, on proposed tracks (express) 14,400
Water transportation, Lake Front to Jackson Park.. 10,000
Water transportation, from north side of city 5,000
Alley Elevated Railway 20,000
Total, per hour 136,000
The above proved to be a very moderate estimate of
the capacity of the different lines. The Illinois Central
Railroad abandoned the idea of a loop at Van Buren Street,
and used stub tracks, which were so skillfully handled, with
cars especially adapted to the service, as to prove entirely
satisfactory, even during the days of phenomenal patronage.
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 135
The estimate given above was not for 150,000 per hour,
but was deemed to be satisfactory.
Upon the submission of this report President Baker
was directed to proceed with negotiations for the settle-
ment of the question of transportation. The great diffi-
culties of the task were fully recognized, and every one,
either within or without the Exposition organization, seemed
glad to be relieved of responsibility in regard to it. Mr.
Baker devoted to it much time and labor. Although he
was not so restricted, the idea was that the question should
be settled along the lines of the report just referred to.
He was authorized to procure any assistance and to incur
any expenditure, and as a first step, after consulting with
prominent railroad officers, he appointed William H. Hoi-
comb his assistant, with salary at the rate of $1,000 a
month.
Meanwhile the chairman of the Committee on Grounds
and Buildings (Mr. Jeffery) had opened negotiations with
the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company with a view to
connecting its tracks in South Chicago with the Exposi-
tion grounds, and thus relieving to some extent the undis-
turbed control which the Illinois Central Railroad seemed
to enjoy. Soon after this Mr. Jeffery resigned from the
Board of Directors to accept the presidency of the Denver
& Rio Grande Railroad Company, leaving the half -formed
plans for the Baltimore & Ohio connection to be carried
out by President Baker. These negotiations and those for
the elevation of the Illinois Central Railroad tracks were
conducted at the same time.
A plan was evolved for the elevation of the Illinois
Central Railroad tracks for a distance of about one and a
half miles, the elevation reaching a maximum of nineteen
feet at Fifty-third Street, and maintaining this to Sixty-
seventh Street; the road was to have ample station facilities
136 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
at Fifty-seventh Street (South Park), Sixtieth Street (Mid-
way Plaisance), and Sixty-third Street (Woodlawn); the
first to deliver passengers bound for the northern section
in the direction of the Fine Arts Building, the second
those desiring to enter the Midway, and the third those
desiring to go toward the Court of Honor and the sur-
rounding buildings. Finally it was arranged that express
trains should stop only at Sixtieth Street (the Midway),
giving the trains a short stop and allowing them quickly to
return to the city.
The Illinois Central Railroad Company urged that it
could not undertake to defray the whole cost of elevat-
ing its tracks and providing the large amount of rolling
stock required for the service between Jackson Park and
the city, because it could not recoup itself for the outlay
from receipts paid by the patrons of the Exposition. As
the elevation of the tracks was justly deemed of vital
importance to the Exposition, on June 18, 1892, a contract
was concluded by which the railroad company agreed to
elevate its tracks upon condition that the Exposition pay
to it $250,000 and give it 100,000 tickets of admission. The
Chicago City Railway Company also contributed $100,000
toward the cost of this elevation in consideration of the
additional advantages and facilities which it acquired there-
by. It was a burdensome contract, because it compelled the
Exposition to pay a large amount toward a permanent and
valuable improvement upon the railroad company's roadbed,
but the end accomplished justified the outlay by your com-
pany. It was a source of satisfaction, moreover, to the
management of the Exposition to be the means of conferring
upon the portion of the city in the vicinity of Jackson Park
the lasting benefits accruing from the elevation of the tracks
of this railroad company. The contract required that the
elevation be finished before the opening of the Exposition
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 137
in May, 1893, less than one year being allowed in which to
perform the task, and the contract was fully performed.
Meanwhile your company had obtained for the Balti-
more & Ohio Railroad Company a right of way south of
Jackson Park, by leases from property owners running until
August i, 1894, for which the railroad company contrib-
uted $39,000. The Illinois Central Railroad Company also
desired ingress at this same point for bringing in con-
struction material and excursion trains, and, if it should
find it desirable, for bringing its express trains around
from its main line into the Terminal Station in Jackson
Park. The cost of these two rights of way was $51,592,
to which should be added some part of the rental of
the twenty-acre tract south of the park, used for bonded
warehouses, storehouses for empty packing-cases, switch-
ing, etc., through which also ran the rights of way referred
to. The Exposition paid for this twenty-acre tract a rental
of $65,000. It was originally supposed that these items of
expense, exclusive of the rental of the twenty-acre tract,
would be recouped from the amount paid by the Baltimore
& Ohio Railroad Company, and the terminal charges on
express business from the Illinois Central Railroad Com-
pany and other roads using its tracks. This expectation
was not realized, but the net loss was not serious in com-
parison with the benefits derived from the entrance of the
roads at this point.
When the negotiations for the elevation of the Illinois
Central tracks were concluded, W. H. Holcomb was trans-
ferred from the Executive Department to the Department
of Works, with the title of master of transportation, in
which capacity he continued his work upon the plans for
transporting visitors to and from Jackson Park, and in addi-
tion had charge of the reception of materials and exhibits
and of their distribution to the proper points.
OF THE
UNIVERSITY
138 . REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
E. E. Jaycox had been previously appointed traffic man-
ager, and had served in this capacity from October 9, 1890,
representing the Committee on Transportation of the Board
of Directors, and carrying forward much of the preliminary
work affecting the transportation of exhibits from distant
points to the Exposition grounds. In October, 1892, the
traffic manager was placed under the master of transpor-
tation and attached to this branch of the Department of
Works. On January i, 1893, Mr. Jaycox resigned, from
which time the duties of his office were merged in those
of Mr. Holcomb, who was thereafter designated general
master of transportation.
When the rights of way south of the park had been
obtained, and the contract for the elevation of the Illinois
Central tracks had been executed, there remained the ques-
tion of the proper arrangement of terminal facilities within
the park. The terminal yard had been constructed with a
view to the handling of a large number of trains convey-
ing great crowds of people into the Exposition grounds
over the rights of way of the Baltimore & Ohio and the
Illinois Central Railroad companies, entering the park from
the south. This yard was constructed with such extensive
appliances as to be admirably adapted to the reception of
a vast amount of freight. In this respect it contributed
much to the convenience of installation, permitting the
expeditious handling of hundreds of car-loads of material
every day.
The yard was provided with thirty-five standing tracks,
capable of holding 428 passenger cars of ordinary size in
trains of thirteen cars each, these cars being capable of
seating, at sixty persons to each car, 25,680 people. Besides
these tracks there were twenty tracks in the storage yard
just south of the standing tracks, capable of holding 260 cars,
seating 15,600 people, making the total seating capacity of
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 139
cars which could be accommodated in the terminal yard
41,280 people. Thus the capacity of the yards was proba-
bly in excess of the capacity of the connecting railroads
to handle trains that could be delivered to them from
this yard. In all there were 17^ miles of track in the
terminal yard. (See report of general manager of trans-
portation, attached to the report of the director of works.)
As a provision for the reception of visitors this yard was
a failure, for it was accepted neither by the railroads nor by
the traveling public. It was planned upon the theory that
the railroads whose tracks ran in the vicinity of Jackson
Park would each bring a large patronage to the Exposition,
both of people from the city and of excursionists from
remoter points. There was a vision of great bustle and
business, of crowded trains coming and departing, when the
railroads would vie with each other in the use of these
unprecedented terminal facilities, planned to be one of the
marvels of the Exposition. It was expected that they would
become immensely popular and attractive, and that their
entire cost might be recouped by collecting from the rail-
roads for all passengers brought into the yard a small termi-
nal charge. This charge was fixed at 5 cents per capita for
persons brought from the city, and 10 cents per capita for
those from without the city limits, and was actually collected
up to July i, 1893, but not thereafter.
But the railroads did not respond. They seemed unable
to discover a profitable patronage in the methods indicated,
and they evaded all efforts to commit them to any share of
the expense of these costly preparations. In the summer of
1892, the Illinois Central Railroad Company gave notice that
it would not run its trains into the Terminal Station, but
would transact its business entirely upon its own right of
way, discharging Exposition passengers at Midway, Wood-
lawn, and other points adjacent to the park. After the
140 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Exposition was opened it became apparent that the Termi-
nal Station could not be used to advantage by any railroad
but the Illinois Central, but that its express trains could be
brought thither from the main line in a few minutes, and
this was done soon after July ist. This was a convenience,
especially to weary visitors who wished to return to the city
and could find a train without the additional walk of half or
three-quarters of a mile. Even then most of the passengers
had left the trains before reaching Sixty- third Street, few
remaining in their seats until the train had been brought
around to the Terminal Station.
The station was a beautiful and costly building, a model
in its way, and the yards and terminal tracks leading to it
were perfect and sufficient for the accommodation of an
enormous patronage, but it never received business enough
to give it an appearance of activity. Even after the Illinois
Central trains were brought into the grounds one end of the
perron was sufficient for their needs. The rest of the
perron, with sheds and tracks, was vacant, except for a few
out-of-town excursion trains and a few suburban trains of
the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. The plans for this Ter-
minal Station and the switching yards were perfected
and the work was, to a certain extent, contracted for
before the question of transportation between the city
and the park had been thoroughly digested, and to this fact
as much as to any other must be attributed the lamentable
failure and waste connected therewith.
The first commission to Europe returned in September,
1891, bringing with it the earliest of the foreign commis-
sioners The Construction Department and the various
departments under the director-general were now thoroughly
organized. All agencies were most actively employed. The
work of the committees on Ways and Means and on Grounds
and Buildings required incessant attention. On the writer's
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 141
return from Southern Europe he found that the chairman-
ship of the Committee on Ways and Means occupied his
time by day and evening, in work upon the details of
important concessions. As the spring of 1892 approached,
it became evident that important changes would be required
in the offices of the company. Mr. Bryan, vice-president,
was still in Europe. Mr. Baker, the president, was absorbed
in the vexatious and interminable transportation problem
and in the prosecution of the appeal to Congress for financial
assistance, in the course of which he and several of the
directors made visits to Washington during the spring and
early summer of 1892. Mr. Butterworth announced that he
would not serve another term as your secretary. This
officer had found his usefulness impaired by frequent
criticisms and misunderstandings which made it impos-
sible for him to use his powers to the best advantage in
the service of the Exposition. His brilliant talents had been
of inestimable value to the cause, as shown in his speeches
in Congress, in addresses in various parts of the country,
and in his labors with the commission to Europe. When
his determination was known it was decided that he should
be chosen a director at the next stockholders' meeting.
The method of holding the annual meeting of stock-
holders had been further improved since the preceding year,
and in the spring of 1892 the holders of proxies were
required to register their proxies in the secretary's office ten
days before the annual meeting, which occurred on April 10,
1892. The Board of Directors chosen at this meeting was
substantially the same as before. Mr. Jeffery had resigned
during the previous year and his place in the Board of
Directors and in the Committee on Grounds and Buildings
had been taken by Henry B. Stone. In addition to Mr. Stone
the new directors were : Benjamin Butterworth, Charles
H. Chappell, Arthur Dixon, George P. Englehard, Charles
142 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Henrotin, Herman H. Kohlsaat, Washington Porter, Paul O.
Stensland, and George H. Wheeler. They took the places of
Messrs. Harris, Jamieson, Kirkman, Phelps, Palmer, Ryer-
son, Saul, Sunny, and Washburne. Mr. Kohlsaat was a mem-
ber of the first Board, but resigned and went abroad. While
in Europe he rendered important services to the Exposition.
On his return to the city he was again elected a director.
Mr. Baker was elected by the new Board of Directors to
succeed himself. Because of business necessities which
demanded an extension of the executive power and close
attention to the now rapidly multiplying details of the work,
the writer was elected vice-president, to succeed Mr. Bryan,
who was still in Europe, and the latter was appointed com-
missioner-at-large and attached to the staff of the director-
general. Howard O. Edmonds was elected secretary to
succeed Mr. Butterworth. Mr. Palmer had resigned the
second vice-presidency and efforts were made to induce
Mr. Gage to accept the position. Mr. Gage could not, how-
ever, do this under any circumstances, having already made
important sacrifices to the Exposition. He had served since
Mr. Jeffery's resignation as chairman of the Committee on
Grounds and Buildings, and had given to that important
work all the time which could be spared from his private
affairs. Robert A. Waller was elected to the second vice-
presidency. Mr. Waller had relinquished the chairmanship of
the Committee on the Liberal Arts in favor of James W. Ells-
worth, and in so doing lost his seat in the Executive Commit-
tee. As second vice-president he had a seat in the Executive
Committee, and thus his services were regained to it.
The following were the committees of the Board for the
year 1892:
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
Ferdinand W. Peck, Chairman.
Lyman J. Gage. Harlow N. Higinbotham.
Elbridge G. Keith. John J. P. Odell.
THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ETC. 143
COMMITTEE ON GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.
Henry B. Stone, Chairman.
Robert C. dowry. William P. Ketcham.
Edward F. Lawrence. Charles H. Schwab.
Lyman J. Gage. Eugene S. Pike.
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.
Edwin Walker, Chairman.
Ferdinand W. Peck. Benjamin Butterworth.
Frederick S. Winston. Arthur Dixon.
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE.
William D. Kerfoot, Chairman.
Isaac N. Camp. George Schneider.
Thies J. Lefens. Washington Porter.
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN EXHIBITS.
Thies J. Lefens, Chairman.
Charles H. Wacker. Harlow N. Higinbotham.
James W. Ellsworth. Charles Henrotin.
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION.
Edward P. Ripley, Chairman.
John C. Welling. Charles H. Wheeler.
Henry B. Stone. Charles H. Chappell.
COMMITTEE ON FINE ARTS.
Charles L. Hutchinson, Chairman.
Elbridge G. Keith. Charles T. Yerkes.
James W. Ellsworth. Eugene S. Pike.
COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS.
Harlow N. Higinbotham, Chairman.
Adolph Nathan. Edward F. Lawrence.
Charles H. Wacker. William J. Chalmers.
Robert A. Waller. William D. Kerfoot.
George Schneider. Edward P. Ripley.
Milton W. Kirk. Andrew McNally.
Edward B. Butler. Washington Porter.
COMMITTEE ON MINES, MINING, FORESTRY, AND FISH.
Charles H. Schwab, Chairman.
John C. Welling. Robert Nelson.
William J. Chalmers. Arthur Dixon.
COMMITTEE ON PRESS AND PRINTING.
Alexander H. Revell, Chairman.
Milton W. Kirk. Edward B. Butler.
Benjamin Butterworth. George Schneider.
144
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
COMMITTEE ON THE LIBERAL ARTS.
James W. Ellsworth, Chairman.
Isaac N. Camp. Alexander H. Re veil.
Robert A. Waller. George P. Englehard.
COMMITTEE ON ELECTRICITY, ELECTRICAL AND PNEUMATIC APPLIANCES.
Robert C. dowry, Chairman.
Robert Nelson. C. K. G. Billings.
Charles H. Wacker. Charles L. Hutchinson.
COMMITTEE ON MANUFACTURES AND MACHINERY.
John J. P. Odell, Chairman.
Adolph Nathan. A. M. Rothschild.
Andrew McNally. Paul O. Stensland.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CEREMONIES.
Edward F. Lawrence, Chairman.
Charles T. Yerkes. Charles H. Schwab.
Charles H. Wacker. William D. Kerfoot.
Charles Henrotin. Alexander H. Revell.
James W. Ellsworth.
By the changes in the Executive Department just
referred to, and by reason of the increasing importance of
the work of the Committee on Ways and Means, the writer
was drawn into contact with the work of the Committee
on Grounds and Buildings, and was thus able to render
some assistance in the last stages of the transportation
problem. The latter was now about to be laid at rest, as
far as the Exposition was concerned, although with some
misgivings as to the ability of the Illinois Central Railroad
Company to complete its work in the time allowed. This
task, which the Board had committed to President Baker,
he saw completed, but his term of service as president
was about to close. In July, 1892, Mr. Baker's health failed,
and owing to this and the illness of a member of his family
he went to Europe for a rest. The writer thus became
the acting president of the company. Mr. Baker did not
return to his post, but soon tendered his resignation.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION.
FOR many months prior to August, 1892, the opinion
had prevailed among those members of the Board
of Directors who were most constantly engaged
upon the work and were most familiar with its
necessities, that substantial changes in the organization
were necessary in order that the brilliant record of prog-
ress made up to that time might be continued. The
few members of the World's Columbian Commission who
were sufficiently in touch with the enterprise to appre-
ciate what was necessary to its success, concurred in this
opinion. In the abstract the organization was open to
great criticism. In fact it seems difficult to justify its
existence, except as the result of compromises to the con-
ditions fixed by the Act of Congress. The opinion as to
the necessity of changes became more prevalent. It was
believed that both bodies must agree upon some basis for
an unification of authority over all matters relating to the
construction, the installation, and the administration of the
Exposition. A dual organization and independent com-
mittees charged with the administration of parts of the
stupendous whole had proceeded as far as could be per-
mitted with safety, even if it can be admitted that it was
safe to have allowed them to proceed at all.
Ever since the World's Columbian Exposition had taken
possession of Jackson Park and fenced it in, the Committee
on Grounds and Buildings had exercised complete control
within the inclosure. This committee had been clothed
1O (145)
1 46 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
with absolute authority by the Board of Directors, and
was supreme on all matters relating to the preparation
of the grounds and the construction of the buildings.
Through its Construction Department it had achieved
results beyond the expectation of any one when the
work was begun; yet it was not clear in the summer of
1892 that the great enemy, TIME, had been finally van-
quished. It was quite clear in the minds of every member
of the committee that any lessening of the high state of
efficiency hitherto attained would bring ruin. As the
members of the committee and the officers of the company
looked forward to the prospect of the next few months,
and saw the construction work running on through the
fall, winter, and spring, and the installation work under
the director-general's departments, a separate and inde-
pendent organization, proceeding at the same time, the
difficulties were appreciated and dreaded. Even with a
central control, grasping both of these functions, confusion
and discord would naturally arise; without such control,
disaster seemed certain. In the language of Mr. Stone,
the chairman of the committee, "The exhibitor is about
to break in," and, under the Act of Congress, the exhibitor
was a factor over which the Board of Directors had no
control.
This danger had always weighed upon the minds of the
directors, but thanks to the devotion of all to the common
object, little inconvenience had yet been felt because of it.
As the long struggle to secure from the national Govern-
ment recognition of its share of the financial burden drew
to a close, the idea of creating a new authority, which
should combine the powers of the World's Columbian
Commission with those of the Board of Directors of the
World's Columbian Exposition as to all features except
awards, took more definite form. Since the adoption of
THE COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION. 147
the compact of November, 1890, the World's Columbian
Commission had held few meeting's. Its Board of Refer-
ence and Control, consisting- of eight members of the
Commission, had met usually once in two months and exer-
cised the powers of the Commission. In addition to this
the committees on Ceremonies and Awards had held
meetings for the transaction of the business committed to
their charge. The matter of awards was felt to be pecul-
iarly a function of the Commission, that would not in any
way interfere with the construction, installation, or opera-
tion of the Exposition ; therefore, it was not thought that
any change in this particular should be made. The arrange-
ment of the ceremonies for the dedication of the Exposition
in October, 1892, and for the opening of the Exposition in
1893, had been committed to a Joint Committee on Cere-
monies, composed of eight members from each body, and
as their work was progressing satisfactorily, and could be
subjected to control whenever it came in contact with
the physical operations within the park inclosure, it was
not deemed necessary to disturb the labors of this joint
committee.
The initiative for concentration of control was taken
by the Board of Directors, with the hope of providing
satisfactorily for the approaching emergency. Directors
were of the opinion that your company, being the active
agent, charged with the disbursement of the funds for the
preparation of the Exposition, should control the new
authority to be created. The Board of Directors, therefore,
proposed to the Board of Reference and Control of the
World's Columbian Commission that a board or committee
of five be created, of which three members would be
directors and two commissioners. The proposition was
rejected. The Board of Reference and Control, while
recognizing the emergency existing, refused to surrender
148 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
the Commission's share of power. They claimed that to
place over the Exposition a body clothed with supreme
authority, in which body the Commission should have only
a minority representation, would be inconsistent with the
dignity of the Commission and the purposes for which it
had been created ; that acquiescence in such an act by the
Board of Reference and Control could not be justified
when the Commission should again assemble, and that it
would subject the Board to severe criticism. This Board,
therefore, formally rejected the proposition of the Board
of Directors, and by this act a question of difference was
raised between the two bodies.
By the compact of November, 1890, when the president
of either body should certify that a difference had arisen
between the two bodies upon any question, the Board of
Reference and Control of the Commission was to sit with
a similar body appointed by the Board of Directors, as a
Committee of Conference, and the action of this conference
on such question of difference should be final and binding
upon both bodies. Such a conference was called and
several sessions were held, with the hope of speedily arriv-
ing at a satisfactory basis for adjustment of the difference,
everyone being alive to the danger of each day's delay.
The conference evolved a plan which provided for a
Council of Administration composed of two directors and
two commissioners, thus providing for an equal represen-
tation of each body. To this council was given "absolute
and final jurisdiction and control over all matters of gen-
eral administration of the Exposition, including the instal-
lation of exhibits and all agencies employed in that behalf."
It had no power to expend moneys belonging to this com-
pany, except when duly appropriated by the Board of
Directors. The agreement provided that there should be
a director of works appointed by the Board of Directors,
THE COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION. 149
and that in all matters the director of works and the
director-general should be "subject to the control and
jurisdiction of the Council of Administration." The plan
was embodied in a compact adopted by the Committee of
Conference on August 18, 1892.
The compact thus adopted was submitted to the Board
of Directors on the same day. The action of the Confer-
ence Committee, being authoritative, needed no ratification
by the Board of Directors, but it met with general approval
as the best possible outcome of the situation under existing
circumstances. The only fear expressed was that the old
question of dual control had not been finally disposed of,
but might reappear in the newly-created Council of Admin-
istration ; that disagreement might arise in that body, in
which the two directors might find themselves arrayed
against the two commissioners. It is proper to say that
the fear proved to be groundless. The council worked
harmoniously at all times, feeling itself under the heaviest
pressure and consecrated to a task which, no matter how
faithfully discharged, would certainly prove imperfect in
some particulars, and leave room for criticism by those
who would look only at results, and not at obstacles to be
overcome. The members of the council drew close to
each other and lent to each other that cooperation born
of the presence of imminent danger. It is a remarkable
fact that the Council of Administration was never com-
pelled to place upon its records a dissenting vote upon
any of the important questions and controversies which
came before it.
At the meeting of the Board of Directors when the
compact above referred to was presented, August 18, 1892,
the resignation of President Baker, forwarded from London,
was presented and accepted. The vice-president was elected
president, and at the same time he and Charles H. Schwab
150 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
were chosen members of the Council of Administration.
Ferdinand W. Peck was elected vice-president to fill the
vacancy created in that position. The Board of Reference
and Control of the World's Columbian Commission chose
George V. Massey of Delaware and J. W. St. Clair of West
Virginia as councilors, and on the following day the council
met and organized. Your president was chosen chairman,
and Amory W. Sawyer, the former secretary of the Com-
mittee on Grounds and Buildings, was elected assistant
secretary. The post of secretary was left vacant for the
time, and subsequently Mr. Sawyer was promoted to that
office. Within the next two days the Committee on
Grounds and Buildings turned over its affairs to the
council, and thenceforth the council held daily sessions,
either at the office of the company in the Rand-McNally
Building, 168 Adams Street, or in the Service Building at
Jackson Park.
By the action recited above the Exposition was relieved
from a great difficulty. It is only just to pay a tribute
here to the Committee on Grounds and Buildings for the
broad-minded and intelligent manner in which its members
recognized and faced this problem of administration. They
had carried the great and beautiful work at least halfway
to completion. Under their jurisdiction plans had been
perfected and so far realized that the future glory of the
Exposition could be clearly discerned. Yet between this
period and the completion of the work stretched difficulties,
dangers, and possibilities of failure which they must have
fully understood. To relinquish control at this time over
the superb organization which, through their chief of con-
struction, they had created, and take the chance of seeing
their work finished by other hands, and perhaps not as
they had contemplated, required public spirit and unselfish
devotion to the cause in the highest degree, and we must
THE COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION. 151
honor these gentlemen in that they were equal to the
emergency that confronted them.
A word must be said, too, as to the difficult position in
which the new body was placed. At best the arrangement
was open to the criticism of "swapping horses while
crossing the stream." True, the change was necessary, but
the difficulties none the less great. The new council was
required to familiarize itself with the details of the old
committee's work, and at the same time assume control
over the director-general and his departments.
The last of the huge steel trusses of the Manufac-
tures Building had been placed in position a few days
before the council came into power. The roof of the
building was not half completed. The date fixed for
the dedication of the Exposition buildings was only two
months off, and the opening of the Exposition less than
nine months distant. It was like the changing of com-
manders between two battles in our Civil War. Never-
theless, the members of the council were familiar in a
general way with every phase of the Exposition work, and
the president, while less familiar with the work of con-
struction than were the members of the Committee on
Grounds and Buildings, had a thorough knowledge of the
financial policy of your company, of its resources, and of
the estimates of liabilities and expenditures necessary, and
had given much time and thought to the financial side of
the Exposition.
Another matter which remained for adjustment was the
adoption of "rules for the World's Columbian Exposition,
governing rates of entrance and admission fees and other-
wise affecting the rights, privileges, and interests of exhib-
itors and the public within the grounds adopted as a site for
said Exposition." (Act of Congress, April 26, 1890, Section
7.) The Act provided that these rules should be adopted
152 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
by the Board of Directors of your company and might be
modified by the World's Columbian Commission, but only
with the consent of two-thirds of all the commissioners.
The Board of Directors had a Committee on Rules which,
from time to time, had approved rules governing the
various exhibit departments, but these rules had gone into
force without being submitted to the World's Columbian
Commission for approval, as that body was not, at the time, /
in session. The subject had been referred to Director J. J.
P. Odell, who did much toward reducing to a system the
miscellaneous material that had accumulated in the guise
of regulations. The Board of Directors was not disposed
to formulate special and particular rules for every branch
and division of the work, but simply to make general rules
sufficiently elastic to provide for emergencies, allowing
each department of the Exposition to formulate particular
regulations as circumstances might from time to time,
require. Such particular regulations had in fact been
adopted by the departments of Transportation, Sewerage and
Water Supply, Fire, Police (Columbian Guard), Mechanical
and Electrical Work, the Emergency Hospital, etc. When,
however, the Board of Directors submitted general rules
to the Commission at its meeting in October, 1892, the latter
body, feeling that it had not been allowed a proper -partici-
pation in the framing of rules for the government of the
Exposition, "modified" these general rules by adding
thereto all of the particular regulations of every depart-
ment of the Exposition. This action had some ridiculous
consequences, in that it incorporated into the rules of the
Exposition petty regulations which were subject to numer-
ous modifications, and, in fact, had been practically modi-
fied before the Commission " modified " them. The general
rules which the directors had submitted, and whi<Xh the Com-
mission adopted with modifications, contained, however, a
THE COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION. 153
clause by which the Board of Directors reserved the right
to amend or add to the rules whenever it deemed necessary.
This reservation, fortunately, gave to the Board of Directors
a power which was absolutely necessary to the administra-
tion of the Exposition, and this power was exercised freely
at all times by the Council of Administration.
The rules governing rates of entrance and admission
fees provided f or a " Bureau of Admissions and Collections,"
to be composed of the president of the Exposition, the
chairmen of its committees on Finance and Ways and
Means, and the treasurer and auditor. This bureau received
authority to control the gates of the Exposition, to sell
tickets, to receive money therefor, and to collect dues from
concessionaires.
It will be seen that the organization of this bureau was
not in accordance with the purposes sought in the creation
of the Council of Administration. It was the opinion,
however, of both directors and commissioners that the
revenues of the Exposition should be exclusively within
the control of your company, and ought not to be adminis-
tered upon by members of the Commission. The bureau
was composed of persons whose personal experience and
official positions best fitted them for the discharge of its
duties, and it was hoped that the isolation of the work
assigned to it would relieve the already overburdened
Council of Administration. This hope was not fully realized
because the president was a member of both bodies, and
one whose presence would constantly be needed in each.
As the bureau would necessarily have to deal with the
physical conditions at the park, it was possible that, acting
independently, its determinations might not be in harmony
with those of the council. Nevertheless, since two members
of the bureau were financial officers of the company, and
the other three were intimately acquainted with its financial
154 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
work, and all understood the value of harmony, the plan,
if it was a bungling one, worked very well. Indeed, it is
difficult to see now what could have been done without
the Bureau of Admissions and Collections. The excep-
tionally good organization of the department which dealt
with admissions at the gates and of that which made collec-
tions from concessionaires were the work of this bureau.
CHAPTER IX.
THE DEDICATION OF THE BUILDINGS.
OCTOBER 12, 1892, was the date fixed by the Act
of Congress for the dedication of the Exposition
buildings. It was found desirable, however, to
change this date. On this day the four hun-
dredth anniversary of the discovery of America was to
be observed generally throughout the country. The city
of New York had arranged for an elaborate demonstration
to commemorate the landing of Columbus, and those in
charge of this celebration were solicitous lest the dedicatory
ceremonies in Chicago should conflict with theirs, espe-
cially as the President of the United States could not
attend the celebration in New York if it and the dedica-
tion of the Exposition should occur upon the same day.
The management of the Exposition was therefore urged
to consent that the date of the dedication should be
changed from October i2th to Friday, October 2ist, this
being the correct date of the discovery according to the
revised calendar now in use, besides falling upon the very
day of the week on which Columbus landed in the New
World. The Board of Directors consented to this change,
feeling that it would be a graceful act to accede to the
wishes of the citizens of New York, would assist them
in achieving success for their celebration, and would at
the same time give to those interested in local celebra-
tions throughout the country an opportunity to unite with
Chicago in the great event two weeks later.
In the spring of 1891 the dedicatory ceremonies had
(155)
156 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
been referred to a Committee on Ceremonies of the Board
of Directors, acting jointly with a similar committee of the
Commission. The Committee on Ceremonies, on the part
of the Board, consisted of the following:
Edward F. Lawrence, Chairman.
Charles H. Schwab. Charles H. Wacker.
William D. Kerfoot. Charles Henrotin.
Charles T. Yerkes. Alexander H. Revell.
The Committee on Ceremonies, on the part of the
Commission, was:
P. A. B. Widener, Chairman.
James Hodges. Thomas B. Keogh.
George A. Barbour. Gorton W. Allen.
Adlai T. Ewing. V. D. Groner.
The dedication of the Exposition buildings six months
before the enterprise was to be actually inaugurated was
approved as a means of disseminating throughout the
country a knowledge, of the grandeur and extent of the
Exposition, and of the completeness of the equipment
which Chicago had prepared for it. An elaborate pro-
gram was prepared, to occupy three days, and to be pre-
ceded by Columbian services in all the churches on the
Sunday before.
The program was as follows:
Wednesday, October igth. Columbus Day in all the schools at 1.30
o'clock. Reception and ball at the Auditorium at 9 o'clock in the
evening.
Thursday, October ggth. Civic parade through the business portion
of the city, beginning at 9 o'clock in the morning, and reviewed by
the President of the United States from a stand erected at the Adams
Street front of the Custom House. Military reception and ball given by
Col. Henry L. Turner at the First Regiment Armory in the evening.
Dinner to the President of the United States and the distinguished
guests of the occasion by the Fellowship Club at Kinsley's.
Friday, October 2ist. Military parade to Jackson Park, reviewed
by the President in Washington Park. Dedication of the Exposition
buildings by appropriate ceremonies in the Manufactures Building at
THE DEDICATION OF THE BUILDINGS. 157
Jackson Park. Dedicatory services of the World's Congress Auxiliary
at the Auditorium in the evening. Fireworks displays in the parks in
the north, south, and west divisions of the city.
Originally it had been intended that the reception and
ball on Wednesday evening should be a part of the offi-
cial ceremonies, and that the dedicatory ceremonies at
Jackson Park should include the movement on the lagoons
of an impressive series of floats styled the " Procession of
the Centuries." An appropriation of $150,000 had been
made by the Board of Directors to meet all the expenses
of the ceremonies.
The reception and ball were omitted from the official
program, and were taken in charge personally by Maj.-Gen.
Nelson A. Miles, U. S. A., and Messrs. Marshall Field,
George M. Pullman, Philip D. Armour, and N. K. Fairbank.
This arrangement produced very satisfactory results. The
function occurred at the Auditorium on Wednesday even-
ing, October ipth. The brilliant event elicited great praise
for its faultless arrangements and the elegant complete-
ness of its details.
Your company incurred a heavy expenditure for the
proposed pageant of the " Procession of the Centuries," the
contracts for floats, decorations, costumes, etc., amounting
to $90,000. The proposed floats were to illustrate a variety
of subjects typifying the progress of civilization at various
periods in American history. The floats were to be of
size sufficient to produce a proper effect when viewed by
spectators from the banks of the lagoons. Their dimen-
sions were to be such as to forbid their passing under the
bridges which were to span the lagoons, therefore the con-
struction of the bridges was to be postponed until after
the dedication. Then it was perceived that in case of
fire or panic in the Manufactures Building during the dedi-
catory ceremonies, there would be only one bridge that
158 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
spanning the canal north of the Court of Honor over
which the crowd in the building could pass to reach the
exits from the park. The conditions presented possibili-
ties of danger and loss of life which the management could
not consent to confront. Besides this the assemblage of
crowds along the shores of the lagoons in their then unfin-
ished condition involved the danger of serious accidents
as well as expensive damage. Moreover a proper under-
standing had not been reached as to the motive power
for propelling the floats. The Committee on Ceremonies
had been assured by the Construction Department that
satisfactory motive power could be provided. It had been
suggested that the floats could be moved by a cable, like
that of a street railway, attached to engines upon the
shore. Doubtless the problem of motive power could have
been solved had the other objections been less weighty.
Late in the summer it was decided to abandon the proj-
ect. The construction of the floats was well advanced,
and decorations and costumes had been procured at great
cost. After much negotiation, and a careful estimate of
the contractor's expenses, your company paid $75,500 in
full for the outlay already made, and, in addition, $10,848.45
for the temporary wooden building erected as a workshop
in which the floats were built. This expensive failure was
to some extent due to the lack of concentration and close
connection between the various parts of our organization.
To a greater extent it was due to the hurry incident to
the completion of so many undertakings in so short a
time, giving occasion for misunderstandings and mistakes
such as could not occur in the methodical conduct of a
well-ordered business.
It was urged at the time that the proposed pageant
was not in keeping with the dignity of the Exposition.
The matter of "dignity" was in those days so jealously
THE DEDICATION OF THE BUILDINGS. 159
guarded as to become at times almost a bugbear. There
was nothing intrinsically bad in the scheme of the floats.
Had it been developed properly, as doubtless it would have
been, it would have added a pleasing and inspiring spectacle
to the dedicatory ceremonies. During the Exposition
season processions of floats, by night and by day, on the
lagoons and on land, were frequently introduced and proved
very satisfactory, giving life and additional interest to the
charming scene.
President Harrison was prevented from attending the
dedication by Mrs. Harrison's severe illness, which soon
afterward proved fatal. Vice-President Morton repre-
sented the President upon this occasion. The civic parade,
upon the day preceding the dedication, was participated in
by many thousands of people, including all the non-mili-
tary organizations of the city and the Governors of most
of the States of the Union, accompanied by the members
of their respective staffs. It was a most inspiring scene.
The procession occupied more than four hours in passing
the grand stand at the custom house, where it was reviewed
by Vice-President Morton.
In the meantime directors and officers were gravely
anxious as to the success of the dedicatory ceremonies
upon the following day. The tracks of the Illinois Central
Railroad were in process of elevation and the road was
unable to supply even ordinary facilities for transportation.
Invitations to attend the ceremonies had been issued to
members of Congress, the principal officers of the Govern-
ment, Governors of States with the members of their staffs,
and the members of the various State Legislatures. Invi-
tations had been assigned for distribution by members of
the Commission and by members of Congress. Each stock-
holder of the Exposition company received an invitation.
Thus in all more than 100,000 invitations were issued, each
160 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
admitting a gentleman and lady. Possibly one-half of these
invitations had been sent to persons who might not be able
to use them, but the demand for admission to Jackson Park
on Dedication Day was so great that it was reasonable to
expect that most of the cards of admission would find their
way into use, and that the number admitted would be large
enough to make some grave disaster possible, either within
the grounds or at the railway stations. Therefore every
precaution was taken to prevent accident. As the proces-
sion was to pass from Washington Park to Jackson Park
by way of the Midway Plaisance, across the tracks of the
Illinois Central Railroad, a large temporary wooden viaduct
was constructed over these tracks. The construction of this
viaduct was authorized by the Board of Directors on Sep-
tember 26, 1892, and the Work was finished within twenty-
three days, at a cost of $9,616.11.
On October 2ist, at sunrise, the entire central portion
of the city, between the river on the north and west and
Twelfth Street on the south, was cleared by the police of
every description of vehicles, the district presenting a
mosf peculiar appearance to those who were familiar with
it upon ordinary days. Carriages conveying persons offi-
cially connected with the ceremonies were passed through
the police lines by means of cards previously issued by
Major R. W. McClaughry, chief of police.
A national salute was fired at sunrise. The members
of the Board of Directors, the World's Columbian Commis-
sion, and the Board of Lady Managers, and the distinguished
guests of the occasion, in carriages, formed in line on
Michigan Avenue near the Auditorium, whence they were
escorted by United States troops cavalry and light artil-
lerysouth on Michigan Avenue to Twenty-ninth Street;
here they were joined by Vice-President Morton and party
and President Palmer of the Commission, who were the
THE DEDICATION OF THE BUILDINGS. 161
guests of your president, and thence moved south to Wash-
ington Park. At this point the procession was received by
15,000 troops of the regular army and of the militia of
several States, drawn up for review. The carriages were
then parked upon the great meadow, and the troops
marched past, after which the procession moved to Jackson
Park by way of the Midway Plaisance.
A light luncheon was served in the galleries of the
Manufactures Building to the guests in the procession.
Elsewhere provision had been made for serving luncheon
to the entire assemblage waiting in the park. From the
number of invitations issued, as heretofore mentioned, the
magnitude of this undertaking will be understood. It was
manifestly impossible to serve a satisfactory meal ; the
purpose was to offer merely a slight refection to enable
persons within the park to withstand the fatigue of waiting
for the grand event to take place. It was not deemed
proper to permit the opening of restaurants and the sale of
refreshments, as those within the park were present as
guests in response to the invitations of the management.
Refreshments were served by the Wellington Catering
Company, which had received the principal concession for
restaurant service during the approaching Exposition sea-
son. More than 70,000 persons were supplied.
The interior of the Manufactures Building presented a
grand and novel spectacle. At the middle of the east side
was erected a stand or platform capable of seating 2,500
people. Over it and high above, decorations of flags and
bunting had been effectively massed. At the south end of
the building, 500 feet away, was another stand for the
chorus, capable of seating 5,500 people, and filled with
singers whom the choral director, William L. Tomlins, had
trained during the year previous for rendering the music
for this occasion. Before the chorus was placed the Chi-
li
1 62 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
cago Orchestra, augmented to 190 pieces and 50 drums,
and led by Theodore Thomas.
In front of the grand stand were chairs and benches for
the accommodation of 60,000 people, covering the area with-
in the large trusses of the building, and in the surrounding
galleries 15,000 additional seats were placed. Immediately
in front of the platform were tables for the accommoda-
tion of 750 reporters. Beyond these tables 15,000 seats
were reserved for the families of directors, commissioners,
and distinguished guests from without the city.
The procession, military review, and escort of the Vice-
President and party were under the charge of Maj.-Gen.
Nelson A. Miles, U. S. A., commanding the Department
of the Missouri, and the credit of the success of the various
maneuvres is due to his skill and firmness. The burden
of guard duty for the preservation of order and the pro-
tection of property fell chiefly upon his troops and the
Columbian Guard. The immense crowds within and with-
out the park and the extent and unfinished condition of
the grounds made this by no means an easy task.
It was found necessary to conduct with great caution
the procession over the viaduct across the tracks of the
Illinois Central Railroad, and serious delay was caused at
this point; otherwise the procession would have reached
the Manufactures Building at the time appointed. Had
the plan been adopted, as was urged at the time, for a
military parade extending from the business district of the
city to Jackson Park, the ceremonies could not have been
concluded until after nightfall. General Miles had opposed
this plan, and, being in charge of the military features of
the day, under orders from the Secretary of War, directed
that the review at Washington Park should occur as soon
as the carriages of the Vice-President and party arrived
at that point, whence the procession moved to the Exposi-
THE DEDICATION OF THE BUILDINGS. 163
tion grounds. For this decision General Miles was criti-
cised, but before the day was over the wisdom of his
decision was apparent, and for it he subsequently received
a vote of thanks from the Board of Directors.
When the ceremonies were about to begin, it was found
that the vast areas had easily absorbed the many thou-
sands who were entitled to admission, and that the fears
of the management as to congestion were groundless. A
large crowd had gathered outside the gates, and the atten-
tion of your president being called to this by the director
of works and the commandant of the guards, the gates
were opened to all who desired to enter.
The scene in the Manufactures Building will never be
forgotten by those who witnessed it. The grand platform
was occupied by officers of the National Government,
members of the diplomatic corps, officers of the various
States, Senators and Representatives, directors and commis-
sioners. The eye and brain could scarcely comprehend
the vastness of the audience stretching out before this
platform, nearly every one seated or being conducted to
seats by soldiers and the Columbian Guards in the most
orderly manner. There was little motion, but the air was
resonant with an indescribable hum of voices. At the south
end of the building the chorus of 5,000 persons "seemed
but a mere island in an ocean of humanity !"* The number
gathered under this roof can not be accurately determined,
but must have been over 100,000 persons. Perfect order
prevailed. The dignity of the occasion seemed to have
cast a spell over the audience.
The dedicatory ceremonies were opened with the "Colum-
bian March," composed by Prof. J. K. Paine of Cambridge,
and rendered by the Columbian orchestra and chorus.
Prayer was offered by Bishop Charles H. Fowler, D. D.,
* Report-of Milward Adams, who had charge of the seating arrangements.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT,
LL. D., of the Methodist Episcopal church, after which
came the introductory address by the director-general,
George R. Davis. Following this the mayor of Chicago,
Hempstead Washburne, delivered an address of welcome
and a tender of the freedom of the city of Chicago to the
Vice- President and the representatives of foreign nations.
Selections from the "Columbian Ode," written by Miss
Harriet Monroe of Chicago, were read by Mrs. Sarah C.
LeMoyne of New York, whose resonant voice and excellent
delivery overcame the difficulties of the hall to a greater
extent than did most of the other speakers. Mrs. Le
Moyne's reading was interspersed with selections from the
same ode, set to music by George W. Chadwick of Boston,
and sung by the Columbian chorus. After this, the director
of works, Daniel H. Burnham, tendered the buildings to
your president, and presented to him the master artists of
construction of the Exposition in an address setting forth
the work which these artists had accomplished. This was
responded to by your president, who then presented to the
master artists the commemorative medals which had been
struck for the occasion, in recognition of their service.
During the presentation the chorus rendered Mendels-
sohn's " To the Sons of Art." The president of the Board
of Lady Managers, Mrs. Potter Palmer, then delivered an
address on the work of the lady managers. Your president
then tendered the buildings to the president of the World's
Columbian Commission, Hon. Thomas W. Palmer, who
presented them to the Vice- President of the United States,
Hon. Levi P. Morton. The Vice- President then, on behalf
of the President of the United States, formally dedicated the
buildings in an address, closing with the following words:
" In the name of the Government of the United States I hereby
dedicate these buildings and their appurtenances, intended by the
Government of the United States for the use of the World's Colum-
THE DEDICATION OF THE BUILDINGS. 165
bian Exposition, to the world's progress in arts, in science, in agri-
culture, and in manufacture. I dedicate them to humanity.
"God save the United States of America!"
The "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah" was
then sung, following which the dedicatory oration was de-
livered by Hon. Henry Watterson of Kentucky. At the
close of this oration the Columbian chorus and orchestra
rendered the "Star Spangled Banner," following which was
delivered the Columbian oration by Hon. Chauncey M.
Depew of New York. The ceremonies were concluded
with prayer by his eminence, Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop
of Baltimore; the chorus, "In Praise of God," by Beethoven;
and the benediction, by the Rev. Henry C. McCook of
Philadelphia. A national salute was fired by the artillery
as the ceremonies came to a close.
The perfect weather contributed to the success of the
occasion. The sunshine, the cloudless sky, and the spring-
like air lent a charm to the grounds that seemed to more
than atone for their unfinished condition. We may count
the dedication on October 21, 1892, as possibly the most
successful of all the pageants, ceremonies, and celebrations
which occurred in connection with the Exposition. The
total expenditure for this occasion amounted to $287,709.31,
including special work done by the Construction Depart-
ment and the features which were abandoned. This was
almost twice the original estimate. But for the many
alterations in the original plans the cost would have been
much less. There can be no doubt, however, that they
were worth to your company all they cost and much more.
More unfavorable rumors, more attacks upon your plans
and management, were laid at rest upon this day than
could have been silenced by any other means.
The fact that the immense assemblage gathered in the
Manufactures Building, witnessed the impressive program,
1 66 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
and dispersed without an accident worthy of note, either
within or without the half-finished grounds, spoke for the
care, intelligence, and efficiency of the officers and em-
ployes of your company, of the officers of the army, and
of the various transportation lines.
This was the first great task encountered by the Coun-
cil of Administration, and caused it much labor and grave
anxiety. Before the council was many days old it was
compelled to exercise its powers vigorously in all depart-
ments of the Exposition, in connection with the proposed
ceremonies, to harmonize arrangements, and to insure the
perfect safety of the public. Had any casualty occurred,
through negligence or unforeseen contingency, its injurious
effect would have marred the success of the enterprise
six months later.
The representatives of the press who attended the
ceremonies included many distinguished journalists, and
all were so thoroughly impressed with the magnitude of
the preparation and the grandeur of the scope of the
Exposition that praise and commendation for the great
enterprise awoke all over the country, even in quarters
where only adverse criticism had been heard before.
Thanks are due to Chairman Lawrence and to the
members of the Committee on Ceremonies for their great
labors in connection with this occasion, as well as other
occasions where suitable ceremonies were required. The
work of this committee extended over two years. In pre-
paring for the dedication its members were confronted
with all the vexations and obstacles which the crudeness
of our organization rendered possible. In spite of this
their duties were creditably discharged. The members of
the committee of the Commission, being non-residents,
were less actively engaged, but they also performed valu-
able services.
CHAPTER X.
THE BUREAU OF ADMISSIONS AND COLLECTIONS.
THE general rules and regulations, heretofore re-
ferred to in Chapter VIII, provided for a Bureau
of Admissions and Collections, which was in real-
ity a committee composed of the chairmen of the
committees on Finance and on Ways and Means, and the
president, treasurer, and auditor of your company. It was
charged with the duty of managing and controlling the
sale and collection of tickets of admission and the issuance
of passes to the Exposition grounds; also with the collection
of moneys which might become due to the World's Colum-
bian Exposition on account of privileges and concessions, or
from exhibitors or State boards. This bureau was author-
ized to adopt such regulations and to employ such agents
and assistants as might be necessary.
The rules provided that complimentary tickets of ad-
mission should be issued to those whose official position
demanded recognition by the Exposition, viz., the Presi-
dent and Vice-President of the United States, members of
the Cabinet, Justices of the Supreme Court of the United
States, members of Congress and chief officers of the
National Government, the Diplomatic Corps, Governors of
the States and Territories, the mayor of the city of Chi-
cago and the members of the city council, members of
the World's Columbian Commission and their alternates,
members and ex-members of the Board of Directors, mem-
bers of the Board of Lady Managers and their alternates,
members of the State and Territorial World's Fair boards,
1 68 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
members of the Board of Managers of the United States
Government Exhibit, foreign commissioners and their sec-
retaries, judges and jurors of awards, all executive officers
of the Exposition, all custom house officers, clerks, and
employes connected with the United States Treasury
Department on duty within the Exposition grounds, mem-
bers of the Board of South Park Commissioners, "one
each to a representative of the principal and most promi-
nent newspapers of this and foreign countries, and to any
other person or persons who may be adjudged to be
entitled to a complimentary pass by the president of the
World's Columbian Commission, the president of the
World's Columbian Exposition, and the director-general.
The rules provided that "in all cases where a pass is
issued upon the request of the president of the World's
Columbian Commission, the president of the Exposition, or
the director-general, such pass shall bear the signature of
such officer who makes application therefor." These rules
were so indefinite as to present many difficulties, and
were never closely followed. All passes of this character
bore facsimiles of the signatures of the presidents of the
two bodies and of the director-general, and they were
issued upon the requisition of either of these three officers.
The rules further provided for the issuance of passes
to all necessary employes in connection with the work of
the Exposition, during their term of service, and to each
exhibitor "one pass, provided his presence is required
during the installation of his exhibit and the time same
is on exhibition, and also to all necessary and regular
employes and attendants in connection with exhibits; also
to concessionaires and their necessary servants and em-
ployes."
The Bureau of Admissions and Collections was com-
posed of Edward B. Butler, chairman of the Committee
B UREA U OF ADMISSIONS AND COLLECTIONS. 1 69
on Ways and Means ; Ferdinand W. Peck, chairman of the
Committee on Finance ; William K. Ackerman, auditor ;
Anthony F. Seeberger, treasurer, and your president. It
organized by electing Mr. Butler chairman, and Howard O.
Edmonds, the secretary of your company, its secretary.
No provision was made as to the relation which the
bureau should sustain to the Council of Administration.
It was theoretically an independent and coordinate body,
applying to the Board of Directors for needful appropria-
tions, and pursuing its work without reference to any other
jurisdiction. This was quite wrong in theory. But even
a poor system may work fairly well when the persons
operating it earnestly desire to make the best of the
situation, and to do their work discreetly, carefully, and
thoroughly. The bureau always endeavored to keep in
touch with the Council of Administration, and there was
never any serious friction between the two bodies.
As the name indicated, the work of the bureau naturally
divided itself into two departments, that for the control
of admissions, and that for the collection of moneys due
from concessions. As to moneys which might become
due from exhibitors and State boards, suitable arrange-
ments had already been made for collecting them through
the auditor's office. The Department of Works reported
to the auditor the sums due for work done on such accounts,
for which the auditor rendered bills and collected pay-
ment.
Pursuant to the recommendations of a report prepared
by the auditor, the bureau decided to appoint a superin-
tendent of admissions. The president was authorized to
offer the position to Horace Tucker of Chicago. Mr. Tucker
was appointed on December 27, 1892, and immediately
entered upon the discharge of his duties. A superintend-
ent of collections was appointed on February i, 1893.
I ;o REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
The time available for the organization of these two
departments was altogether too short. The superintend-
ent of admissions had but four months in which to make
all his preparations and complete his arrangements, and
owing to the difficulty of finding a suitable man for the
position of superintendent of collections that officer, when
appointed, had less than three months at command. A
year would have been a very short time for the purpose.
When we realize how great was the disadvantage under
which these officers were placed, ample allowance can be
made for any defects or shortcomings which may have
been found in their work. Not that any great allowance
is necessary, but for all cases where arrangements were
found incomplete on May ist, or where mistakes were made,
the great handicap of insufficient time is an ample excuse.
The Committee on Ways and Means had previously given
attention to the subjects of admissions and collections, but
the pressure of many other matters had postponed these
until long after the period of safety.
For a complete record of the work of the Department
of Admissions, reference is made to the report of its super-
intendent, and the statistics attached thereto. They are
transmitted herewith and made a part of this report.
Soon after the appointment of this officer the bureau
determined to adopt the system of admission by an engraved
and printed ticket rather than by the use of half dollars
as tickets, as at the Centennial. A contract was made
with the American Bank Note Company for 6,000,000 of
tickets in four series, each distinguished by the vignette
on its face; one series bearing the portrait of Columbus,
another that of Washington, the third that of Lincoln,
and the fourth the head of a typical North American
Indian. It was supposed that these tickets would be valued
as souvenirs, and they were to be sold not only at the
B UREA U OF A D MISSIONS A ND COLLECTIONS. 1 7 1
gates, but in the city and elsewhere, and to be good for
admission on any day of the Exposition.
For most of the admissions a cheaper form of ticket
was to be used, of which 25,000,000 were ordered. They
were divided into several series, each series being dis-
tinguished by letters and figures, as A, i A, 2 A, B, i B,
2 B, etc. These tickets were to be sold only at the booths
immediately without the turnstiles and were to be good
only on the day of sale, tickets of one series being given
out for sale at the beginning of a day and instructions
given to ticket takers not to recognize tickets of any other
series. The use of a series might be discontinued and
another substituted at any time in the course of a day,
thus reducing to a minimum the danger of counterfeiting.
The souvenir tickets were of the size of the old United
States fractional currency notes, upon an especially pre-
pared paper having a mottled appearance which could be
detected by holding the ticket up to the light. The spots
in the paper could also be recognized by the fingers. The
engraving was elaborate and handsome, and included fac-
similes of the signatures of the president and treasurer
of the Exposition; they were not likely to be counterfeited.
The cheaper form of tickets were protected against coun-
terfeiting because only the superintendent of admissions
and the head of the ticket department knew what series
would be used on any day until the hour for opening the
gates. Had it been suspected on any day that counter-
feits were in circulation they could have been easily detected
simply by changing the series on sale at the ticket booths.
A turnstile was adopted which had combined with it
a chopper for mutilating the tickets and a register to
indicate the number of persons who had passed through.
The chopper was afterward abandoned because the muti-
lation of the ticket was too great to allow a satisfactory
172 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
count for checking the register and the number of tickets
sold.
The enormous number of free admissions which the
management had reason to expect was a cause of much
anxiety. As might be expected the system was subjected
to abuse and many persons obtained admission who were
not justly entitled thereto, but it is the belief of your presi-
dent that the abuse was detected in the majority of cases
where it extended over a considerable period, and subse-
quently there was no cause for complaint. Had there been,
before the opening, time to organize the department
thoroughly, it is just to suppose that, under the watchful
attention of the superintendent, the abuse of passes would
have been reduced to a positive minimum.
Neatly engraved cards of admission were issued to the
President of the United States, members of the Cabinet,
Justices of the Supreme Court, members of Congress,
Governors, etc. These were passes which would not be
frequently used. For most of the free admissions, a photo-
graphic pass was provided, in the form of a book, which
bore, on the inside of the cover, the photograph and auto-
graph of the person entitled to use it. The rest of the
book was made up of coupons, one for each day of the
Exposition. The coupons were detached as the holder
passed the turnstile, and were deposited in the receptacle.
It was not expected that the ticket takers would scru-
tinize the photograph at each presentation, but it enabled
the superintendent to require scrutiny and comparison
whenever he desired. Even if the holder of a pass were
not refused admission, a clew could be established through
the report of the ticket taker, giving to the office of the
department the number of pass supposed to be illegally
held. If an investigation made it seem necessary, the
pass could be taken up when next offered. More than
SURE A U OF ADMISSIONS AND COLLECTIONS. 1 73
all, the fact that a photograph was contained in the pass
book made persons chary of attempting to use it unlawfully.
Some opposition to the photographic passes was expected
among the thousands of employes and exhibitors, and,
therefore, the Bureau of Admissions resolved to put the
system in effect with directors and commissioners as an
example to others, so that it could be urged that the sys-
tem was accepted by all alike, the highest as well as the
lowest. This course provoked some friction, although in
the main it was acceded to when the reasons were prop-
erly explained. When, however, the National Commission
assembled in April, 1893, a vigorous protest was made by
some commissioners who thought an indignity had been
put upon them.
In addition to these two forms of admission, passes
were required for laborers employed by contractors doing
work for the Exposition, or by exhibitors in the work of
installation. These laborers were constantly changing,
and diminished in number as the Exposition approached
completion. It was not feasible to require photographs
from them, as they were hired and discharged from day
to day. For them workmen's tickets, good for one month,
were printed, with a different color for each month.
These were good only at certain turnstiles, and they were
punched as the holder went through. A deposit of $i
was required as a guarantee for the return of the ticket
when the holder ceased to work for his employer. Single
day workmen's tickets were also issued.
Between December 27, 1892, when the superintendent
of admissions was appointed, and the opening of the
Exposition, contracts for the engraved souvenir tickets,
the pass books, and the 25,000,000 of ordinary tickets were
closed and filled. A corps of ticket sellers, ticket takers,
and inspectors was organized. An office force was recruited
174 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
and instructed in the issuance of the thousands of passes
and the keeping of an orderly record thereof, and in the
work of issuing and accounting for the tickets sold and
taken in from day to day. Necessarily the details of issu-
ing photographic passes, securing the photograph, and
affixing it upon the pass book, and securing such records
as would render information regarding the passes readily
accessible for the purpose of detecting abuses, were mat-
ters requiring much labor and careful attention. At the
same time entrances, ticket booths, turnstiles, the sale of
tickets at points remote from Jackson Park, to prevent
congestion there, had to be provided for. The contract
for turnstiles was not closed until so late that they could
hardly be ready by May ist, and in fact they were not
all ready for service until the middle of June.
The organization of the Department of Collections was
an inconceivably more difficult task. While the revenues
anticipated from this source were not expected to exceed
one-third or one-half that from the gate admissions, the
labor of collecting it was far more difficult. It would
have been better if the superintendent of collections had
been from the outset identified with the Committee on
Ways and Means in the granting of concessions. The
Exposition was, however, more than usually fortunate in
the choice of a superintendent for this department. It
now seems to the writer that the work of collecting from
concessionaires was far better performed than the manage-
ment had any reason to hope for under the circumstances.
I make this admission the more readily because, owing to
my long connection with the Committee on Ways and
Means, the blame for failure to provide for this need at
an earlier day must fall in some measure upon myself.
The fact is that while the members of the committee
knew that theoretically it was possible to perfect systems
B UREA U OF ADMISSIONS AND COLLECTIONS, i 75
for the auditing of concessions so that good results would
follow, they had not been able to find a man available
for their purpose to whom the work could be entrusted.
The Bureau of Admissions and Collections, when organized,
promptly received applications for the position of superin-
tendent of collections, but, as is frequently the case in the
administration of a difficult office, it was necessary to find
some one who had not applied for the place and did not
want it. While the bureau was considering this matter,
and was filled with anxiety for the future of the Depart-
ment of Collections, Paul Blackmar of Minneapolis was
mentioned as possessing qualifications which admirably
adapted him for this work. In answer to a telegram, he
came to Chicago and had an interview with your presi-
dent, at the close of which he agreed to undertake the
duty if his services should be desired. The matter was
considered for a few days with great thoroughness, the
appointment made by telegraph, and Mr. Blackmar entered
upon his duties on February i, 1893.
The compensation for each of these superintendents
was fixed by the bureau at $400 per month, a sum which
was regarded by all as very small for the character of
the work expected of these men. The bureau was influ-
enced by the serious condition of the company's finances
at that time. Neither of the superintendents gave much
consideration to the amount of salary to be received by
them, and in both cases the amount was fixed after they
had entered upon their duties. Both officers knew that
the term of service would be less than a year, and felt
that the salary they might receive would be less of an
object than the reputation to be achieved by the suc-
cessful management of the important offices entrusted to
them.
Within a few days after Mr. Blackmar's appointment
176 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
he had become thoroughly familiar with the concession
contracts previously entered into by the Committee on
Ways and Means. As fast as executed these had been
filed with the auditor, and that officer had taken the pre-
caution to have these contracts printed and bound in a
convenient book form suitable for ready reference. Mr.
Blackmar next secured the services of two expert account-
ants of a high order of ability and capacity for attacking
problems outside the usual routine of auditing and account-
ing. With the aid of these and of others employed as the
work progressed, Mr. Blackmar grouped the concessions
according to their characteristic features and perfected
systems applicable to each group, with the idea of effect-
ing a daily settlement with each concessionaire for the
amount of his business and collecting from him the pro-
portionate amount of the proceeds accruing to the Expo-
sition under the contract. This being accomplished, he
turned over to the experts whom he had employed, the
preparation of the forms, blanks, and books necessary for
the work before them; and he contracted for tickets, repre-
senting various sums of money, to be used by the cashiers
of the various concessionaires. The first order was for
36,000,000 tickets and over 60,000,000 were used. He then
began, by personal interviews with concessionaires, to impart
to them the means which he expected to take for auditing
their concessions, and the rules with which he would expect
them to comply. By these interviews he became person-
ally acquainted with the various concessionaires, secured
their confidence wherever possible, won over those disposed
to resist the methods employed, and dealt with those who
remained refractory as seemed best under the circum-
stances. All contracts contained the provision that the
agents of the Exposition should prescribe the methods
for auditing concessions, and therefore the superintendent
BUREA U OF ADMISSIONS AND COLLECTIONS. 1 77
had it in his power to enforce obedience where it could
not be secured by other means.
By rapid and incessant work, the greatest possible econ-
omy of time, the application of common sense, persistence,
and a high order of business tact and skill as an accountant,
the superintendent of concessions solved a problem, the
difficulty of which can not be adequately set forth in this
report. In the main his preparations proved adequate when
tested in the early days of the Exposition season. In some
instances radical departures and complete changes were
required. The necessity for these was quickly recognized
and promptly acted upon by the superintendent. For the
full details of his work I refer to the report of the superin-
tendent of collections, which is herewith respectfully trans-
mitted and is made a part of this report.
In spite of the great care exercised, and the desire of
its members for perfect cooperation with the Council of
Administration, instances of the clashing of the jurisdiction
of the two bodies, the bureau and the council, occasionally
occurred. These, though annoying at the time, were not
serious and perhaps would have occurred no matter what
organization had been adopted. Naturally the direct over-
sight of the two superintendents and their departments
fell to your president, who, being an active executive
officer, was always upon the ground, ready to hear and
advise these officers and to instruct them when necessary.
The opinion began to prevail that the Department of
Admissions and Collections could be better administered
under the authority of the Council of Administration.
During one of those periods when the administration was
being overhauled for the purpose of simplifying it, the
Board of Directors discontinued the Bureau of Admissions
and Collections and placed the two departments thereof
under the Council of Administration. This body promptly
12
178 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
turned them over to its chairman, instructing the two super-
intendents to report to him and receive their instructions
from him.
A debt of gratitude is due to the members of the
Bureau of Admissions and Collections for their labors in this
field. Each member was charged with other important
duties which engrossed all his time during business hours.
The evening was chosen as the only available time for the
meetings of the bureau, and the work often extended late
into the night. The chairman, Mr. Butler, and the auditor,
Mr. Ackerman, were frequently called upon for important
and exacting duties as special committees of the bureau,
and the thanks of the company are certainly due them in
this as in many other instances for the work they performed
and the results they achieved.
CHAPTER XL
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, AND
ORGANIZATION.
WHEN the Council of Administration entered
upon its duties on August 19, 1892, Jackson
Park presented a most interesting spectacle.
It was teeming with activity. Nearly 10,000
men were employed. All of the buildings, except Fes-
tival Hall, the Anthropological Building, and the addi-
tional Service Building (Accounting Building), were under
contract. The roof of the building for Manufactures and
Liberal Arts was about half completed; the Mines Build-
ing was finished, and several others were practically so,
lacking only some part of the decorative staff and other
minor details. Machinery Hall was the only building in a
backward state, but this was so far behind as to cause
some anxiety. Its skeleton of triple arches was bare and
roofless, and the rest of its framework was being assem-
bled. The Construction Department was especially active
in pushing this work.
The grounds were covered with a network of tracks.
From the great switching yards in the southwest corner
they spread to each of the great buildings and ran into
many of them. Over these tracks construction material
was everywhere moving, and by them exhibits could be
transferred quickly from the yards to the buildings for
which they were intended, and placed upon or adjacent
to their several points of installation.
Scaffolding enveloped the more important buildings,
(179)
l8o REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
and great masses of sculptured groups were swinging in
the air on their way to adorn the Administration, Agri-
cultural, and other buildings. The grounds were every-
where encumbered with heaps of timber, staff, earth, road
material, debris; but even the debris told a story of activity,
for it changed daily and hourly. Parts of the grounds were
cleared again and again, every effort being made to keep
them free from incumbrance and to facilitate the final
clearing up.
The landscape was assuming something of its promised
beauty. In regions where the architect and the contractor
had finished their labors grass was springing up, and carpets
of turf covered dreary wastes of yellow sand. The Wooded
Island, surrounded by lagoons, whose only building was
the graceful and picturesque Ho-o-den, or Phenix Temple,
of the Japanese, had given the landscape artists their
coveted opportunity. Again and again had attempts been
made to secure space on this island for purposes foreign
to its design. The utmost vigilance had been required to
preserve this feature of the landscape, for with the growth
of Exposition plans space was lacking for worthy projects
which at times seemed essential to the completeness of
the Exposition. When any officer was baffled in his attempt
to locate his favorite project elsewhere, he usually concluded
his search at the Wooded Island and made a desperate
attempt to secure space thereon. Among those was the
Bureau of Public Comfort, which, neglected and discouraged
in many quarters, thought to increase its efficiency by pro-
viding for the weary a place of rest on the island, but
found itself compelled to yield to the artistic necessities
of the case.
The Electrical Department was struggling with the task
of installing a plant and stringing wires for 4,710 arc lights
and 93,040 incandescent lights of sixteen candle power.
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC. 181
The wires were carried in subways or conduits, in some
cases large enough for a man to walk in.
The Mechanical Department was installing seventy-seven
engines, aggregating 29,830 horse power, and a battery of
fifty-two boilers to supply steam therefor. All of these
engines, together with the great Worthington pumps to
supply water for the fountains of the Grand Court and
for the fire service, were furnished for the use of the
Exposition as exhibits, free of cost under certain conditions.
The boilers also were supplied as exhibits, but a charge
of $i per horse power was made for their use. Contracts
for the use of boilers, engines, and machinery were being
prepared and executed, and parts of the plant were in
process of construction in various places, but little had
yet arrived.
The Water and Sewerage Department was pushing for-
ward its plans for providing an adequate water supply,
and for effectually disposing of the sewage of the park
when it should admit daily a concourse of 300,000 people
or even more. These matters have been described in
Chapter III.
The various lines of activity in progress at this time
at the park are mentioned for the purpose of according
to the Committee on Grounds and Buildings, and to the
Construction Department which it organized, something of
that credit due them as the originators of the general
plans which the council was then called upon to adminis-
ter and bring to completion. The details are presented in
the reports of the director of works and of his chiefs.
These reports have been prepared at great expense, and
are filed with the records of your company for reference
in the future, should occasion arise for a detailed investi-
gation into the operations which were conducted.
The complicated details of the dedicatory ceremonies
1 82 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
engrossed much of the time of the Council of Adminis-
tration, and the work of construction claimed constant
attention. The volume of the council's business grew in
a few days to be enormous. It suddenly found itself the
arbiter of an endless array of disagreements and disputes
over construction work, such as might be expected in an
enterprise of this magnitude ; disagreements between offi-
cers, disagreements over contracts, over payments, over the
installation of machinery, boilers and appliances, etc.
There was no budget of estimates worthy the name,
the one drawn up in February, 1891, having been entirely
outgrown, as shown in Chapter IV. The council had no
power to spend money except as appropriated by the Board
of Directors, and it was manifestly impossible to await
action from the Executive Committee for the authoriza-
tion of new expenditures required from day to day. The
council sought to remedy this difficulty by procuring a new
and complete budget of estimates, to be duly approved by
the Board of Directors, with authority to make expendi-
tures up to the amounts estimated. As has been shown,
these budgets proved defective, and from time to time
other estimates were substituted, each showing a large
increase over the last.
The Administration Building was partly completed.
Heating apparatus was provided for a portion of it, and
arrangements were made for warming parts of some of
the exhibit buildings to accommodate the offices of the
chiefs of the several exhibit departments. Some of the
chiefs moved to the park early in the fall. In November
the director-general took up his quarters in Pavilion B,
the northwest pavilion of the Administration Building.
The council opened offices in the Service Building, but
continued to have offices also in the Rand-McNally Build-
ing in the city, meeting during the winter at either place
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC. 183
as the necessities of the work required. In March, 1893,
it ceased to meet in the city, and in April it moved to its
permanent quarters on the first floor of Pavilion B of the
Administration Building.
Two buildings which had been regarded as necessary
had not yet been contracted for because of doubt as to
the financial ability of the company to complete its work.
These were the Festival Hall and the Anthropological
Building. The Exposition was, however, pledged to the
erection of the Festival Hall, to provide facilities for the
large choral concerts and musical festivals that were being
arranged for by the Bureau of Music. Plans for this
building were made by F. M. Whitehouse, and a site was
assigned to it on the west side of the park, facing the
Wooded Island, between the Transportation Exhibits Build-
ing and the Horticultural Building. It was built at a cost
of $89,581.21, and was capable of seating 5,200 people.
This building was of a sufficiently high grade of architec-
ture to be in harmony with the best portions of the Expo-
sition, and for economy of construction, combined with
architectural effect and adaptability to its purpose, was
one of the most satisfactory buildings which the company
constructed.
The Anthropological Building was the outgrowth of a
movement for the enlargement of the space for educa-
tional exhibits. From the outset the management had
been troubled by the complaint of lack of space in its
largest building, that for Manufactures and Liberal Arts.
This was due to the fact that the main exhibits of most
of the foreign nations were concentrated in this building,
immense spaces being assigned to these nations, leaving
available a comparatively small space for the exhibits of
the manufactures of this country and for the departments
of the Liberal Arts and of Ethnology, both of which
1 84 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
were here to be installed. In this arrangement the Liberal
Arts received a small space in the south end of the build-
ing, with space in the galleries. The Department of Eth-
nology had also been assigned to the galleries. Then the
larger foreign nations which had received assignments in
the central part of the ground floor demanded the gallery
space immediately above, and these demands were acceded
to in the interest of adequate representation from those
countries. Then came an organized protest from the
press and from many educational associations and assem-
blies throughout the country, objecting to the small amount
of space allowed for educational exhibits, and demanding
a separate building. The sympathies of the Board of
Directors were entirely with this movement, but there
were two grave obstacles, the lack of funds and the diffi-
culty of finding a suitable, prominent, and adequate location
for an Educational Building. The only spot available
was in the southeastern part of the grounds, behind the
Agricultural Building, from which it was separated by
the south pond, and for a building on this site the Board
of Directors decided that it could safely appropriate
$100,000. Then the decision was made to install in this
building the archaeological and ethnological material of
the Exposition, with the bureaus of Hygiene and of Chari-
ties and Correction and the Liberal Arts. This left to the
educational exhibit and other groups of the Department
of the Liberal Arts a space at the south end of the
Manufactures Building and the principal part of its gal-
leries. Thus the educational exhibit finally secured space
bordering in the Court of Honor, perhaps the most favor-
able position in the park. The Anthropological Building
was a plain and unpretentious structure, the chief require-
ment being that it should contain the amount of space
necessary for the adequate display of the material col-
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC. 185
lected, and the council succeeded in having this building
constructed at a cost greatly within the appropriation, the
amount expended being $87,612.02. Within was installed
the ethnological material which the chief of the depart-
ment had collected from every part of the American Con-
tinent, at a cost to your company of over $100,000, together
with similar material loaned for the occasion by various
institutions of this and other countries, the whole form-
ing one of the most interesting and memorable exhibits
of the Exposition. The material collected at the expense
of your company was finally deposited in the Field Colum-
bian Museum. These two buildings were not contracted
for until the fall, and construction was not begun until
winter had set in and snow was on the ground. They
were, in consequence, seriously delayed, neither of them
being ready for use until some time after the first of May.
After the dedication had occurred, the final goal, May i,
1893, was in sight, and every nerve was strained in the effort
to reach it in satisfactory condition. The work to be done
was enormous. Doubts as to the possibility of completing
the Exposition were freely expressed, not only by those out-
side of the organization and coming in contact with its work
only as spectators and critics, but by many of those identi-
fied with the management. The great organized army,
charged with the duty of completing the Exposition, was sus-
tained by faith and the indomitable energy of the officers of
the several departments. The director of works seemed
omnipresent. No hour was too early, no weather too severe
for him to be abroad, inspecting and directing the progress
of the work and urging on his lieutenants. It was his custom
to drive through the grounds in an open vehicle at daybreak
or earlier, accompanied by his secretary, Montgomery B.
Pickett, and a stenographer, and occasionally by one or
more of his officers, making notes and informing himself as
1 86 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
to the condition of the work in every part of the grounds.
When the enormous space to be covered is considered,
the labor and exertion of this feat can be appreciated.
The wonderful physical strength of the director of works
enabled him to perform this exertion without apparent
effort or detriment to his health. At 7 or half -past 7 o'clock
his officers held a "bureau meeting," usually presided over
by the assistant director of works, Ernest R. Graham, at
which the director of works generally assisted. Officers
were enabled to secure information, prefer complaints, and
make requests, and minutes were kept of the proceedings.
It was possible at these meetings for the director of works
to urge on portions of the work which were behindhand,
calling to account any one who appeared to be delinquent,
and settling every complaint by prompt and vigorous meas-
ures. It can easily be seen that by these morning inspec-
tions and bureau meetings a vast amount of actual work
could be planned ready for execution while the people of
Chicago were arising from bed and preparing for break-
fast. It is no wonder that the efficiency of the department
was so great as to render easy of accomplishment things
which would ordinarily be thought impossible within the
time allotted.
Indeed, the situation looked serious, even to those who
appreciated the energy and the excellence of the organiza-
tion. The dedication, with its beautiful weather and its
many triumphs, revealed a glimpse of the park as it was
expected to appear later. The day seemed to prefigure
the ultimate success and to indicate that it was within
easy reach. Nothing could have been farther from the
truth. Winter set in with unusual severity and manifold
difficulties appeared. Thousands of cars, containing hun-
dreds of thousands of packages of exhibits of every size
and weight, were expected to come into the park within
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC. 187
the next few months, to be handled and installed by May
i st. Few of them were arriving, and a traffic congestion
later seemed unavoidable. But the alarming feature was
not the delay in the arrival of exhibits so much as the
fact, now too evident, that the buildings were in no condi-
tion to receive them. A snowfall succeeded by a thaw
revealed acres of leaky roofs, insuring the irreparable
damage of exhibits placed beneath them. The most seri-
ous case was at the building for Manufactures and Liberal
Arts, both on account of the vast number of exhibits which
it would contain and the great difficulty of working upon
this roof during cold and stormy weather. During the
winter and early spring an effort was made to have this
roof put in proper condition by the contractor who had
undertaken its construction. Finally the work was taken
in hand by the Construction Department, which put hun-
dreds of roofers upon the building, and for the second or
third time the roof was repaired. Ultimately it became
fairly satisfactory. At one time the building was damaged
by avalanches of snow, which slid from the great curved
central roof and fell into the valley between the central
hall and the lateral roofs. The falling masses of snow and
ice destroyed the lower roof and in some instances both
the gallery floor and ground floor beneath.
This was but one of the discouragements. The power
plant, which was expected to start on the first of May,
when the button should be pressed by the President of
the Nation, was alarmingly delayed. The boilers were
arriving and being put in place, but the engines and
machinery came very slowly. Further than this, in the
Machinery Hall, where the power plant was to be installed,
the condition of the roof was little better than that of the
Manufactures Building, and it was doubtful, if engines
should be installed, whether they could be preserved from
1 88 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
serious damage. The leaky roofs, though apparently an
evil without a remedy, in time ceased to give annoyance.
The mechanical engineer sent an assistant, John Colley, to
visit all the shops where parts of the power plant were
being made, to report progress and to urge manufactur-
ers to greater haste. He found the work much delayed.
Late in the winter the situation was further complicated
by the resignation of the mechanical and electrical engi-
neer, under discouragement at the difficulties surrounding
him. Charles F. Foster, who succeeded as mechanical
engineer, inspired confidence and hope among his subordi-
nates, and labored day and night to bring the work, if not
to a completed state, at least to such a condition as would
reflect no discredit upon the management when the gates
should be thrown open to the public. This he accom-
plished, but only with heavy outlays of money and by
heroic work on the part of himself and his assistants,
directing the labors of a large body of men. The entire
expenditure charged to " Power Plant," " Mechanical Engi-
neering," and " Mechanical Implements and Tools," on
account of construction, was over $750,000, and it must be
remembered that the Exposition purchased no engines nor
boilers for its power plant, and that many other portions
of its machinery and appliances were exhibits, loaned to
the company at little or no expense. Vast outlays were
incurred for pipe, fittings, etc., not included in the budget,
and for which no estimates had been made. The mechan-
ical engineer found no time for making estimates, and
could not count cost until his work of construction was
closed. As the result of his exertion, the power plant
was in fair condition on May ist. The great 2,000 horse
power engine, furnished by E. P. Allis & Co. of Milwau-
kee, Wis., moved for the first time a few days before the
opening. This engine was connected by wire with the
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC. 189
key upon the grand stand in front of the Administration
Building, and was actually started by the pressure of the
key by President Cleveland.
Owing to delays which had occurred in some depart-
ments, in the allotment of space, and the inevitable dis-
satisfaction of some exhibitors with the space allotted to
them, withdrawals of applications for space became fre-
quent, and much alarm was felt over the loss of exhibits
for various causes. Some of these losses were irreparable
and were greatly deplored by the management, but in
most cases their importance was exaggerated, particularly by
the newspapers of the several localities in which the resign-
ing applicants were engaged in business. Indeed, the
temper of the press Was such as to cause many misgivings,
especially as the management was naturally sensitive to
criticism, and because only the unfavorable criticisms came
to its attention. Doubtless much was said in the way of
praise and encouragement, but of this the management
seldom heard. Only the exaggerated reports and false
statements came to its ears.
The erroneous statements so widely circulated seemed
sufficiently general to justify the fear that the Exposition
was being put in an unfavorable light before the world,
to the detriment of the expected patronage. The condition
of the roofs was widely published, and made much worse
than was the fact. The incomplete condition of the grounds
and buildings was noised abroad, coupled with the asser-
tion that the Exposition would not be ready in time, an
assertion very easy to make and very hard to disprove.
Criticisms as to the general plan and the details of the
Exposition; statements that great discomfort would be
experienced in viewing it ; that the grounds were full of
side shows and special attractions, to which admission fees
would be charged, each being part of a general plan to
1 90 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
defraud the public; that restaurant prices would be extor-
tionate ; that hotels and boarding houses in Chicago, and
in fact all lines of trade, were waiting for a chance to
practice extortion upon visitors; these were the chief items
of news in regard to the Exposition which came to the
attention of the management, and which it was bound to
counteract and disprove by every means in its power.
The following address to the public was issued for the
purpose of meeting some of the criticisms referred to
above :
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION,
CHICAGO, March 25, 1893.
To the Public:
Because of many misrepresentations and misstatements relative to
Exposition management and affairs being in circulation through the
press and otherwise, both in this country and abroad, and in reply to
many letters of inquiry or complaint touching the same matters, it
seems advisable that some official statement regarding them should be
made to the public. Therefore I respectfully ask that the widest pub-
licity be given to the following facts:
1. The Exposition will be opened in readiness for visitors May ist.
2. An abundance of drinking water, the best supplied in any great
city in the world, will be provided free to all. The report that a charge
will be made for drinking water probably arose from the fact that
Hygeia water can also be had by those who may desire it at i cent a
glass.
3. Ample provisions for seating will be made without charge,
4. About 1,500 toilet rooms and closets will be located at convenient
points in the buildings about the grounds, and they will be absolutely
free to the public. This is as large a number in proportion to the esti-
mated attendance as has ever been provided in any Exposition. In
addition to these there will also be an equal number of lavatories and
toilet rooms of a costly and handsome character, as exhibits, for the use
of which a charge of 5 cents will be made.
5. The admission fee of 50 cents will entitle the visitor to see and
enter all the Exposition buildings, inspect the exhibits and, in short,
to see everything within the Exposition grounds except the Eskimo
Village and the reproduction of the Cliff Dwelling. For these, as well
as for the special attractions of Midway Plaisance, a small fee will be
charged.
6. Imposition or extortion of any description will not be tolerated.
7. Free medical and emergency hospital services are provided on
the grounds by the Exposition management.
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC. 191
8. The Bureau of Public Comfort will provide commodious free
waiting rooms, including spacious ladies' parlors and toilet rooms, in
various parts of the grounds.
H. N. HIGINBOTHAM, President.
As the spring opened a thin stream of exhibits began to
flow into the park, by wagon loads from the city, and by car
loads from the various railroads. In March the stream
swelled to considerable proportions, and in April it became a
torrent and almost caused a blockade. The Department
of Transportation was charged with the handling of exhibits
from railroad cars to points of installation. The cars were
received in the great switching yards prepared by the Expo-
sition in the southwest corner of the park. At this point
they were taken charge of by the Department of Trans-
portation and shifted to points convenient for unloading, the
entire matter of their reception, shifting, and unloading
being subject to rules and regulations provided for the
guidance of this department and the various departments
under the director-general. Cars were taken into the
grounds and shifted to points adjacent to, and in some
cases within, the buildings, where they were unloaded by
hand or by means of traveling steam cranes. An electric
transfer table was used in the Building of Transportation
Exhibits, and in Machinery Hall three electric cranes which
traveled overhead the entire length of the building. In
these buildings the exhibits installed were of the heaviest
character.
The rules required that freight charges upon exhibits
be prepaid from points of shipment, plus an additional
charge of 6 cents per hundredweight to cover the cost
of receiving, shifting, and unloading at the Exposition
grounds. Whenever a shipment came through to Jackson
Park with charges due upon it, the joint agent, who repre-
sented all the railroads doing business at the park, collected
the proper charges, making return to the railroads inter-
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
ested and to your company. As the spring advanced, it
was found that the macadam roads which were just being
completed were liable to be cut up and destroyed by the
heavy teaming, as they were suitable only for pedestrians
and light traffic. Therefore a rule was adopted prohibit-
ing the admission of vehicles not equipped with broad
tires, a three-inch tire being required for a one-horse
vehicle, and a four-inch tire for vehicles drawn by two
or more horses.
The rules of the Exposition, which were printed upon
the blank forms used by exhibitors in making application
for space, required that all exhibits be delivered at Jackson
Park by April 15, 1893. The rule became ineffective be-
cause of the natural tendency to delays in the shipment
of exhibits, the unfavorable weather experienced at the
time, and the delays in the completion of the Exposition
grounds and buildings.
The movements of exhibits into the park was as follows:
Car Loads.
Packages.
Tons, Net.
By railroad .
7,900
332,467
60,509
By wagon
66 292
12 192
Totals
7,900
398,759
72,701
Of the many exhibits brought into the park by teams
other than those belonging to the Exposition, no account
was kept, and therefore the total volume of exhibits han-
dled is considerably above these figures. The work of
handling exhibits was extremely arduous. The movement
was delayed until the last moment, and then the exhibits
came so rapidly as to tax the energies of the department
to the utmost to prevent congestion of traffic.
Mr. Holcomb, the general manager of transportation, is
of the opinion that it is not possible to handle the exhib-
its of a great exposition and deliver them to exhibitors at
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC. 193
points of installation, at the rate of 6 cents a hundred-
weight, without loss. The task requires a large organ-
ization, of a temporary character, working rapidly, and
without opportunity to acquire experience in expeditious
and economical methods. The exhibits are of a miscel-
laneous character, presenting every possible phase of diffi-
culty in handling, and the necessity for the utmost dispatch
is such as to leave no opportunity for the study of details
with a view to avoiding waste and loss of energy. (See
report of general manager of transportation, attached to
report of the director of works at Field Columbian Musuem.)
Another duty assigned to the Department of Transpor-
tation was the care of empty packing cases, which were
received from exhibitors, removed to warehouses provided
for that purpose at the south end of the grounds, and
restored to exhibitors at the close of the Exposition. A
charge of 4% cents per cubic foot was made for this ser-
vice, which charge, it was found, did not quite cover the
cost of warehouses and the expense of handling. One mil-
lion seven hundred and seventy-six thousand and sixty-four
cubic feet of packing cases were stored for exhibitors
during the Exposition, representing 59,376 cases, only 4,259
of which were unclaimed. Storage charges were not col-
lected promptly, for a variety of causes, among them mis-
understandings between the exhibitors and the manage-
ment during the early part of the Exposition. At the
close some congestion occurred, as each exhibitor wished to
pay up and secure his cases first.
THE CUSTOM HOUSE.
The Exposition received exhibits from sixty foreign
nations, States, and colonies. These exhibits consisted of
162,629 packages, valued in the statements of the exhibitors at
$14,797,693, and required about 8,000 cars to transport them.
13
194 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
The collector of customs, John M. Clark, estimates that
about 25 per cent of these exhibits remained in the United
States and that the rest were returned to the countries
from which they came.
From the figures just given, the reader can form some
idea of the magnitude of the transactions caused by the
Exposition in the office of the collector of customs. The Act
of Congress authorizing the Exposition provided that all
articles imported from foreign countries for the sole purpose
of exhibition would be admitted free of duty, customs fees,
or charges, under such regulations as might be prescribed by
the Secretary of the Treasury ; that such goods, entered for
exhibition, might be sold for delivery at the close of the
Exposition, subject to regulations to be prescribed by
the Secretary of the Treasury for the collection of duties
thereon. Under this provision of the Act of Congress and
the regulations of the Treasury Department, the Exposition
grounds and buildings became, in effect, a bonded ware-
house under the supervision and control of the United
States Treasury. The labor and responsibility thrown upon
Collector Clark, to carry into effect the purposes of the
Act, and, at the same time, avoid unnecessary interference
with the work of the Exposition and of its exhibitors, was
indeed very great.
A branch office was opened at Jackson Park and the
customs business of the Exposition was kept entirely sepa-
rate and distinct from the regular business of the port.
Foreign exhibitors were not required to furnish the sworn
consular invoices required of other importers. Instead of
this they prepared, in duplicate, a statement in the form
of an invoice, showing the marks and number of packages,
description of contents, and declaration of quantity and
market value. This statement, when signed by an exhib-
itor, required no further verification. One copy of it was
LA ST MONTHS OF CONSTR UCTION, ETC. i 95
transmitted by mail to the collector of customs at Chicago.
Goods imported for exhibition were sent direct to Chicago.
On arrival, no entry was required and no bond was exacted
from the exhibitor. As soon as the goods were accepted
by the director-general, as exhibits, they were transferred
directly from the car in which they came to the space
assigned them. The boxes were opened in the presence
of a customs officer, who identified the contents, with the
invoice and memoranda for his guidance in the future
supervision of the exhibit. As nearly all this great quan-
tity of material arrived during the few weeks preceding May
i, 1893, it will easily be perceived that great skill, tact,
and administrative ability were necessary to prevent con-
fusion and insure the prompt and satisfactory handling of
the details of the work from the standpoint of the Govern-
ment and of the foreign exhibitor. The demands upon
the collector's office were even -greater when the close
of the Exposition arrived and goods were being removed
from the grounds, either to be reexported or regularly
entered for consumption in this country. Many exhib-
itors were in a great hurry to clear their goods and take
them from the grounds and were impatient of any delay.
To handle their matters quickly, and at the same time
comply with necessary formalities, required all the energy
and skill of Collector Clark, the deputy collector in charge,
A. W. Hall, and the numerous officers and employes. Forty
thousand two hundred and twenty-eight packages, valued
at $12,154,550, were reexported; 9,829 packages, valued at
$1,552,230, were acquired by various universities, colleges,
schools, museums, etc.; 5,488 packages, valued at $68,015,
were distributed free as samples and as matter of inter-
national courtesy; 1,939 packages, valued at $58,290, were
destroyed or consumed in process of exhibition. The goods
entered for consumption, which remained in this country,
196 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
were valued at $2,566,852, upon which a total net duty of
$717,320.34 was collected. The total net receipts of the
Exposition customs office amounted to $836,786.85. The
expenditures were $234,684.54. The excess of receipts over
expenditures was $602,152.31. The force employed by the
collector of customs was recruited under the United States
civil service rules, the new employes being sent, tempo-
rarily, to the main office in the city of Chicago, so as to
enable the collector to send to the Exposition customs
office men already trained to the work.
The collector of customs suggests that the work of
receiving and removing exhibits would have been facili-
tated and the comfort and convenience of exhibitors
increased, if the Exposition company had organized a com-
petent force of clerks to assist exhibitors in this work.
A force of ten special agents was detailed by the Treasury
Department for work in connection with the Exposition
office, and rendered valuable service in securing the enforce-
ment of the rules and regulations and detecting attempts
at their violation. Some seizures and arrests were made
in consequence of violations of the rules, and this had the
effect of discouraging attempts in that direction.
For some time previous to the opening of the Expo-
sition, cholera had been raging on the continent of Europe,
and much uneasiness was felt lest it should appear in this
country. Some fear was expressed that it might be intro-
duced by reason of the holding of the Exposition. The
collector, therefore, arranged with Dr. John B. Hamilton
of the United States Revenue Marine Hospital Service,
to have packages in which there might be a suspicion of
danger, thoroughly inspected by a surgeon from the hos-
pital. As a precaution, the wrappings of packages were
destroyed in some cases, when, in the opinion of the sur-
geon, this was desirable. This inspection was carefully
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC. 197
maintained during the entire time when exhibits were being
received.
The administration of customs at the World's Colum-
bian Exposition was the subject of a carefully prepared
report to the Secretary of the Treasury, by Collector John
M. Clark. This report, which gives full statistical informa-
tion, was ordered printed by the House of Representatives.
(Ex. Doc. No. 165, Fifty- third Congress, Second Session.)
The spring was even more trying than the winter, cold
and stormy, with severe snows and much rain. Late in
April a heavy storm occurred, which blew down staff work
in various parts of the grounds, and at one time the
report spread that the Peristyle had been destroyed. This
storm was accompanied by a heavy rain. The Manufac-
tures Building was flooded in several places, and several
hundred guards were kept busy during the night covering
exhibits with tarpaulins, shifting boxes, and preventing
damage where possible. It was not easy to find good
workmen who would venture upon the roof of Manufac-
tures Building, and who could work to advantage during
the weather experienced in April, but by May ist the roofs
were in much better condition.
During the winter it became evident that the Service
Building was not large enough for its purposes. This was
a building 306 feet long by 164 feet wide, two stories in
height, with a central court, and contained quarters for
the Medical Department, the Emergency Hospital, head-
quarters and barracks for a portion of the guard, the
general offices o'f the Department of Works, sleeping rooms
for its principal officers, who were constantly upon the
grounds, and a small mess room for these officers, and also
for the nurses detailed for duty in connection with the
Emergency Hospital.
Accommodations were needed for the departments of
198 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Collections and Admissions and for the offices of the
auditor and treasurer, each of whom required a large
amount of office room to accommodate their forces. The
auditor's office had been for some time located in the
Service Building. The treasurer was still at the Rand-
McNally Building, and the departments of Admissions and
Collections were not fully organized. Plans were hastily
made for an office building 234 feet long from north to
south by 70 feet wide, two stories in height, and contain-
ing brick vaults in the center. It was located just north
of the Service Building and west of the Horticultural
Building. The offices of the auditor and treasurer and of
the Department of Collections were upon the first floor,
and the Department of Admissions upon the second floor;
space was set apart upon the second floor for sleeping
accommodations for a part of the force of these four
departments, who would frequently be required to -work
late into the night. The Department of Works made its
record for rapid work upon this building. It was known
as the Accounting Building, and was constructed in about
five weeks, at a cost of $36,199.51.
The Exposition property was never properly covered by
insurance. The risks were considered extra hazardous and
companies were unwilling to write policies. Sufficient con-
sideration was not given to the extraordinary precautions
taken to prevent fires and to the facilities provided for
quenching any which did occur. As a matter of fact, while
small fires were frequent in the park, and several large fires
occurred just outside the inclosure, there was never any
serious damage by fire to any of the company's property
within Jackson Park. Only one bad fire occurred during the
Exposition season, that which destroyed the Cold Storage
warehouse. This building was erected under a concession
contract and was not the property of your company.
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC. 199
During the construction period insurance was written
through a committee of insurance agents who endeavored to
distribute the risk among the companies doing business in
Chicago, or who could be induced to write. While exhibits
were arriving the companies began to cancel policies upon
buildings and write up to their maxima upon exhibits, leav-
ing the Exposition company unprotected. Thus the amount
of insurance upon buildings was constantly shrinking, until
your president, in whose discretion the matter had been left,
finding that a considerable amount was being expended for
premiums without adequate or even partial protection to
the company, canceled all remaining insurance. The man-
agement thereafter intensified its effort to protect its
property from fire so thoroughly as to render loss from this
source a practical impossibility. A brief description of the
Fire Department will be found in Chapter XII, but for a
full account reference must be had to the report of its
chief, which is attached to the report of the director of
works.
For the works of art loaned to the Exposition, forming
the loan collection of the American section in the Art Build-
ing, the owners required insurance to protect them against
loss, and the Exposition was in no position to meet their
demands. Companies wrote insurance as a favor on exhibits
belonging to their regular customers, but the Exposition
could not secure satisfactory insurance upon material or
buildings. The Art Building was constructed chiefly of
brick and steel, with exterior covering of staff, and was prac-
tically fireproof. The estimated value put upon the loan
collection of works of art aggregated about $3,000,000; the
value in most cases being fixed at the amount paid for the
work itself by the owner, without allowance for any possible
appreciation which might have occurred after the purchase.
Finally, the Board of Directors authorized the execution of
200 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
contracts, in the nature of insurance policies, whereby the
Exposition became responsible for these exhibits as an
insurer, the value of the various works being fixed before
their shipment and contracts being delivered to the owners
thereof. The profits which the Exposition expected to
realize over and above its bonded and floating debt and
operating expenses were estimated at enough to meet any
possible losses by injury to exhibits in the loan collection.
As a matter of fact, the surplus over and above fixed charges
and operating expenses did not prove large enough to have
more than half paid the values named in these guarantees
had a total loss occurred, for the financial panic which started
just as the Exposition opened had the effect of diminishing
the company's receipts, while the expenditures proved to be
much greater than was indicated even by the estimates
of March, 1893. Fortunately no loss occurred, and no dam-
age beyond one or two trifling matters, easily repaired at an
expense of a few hundred dollars. This fortunate result
must be attributed to the watchful care of the chief of the
Department of Fine Arts, Halsey C. Ives, and of his assistants,
and the vigilance of the guard and fire departments, both of
which were strictly and repeatedly enjoined to use the
greatest diligence and every precaution that could be devised
for protecting the precious contents of the Art Building.
In two cases the owners declined to accept the Exposition's
guarantees. Rather than suffer any impairment of the col-
lection, of which great things were expected, your president
offered his own personal guarantee to be used by the chief
of the department to cover these and any similar cases which
might arise. Mr. Ives refused to use this guarantee, pre-
ferring to try to persuade owners of works of art to mod-
erate their demands or else to decline the pictures.
Last of all the great barriers which had to be overcome
in the progress toward the opening of the Exposition
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTR UCTION, ETC. 2OI
was a strike, which occurred less than thirty days before
the first of May. At this time at least 10,000 men were
constantly employed in Jackson Park, a majority of them
being members of labor organizations more or less closely
affiliated. More than two years before, the company had
been confronted with a demand that it employ none but
union men, that it agree to arbitrate all disputes with the
workmen, that it fix a minimum rate of wages, and that
it agree that eight hours should constitute a day's work.
The company had declined to fix a minimum rate of wages
or to employ none but union men. It had entered into an
agreement with the officers of the Building Trades Council
that eight hours should constitute a day's work, and that all
differences should be settled by arbitration. The officers
of the trades council at the same time agreed that their
trades unions would not engage in strikes, but should
submit to awards given after fair arbitration. All work in
excess of eight hours a day was to be paid for at the rate
of "time and a half" on working days and "double time"
on Sundays. Pursuant to this agreement the chief of con-
struction had made every effort to enforce the eight-hour
agreement.
He had been specifically instructed on this point by the
Board of Directors. The eight-hour rule had prevailed in
all work conducted directly by the Construction Depart-
ment, and was made a part of every contract entered into,
but your company could not in all cases compel contractors
to adhere to the agreement. Indeed, under the laws of the
State, eight hours constitute a day's work, and where the
law could not be made effective, naturally little could be
hoped for from any contract which this company might
enter into in its haste to complete the great work. No
fault could justly be found with your company, nor could
the sincerity of its efforts to carry out this agreement be
202 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
fairly questioned. On the other hand, the agreement not
to strike without notice, and to submit disputes to arbitra-
tion, was often violated by the unions, and finally, in April,
1893, a formal demand was made upon the Exposition by
the Carpenters and Builders Association and the United
Carpenters Council to subscribe to an agreement which
had been entered into between these two bodies, the prin-
cipal provisions of which were :
First. That said unions might call out all of their
members "in case of a sympathetic strike of other trades
on any job where it will be necessary for the parties to
this agreement to take part, to protect the union principles
herein laid down."
Second. That a joint committee composed of five mem-
bers of each of the said two bodies (the Builders Associa-
tion and the Carpenters Council) should have power to
"establish a minimum rate of wages, and adjust all ques-
tions of interest to the respective associations."
In addition to the above, the agreement named 40 cents
per hour as a minimum rate of wages until altered by the
joint committee above referred to, overtime to be at the
rate of time and a half. It prohibited overtime work
unless life or property were in danger, and prohibited
members of the Carpenters and Builders Association from
hiring other than union carpenters, and members of the
United Carpenters Council from working for any one not
a member of the Carpenters and Builders Association.
This agreement was, in form, a contract between these
two unions, the one composed of working carpenters and
the other of employing carpenters, builders, or "bosses."
The chief significance of the agreement lay in the attempt
to have the same indorsed and subscribed to by the offi-
cers of the Exposition company, which would have resulted
in the fixing of a minimum scale of wages, prohibiting the
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTR UCTION, ETC, 203
employment of non-union men, and instead of an arbitra-
tion of both the principals in interest, would have bound
the Exposition to any award which the joint committee of
these two affiliated orders might determine upon.
The minimum rate named was not a matter of much
practical interest, as at the time the demand for skilled
labor was very great and higher wages was the rule. In
view, however, of the agreement of two years before and
of the principle involved, the Council of Administration
felt bound to refuse acquiescence in this or the other
demands implied in the new agreement. These demands
had doubtless been made without the concurrence or the
desire of the great body of intelligent workmen who made
up the unions. It must have been the thought of leading
officers of the unions that with a great amount of work
still to be accomplished upon the Exposition grounds,
no demand at this time was too great to be made with
safety, and that the Council of Administration could be
forced to yield in order that it might fulfill its task with
credit.
It does not seem to have been thought possible that
the management would refuse to acquiesce in the demands,
and take the alternative of allowing the date for the open-
ing of the Exposition to approach with the grounds in
an incomplete condition, but this the Council of Adminis-
tration decided to do. It was learned on Sunday, April
9th, that the strike would be inaugurated on the fol-
lowing morning, and members of the council were urged
to call in some one who had been prominent in resist-
ing previous strikes to take charge of this one, with
the powers of a dictator. The council, however, after
considering the situation thoroughly, decided that with firm
and cautious action it would be able to cope with the
threatening disaster. Monday morning came. Instead of
204 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
thousands of busy hands there was silence and gathering
crowds of idle men, with the consequent danger of vio-
lence, particularly to non-union men who might be found
at work. Early in the morning the representatives of the
striking trades unions entered into a conference with the
Council of Administration, and this conference lasted with-
out interruption until 10 o'clock in the evening, the coun-
cil steadily refusing to subscribe to the agreement presented
to it by the unions or to concede the demand for the exclu-
sion of non-union labor. Appeals were made to the better
judgment and to the sense of justice of the representa-
tives of the unions. These appeals were reinforced by
every possible argument, and the entire situation was gone
into to its minutest details. The representatives of the
unions were informed that the council would immediately
publish to the world a statement of the circumstances
under which it had acted and would allow the Exposition
to be opened in its unfinished state, and that, therefore,
the unions must prepare to have their acts submitted to
the closest scrutiny of public opinion. The council urged
that the conference then in progress must continue until a
final decision was reached, either that the men might go to
work as usual on Tuesday morning or, on the other hand,
that the Exposition must be opened in an incomplete
state, leaving the public to fix the blame therefor. This
proposition the labor leaders did not relish, knowing, as
they did, that the Exposition was as dear to the laboring
men of Chicago, union or otherwise, as it was to any other
portion of the community. The injustice of the demands
upon the council would certainly have brought protests
from the members of the labor organizations, and the
leaders would have found their support growing weaker
within a few days. None of the council and few of the
labor leaders left the room where this conference was held
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTR UCTION, ETC. 205
from 10 o'clock in the morning until 10 o'clock at night, and
they scarcely partook of food.
Finally the labor leaders withdrew their demands. The
council promised them that union labor should be entitled
to equal consideration with non-union labor; that workmen
who had struck would be received back without prejudice;
and that the Exposition would pay to every artisan
employed by it " at least the minimum rate of wages pre-
scribed for the trade in which he is employed." Passes
were to be issued to representatives of the trades to enable
them to enter the grounds and confer with the workmen
of their respective trades at all times, provided such con-
ferences should not materially interfere with work. This
agreement was made with a clear understanding that it
was a full settlement of the whole matter in controversy,
and that the striking men would return to work at once.
Thus a most threatening and serious strike was averted.
Had it continued, the firm resolve of the Council of Adminis-
tration would have been carried into effect and the Exposi-
tion would have been opened in a far less satisfactory
condition than was actually the case.
I have now briefly sketched the principal operations of
your company to May i, 1893. The sketch has necessarily
been fragmentary in many particulars and especially as to
the operations of the Construction Department and the
Department of Works, many branches of which have been
dismissed with a few words, while others have not been
mentioned at all.
The following is a list of the chief officers in the Depart-
ment of Works whose reports will be found attached to
that of the Department of Works in the Field Columbian
Museum:
J. W. Alvord, engineer of surveys and grades.
R. Ulrich, superintendent of landscape work.
206 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Edward C. Shankland, chief engineer.
W. S. MacHarg, engineer of water supply, sewerage, and fire
protection.
W. H. Holcomb, general manager of transportation.
W. D. Richardson, superintendent of buildings.
F. D. Millet, director of decoration, functions, and ceremonies.
Charles F. Foster, mechanical engineer.
Richard H. Pierce, electrical engineer.
Col. Edmund Rice, U. S. A., commandant Columbian Guard.
*D. J. Swenie, Fire Department.
Dr. John E. Owens, medical director.
Frank J. Mulcahy, purchasing agent,
f Charles H. Baldwin, attorney.
{Charles V. Harrington, chief accountant.
During the last two days of April, Saturday and Sunday,
the grounds were cleaned up as far as possible. Exhibits in
the various buildings were displayed to the best advantage.
Exhibits still in packing cases were hidden, and with much
skill and dexterity a beautiful effect was produced in many
buildings. Last of all, in the few hours before the dawn of
May ist, the freight cars, full and empty, were drawn back
into the yards, enabling one to obtain an uninterrupted view
in all directions through the park and among the buildings.
With the aid of hundreds of teams and thousands of hands,
the grounds at dawn on the ist of May were made to
present a fairly complete holiday appearance, in spite of the
heavy rains.
The following is a summary of the areas of the grounds
and buildings. It gives some idea of the extent of the
scene as it appeared upon the opening day:
*Mr. Swenie, as chief of the City Fire Department, had charge of the Fire
Department of the Exposition. Marshal Edward J. Murphy was immediately in
charge within the park until October i, 1893, when he was relieved on account of ill
health, the result of injuries sustained in the performance of his duties. He was
then succeeded by Marshal O'Malley.
tMr. Baldwin was first an assistant attorney attached to the Construction
Department. Subsequently when Solicitor-General Edwin Walker reorganized
the Law Department of your company, Mr. Baldwin was designated attorney and
had charge of legal matters of the Department of Works.
JMr. Barrington became assistant auditor of your company in the fall of 1892,
and the office of chief accountant was then merged in that of the auditor.
LAST MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, ETC.
207
A GENERAL SUMMARY OF AREA OF GROUNDS.
BUILDINGS.
Square Feet
Acres.
Square Feet
Acres.
Main :
Admini stration
51,456
1.18
Agriculture .
589,416
13.53
Art
261,073
5.99
Electricity
265,500
6.09
Fisheries
104,504
2.39
Government
155,896
3.57
Horticulture
237,956
5.46
Machinery . .
796,686
18.28
Manufactures
1,345,462
30.88
Mines
246,181
5.65
Transportation
704,066
16.16
Woman's
82,698
1.89
A 04.0 8<U
mio
Minor
1,630,514
37.43
State . -...--
450,886
10.35
Foreign
135,663
3.11
Concessions (Midway buildings,
801,238
18.39
Miscellaneous
317,699
7.29
Total ^
8,176,894
187.69
GROUNDS.
Square Feet.
Acres.
Square Feet
Acres.
Lawns and Yards :
General lawns
4,957,141
Water lawns
141,859
Yards
2,141,386
7 240 386
1fi6 o-i
Waterways
2,630,105
60.37
Roads and walks (beach, brick,
asphalt plank macadam)
11,146,184
255.88
Piers :
Casino
411,282
Naval
283,843
695 125
15 95
Total
21,711,800
498.41
SUMMARY.
Square Feet.
Acres.
8,176,894
187.69
Lawns . . ........
7,240,386
166.21
Water . .
2,630,105
60.37
Roads
11,146,184
255.88
Piers -
695,125
15.95
Total.
29,888,694
686.10
(See report of director of works, Vol. I, page 94, Field Columbian Museum.)
208
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Eighteen nations had erected buildings for official head-
quarters on the grounds, most of them being costly struct-
ures, and thirty-seven States of the Union had done likewise.
These national and State buildings, grouped around the
Art Building or extending along the stately avenues and
winding roads in the northern portion of the grounds,
presented a highly creditable and dignified appearance.
The following is a list of the foreign and State build-
ings, with the area which they occupied :
STATE AND FOREIGN BUILDINGS.
STATE.
Square
Feet.
Arkansas 5,985
California 59,948
Colorado 5,064
Connecticut 4,512
Delaware 4,904
Florida 9,394
Idaho 4,090
Illinois. 92,388
Indiana 13,672
Iowa 19,120
Joint Territories 4,040
Kansas 15,176
Kentucky 7,740
Louisiana 3,800
Maine _ 4,370
Maryland 7,032
Massachusetts 7,064
Michigan 17,800
Minnesota 7,848
Square
Feet.
Missouri 5,824
Montana 7,092
Nebraska 7,312
New Hampshire 5 ,464
New Jersey 4,360
New York 20,416
North Dakota 3,604
Ohio 11,544
Pennsylvania 16,948
Rhode Island 2,872
South Dakota 7,068
Texas 6,756
Utah 4,606
Vermont 4,608
Virginia 7,300
Washington 24,544
West Virginia 7,401
Wisconsin 9,088
FOREIGN.
Square
Feet.
Brazil 13,448
Canada 5,008
Ceylon 7,217
Colombia 2,544
Costa Rica 6,696
t India 4,976
France 11,728
Germany 17,288
Great Britain 5,712
. Square
Feet.
Guatemala 13,016
Hayti 9,622
Japan 8,180
New South Wales 4, 864
Norway 1,120
Spain. 6,608
Sweden 12,552
Turkey 2,592
Venezuela 3,392
Number of State buildings ........................................ 37
Number of foreign buildings _____ ................................. 18
Total
OF THE
UNIVERSITY
OF
CHAPTER XII.
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION MAY, JUNE, JULY.
A SEASON of rainy weather preceded the opening
of the Exposition, contrasting strongly with that
which prevailed six months before at the dedica-
tion. A heavy rain fell on the morning of Mon-
day, May ist, and pools of water were plentiful wherever
the roads were not finished or where they had been cut
by heavy traffic. The buildings had assumed their final
creamy tint, like old ivory, and all the stains left by wintry
storms had been effaced. Care had been taken to remove
all traces of the heavy work of installation, interrupted only
to permit the formal opening of the Exposition. The rail-
road tracks were withdrawn from the northern and .central
parts of the grounds. In the Court of Honor only one line
remained, running along the south fronts of Mines, Elec-
tricity, and Manufactures, and turning north along the east
front of the latter building. Other installation tracks
remained south of Machinery Hall and Agriculture.
The heavy rainfall ceased at about 7 o'clock in the
morning, and although the sky remained overcast and very
threatening all day, more than 200,000 people entered the
park.
The Illinois Central Railroad Company put its World's
Fair express trains in operation for the first time. The cars,
plain but useful, were built upon new flat-car bodies, pro-
vided with air brakes. The seats were arranged crosswise
of the car, and opened at each end directly upon the landing
platforms, thus enabling the occupants to step off instantly
14 (209)
2io REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
when the train came to a stop. Each seat would hold five
persons, and no more were admitted. The openings were
fitted with canvas curtains for protection against rain or
sun. As a train was about to move from the station a
station guard at the end of each car turned a lever which
caused an iron bar to fall across each opening in the side
of the car, thus preventing the passengers from falling out
while the cars were moving. Fares were collected at turn-
stiles as the passengers were admitted to the landing plat-
forms. The facilities which the railroad afforded on this day
could easily have accommodated twice the number who
sought this mode of transportation.
The opening ceremonies were held in the Grand Plaza
at the west end of the Court of Honor. Platforms and
seats were arranged along the east face of the Administra-
tion Building, and the rest of the square was filled to reple-
tion by the multitude in attendance. At the heads of the
hundreds of flagstaffs upon the buildings and along the
Court of Honor flags and streamers were so furled that
each could be released by a single motion of a hand.
President Cleveland took his position upon the plat-
form soon after n o'clock. Near him were Vice-President
Stevenson and the members of the Cabinet; the Duke of
Veragua, the lineal representative of Christopher Columbus,
and the members of his family; the Diplomatic Corps,
members of Congress, directors of the Exposition, and
members of the World's Columbian Commission and of the
Board of Lady Managers, members of the various foreign
and State commissions, and the officers and chiefs of depart-
ments of the Exposition, with their ladies.
The order of exercises was as follows:
1. Music, Columbian March for orchestra, John K. Paine.
2. Prayer, Rev. W. H. Milburn, Washington, D. C.
3. Poem, " The Prophecy," by W. A. Croffut, Washington, D. C.
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 211
4. Music, Orchestral overture to " Rienzi," Wagner.
5. Address by the director-general.
6. Address by the President of the United States.
7. Starting of machinery, during which time the " Hallelujah
Chorus," Handel, was performed.
8. Official reception of the President of the United States and the
officials of the World's Columbian Commission and of the World's
Columbian Exposition by the various foreign commissions, in the build-
ing for Manufactures and Liberal Arts.
The services were made doubly impressive by the sur-
roundings. The true importance and grandeur of the Court
of Honor were more fully understood and appreciated, not
only by the vast concourse of beholders, but by those who
had wrought upon the Exposition from its inception and
were then gathered about the President of the United
States, whose pressure upon the electric key would signalize
the fruition of their long and vigorous campaign. The key,
with its electric attachment, was in place on the platform
at the hand of President Cleveland, and was connected with
the 2,000 horse-power engine exhibited by the E. P. Allis
Company of Milwaukee, the largest of the seventy-seven
engines of the power plant. As the President rose to speak
he was received with great enthusiasm, followed by perfect
silence as he delivered his address, which was concluded
shortly after high noon. The President then pressed the
key and the great engine responded automatically; an
instant later streams of water sprang high in air from the
electric fountains, under the pressure of the Worthington
pumps; the Columbian fountain responded, and at the same
instant every flag was flung to the breeze. Amid the
enthusiastic cheers of the vast multitude, the shrill whist-
ling of the lake craft, and the deep diapason of booming
guns, the formalities were complete.
It was not possible to behold the scene unmoved. The
simplicity and dignity of the ceremonies admirably befitted
the place and the occasion. The spectators, for whose
212 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
pleasure and instruction the Exposition had been created,
will certainly long remember this deeply impressive mo-
ment. To those identified with the administration of your
enterprise, the occasion was the climax of a grand drama;
an instant of victory amidst months of disheartening strug-
gle. This day of triumph cheered some weary hearts and
strengthened them for the heavy burden yet to be borne.
The multitude, which had covered every inch between the
platform and the edge of the Grand Basin and overflowed
in all directions among the neighboring buildings, now dis-
persed throughout the grounds to inspect the treasures
which had been gathered for their benefit.
The last number of the program was the reception of the
President and the officers of the Exposition by the foreign
commissioners, in. the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Build-
ing, after which the Presidential party visited the various
courts in that building. The tour of inspection revealed
an attractive and fairly complete arrangement. Along the
great Columbian Avenue here and there the space assigned
to a nation was unoccupied or incompletely filled, signs
indicating the reason for delay. Ice in the Baltic had
detained the vessels which bore the exhibits from countries
bordering on that sea. Other exhibitors, both foreign and
American, had cleverly concealed such parts of their instal-
lations as were unfinished, and the verdict, freely and unhesi-
tatingly given, was that the Exposition had been opened
in a state more nearly complete than was usual with such
enterprises. The attendance was so large that by many the
day was thought likely to prove one of the best of the
Exposition. The paid attendance was, however, only 128,965,
the remainder being made up of employes, invited guests,
and persons otherwise entitled to free admission. Later
this attendance was frequently doubled, and even trebled,
without the aid of special inducements.
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 2 1 3
The Act of Congress which authorized the World's
Columbian Exposition provided for an international naval
display to be held in New York Harbor, beginning April
26, 1893, as a fitting prelude to the opening of the Exposi-
tion. The review was participated in by fleets of Great
Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain, Holland,
Brazil, and the Argentine Republic. The rendezvous was
at Hampton Roads, where the various fleets assembled, and
with them the three Spanish caravels, reproductions of the
three with which Columbus made his voyage of discovery.
From thence the united fleet proceeded to New York, where
the review was held with appropriate ceremonies and
festivities.
On May 6th the officers of the various squadrons set
out for Chicago to visit the Exposition. They were met
by a committee of citizens, who escorted them through the
city, after which a luncheon was given in their honor at
the residence of Mayor Harrison. Major-General Miles
and his staff accompanied the party during the day. After
luncheon a visit was made to the Exposition.
On the following morning your president gave to the
party a breakfast in Music Hall, and invited foreign com-
missioners and citizens to meet them. The hall was
appropriately decorated by the superintendent of floricul-
ture, who used for the purpose large quantities of rare and
beautiful flowers and plants from the greenhouses under
his management. This was one of the first social events
of the Exposition season, and, by reason of the beauty of
its surroundings and the distinction of its guests, one of the
most notable. Music was furnished by the Exposition
orchestra under the leadership of Theodore Thomas. The
national hymns of the various countries whose representa-
tives were present were played during the reception which
preceded the breakfast. Several of the naval officers and
214 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
foreign commissioners made short speeches, expressing their
admiration of the Exposition and the cordial feelings which
their visit to our country had engendered. Your president
also addressed the assemblage briefly.
The party then resumed the inspection of the grounds,
taking steam launches for a trip along the lake to view
the Exposition from that side. The following day the vis-
itors returned to New York.
A period of great depression followed the opening day.
With the fall of night, long lines of cars loaded with
exhibits reappeared within the grounds. The hauling of
exhibits by teams began again. The work of unloading,
unpacking, and installing exhibits, repairing and finish-
ing buildings and structures of every kind, completing
the power plant, perfecting the electric lighting, continued
for several weeks. Efforts were made to confine the
work within those hours when the Exposition was closed
to the public. In this, however, we were only partially
successful.
The Department of Admissions closed its first day's
business promptly and satisfactorily, and the Department
of Collections found at the end of the day that its plans
for auditing the concessions had met with a sufficient
measure of success to demonstrate the entire practicabil-
ity of its system. At the same time the weakness of cer-
tain parts and the necessary modifications became apparent.
The bad weather continued. The paid attendance on
the five days following May ist ran only from 10,000 to
18,000 persons. Meanwhile the approaching financial panic
caused great uneasiness in the business world. The man-
agement dreaded this threatening storm and recognized
the evil which it might bring upon the Exposition. But
the work of perfecting the organization within the park,
of getting the great enterprise into harmonious working
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 2 1 5
order, and of establishing proper relations between its
parts, imposed more labor upon its officers than they could
accomplish, even though working day and night. There-
fore we ceased to care for things manifestly beyond our
control, and we strove to meet the obstacles that were
immediate and pressing, and could be dealt with with
some hope of benefit. To accomplish any of our aims it
was necessary to avoid borrowing trouble over conditions
which we could not hope to remedy.
Eight days after the Exposition opened, the Chemical
National Bank of Chicago failed, and with it its Exposition
branch in the Administration Building. It could not stand
the adverse times and went down before the worst days of
the panic appeared. The management should not have
permitted so weak an institution to do a banking busi-
ness within its gates. The bank was, however, compara-
tively young, with a capital of a million dollars, and, at
the time, was supposed to be managed with a reasonable
amount of conservatism. It had offered to the Exposi-
tion a fair and advantageous contract for the privilege of
doing business in the Administration Building, and for
this purpose had secured an enabling Act from Congress.
Few of the other banks seemed disposed to open a branch
at the Exposition, and thus the contract fell to the Chemical
Bank.
Over $60,000 belonging to exhibitors, concessionaires,
and foreigners was on deposit at the branch bank in the
Administration Building. This sum represented the avail-
able cash of several hundred persons, many of them
strangers, thousands of miles from their homes, and depend-
ent upon their deposits to maintain themselves in Chicago.
The discredit to Chicago, and particularly to the Exposi-
tion management, by reason of the failure of the bank
which the directors had licensed, would have been com-
2 1 6 REPOR T OF THE PRESIDENT.
plete, and would have seriously impaired the dignity of the
enterprise and its patronage by our countrymen had not
steps been taken to meet the emergency. On the night
of May 8th, before the failure could be announced in the
morning papers, and before the amount of the deposits at
the branch bank had been ascertained, your president and
secretary obtained, over the telephone, from thirty-five
gentlemen, pledges of an amount sufficient to pay at once
those depositors who were exhibitors or foreigners, thus
relieving their embarrassment. These gentlemen under-
took to furnish the funds needed for this purpose without
knowing definitely the amount which they might be
required to pay. The plan was suggested by Erskine M.
Phelps. On the evening of May 8th, by telephone from
the city, he urged the secretary that immediate steps be
taken to pay these claims, and offered to be one of six to
defray the whole amount. Later your president, who had
learned from the officers of the failed institution that the
amount of the claims of exhibitors and foreigners would
probably be between $80,000 and $135,000, returned to the
Administration Building, and within two hours the fund
was raised. A few words by telephone to each gentleman
told the story, set forth the necessity for action to protect
the honor of the city, and the pledge was given. The
names of those who shared this burden are as follows:
Erskine M. Phelps. Ferdinand W. Peck. Norman B. Ream.
Edward B. Butler. Arthur Dixon. William T. Baker.
Byron L. Smith. Otto Young. Charles H. Schwab.
Thies J. Lefens. John W. Doane. John J. Mitchell.
Andrew McNally. Washington Porter. Edward F. Lawrence.
George H. Wheeler. Elbridge G. Keith. Martin A. Ryerson.
Harlow N.Higinbotham. William J. Chalmers. George M. Pullman.
Charles L. Hutchinson. William D. Kerfoot. George Schneider.
Frederick S. Winston. Adolph Nathan. Edwin Walker.
Albert A. Sprague. Herman H. Kohlsaat. Charles H. Wacker.
Milton W. Kirk. Robert A. Waller. John J. P. Odell.
Lyman J. Gage. Melville E. Stone.
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 2 1 ^
A few days later each of these gentlemen, at call, for-
warded his check for his share of the total requirement, and
the claims of the depositors were paid. Your president took
legal assignments of deposit claims to himself as trustee.
The receiver of the bank has since repaid to the syndicate
95 per cent of the amount advanced. The balance, with
interest, will probably be finally paid, so that there will
ultimately be no loss to the members of the syndicate.
The panic grew apace, and the attendance at the Exposi-
tion increased very slowly. Heavy obligations for construc-
tion work matured, but there were no funds with which to
meet them. The heavy liquidation and the severe con-
traction of credit throughout the country made the demand
for money everywhere very pressing, and it was not easy to
withstand the just demands of creditors greatly in need of
moneys due them. Little or nothing could be done, as
the small receipts left only a narrow margin above actual
expenses. In a short time unpaid vouchers amounting to
over a million of dollars were piled up in the treasurer's
office awaiting the accumulation of funds.
The concessionaires shared in the general distress.
Most of them had grievances against the Exposition for
incomplete roads, for inadequate electric light service, and
for various other causes. They were doing little business
and saw ruin stare them in the face. Many of them re-
fused to pay the percentages due under their contracts.
In taking this position some of them were justified because,
under inevitable necessity, their contracts were violated;
others found pretexts in contracts defectively drawn. The
Board of Directors decided that every grievance should
be heard and determined immediately, and that all such
matters should be adjusted promptly, so that the Exposition
might at once realize its proportion of their gross receipts.
A Committee on Adjustment was therefore appointed,
2l8 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
consisting of Adolph Nathan, chairman; Thies J. Lefens
and Andrew McNally, to which Edward F. Lawrence was
afterward added. This committee had powqr to deal with
all concessionaires and to ascertain the amount of and
adjust all claims between them and the Exposition, the
object being, as aforesaid, to remove all pretexts urged
against the payment of percentages, and to get the con-
cessionaires in the habit of paying as quickly as possible.
S. S. Page was retained by the committee as its attorney,
and concessionaires were dealt with promptly and per-
sistently. Persuasion and reasonable concessions were used
where possible, and more decisive measures when neces-
sary. This committee was in almost continuous session
until the close of the Exposition season. It adjusted
claims presented by concessionaires and, through its attor-
ney, took charge of such delinquent payments as the
superintendent of collections was unable to collect. It
uncovered abuses and defects in the administration in many
instances, and remedied them wherever possible. The
members of the committee have received from the Board
of Directors well-deserved thanks for their services. Their
chairman should have special credit for his constant appli-
cation to this task, which almost wholly absorbed his time
during the perils of the financial crisis, when every business
man felt the need of watching closely his personal interests.
In June the attendance grew rapidly. The average
paid attendance during May was 37,510 per day; in June
it was 89,170. The total receipts from all sources during
May were $583,031.25 ; during June, $1,256,180. With these
increased receipts it became possible to make payments
upon the floating debt and to reduce the great amount of
unpaid obligations that were pressing for settlement.
Except in the Anthropological Building, the installation
of exhibits was substantially finished during the month of
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION.
219
May. At the same time numberless details of ornamental
work in various parts of the grounds were completed.
The two band stands in the Court of Honor, east of the
Administration Building, were finished. The statue of
Columbus, modeled by Mary E. Lawrence under the direc-
tion of Augustus St. Gaudens and with his assistance, was
placed at the east entrance of the Administration Building.
The damages to roads and buildings caused by the heavy
work of installation were repaired. Early in June the
unsightly freight cars disappeared, the tracks were removed,
the landscape work was completed, and the Exposition was
in truth ready. On June nth a heavy rain occurred, and
it was found that the roofs were at last in good condition.
Thus one cause of grave anxiety was removed.
There still remained some features which required
further time to complete, but these were mostly unimpor-
tant and could easily be overlooked in a general survey.
Portions of the power plant were not ready. Electric light
service was far from perfect, causing complaint and loss of
revenue. The water supply for the tw electric fountains
was not yet in a proper condition. Serious mechanical
difficulties had appeared when the first attempts were
made to operate these fountains. The "water hammer"
following their sudden manipulation was greater than had
been expected, causing a severe shock upon the Worthing-
ton pumps, and requiring the introduction of large relief
valves and an air chamber. These changes, involving
great labor, .were quickly made by working night and day.
In the matter of water closets and lavatories, provision
had been made on a scale far greater than at any previous
exposition. Within the Exposition grounds there were 3,116
water closets, as against 250 at the Paris Exposition of
1889, and 900 at the Centennial Exposition of 1876 in
Philadelphia. This provision was the result of a concession
220 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
granted to the Clow Sanitary Company, under the terms
of which that company installed water closets and lavatories
in thirty-two locations, the total number of closets being
2,221, with the necessary wash basins, etc. About one-third
of these were free to the use of the public, and the rest,
which were fitted up with expensive appliances and pro-
vided with soap, towels, clothes brushes, attendants, etc.,
were operated by the Clow Sanitary Company for profit, a
charge of 5 cents being made for admission to them. The
company was held strictly to its contract, and was required
to keep the free portions of the stations in good order.
In addition to the closets of this company there were 895
closets belonging to the various concessions and the offices
of the Exposition.
Notwithstanding the fact that under this arrangement
much greater facilities were provided in the free portions
by the Clow Sanitary Company than had been provided
at Paris in 1889 or at Philadelphia in 1876, much complaint
arose, due partly to misunderstanding and misrepresenta-
tion as to the nature of the contract, and partly to the
failure to enforce its terms strictly during the early part
of the Exposition season. Later the complaints vanished
almost entirely. The rules were strictly enforced, and the
public was made to understand that ample free facilities
were available. Moreover, many people were glad to avail
themselves of the extra facilities at the moderate price
charged, appreciating the fact that the Exposition could
not bear the heavy expense of providing such facilities
free.
May was a month of experiments. The experiments
and consequent changes were carried on in the midst of
much complaint and severe criticism within the Exposition
management and without, through the press and other-
wise. So much misunderstanding occurred between various
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 221
branches of organization that at times it appeared impos-
sible to make the different branches work efficiently and
satisfactorily. It happened, however, in many stages of the
enterprise, that its greatest danger arose from a tendency
to experiment with and to change the administrative
organization. When left to pursue its work without inter-
ruption the most pressing and obstinate difficulties were
usually overcome and adjusted. Complaints of irregulari-
ties and defects, when reported properly at the office of
the Council of Administration, soon found remedies where
remedies were possible.
Early in June the Infanta Donna Eulalia arrived in Chi-
cago as the representative of her nephew, the infant king of
Spain, Alfonso XIII. She was accompanied by her husband,
the Infante Don Antonio, and was greeted with enthusi-
astic demonstrations by the people of Chicago. Prepara-
tions were made to do her honor. Her first visit to the
Exposition was made the occasion of suitable ceremonies,
a military parade, breakfast in the Administration Building,
a tour of the grounds, inspection of the various buildings
and their exhibits, a trip through the lagoons in the elec-
tric boats and on the lake in the steam launches, and a
pyrotechnic display in the evening.
Festival Hall had by this time been completed and its
great organ installed. On June loth your president and
Mrs. Palmer, the president of the Board of Lady Managers,
gave a concert at this hall in honor of the Infanta. The
program included Edward Lloyd, the English tenor, the
World's Fair children's chorus of a thousand voices, the
chorus of the Apollo Musical Club, and the Exposition
orchestra, the music being under the direction of the
musical director, Theodore Thomas, and the choral director,
William L. Tomlins.
As heretofore stated, the attendance in June showed a
222 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
gratifying increase over that of the previous month, and
the receipts from concessionaires began to assume satis-
factory proportions. The increase in attendance was due
to two causes. First, this was a convenient time for stu-
dents and teachers whose work was closed for the summer.
Second, those who had visited the Exposition during the
previous month carried to their homes reports which were,
in the main, favorable to the enterprise. Persons who
came expecting to find extortion and discomfort found,
instead, accommodations at much cheaper rates than could
reasonably have been expected, and the number of hotels
and boarding houses in excess of the demand, so great
had been the preparation for receiving visitors. They
found comfortable conveyance from the city to the park
in twelve minutes, good order and strict watchfulness
among the police without and the guards within the
grounds. They found in the Midway Plaisance a most
interesting and amusing resort, where relief and rest
could be found when the sight-seer was wearied by his
studies in the great buildings, and above all they found,
even in the incomplete Exposition, such noble conceptions,
such beauty of plan, and such harmony ot detail as to
impress and thrill even the least susceptible and to satisfy
the longings and the ideals of the most cultured and
refined.
Thus as the weather settled into a clear, bright, pleas-
ant, early summer, with soft and refreshing breezes from
the great lake blowing over the park, the Exposition
received a foretaste of the enthusiastic patronage which
it enjoyed so fully in the fall. Gradually the attendance
increased until it frequently exceeded 100,000 paid admis-
sions per day, and on German day, June isth, it reached
165,000.
An incident which aided greatly in removing false im-
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 22$
pressions and in popularizing the Exposition was the meet-
ing of the National Editorial Association in Chicago on May
2oth. The distinguished representatives of the press who
were present keenly appreciated your company's work and
the results which had been achieved. They informed them-
selves thoroughly as to the Exposition and its management,,
and as to the conditions prevailing generally in Chicago.
Before adjourning they adopted the following resolution :
Resolved, That we have observed with satisfaction the great Co-
lumbian Exposition and find it much nearer completion than popular
reports have led us to expect, and we are convinced that great and
harmful misapprehension prevails throughout the country in regard to
this matter. There is no foundation for the rumors of extortion reported
to have been practiced upon visitors in this city or on the Fair grounds,
and it is our belief that every effort is being made by those in official
positions to make the great Fair all that it should be as an exponent of
the nation's highest civilization and enlightenment, and that the pleas-
ure and comfort of guests from home and abroad have their constant
and assiduous care.
This resolution was dispatched to every newspaper repre-
sented in the association, and, being regarded as an intelli-
gent and unbiased statement of the facts, after personal con-
tact with the conditions prevailing in Chicago, it did the
Exposition more good than anything that had occurred
thus far.
I desire also to record at this point an action of the exec-
utive officers of the various State commissions, for which
they are entitled to our gratitude. The following statement,
which was drawn up and signed by these officers in the latter
part of June, sets forth the condition of the Exposition and
the facilities for entertaining visitors in Chicago. It was
widely circulated and proved very effective :
We, the executive officers of the States and Territories we respect-
ively represent, deem it our duty to present to the people of the United
States the following statement for their information:
On the opening of the World's Fair, May ist, while many of the
Exposition buildings were in an entirely satisfactory condition, exhibits
224 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
were incomplete and the work of installation had for various reasons
been very much retarded. Since that date the Exposition authorities
have accomplished an immense amount of work in Jackson Park, and
the buildings of the great departments are complete. Streets and walks
are in perfect condition; exhibits from foreign countries and the several
States and Territories have been received in large numbers and are
practically installed; the pavilions, entrances, booths, etc., are elaborate
and beautiful, and the visitor finds himself in a bewildering mass of
exhibits and surrounded on all sides with a display of surpassing mag-
nificence and beauty. In brief, the world has never seen before a col-
lection approaching it in value, interest, and educational features.
Forty States and Territories have contributed $6,020,850 for the erection
of the buildings and in aid of exhibitors, and there has been raised for
the purpose of the Exposition, exclusive of gate receipts, interest, and
the above amount from the States, $26,904,264.55.
The conveniences afforded for quick and easy communication from
one part of the grounds to another by the intramural railway, electric
launches, and gondolas are excellent, and invalids and others can be
transported through the grounds and buildings in rolling chairs in the
most comfortable manner.
The Midway Plaisance contains features novel and interesting a
representation of the nations of the globe of surpassing interest.
We unhesitatingly affirm that the exhibits, the buildings of the
Exposition State, Territorial, and foreign will make a visit to Chi-
cago the event of your life.
The individual exhibits in the various departments from the several
States and Territories of the United States and foreign countries are of
wonderful interest and value, and illustrate in a remarkable manner
the growth of the arts, sciences, and manufactures. Individual exhib-
itors, at great expense and sacrifice, have placed in the Exposition
buildings evidences of industry, skill, and ingenuity creditable in the
highest degree to the artisans, manufacturers, and agriculturists of the
United States.
The reports industriously circulated that extortion of every nature
prevails in Chicago and on the Fair grounds we emphatically deny from
personal experience. In the numerous restaurants in Jackson Park the
prices are no higher than are charged for the same variety and quality
of food in other cities of the Union.
Comfortable rooms convenient to the park can be secured at reason-
able rates by the day or week, with or without board; and board can
readily be .obtained at rates not excessive. It is the opinion generally
expressed by those who have visited the Fair that they were agreeably
surprised, not only in the completeness, variety, and extent of the
exhibits, but in the reasonable charge for rooms and board.
The educational features of the Fair and the evidences of wonderful
progress made in this country since its discovery are of sufficient impor-
tance to incite all to see the Exposition. It is an opportunity never
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION.
225
before given to our people, and probably never will be again. A single
admission fee of 50 cents admits to the grounds and to all the Exposi-
tion buildings proper.
We have presented fairly and truthfully the condition of affairs at
the Exposition.
A. B. FARQUHAR,
Executive Officer, Pennsylvania,
President of Association.
J. K. GWYNN,
Executive Officer, Missouri,
Executive Commissioner.
DONALD MCNAUGHTON,
Executive Officer, New York.
B. F. HAVENS,
Executive Officer , Indiana.
JOHN S. APPERSON,
Executive Officer, Virginia.
E. C. HOVEY,
Executive Officer, Massachusetts.
C. P. MATTOX,
Executive Officer, Maine.
GEORGE L. McCAHAN,
Executive Officer, Maryland.
THOMAS H. BROWN,
Executive Officer, South Dakota.
JOHN C. WYMAN,
Executive Officer, Rhode Island.
THOMAS H. THOMPSON,
Executive Officer, California.
ARTHUR C. JACKSON,
Executive Officer, Florida.
JAMES O. CROSBY,
Executive Officer, Iowa.
W. H. DULANEY,
Executive Officer, Kentucky.
JAMES M. WELLS,
Executive Officer, Idaho.
G. V. CALHOUN,
Executive Officer, Washington.
N. A. EMPY,
Executive Officer, Utah.
JOSEPH GARNEAU,
Executive Officer, Nebraska.
ALFRED DICKEY,
Executive Officer, North Dakota.
D. A. MONFORT,
Executive Officer, Minnesota.
J. H. VAILL,
Executive Officer, Connecticut.
W. N. CHANCELLOR,
Executive Officer, West Virginia.
R. B. KIRKLAND,
Executive Officer, Wisconsin.
E. M. SHAW,
Executive Officer, New Hampshire.
I. M. WESTON,
Executive Officer, Michigan.
STEPHEN J. MEEKER,
Executive Officer, New Jersey.
P. M. WILSON,
Executive Officer, North Carolina.
O. C. FRENCH,
Executive Officer, Colorado.
T. B. MILLS,
Executive Officer, New Mexico.
M. W. COBUN,
Executive Officer, Kansas.
The management now believed that it was time to
enter into a vigorous campaign for the purpose of increas-
ing the attendance. One great obstacle was the effort
made by the railroads to maintain rates of transportation.
There was but little reduction from the ordinary fare, the
railroad managers apparently adopting the view that the
travel to the Exposition would be large enough to call into
15
226 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
use all their facilities, and that any reduction, while it might
bring them greater business, would not result in a greater
net profit. Plans were prepared for a grand celebration on
the Fourth of July, and an effort was made by the manage-
ment to secure some concessions from the railroads in con-
nection therewith. Suitable ceremonies were arranged, in-
cluding concerts in Festival Hall and Music Hall, speeches
and other exercises on the Administration Plaza, fireworks in
the evening, etc., and the attractions were widely advertised.
This resulted in an attendance early in July as follows:
July 1st 106,032
July 2d Sunday
July 3d 105,977
July 4th ..283,273
The attendance on July 4th was the largest yet expe-
rienced and some supposed it to be the greatest which the
Exposition would have. This prediction, like that as to the
attendance on May ist, was destined to be disproved later.
Soon after July 4th the attendance again fell off, owing to
the heat and the fact that many who had visited the Expo-
sition en route for places of summer resort had gone away,
while others were delaying their visits until more favorable
weather should prevail. The same falling off is noticeable
in the attendance at the Centennial Exposition in 1876.
Nevertheless, it served to discourage the hopes of officers
and to add to the burden of their cares.
The infinity of details which burdened your president
and the Council of Administration at this time was over-
whelming. There was no opportunity for strengthening
or enlarging our organization, for meeting new business, or
for disposing of arrears. The services of persons unfamiliar
with the complex organization and the duties of hundreds
of officers were useless. Directors who, full of sympathy,
were anxious to aid your overworked officers found them-
selves unable to assist unless they had kept pace with the
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 2 2*J
business for months before or went resolutely to work to
acquire the necessary information. The president found
in George V. Massey of the Council of Administration a
firm friend, an industrious fellow-laborer, and a counselor
wise, firm, and temperate, whose advice proved invaluable
in many emergencies. But for Mr. Massey 's intelligent
assistance and tireless industry your president fears that
his physical strength could not have endured the burdens
laid upon him. The secretary of your company and the
secretary of the Council of Administration were with your
president day and night. Mr. Edmonds took up quarters
in the Administration Building, seldom leaving the park
by day or night. The work of the office began after an
early breakfast and continued almost uninterruptedly until
far into the night. The days were occupied with per-
sonal interviews with officers and employes, or with
concessionaires appealing their grievances from the super-
intendent of collections or the Committee on Adjustment.
The evening was given to correspondence or the clearing
up of matters which had accumulated during the day. It
frequently happened that i o'clock in the morning found
your president and secretary still at their desks.
On the floor above, where the director-general had his
office, the same scene was presented. Colonel Davis also
took up his abode in the Administration Building and
gave himself entirely to his work, and with his clerks and
assistants he labored steadily, day and night, for months
before and after the opening day, to perfect the installa-
tion of foreign and domestic exhibits and to put this branch
of the Exposition in satisfactory condition. During the
day his office was thronged with callers whose business
required his personal attention, and the consideration of
important matters was deferred to the quiet which could
be secured only in the night.
228 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
The most threatening and oppressive embarrassment of
your company was its heavy indebtedness, the true extent
of which was thoroughly understood about this time, July
i st. Frequent reference has been made to the difficulty
of preparing budgets of estimates and the rapidity with
which they were outgrown by the needs of the Exposition.
The latest budget had been prepared on January i, 1893.
It showed a total estimated requirement for completing the
Exposition, including payments on account of construction,
the expenses of the director-general's departments, and of
the general offices of the company, amounting to $20,012,-
268.08, a large part of which was not expected to fall due
until after May ist. When this budget was prepared it was
thought possible, by using every resource at the command
of the Board of Directors, to carry the work successfully
through to May ist; that this date would be reached with
the treasury not entirely exhausted, but with a considerable
amount of obligations on contracts which would not become
due until some weeks later; and that the total amount of
such obligations would not be great enough to seriously
obstruct the payment of the Exposition debenture bonds.
The Board of Directors had limited the amount of the bonds
of the Exposition to $5,000,000, and had, by implication
at least, limited its power to create debt to this amount
also.
As has been stated, the last budget of estimates (January
i, 1893) proved unreliable soon after it was adopted, and
payments on account of many of its items exceeded the
amounts therein assigned. Then it became impossible
to dispose of the last $400,000 of bonds. In addition to
this, an Act of Congress was passed which withheld $570,880
of the appropriation of souvenir half dollars made in
the previous August to aid in completing the Expo-
sition, in order to compel your company to appropriate
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 229
money for the expenses of judging and awarding medals
for exhibits. (See Chapter IV.) Thus the company was
crippled in its resources to the amount of more than
$1,000,000. Finally, the deferred payments, because of
delay in construction work, disagreements over final esti-
mates upon contracts, etc., proved larger than had been
anticipated.
The total amount paid out up to April 30, 1893, was
only $17,869,421.94, which, if the budget of January ist
had been correct, would have left a little over $2,100,000
still payable on account of construction and preparation
for opening the Exposition. But the amount actually so
expended was largely in excess of the budget of January
i st. An estimate of the floating indebtedness made on
May ist showed balances due on construction accounts
alone in the neighborhood of $2,000,000. In addition to
this, material for the Mechanical Department (pipes, fittings,
etc.) and stock of all sorts had been purchased, under the
pressure of grave emergencies, and without proper author-
ity, to an enormous amount, which, in the confusion at
May ist, could not even approximately be summed up.
Not infrequently bills were presented for payment, regard-
ing which neither your president, the Council of Admin-
istration, nor the auditor had been able to get any informa-
tion, although the obligation had been incurred by some
subordinate officer weeks or months before. The oppor-
tunity of subordinate officers seriously to embarrass your
company by contracting liabilities to large amounts was
quite ample. Nor was it possible to check this state of
things, for your president and the Council of Administration,
in the main, had confidence in the officers under them, and
felt that it would be unsafe to hamper them as to expendi-
tures at a time when the paramount object was the com-
pletion of the Exposition by the time fixed. My only regret
230 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
is that we were unsuccessful in creating some system which
would have enabled the management to have a better
knowledge of the liabilities as they were incurred. Because
of the lack of this knowledge, your president and the
Council of Administration were frequently criticised and
censured, although they felt that they had done as well
as was possible under the trying circumstances. In the
orderly conduct of an established business it is the duty
of the president or the general manager to have full knowl-
edge of the details of every line of expenditure or obliga-
tion incurred. In a heavy and costly work of construc-
tion it is never possible to estimate so closely as in an old
established business. This every one knows who has been
identified with the construction of a railroad or a great
building. In a military campaign, in the time of war,
questions of expense are utterly disregarded, the only object
worthy of consideration being the achievement of victory
over the enemy. I have mentioned a great private business,
a work of construction, and a military campaign. The
World's Columbian Exposition, from start to finish, resem-
bled the latter more than it did the two former. Great
and unusual powers had to be entrusted to subordinate
hands for the accomplishment of one result, without accu-
rate count of the cost.
Gradually it appeared, after May ist, that the floating
debt was of serious and threatening proportions. In the
midst of the financial panic, the contraction of credit, and the
scarcity of ready money, the directors found that their
implied pledge to the bondholders had been violated.
Instead of a floating debt of $2,000,000 there were debts
under contracts and debts for supplies of every description
amounting to almost $4,500,000, of which over $3,000,000
were chargeable to construction account. The operating
expenses for May were $593,757.20, and the gate and con-
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 231
cession receipts for the same month were $657,727.40, a
showing which, in view of a bonded and floating debt of at
least $8,000,000, with but five months more in which to
secure funds for its liquidation, was enough to discourage
the stoutest heart. Your president makes no complaint as
to the criticism and blame which were frequently cast
upon him by directors about this time. Whether he de-
served them or not, there was that in the situation which
was calculated to cause directors to lose faith in the
management of their company. In the face of the pre-
vailing panic and the consequent danger of a poorly
attended exposition, there is no wonder that men grew
bitter, and even unjust, when they felt that their busi-
ness reputation and honor were staked upon the proper
management of the affairs of your company. The less
familiarity a director had with the intricacies of the com-
pany's management, the more culpable appeared the conduct
of your officers in permitting the accumulation of such a
liability, and the more thorough and sweeping were his
denunciations. It is cause for thankfulness that the preca-
rious condition of your company was not generally under-
stood until the end of June, during which month we had
collected from gate receipts and concessions nearly a million
dollars in excess of the operating expenses.
This increase in receipts justified the hope that the busi-
ness would improve sufficiently to enable us to pay the
company's debts in full. Yet even with the increase of June
the final outcome seemed problematical. With the falling off
of the attendance in July and the fuller knowledge of your
company's financial condition, it is no wonder that depression
burdened the hearts of your officers. Personally, I have
felt that the effect of the worry and strain in July, 1893, was
equal to that of years of labor.
The last attempt at a revision of the administrative
232 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
machinery of the Exposition occurred in the latter part of
June, and should be mentioned here. The friction between
various departments, inevitable in a new enterprise of such
magnitude, was intensified by defective organization, which
made it difficult to preserve wholesome restraint and proper
subordination. This state of affairs, with the complaints
constantly arising as to the number of passes issued, and
other defects in the system of admissions, led to a movement
in the Executive Committee for further revision. The
Bureau of Admissions was abolished and the two depart-
ments of Admissions and Collections were placed under
the Council of Administration. George R. Davis was form-
ally elected director-general of the World's Columbian
Exposition, he having previously held his office by virtue
of an appointment from the World's Columbian Commis-
sion. He was recognized as the superior officer of the
director of works, the latter being made the chief execu-
tive officer of the director-general, and instructed to receive
his orders through that officer. The chief objection to
this plan was that it compelled the Council of Admin-
istration to send its orders through the director-general in
order to reach the director of works, thus interposing
another obstacle between the council and the chief arms of
the operating department, such as the Police, Fire Depart-
ment, Transportation, Landscape, Mechanical, Electrical,
Sewerage and Water Supply, etc. As this state of things
would have been intolerable a protest was made, whereupon
a clause was added authorizing the council to deal directly
with the director of works and his chiefs when emergency
should require, and as the administration of an exposition
consists chiefly in meeting a constant succession of emer-
gencies, this latter power was freely exercised. The depart-
ments of Admissions and Collections, which had been placed
tinder the Council of Administration, were by that body
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 233
committed to the chairman. This action brought the super-
intendents of these two departments in closer touch with
your president, enabling him to cooperate more effectively
in removing abuses and increasing the efficiency of their
organizations.
As the Exposition approached completion two facts
began to call forth general commendation. One was the
cleanliness of the grounds, the absence of the accumulation
of paper, peanut shells, remains of luncheon, and other
refuse. The other was the superb management of the
waterways, and the absence of any accident thereon of
even trifling importance. The condition of the grounds
was due to the rules, the vigilance of the guards, and the
work of the Department of Transportation. Only shelled
peanuts were allowed on the grounds, and the guards
were instructed to look carefully to the cleanliness of the
grounds, and to report on all matters needing attention.
The Department of Transportation nightly policed the
park with a garbage service of fifteen carts with steel
dumping boxes, taking up the janitors' sweepings, refuse
from restaurants, etc. Garbage was burned at a crematory
in the southern part of the grounds.
The waterways and the margin of the lake adjoining
the Exposition grounds were also in charge of the Depart-
ment of Transportation. The superintendent of waterways,
Commander F. M. Symonds, U. S. N., was an officer of that
department. He made rules for the government of the
waterways and the craft plying upon them, and issued a
book of regulations for the guidance of every one connected
with the service. Boats used for concession service were
required to fly a certain kind of flag, and the launches of
the president, the director-general, and the director of
works were each distinguished by a flag. Under Com-
mander Symonds' direction great vigilance was used to
234 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
prevent accident or loss of life upon or adjacent to the
waterways. One or two lifeboats were stationed in the
Grand Basin during every evening, and one was constantly
on duty at the Woman's Landing; a steam lifeboat patrolled
the lake during pyrotechnic displays. The commander and
his forces were constantly on the lookout for congestion
of boats or of people at the water's edge, and provided
lifeboats, expert swimmers, and life lines whenever the
numbers gathered to witness entertainments indicated a
liability to accidents.
On July 19, 1893, a terrible fire occurred on the grounds,
which destroyed the Cold Storage Warehouse. This was a
large building of wooden frame covered with staff, and
having at its center a tower through which was conducted
a smokestack. The smokestack was in use, though unfin-
ished, and on one occasion previous to July loth, the
woodwork had been ignited ; the firemen had gone into
the tower, scaled the smokestack and put out the fire.
When the alarm was given on July loth the situation
appeared no more threatening than upon the former occa-
sion. The first fire company that arrived proceeded to
scale the tower, headed by their captain, James Fitzpatrick.
About twenty men were on the tower with a rope and
hose when the fire suddenly burst out below them and cut
off their retreat. The entire interior of the building was
burning, and there was no escape for those who were on
the tower but by jumping to the main roof below. This
they did, one by one, before the horrified throng of 30,000
spectators. Some were carried by the force of their descent
through the roof into the flames beneath ; others were so
crippled that they could not escape. One man slid down
the burning hose. Captain Fitzpatrick, dying from burns
and injuries, was lowered from the roof to the ground by
some of the firemen. After this heroic deed the men had
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 235
scarcely reached the ground when the roof and parts of
the wall where the ladder had rested fell in. In a few
minutes the building was consumed. Fifteen men were
killed and nineteen others were injured in this disaster.
The Medical Department and the ambulance corps aided
promptly, and those who could be rescued were borne
rapidly away to the hospital, where they were cared for as
far as possible.
The eye witnesses of this horrible catastrophe gave
evidence of their sympathy by instantly starting a contri-
bution in aid of the sufferers. A few minutes later, and
before the building was reduced to ashes, Byron L. Smith
entered your president's office and there headed a contri-
bution with a check for $1,000. Several thousands more
were paid in at the same place within a few minutes. On
the 1 4th of July, the io4th anniversary of the destruction
of the Bastile, the French marines stationed upon the
grounds received an extra day's pay, according to custom,
and this money they generously paid into the relief fund.
The gate receipts on the following Sunday were added to
the same fund, and throughout the city contributions were
made, either to Mayor Harrison, to Charles D. Hamill,
president of the Board of Trade, or to your president.
The fund reached the total of $104,138.02. Every case of
suffering, from injuries received or through the death of a
parent or relative at the fire, was investigated. A portion
of the money was paid out to relieve immediate distress,
and the remainder was placed with the Illinois Trust &
Savings Bank, in trust, to be used for the support of the
widows and the education of the orphans of those who
died. No words can describe the gloom which this awful
event spread over all the city, and especially over the man-
agement of the Exposition.
The fire was due to defective construction, and as the
236 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
building was erected by the concessionaire and not by the
Construction Department, the defect could not be charged
to the officers of that department. They had approved
the plans and had relied upon the concessionaire to carry
out the plans as approved. Except in this case, no fire or
other catastrophe occurred upon the Exposition grounds
because of defective construction.
The Fire Department acquitted itself upon this occasion,
as upon every other, in a most satisfactory manner. It
was under the control of the city Fire Department and
had been carefully organized and trained. A private fire
department had been organized in the latter part of 1891,
and had been maintained as such until December, 1892,
when, at the earnest request of the Board of Fire Under-
writers, it was reorganized under the Chicago Fire Depart-
ment, of which D. J. Swenie was marshal. Marshal Swenie
placed the fire companies upon the Exposition grounds in
charge of Assistant Marshal Edward W. Murphy, an officer
well known for courage and skill in fire service. Mr.
Murphy continued in this service until October i, 1893,
when he was relieved on account of injuries received in
the service, and was succeeded by Assistant Marshal P.
O'Malley. During the Exposition season the Fire Depart-
ment was composed of no men in ten companies, seven
of them being fire companies, two hook and ladder truck
companies, and one stationed on the fireboat in the
lagoons. Each hook and ladder company was equipped
also with a chemical engine. During the year 1893 the
number of alarms responded to on the grounds was ninety-
two, and there was constant vigilance of the most per-
sistent kind on the part of officers and men connected
with all branches of the Exposition, of course, particularly
in the Fire Department and the Columbian Guard. Fire
was especially feared on account of the temporary and
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 237
inflammable nature of the buildings, the large number of
visitors, and the enormous number of hastily strung elec-
tric wires. The fact that no disastrous fire occurred in
any of the Exposition buildings does not in the least dis-
prove the need of the extraordinary precautions taken and
the heavy expenditures incurred. I think all the officers
of the Exposition agree with me that only the thorough
preparations made in the Fire Department, the Columbian
Guard, and the Department of Water Supply saved the
company from serious disaster. Incipient fires were fre-
quent occurrences, and often more than once in a day the
scene would be enlivened by the spirited dash of an engine
across the Court of Honor, and companies of the guards
coming on the double quick, in fine order, from all direc-
tions to the point of danger. There is probably no branch
of an exposition where money can be so profitably expended
as in securing every reliable and satisfactory means of
preventing and quenching fires. The amount expended
for fire protection by your company was $311,246.71. This
includes engine houses, fire plant, rent of apparatus, extin-
guishers, chemicals, wages, and general expenses. The loss
by fire, exclusive of the Cold Storage Warehouse disaster
which, as has been shown, did not fall on your company
was only $1,730.
As I am now approaching a subject which brought the
Exposition into the State and Federal courts I refer to the
question of closing the Exposition on Sunday some refer-
ence to the Legal Department is necessary. On May 12,
1893, the Board of Directors elected Director Edwin Walker
solicitor-general, which office had been vacant since the
resignation of Mr. Butterworth in April, 1892. This act was
in recognition of the existing state of things, and also in
recognition of Mr. Walker's valuable services, and of the
esteem in which he was held, both for his personal qualities
238 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
and for his devotion to the cause of the Exposition. As
chairman of the Committee on Legislation, Mr. Walker's
advice had been sought on every weighty subject involving
questions of law or the exercise of sound judgment. He
had always taken a prominent part in the proceedings of the
Board of Directors and of its Executive Committee. The
attorney, Mr. Carlisle, acted under the direction of the Com-
mittee on Legislation, and upon Mr. Carlisle's resignation
in the spring of 1893, Mr. Walker undertook to reorganize
the Law Department. The two assistant attorneys, Charles
H. Baldwin and Joseph Cumins, he designated attorneys,
and assigned to each a portion of the detail work of the
Law Department, with instructions to proceed under his
advice and direction. Mr. Walker frequently gave advice
and assistance to the Council of Administration and to your
president, and since the close of the Exposition he has borne
a large share of the labor of disposing of the company's
business. He still has in his care a number of suits brought
for or against the Exposition.
The question of opening or closing the Exposition grounds
on Sunday, which had been persistently agitated for over
two years prior to May i, 1893, attracted a great deal of
attention during the early weeks of the Exposition, and in
the month of July the matter passed out of the control of
the Exposition management by reason of the action of the
courts.
This subject had been taken up by various religious
bodies soon after the adoption of the Act authorizing the
Exposition, but its discussion in the Board of Directors had
been prevented or postponed whenever possible. With very
few exceptions, the directors were in favor of keeping the
Exposition open on Sunday, on the theory that many would
be able to see it on that day who would be unable to spend
the necessary time on a week day, and also on the theory^
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 239
that the city would be filled with strangers during the
Exposition season, some of whom, if shut out of the Exposi-
tion grounds and thrown upon their own resources, would
be likely to spend their time in an unprofitable manner, and
perhaps swell the lawless element. It was conceived by the
management that from among the laboring classes and the
strangers in town, an attendance might be expected on
Sundays greater than that of the week days, and that the
result of keeping the Exposition open on Sunday would
be both beneficial to the patrons and profitable to the
management.
There was little profit in the Sunday business, for as a
rule the attendance was less on that day than on the pre-
ceding week days. The marvel is that we should have
looked for different results. That the opening of the Exposi-
tion on Sunday resulted in good I firmly believe. Many
thousands of people spent a part or the whole of the day in
the park, not so much in viewing the contents of the build-
ings as the buildings themselves and the grounds. There
was a notable absence of that noisy, rowdy element which
our critics said would pervade the grounds and especially
the Midway. Indeed, the concessionaires upon the Midway
found the Sunday business quite unprofitable. The gather-
ings were mostly in the Court of Honor, where seats had
been provided, from which the view could be enjoyed with
comfort, while the bands played music of a sacred or elevat-
ing character. Besides the Court of Honor, the Art Building
proved most attractive, and it was well filled and often
thronged on Sundays, when other parts of the grounds
were comparatively deserted.
Originally the Board of Directors had authority, under
the Act of Congress, to make a rule that the Exposition
should be opened or closed on Sundays, as the Board might
see fit, and such a rule would have been subject to modi-
240 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
fication only by a majority vote of all the members of
the World's Columbian Commission.
Protests against opening and against closing on Sunday
were filed in large numbers with both the Commission and
the Board of Directors, and also with both houses of
Congress. Certain of the religious organizations took
action in favor of closing the gates and others in favor of
opening them, while others remained neutral.
When the souvenir coin bill was pending before Con-
gress, in the summer of 1892, the opposition to Sunday
opening, which was very active and well organized, ob-
tained an expression from Congress in favor of closing
the Exposition on Sundays. It is questionable whether
the subject was well understood when the vote was taken.
It was represented that the management of the Exposition
was planning an assault on the "American Sabbath," and
was seeking to bring people within its gates on Sunday
to furnish business for the concert gardens and "side
shows" of the Midway. Owing to this movement the
souvenir coin appropriation was made subject to the con-
dition that the Exposition be closed on Sunday. This
provision was of necessity accepted by the Board of
Directors, the members believing that they had done all
that the situation required of them to secure the opening
on Sunday, unless Congress could be induced, at its next
session in the winter of 1892-1893, to revoke the condition
which it had imposed.
Congress failed to revoke its condition, but, as has been
explained, it took back $570,880 of its souvenir coin appro-
priation and applied it to another object. By this act the
Board felt itself released from the condition relating to
Sunday opening, and in May adopted a rule that the Ex-
position be opened on Sundays. This rule went into force
on Sunday, May 28th, on which day the paid attendance
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 241
was 77,212, nearly twice the average for the previous six
days. As a popular test, this result should have satisfied
the management, but at this time we were looking for
much larger attendance both on Sundays and on week
days, and because the Sunday attendance did not exceed
100,000 we were inclined to doubt the advantage of keep-
ing the grounds open on that day. Even this attendance
on the first open Sunday did not represent the legitimate
Sunday patronage, for many attended on that day merely
to record their sympathy with the movement in the interest
of those classes whose Sunday could be made bright,
profitable, and wholesome by drawing them into Jackson
Park. For the next three Sundays the attendance ranged
between 56,000 and 71,000. Those who attended seemed to
care little that large numbers of the exhibits were cov-
ered, or that the machinery was not in operation, provided
they could enjoy the charming view of waterways, land-
scape, and architecture, and listen to the music. On the
first open Sunday some of the more enthusiastic patrons
emphasized their position on the Sunday question in a very
happy manner. The band concert was opened with the
music of the hymn "Nearer My God to Thee," and those
in the vicinity caught up the air and sang the hymn.
Ministers were secured and services were held in
Festival Hall for several Sundays. These services were
well attended, but were condemned by some of those
who favored closing. Ministers of several denominations
declined invitations to preach on the Exposition grounds.
It is likely that many attended services there who would
not have done so outside, and many more came to the
park who had probably attended church in the city ; for
thousands entered the gates on Sunday afternoons.
As time passed by the Sunday attendance grew smaller,
settling down to a steady average of about 48,000 during
16
242 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
July. As there were comparatively few strangers in town
during July, this attendance was drawn mostly from the
city, and was large enough to be beneficial, from the stand-
point of those in favor of Sunday opening, to a considerable
portion of the people, while barely large enough to defray
the average daily cost of operating the Exposition. The
receipts from concessionaires averaged less on Sunday.
This is the best evidence that the evil effect of Sunday
opening had been exaggerated, and that the attendance was,
to a large extent, from among people of small means, unable
or unwilling to visit the special attractions of the Midway.
Even the restaurants suffered, for the people either came
after dinner or brought their luncheons with them.
The management had been looking for larger results
from Sunday opening, and finding the attendance less than
was expected, began to doubt whether the majority of the
people were with them in this movement, and finally the
directors rescinded the rule for Sunday opening. Mean-
while certain stockholders of your company, anticipating
this act and wishing to keep the Exposition open, on May
2 pth secured from the Superior Court of Cook County an
injunction restraining the management from closing the
gates. At the same time proceedings in the United States
District Court, inspired by parties in favor of Sunday
closing, resulted in a temporary order, issued on June 8th,
against opening the gates ; this order was shortly after
vacated by the United States Circuit Court of Appeals.
The Exposition remained subject to the order of the Supe-
rior Court of Cook County, requiring that the gates be kept
open on Sunday.
The management was by this time thoroughly tired of
the agitation, and was anxious to close the grounds. Doubt
as to the proper course to pursue under these circum-
stances, and a feeling that the matter could probably be
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 243
best brought to an issue and laid at rest by attempting to
close the gates, led your president to order the Exposition
closed on Sunday, July 23d. He was assisted to this con-
clusion by the intemperate denunciations of some of the
advocates of Sunday closing, who asserted that the manage-
ment, while pretending to be trying to close the gates on
Sunday, was really in collusion with the stockholders who
had secured the injunction against closing.
Your president had anticipated that if any unpleasant
consequences should attach to his act in ordering the gates
closed, these would fall on him alone, and not on his asso-
ciates ; hence he was greatly disappointed when the court
which issued the injunction attached members of the Board
of Directors and imposed fines on them. These directors
had not been cognizant of the president's action, and were
in nowise responsible for it. The directors upon whom
fines were imposed appealed from the judgment of the
court, and, upon hearing, the Appellate Court reversed
the judgment on the ground that the court which imposed
the fines had no jurisdiction whatever to interfere with the
management of the affairs of your company by its Board
of Directors.
This ended the attempts to close the Exposition on
Sunday. The management withdrew its efforts to make the
day especially attractive, and ceased to provide clergymen
for services in Festival Hall. So contradictory had been the
proceedings that the public was in some doubt from this
time on whether the gates were opened or closed on Sun-
day, and during August the Sunday attendance fell as low
as 18,000, from which number it increased slowly to over
40,000 in September, and during the last four Sundays in
October it ranged from 82,000 to over 150,000. Usually,
however, the Sunday attendance was much less than the
average attendance for the other six days of the same week.
244 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
As the exhibits were mostly covered up, there was little
to attract except the great beauty of the grounds and the
treasures of the Fine Arts Building.
The legal aspects of this controversy are full of interest,
but can not be discussed here at proper length. I believe
that the solicitor-general has treated the subject somewhat
fully in an article on "The Litigation of the Exposition,"
prepared for "The Bench and the Bar of Chicago," Good-
speed Brothers, publishers. The solicitor-general went
before the United States Circuit Court to defend the
action of the management in opening the Exposition on
Sunday. A few days later he defended the action of the
management in closing on Sunday, before the Superior
Court of Cook County. The apparent inconsistency of
his attitude produced some merriment in the press and
among some members of the bar, but his position was
maintained in both cases. The suit before the United
States Circuit Court was instituted by the United States
district attorney. The Court of Appeals, Chief Justice
Fuller presiding, declared that the United States had no
jurisdiction whatever to interfere with your company in
the management of the Exposition grounds. The suit
before the Superior Court of Cook County to compel the
opening of grounds on Sunday was instituted by a stock-
holder of your company, and the Appellate Court of
Cook County declared that a stockholder had no right to
interfere with the management of the affairs of your com-
pany by its Board of Directors. Thus your company, through
its Board of Directors, was left free to make such rules as
it saw fit for the management of the Exposition grounds,
according to the terms of the original Act of Congress.
The Board of Directors was charged with bad faith
because it opened the gates on Sunday after accepting the
souvenir coin appropriation of $2,500,000 with the condition
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 245
that it would keep the gates closed on that day. Those
making the charge ignored, or forgot, the fact that the
first breach of contract was on the part of the Govern-
ment, and that, too, under such embarrassing circumstances
as to seriously damage the Exposition's finances. Nothing
but the loyalty and public spirit of Chicagoans saved the
Exposition from irreparable disaster before its gates had
been opened to the public. Attached to the appropriation
of $2,500,000 were several conditions of great importance,
all of which your company had fulfilled. The first Act of
Congress providing for the Exposition required your com-
pany to raise $10,000,000 for use in preparing for holding
the Exposition. This had been done. The souvenir coin
Act required your company to provide whatever sum
might be necessary in addition to the $2,500,000 thereby
appropriated, to complete the Exposition, the total cost of
which, at that time, was expected to be about $19,000,000,
but which afterward proved to be much greater. Your
company was even required to prove to the Secretary of
the Treasury that it had actually disbursed $2,500,000, in
addition to the original $10,000,000, before it could receive
the $2,500,000 in souvenir coins from the Government.
After this condition had been complied with, Congress
diverted $570,880 of the souvenir coin appropriation to
other purposes not within the scope of the duties of your
company. The imposition of the task of replacing the
sum so diverted nearly ruined your company. Moreover,
upon the credit established by the plain terms of the
souvenir coin appropriation, and the other resources of your
company, an issue of $5,000,000 of bonds had been author-
ized by your company, and nearly $4,500,000 of them sold
and paid for. By this act of the Government the security
of the bondholders was injured to a much greater amount
than the amount of money withheld; in fact, the security
246 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
of the bondholders, resting in the solvency of your com-
pany, was in danger of being totally destroyed. Another
condition of the souvenir coin appropriation was that your
company would pay the expenses of the great exhibit
departments organized by the director-general of the
World's Columbian Commission, which expenses constituted
a heavy drain upon your company's resources, amounting
in the aggregate to more than the entire souvenir coin
appropriation. Thus it will be seen that, so far from there
being any obligation, moral or legal, for the return of any
moneys received from the Government, there was a debt
due your company from the Government, morally if not
legally, for moneys expended in excess of total require-
ments imposed by the original Act of Congress relating
to the Exposition. Moreover your company always showed
itself jealous of the national honor in connection with
'the Exposition, in all matters requiring outlays of money,
and this feeling increased among us in proportion as Con-
gress proved indifferent.
In the first part of July the attendance and receipts
showed an improvement over those of June. On some days
of the latter part of the month the heat was very trying,
though modified and made more tolerable by the cool
breezes from the lake. Many feared that the business panic
had reduced the attendance, and, as the financial condition
of your company came to be better understood, great
anxiety was expressed lest the amount realized would not
be sufficient to pay the floating and bonded indebtedness.
During the warm weather the Exposition was most charm-
ing in the evening, when the sultriness disappeared and the
gentle winds from the lake made the park a most attractive
resort. In the early part of May the Exposition was practi-
cally closed at nightfall, because of its incompleteness and
the unfavorable weather. Later in May the grounds were
THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSITION. 247
occasionally kept open in the evening and open-air concerts
were advertised. As the attendance increased, the park was
kept open every evening, and in June was fairly well filled
until 9 o'clock. As the popularity of the Midway increased
it became thronged with visitors every evening until a late
hour, and finally it was necessary to put a curb upon the
rollicking spirit of those who lingered until a late hour.
In July the evening became the most attractive time.
Usually two bands were stationed in the Court of Honor,
playing alternately, and the Court was filled with people
resting upon the benches or strolling about, enjoying the
charming and wonderful scene, listening to the music,
watching the swiftly gliding boats, the grand fountain play-
ing, and the displays of the electric fountains. Search-
lights on the Manufactures Building threw their intense
beams now here, now there, on the grand buildings, or
illuminated the groups of statuary with their marvelous
brilliancy. At other times a band was stationed on the
Wooded Island or in the northern part of the grounds, and
usually there was also a concert at the band stand east of
the center of the Manufactures Building on the shore of
the lake.
One of the many charms of the wonderful night aspect
of the Exposition was the contrast between the inspiring
activity of some portions, gay with music and moving
thousands, and the utter solitude of other portions. While
the Court of Honor was filled with thousands listening to
the concert, the lake shore north of the Peristyle or the
Wooded Island might be entirely deserted, except for an
occasional visitor, lured from the throng by the entrancing
loveliness of the scene. This contrast was even greater
between the north lagoon, with the Art Building mirrored
upon its surface, and the Midway, just a little to the west.
On the one hand, whiteness, silence, and the shadows of
248 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
many trees; on the other, the glare of lights, hurrying
feet, and the din of barbaric music.
To the visitor the Exposition presented at this time its
most charming spectacle. Everything was in the first fresh-
ness of completion. Seldom during the season were the
vast grounds and buildings uncomfortably crowded. During
the evenings of July the throng was only sufficient to lend
spirit to the scene, never so great as to cause discomfort.
To the management, however, there was but little of pleas-
ure to relieve the toil. The hours were freighted with the
cares and worries of a great burden and doubt as to the
final outcome.
CHAPTER XIII.
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER CLOSING CEREMONIES.
THE month of August opened with little promise.
During the first few days the attendance did not
maintain the rate of July. The Exposition was
now thoroughly advertised through the press and
by the reports of visitors who had returned to their homes.
The fame of its beauty and of the wonders which it con-
tained had gone abroad. Thousands who had hesitated
about coming began to realize that the season was half
over, that more comfortable weather might be expected,
that everything was ready, and that a great opportunity
was slipping away.
The first indication of improvement came on Monday, \/
August 6th, with an attendance of 90,354, while on the /\
preceding Monday the number was 71,138. It was observed
that the attendance on Monday was a fair index of the
attendance for the rest of the week. From Monday the
numbers gradually rose until Thursday; on Friday they
diminished, as fewer visitors arrived in town at the end of
the week; the half holiday of Saturday increased the attend-
ance on that day. Hence, when a decided increase was
observed on Monday, it was expected to continue during
the next few days.
As illustrating the gradual progress in attendance during
the Exposition season, the average per day is given for
each week, Sundays being omitted:
(249)
250 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
ATTENDANCE AT THE EXPOSITION BY WEEKS.
WEEK ENDING.
TOTAL FOR
WEEK.
DAILY
AVERAGE.
WEEK ENDING.
TOTAL FOR
WEEK.
DAILY
AVERAGE.
May 6
202 125
33,687
Aug. 12..
663,917
110,653
13 . .
134,231
22,372
19
775,052
129,175
30
192 184
32,031
26
986 068
164,345
27
247,077
41,179
Sept. 2..
845,543
140,924
Tune 3
343,097
57,183
9
1,096,225
182,704
10
477,069
79,511
16
1,046,340
174,390
17
660,916
110,152
23
1,093,454
182,242
24
646,415
107,736
30
1,008,866
168,144
Tulv 1
Juiy i-.
599,234
99,872
Oct. 7
994 919
165,820
749,929
124,988
14
2,026,903
337,817
15
541,986
90,331
21
1,648,849
274,808
22
596 423
99,404
28
1,427 481
237,913
29
533,128
88,854
30
211,102
Aug. 5
514,747
85,791
And now it began to be apparent that, after laboring
through many trials and in spite of the depressing influ-
ence of the panic, financial and popular success had been
achieved. The vast grounds absorbed the great gather-
ings as easily as the smaller ones. The difference was
perceptible only in the gate receipts, in the contentment
of the concessionaires, and in the rollicking spirit of the
throngs of visitors, and of the operators of the special
attractions in that noisy, picturesque strip of land that
has passed into a byword and a pleasant, amusing recol-
lection as the Midway.
On August 3d the Executive Committee authorized the
payment of an installment of 10 per cent upon the Expo-
sition bonds on August i7th. During the first three months
the receipts had been $ 4,230,979. 89; the operating expenses,
$1,822,672.37, leaving $2,408,307.52 to be applied on the
floating debt. The most pressing obligations had been
discharged. Most of those remaining were not yet due, or
were still subjects of negotiation and adjustment. It was
therefore believed that in the payments out of accumulated
profits the bondholders should participate as well as other
creditors. A much better feeling was aroused, both at home
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 251
and abroad, when it was known that the management had
taken this step. The total bonded debt was $4,444,500.
The payment of the installment involved the disbursement
of $444,450. The receipts for August were $2,337,856.25 ;
operating expenses, $569,798.12, 'leaving net $1,768,058.13.
Before the month was half over, it was seen to be possible,
besides disbursing large sums on construction accounts, to
make another payment on the bonds, and a second 10 per
cent was authorized to be paid on August 3oth. As Sep-
tember opened it was evident that the receipts of the Expo-
sition would pay all its obligations and afford a surplus
sufficient to close up its affairs. The third, fourth, and fifth
installments of 10 per cent each were paid on September
7th, 1 5th, and 22d, respectively. On September 29th an
installment of 20 per cent was paid, and on October 9th,
Chicago day, the remaining 30 per cent, with the accrued
interest, amounting in all to $1,565,310.75, was paid. This
act lent additional glory to the greatest day of the Expo-
sition.
The internal organization of the Exposition had now
attained a fair degree of efficiency. Not that discordant
elements or cumbrous methods had disappeared, but sim-
plicity and directness had forced themselves into the situa-
tion. Each officer was familiar with his duties and was
prepared for every emergency, recognizing the objects to
be attained in his field and choosing instinctively the most
direct methods of reaching them.
A just criticism, frequently uttered during the first
half of the season, was that there was a lack of effort to
amuse the visitors and to instill life into the vast and
beautiful expanse of grounds and buildings. There were
bands and band concerts on the grounds, and grand
orchestral, choral, and organ concerts in the music halls,
but the spirit and animation of the Exposition was chiefly
252 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
found in the Midway. The entertainments by the Expo-
sition orchestra and chorus, to which an admission fee
of $ i or more was charged, were poorly attended, and the
programs were criticised as of a character too severely
classical to suit the holiday surroundings and the tastes
of people exhausted from sight-seeing. The Exposition's
magnificent orchestra was disbanded early in August. It
was composed of excellent musicians, thoroughly trained
by its distinguished leader, Theodore Thomas, and its pop-
ular free concerts in Music Hall had been well attended
and highly appreciated.
An unfortunate disagreement had arisen in the latter
part of April and the early weeks of May because of the
use in these concerts of a piano of a certain make not
represented among the exhibits in the department of
musical instruments. Mr. Paderewski, who had volunteered
to play at the first concerts in Music Hall, May 2d and 3d,
had used this instrument, although its use on the grounds
had been forbidden by the World's Columbian Commission
because the manufacturer of the piano, having received
an assignment of space, had declined to use it on account
of dissatisfaction with the rules of the Exposition. Mr.
Thomas was involved in this dispute, and every effort was
made by a committee of the National Commission to
secure his resignation.
The Board of Directors supported Mr. Thomas through-
out this controversy. This trouble occupied much time
and caused considerable public discussion. After it had
somewhat abated, the Executive Committee thought it
wise to discontinue the services of the orchestra, in view
of the necessity of reducing expenses. When this neces-
sity was communicated to Mr. Thomas, he promptly ten-
dered his resignation and assisted the committee in
settling with the members of his orchestra. The loss of
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 253
this splendid organization was keenly felt by music lovers,
who deemed that music should have been fitly represented
with the sister arts in the great Exposition. I am inclined
to the opinion that a great Exposition should, if possible,
maintain a fine orchestra, capable of giving a few concerts
of the highest grade with the assistance of leading vocalists
and instrumental performers. Such an orchestra could be
divided into two or more smaller orchestras for the pur-
pose of rendering popular music in the open air, and in
a partially inclosed building, in connection with a well-
organized Department of Public Comfort, where the tired
multitude could have an opportunity to rest and refresh
themselves in the intervals of sight-seeing. As the attend-
ance during the last three months of an exposition is apt
to be two or three times as great as in the first three, it
might be possible, in the interest of economy, to confine
the heavy expense of such an organization to a season of
less than six months.
The bands have already been referred to. There were at
first two, and subsequently as many as five were employed
at the same time. These bands played in the open air
under the direction of the Bureau of Music, rendering excel-
lent programs and contributing largely to popular enjoy-
ment. In the evening the band stands in the Court of
Honor were surrounded by crowds swaying backward and
forward from one stand to another as the two bands alter-
nated in the concert. A full account of the musical
features of the Exposition is given in the report of the
secretary of the Bureau of Music, George H. Wilson.
Aside from the musical features just described, there
were no forms of popular entertainment in the grounds
of the Exposition proper. There were no means of dis-
seminating information as to the special program of the
day, except the newspaper published in the grounds, the
254 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Daily Columbian. Days had been assigned by the Com-
mittee on Ceremonies to various organizations, to different
States, and to foreign nations, and some of these days had
been observed with fitting ceremonies, contributing not a
little to the success of the Exposition. As examples, I
may name Eulalia day, June 8th, and German day, June
1 6th. The former was the occasion of the formal visit
of the Infanta Eulalia to the Exposition grounds. Aside
from these two occasions few of the special days during
the first half of the season had awakened general interest.
What was needed was an active and efficient man, charged
with the duty of promoting a series of interesting and
amusing functions, for which the picturesque grounds gave
most excellent opportunity. The fertility of resource
and executive ability necessary to the successful discharge
of this office were found in Frank D. Millet, director of
decoration in the Department of Works, who, in July, also
became known as the director of functions. At the same
time the Committee on Ceremonies was discharged and its
duties were delegated to the director of functions. The
committee had rendered valuable services in the arrange-
ments for the dedicatory and inaugural ceremonies, the
entertainment of the Infanta Eulalia and her party, of the
Duke of Veragua and his family, and in the celebration of
German day. Several members sacrificed a large portion of
their time in this service, notably Chairman Lawrence and
Messrs. Wacker, Henrotin, and Revell. This department had
no budget, and Mr. Millet found it necessary to apply to the
Council of Administration from day to day for funds with
which to carry out his projects. Money was supplied to him
by the council, under authority of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Millet arranged for fireworks in the evenings, at least
twice a week, during the remainder of the season. The cost
of these for the whole Exposition season was $128,141.13.
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 255
On June lyth Mr. Millet gave an example of his talent
for organizing picturesque and entertaining displays by
sending through the grounds a procession of all the special
attractions of the Midway the Bedouins upon their steeds,
the donkeys and camels with their riders from the Cairo
Street, the Javanese, the Chinese with their huge dragon,
Indians from the Western plains, inhabitants of the Dahomey
Village, South Sea Islanders, and the dancers, swordsmen,
and other queer people from the Turkish villages. This
display was very attractive, and the visitors who saw it
spread its fame everywhere, to the benefit of both the
Exposition and the concessionaires. Disagreements arose
which prevented a repetition of this event, but many of
the concessionaires assisted on other occasions.
June 8th was noted for the arrival of the caravels from
Spain. These were reproductions of the vessels comprised
in the little fleet with which Columbus made his first voyage
of discovery. They were built in Spain, and on the 4oist
anniversary of the sailing of Columbus they had sailed from
Palos, under the command of Commodore Victor Concas
of the Spanish navy. They arrived at Hampton Roads in
the spring of 1893, took part in the naval review at New
York, were brought through the Great Lakes to the Exposi-
tion, and were received with much ceremony. Subsequently
they were formally delivered to the Government of the
United States by the representatives of the Spanish govern-
ment.
The Viking ship arrived a few days later, on July i2th.
This was a reproduction of an old Norse ship found buried
in the sand upon the Norwegian coast. It was an open
boat, ornamented with carved work, and had one mast
carrying a square sail, or it could be driven by oars. Cap-
tain Magnus Olsen, with twenty men, sailed in this craft
from the coast of Norway early in 1893. Like the caravels,
256 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT,
this vessel came by way of the St. Lawrence and the lakes.
The strange vessel and its hardy crew were received with
much enthusiasm all along their route. The Viking ship,
as it lay near the model of the battleship, was a great
center of attraction.
The United States military cadets from West Point
encamped in August in front of the Government Building.
A constant throng of visitors surrounded their camp and
witnessed their daily parades.
Free concerts were given in Festival Hall, the per-
formers being from Lady Aberdeen's Irish Village, the
Turkish and Chinese theaters, the Hindoo jugglers, Indians
from their encampment, the Alaska Indians upon the
South Pond, the exhibitors from the Ceylon Pavilion, the
Javanese Village, and the cyclorama of the Volcano of
Kilauea.
Swimming matches in the lagoons between representa-
tives of different nationalities, canoe and boat races, com-
ical aquatic sports, gondola regattas, a procession of boats
of all nations, decorated and illuminated boats, pageants
and tableaux of historic scenes, balloon ascensions, para-
chute drops, tight-rope walking, races on foot and between
dromedaries, horses, or donkeys on a track improvised at
the west end of the Midway, tugs of war between different
nationalities, and yawl races on the Lake Front, were
among the means used by Mr. Millet to interest and amuse
the people. In fact no one on the grounds so thoroughly
understood that spirit of relaxation which it was necessary
to awake as did Mr. Millet, to whom this knowledge was
a gift. Better than any one else he understood that stiff-
ness and conventionality would ruin even our beautiful
Exposition in the eyes of a holiday public, and that those
who came once or twice to be instructed would come ten
times to be amused.
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 257
Small bands and orchestras were provided, and singers,
in company or singly, were employed as opportunity offered
to add to the gayety of the day or evening. Illumination
at night was a favorite device. Mr. Millet and his men
often labored for several days to produce some new and
beautiful effect upon a certain evening. The Wooded
Island was frequently used for this purpose. Most charm-
ing effects were produced upon it at a trifling cost with
a few colored lights, red and green fire, thousands of
little candles, and ballets of a semi-historical character
performed upon a stage slightly raised from the ground
among the trees. Except as to fireworks, the total expense
of Mr. Millet's functions was very small.
To keep the public informed as to what was going on,
posters and signboards were used, a thing which in the
earlier days of the Exposition were shuddered at as undig-
nified and out of harmony with the surroundings. The
following is a sample of the daily programs announced by
Mr. Millet's Department of Functions:
TUESDAY, September igth.
The procession of boats at 2.30 P. M. will assemble at the southeast
landing of Wooded Island, then pass north on the east side and south
on the west side of Wooded Island, going twice around the island, then
disbanding at southeast landing. The order of the procession will be as
follows:
One whaler, full rigged ship, Captain Hunt; three Spanish boats
from the caravels; one life-saving boat; one whaleboat; cruiser "Illi-
nois"; one Rhode Island striker boat; one gig, the Blake's soundings
boat; one Turkish sandal; one Turkish caique; one Hammerfest from
Norway; one Norwegian fishing boat; one Nordlands baden from Norway;
one Hvidingsobaden from Norway; one Lofoden Islands fishing boat;
one pleasure fishing boat; one dory with lobster pots from Massachusetts;
one canoe from West Alaska; one Klinket canoe from Alaska; two
modern skiffs from the United States; two outrigged canoes from Ceylon;
one balsa from Ceylon; two Eskimo kayaks from the Eskimo Village;
two Dahomey canoes from Midway Plaisance; one Egyptian boat; one
ordinary canoe; one Bragozza fishing boat from Venice; one Jungada
fishing raft from Brazil; one Canadian fishing boat; three St. Lawrence
skiffs, anglers' boats; one water bicycle, land and water motor; one
17
258 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
aluminum shell; three canvas folding boats, anglers' boats; one yawl;
one Japanese phenix boat with net casting; one Japanese boat with fish
balloons; three birch canoes with Western Indians; two birch canoes
manned by Penobscot Indians; two native boats from British Columbia;
one dugout manned by Iroquois Indians; one kayak from whaler "Prog-
ress"; float with fishing camp; one sturgeon boat and sturgeon.
The Department of Functions circulated single-sheet
posters in the city of Chicago and towns within a radius
of 100 miles. Three-sheet posters of the weekly program
were put up on billboards within the grounds; 25,000
illustrated general posters were sent out all over the
country, and 250,000 "dodgers" were sent out each week
to the different railroads, announcing features of the
Exposition and advertising the railroad at the end of the
sheet.
Under Mr. Millet was a corps of twenty-four men
known as the emergency crew, who had their mess and
lodgings on the grounds and were subject to call by day
and night for the performance of any duty, no matter
how hazardous, such as climbing heights inside of great
buildings or upon the roofs, acting as firemen, life-saving
service upon the lagoons or the Lake Front, decorating
buildings, painting, or carpentering.
The following is a list of special days which were
observed:
Tuesday, May 8th Catholic Knights of America.
Wednesday, May 17th Norway.
Wednesday, May 24th Maine.
Monday, June 5th Denmark.
Wednesday, May 24th Maine.
iday, J
Thursday, June 8th Nebraska.
Saturday, June 10th Travelers Protective Association.
Thursday, June 15th Germany.
Saturday, June 17th Massachusetts.
Monday, June 26th New Hampshire.
Tuesday, June 27th City of Brooklyn.
Thursday, June 29th Millers' day.
Tuesday, July 4th Independence day.
Wednesday, July 12th South Dakota.
Thursday, July 13th Confectioners' day.
Friday, July 14th France.
Thursday, July 20th College fraternities.
Thursday, July 20th Columbia.
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 259
Thursday , July 20th Sweden.
Saturday, July 22d Stenographers' day.
Wednesday, July 26th Liberia.
Wednesday, July 26th Commercial travelers' day.
Wednesday, July 26th Turner Bund.
Thursday, July 27th Caledonia.
Wednesday, August 3d The National Union.
Thursday, August 3d Russia.
Friday, August 4th Scotland day.
Wednesday, August 9th Knights of Pythias.
Wednesday, August 9th Virginia.
Wednesday, August 9th. Izaak Walton's day.
Thursday, August 10th Louisiana.
Thursday, August 10th Wheelmen's night.
Saturday, August 12th. Independent Order of Foresters.
Saturday, August 12th Bohemian day.
Tuesday, August 15th Ancient Order of Foresters.
Wednesday, August 16th Haiti.
Wednesday, August 16th Dartmouth College day.
Friday, August 18th North Carolina.
Friday, August 18th .Austria.
Saturday, August 19th British Empire day.
Wednesday, August 23d Buff alo.
Wednesday, August 23d_ West Virginia.
Wednesday, August 23d Delaware.
Thursday, August 24th Illinois.
Friday, August 25th Colored people.
Saturday, August 26th Machinery Hall day.
Tuesday, August 29th Poets' day. -
Wednesday, August 30th Grocers' and Butchers' day.
Wednesday, August 30th Missouri.
Thursday, August 31st The Netherlands.
Thursday, August 31st Ottoman Empire.
Friday, September 1st. Nicaragua.
Saturday, September 2d Catholic education day.
Monday, September 4th New York.
Monday, September 4th Labor day.
Monday, September 4th International Eisteddfod.
Tuesday, September 5th .International Eisteddfod.
Wednesday, September 6th... International Eisteddfod.
Thursday, September 7th International Eisteddfod.
Friday, September 8th International Eisteddfod.
Wednesday, September 6th ..Wisconsin.
Thursday, September 7th Brazil.
Thursday, September 7th Pennsylvania.
Saturday, September 9th California.
Saturday, September 9th Utah.
Saturday, September 9th Grand Army day.
Saturday, September 9th Stationary engineers.
Saturday, September 9th Transportation day.
Monday, September llth Silver day.
Monday, September llth French engineers.
Monday, September llth Veterans.
Tuesday, September 12th Veterans.
Wednesday, September 13th ..Veterans.
Thursday, September 14th ...Veterans.
Tuesday, September 12th Maryland.
Tuesday, September 12th Colorado.
Tuesday, September 12th Shoe and leather trades day.
260 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Wednesday, September 13th. . Michigan.
Wednesday, September 13th. . Amateur Athletic Union.
Thursday, September 14th ...Ohio.
Friday, September 15th Kansas.
Saturday, September 16th Kansas.
Friday, September 15th Costa Rica.
Friday, September 15th Vermont.
Friday, September 15th Keeley day.
Saturday, September 16th Railroad day.
Saturday, September 16th Texas.
Tuesday, September 19th Fishermen's day.
Wednesday, September 20th.. Fishermen's day.
Wednesday, September 20th. .Patriotic Order Sons of America.
Wednesday, September 20th. .Iowa.
Thursday, September 21st Iowa.
Thursday, September 21st Sportsmen's day.
Friday, September 22d State commissioners' day.
Saturday, September 23d Knights of Honor.
Tuesday, September 26th Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Wednesday, September 27th. . Indiana day.
Saturday, September 30th Irish day.
Thursday, October 5th Rhode Island day.
Thursday, October 5th Carriagemakers' day.
Saturday, October 7th Polish day.
Monday, October 9th. _ Chicago day.
Tuesday, October 10th Veteran Firemen's day.
Tuesday, October 10th North Dakota.
Wednesday, October llth Connecticut.
Thursday, October 12th Italian societies.
Thursday, October 12th Spain.
Friday, October 13th Minnesota.
Friday, October 13th Trainmen's day.
Thursday, October 19th World's Fisheries Congress.
Saturday, October 21st Manhattan day.
Monday, October 23d Transcontinental day.
Monday, October 23d .Chicago trades day.
Tuesday, October 24th Martha Washington day.
Wednesday, October 25th Marine day.
Friday, October 27th Coal, grain, and lumber dealers' day.
Saturday, October 28th Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Saturday, October 28th Cook County Odd Fellows' day.
Saturday, October 28th United cities day.
Monday, October 30th ..Columbus day.
The most notable of the special days was that celebrated
as Chicago day, on the anniversary of the destruction of
the city of Chicago by fire on October 9, 1871. The deepest
interest was manifested in this event in the city and through-
out the country. None of us will be likely to witness
another such popular movement or such a manifestation
of civic patriotism. In the city all business was suspended
except that of transporting people to Jackson Park. The
facilities for that purpose were for the first time unequal
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 26 1
to the task. One of the announcements of the Department
of Functions for the previous week was the following:
The Council of Administration, in view of the half million or more
visitors who will crowd the Exposition grounds on Chicago day, October
9th, has decided to postpone the cart-horse exhibition as appointed for
that date.
Doubtless those who framed this announcement regarded
it as something of a jest. No one seriously expected an
attendance of half a million. A special "Chicago day"
ticket was prepared, bearing upon its back a picture of old
Fort Dearborn; a coupon was attached to this ticket, to be
detached by the ticket-taker when presented for admission,
the body being returned to the visitor for a souvenir. The
original order for these tickets was for 1,000,000, but the
president, in the interest of economy, reduced the order to
600,000, and only so many were printed. The actual paid
attendance on that day was 716,880. Apartments and res-
taurants near the park were unable to provide for their
patrons, but ample accommodations were found a little
farther removed. Every suburban railroad running into
the city was taxed to its utmost in the morning, while the
lines leading to the Exposition the Illinois Central Rail-
road, the cable lines, the elevated road, and the steamboats
could not carry the people fast enough. The Illinois
Central occupied its whole roadway of eight tracks with
Exposition trains. No one turned back because of the
crowd. Each one seemed to feel that he must get to the
park and pay his admission fee as the evidence of his loyalty
to Chicago and to the Exposition. The crowd was remark-
able for its perfect order. While this can be said of every
assembly on the Exposition grounds, the fact was made
more notable at this time because of the immensity of the
gathering. In spite of the concourse, there was little dan-
gerous crowding, and comparatively few cases of illness or
262 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
injury. Only fifty-seven arrests were made during the
day.
The following program was announced for the day:
8.00 A.M. to 5.00 P. M... Exhibit of sheep and swine at stock barns;
judging of Merino B. sheep and Essex swine
during the day.
9. 00 A. M Columbia Liberty Bell rings for Chicago day.
10.00 A. M. to 5.00 P. M..." Santa Maria" open to the public free.
10.30 A. M. to 5.45 P. M._. Battleship " Illinois " open to the public free.
11.00 A. M Songs or all nations by Columbia chorus on
Terminal Plaza.
11.30 A. M Lineff Russian Choir gives concerts at Festival
Hall.
1.00 P. M. to 5.30 P. M...Free ride on " John Bull Train" at Terminal
Station.
2.00 P. M Organ recital at Festival Hall by Fred Taft.
3. 00 P. M Exhibition of strength at stock ring by Samson.
3.30 P. M Lacrosse at stock ring between Iroquois and
Western Indians.
4.00 P. M Concert by Columbian Guard at Festival Hall.
day pars
Sixty-second Street.
6.30 P. M Chicago day parade of floats enters park at
7.00 and 8.30 P. M Electric fountains and Grand Court illumination.
7.30 P. M ..Special fire works on Lake Front and in Court
of Honor. Grand illumination of Wooded
Island and Midway Plaisance.
The guard on this day numbered 1,556 men. None of
them were permitted to leave the grounds during the day.
They were assisted by 250 of the city police. The open
space in the Court of Honor before the Administration
Building was the point of greatest concentration and was
carefully watched by the guard. The guard had been
previously instructed upon every imaginable point; they
were cautioned to avoid making needless arrests, and, while
exerting strict vigilance, were told not to interfere with
the people unless a tendency to disorder was observed.
The entire absence of such a tendency was one of the
marked features of the occasion. At times the numbers
in certain buildings were so great as to prevent circula-
tion and the situation became dangerous through the
pressure for entrance of those outside who were not aware
of the condition within. In such cases the guards refused
admission for a time until the congestion was relieved.
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 263
The crowds diffused throughout the grounds remained
without apparent abatement during the whole day and
evening, although many visitors withdrew before the close
of the afternoon. Others delayed the homeward movement
until late, with the hope of avoiding the crush of the morn-
ing. Thus the movement from the park was distributed
over, a period two or three times as great as that occupied
by the movement in the contrary direction, and all reached
their homes without discomfort or danger.
The events of Chicago day thoroughly tested and dem-
onstrated the efficiency of the Columbian Guard. For a
full understanding of this organization and the manner
in which its duties were performed, the report of the com-
mandant, Col. Edmund Rice, should be consulted. This is
attached to the report of the director of works, but it is
proper to notice here this important branch of the admin-
istration.
Col. Edmund Rice, U.'S. A., was detailed by the Sec-
retary of War for duty at the Exposition, for the purpose
of organizing the Columbian Guard to preserve order and
protect property. Previously he had been attached to the
staff of Maj.-Gen. Nelson A. Miles, commanding the Depart-
ment of the Missouri. Colonel Rice began the organization
of the guard during the winter of 1891-92. In April, 1892,
the guard numbered 164 men, including gatekeepers, fire-
men, and three officers. In June the number of men had
been increased to 250. By the Act of Congress of August
5, 1892, the Secretary of War was authorized to detail other
officers for duty at the Exposition, and in the same month
Captains F. A. Smith and Curtis B. Hoppin were so assigned,
the first taking the position of adjutant and the second
that of quartermaster. The adjutant had charge of all
papers and the issuing of orders, and acted for the com-
mandant in the absence of the latter. He was the executive
264 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
officer, and for a time all persons arrested were brought
before him for a preliminary hearing. Subsequently, when
his duties increased, the work of examining persons arrested
was done by the officer of the day, and the adjutant was
further relieved by the appointment of First Lieut. W. H.
Gordon as assistant adjutant.
The quartermaster had charge of the equipment of the
guard, their uniforms, etc. ; he also had charge of the wagons
and horses owned by the company, the purchasing of the
horses for the service of the Exposition, and their main-
tenance.
At the dedication in October, 1892, the active force of
the guard stood as follows:
Guard _ 11 officers 367 men
Fire Department 3 " 55 "
Total 14 " 422 "
On Dedication day, in addition to this force there were
650 police on duty immediately outside the gates. From
this time on the guard was recruited as rapidly as possible,
with due regard to the high standard of discipline which
its commandant exacted. By March, 1893, it had been
increased to 700 men, and on May ist to 1,550 men and 20
officers. Its discipline was of a military character. It was
divided into a number of companies, each company com-
manded by a captain, who was usually an army officer.
The military drill of the guard consisted of one half hour
three times a week in the " school of the soldier " and " com-
pany without arms." In addition to this they received fire
drill one hour three days a week. Fire drill consisted of
the use of portable fire appliances, automatic hose reels,
hose, hose carts, and hydrants, the intention being to famil-
iarize the guard with the duties of firemen in order that it
might assist the Fire Department in case of emergency.
The highest number employed in the guard was in June,
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 265
1893, when the force numbered 2,064 men. The necessity
of economy was so pressing at this time that the com-
mandant was ordered to reduce his forces to 1,500 men, but
after careful consideration, the Council of Administration
modified this order, and authorized the commandant to
maintain a force of 1,700 men in the regular line of the
guard.
A secret service force of 205 men was employed under
the superintendence of Capt. John Bonfield, formerly in-
spector of city police in Chicago. This force was made up
of men appointed by the chiefs of police of various cities
in this and other countries, for service at the Exposition, the
theory being that with trained and experienced detectives
of such antecedents it would be easy to recognize the thieves
and sharpers who might be expected to gather at Chicago
during the progress of the Exposition.
A "special service corps" of sixty men was made up
of the remnant of a corps of guides which had been formed
in anticipation of a demand for guide service. As the
demand did not appear, the youths who had been trained
to meet it were used as guards wherever possible. In some
cases guards were hired by exhibitors who desired to use
extra care in the protection of their property. The rules
provided that such guard service might be hired at $2.50
per day, and in October about forty were so employed.
During the six months preceding the opening of the
Exposition, the commandant endeavored to raise his corps
to the highest degree of efficiency, and drilling and guard
duty were carried on industrioiisly. Every effort was made
to cultivate a habit of constant watchfulness for incipient
fires, and each infraction of discipline was promptly met
and suitably punished. During the bitter winter guard
duty was severe, and the commandant relates humorously
that one method of punishment for infractions of discipline
266 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
was by requiring the culprit to do service in the southern
and most exposed part of the park. This district came to
be known as "Siberia."
During the Exposition season one sergeant of each com-
pany acted as inspector. The inspectors were required to
report daily any neglect of duty or other matter requir-
ing attention which should come under their notice. They
were required to observe the condition of the grounds,
fences, sewers, water system, buildings, leaks in roofs, broken
electric lights, careless use of tinners' fire pots, stoves,
salamanders, carelessness of workmen or accidents to them,
bad condition of bridges, condition of fire appliances, etc.
They were required to inspect the appearance and discipline
of the guards, question them as to practical knowledge
of the grounds, and of the use of the fire-alarm boxes, report
any discourtesy to visitors, any neglect of duty by firemen
on watch or janitors working at night, or any accumulation
of debris or of inflammable material.
During the Exposition the guard was divided into
twenty companies, each company having charge of a specific
district. Sleeping quarters for the guard were provided
in most of the large buildings, and there were large
accommodations in the Service Building, where the office
of the commandant and the headquarters were located.
When the guard was first organized the men were
sworn in as special policemen by the city superintendent
of police, but later the director of works was appointed
superintendent of Jackson Park and the Midway Plaisance
by the Board of South Park Commissioners. This enabled
him to swear in the members of the guard as South Park
patrolmen, which gave them police jurisdiction within the
grounds. Their police authority ceased at the boundaries
of the park; therefore two city police officers were always
on duty at the headquarters of the guard, one of whom
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 267
always accompanied the patrol wagon as escort for arrested
persons sent to the police station at Woodlawn Avenue.
From fifteen to twenty regular army officers were always
on duty at the park during the Exposition season. One
of these officers, as officer of the day, was always on duty
at the headquarters of the guard, ready to act in any
emergency.
The utmost vigilance prevailed in guarding against
fire, the inflammable nature of the buildings being such
as to cause constant anxiety in all minds. The large force
of janitors was subject, to a certain extent, to the officers
of the guard, and was drilled in fire duties. Many of the
janitors took service with exhibitors and concessionaires,
to whom their knowledge of fire duty was likely to be
advantageous.
On the whole the Columbian Guard was a most satis-
factory arm of the service. Its officers were gentlemen
of culture and refinement, yet strict disciplinarians and
accustomed to command men. The guards were chosen
for their strength, activity, good appearance, and intelli-
gence. Their rather slight proportions caused them to
look less formidable than the averge heavy-weight police-
man, but they were capable of greater endurance and were
far more active than the ordinary city police. I can recall
no instance of fire or other danger when the guard failed to
show a high degree of efficiency, nor any occasion that their
firmness, patience, and courtesy was not fully equal to.
As has been observed before, there was a lack of
cooperation between the guard and the departments of
Admissions and Collections, so that these latter departments
frequently could not rely upon the guard when necessary,
while at the same time they were subject to their interfer-
ence. I am inclined to think that as between the Depart-
ment of Admissions and the guard there was a lack of
268 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
discretion on the part of certain officers in both bodies.
The trouble was probably not with the system, but with
individuals. In the case of the Department of Collections,
much complaint was received that the guard could not be
made to assist in keeping concessionaires in wholesome
respect of the departmental rules. This may have been
due to the semi-military character of the organization and
the unwillingness of officers and men to perform certain
forms of police duty, their reluctance to receive orders
except from their immediate superiors in their own service.
Thus the agent of the Department of Collections, endeavor-
ing to bring refractory concessionaires to terms, might find
the Columbian Guard looking on with cool indifference
when a little assistance would have been of great service.
The contracts with concessionaires gave the Exposition
power to enforce its rules and to prescribe the methods for
auditing business. The arm of the service through which
these rules should have been enforced was, of course, the
Columbian Guard, while, in fact, its aid was very meager.
There should have been the closest possible cooperation
between the superintendents of Admissions and Collections
and the commandant of the guard. The superintendents
should have been able to obtain prompt attention and quick
action from him or any of his officers at any moment. This
one thing I was never able to bring about, by any means,
but under similar circumstances it should be insisted upon
as a sine qua non, even though the consequences might be
the removal of the semi-military character of the guard,
which was so attractive and, for some purposes, so very
efficient.
After the Exposition was closed the guard was reduced
as rapidly as possible. A considerable reduction was made
at once, for, though the necessity of guarding exhibits was
greater than ever, the crowds of visitors had disappeared
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 269
and the work of preserving order was considerably lessened.
As fast as buildings were cleared of exhibits, guards were
discharged, and the service was finally discontinued in May,
1894. A remnant of the picturesque Columbian Guard
remains at the Field Columbian Museum, where the guards
wear the well-known uniform.
The attendance for the week beginning on Chicago
day, Monday, October pth, was the largest of the Expo-
sition. It was as follows:
October 9th.. .. 716,881
October 10th 309,294
October llth 309,277
October 12th 275,217
October 13th 215,343
October 14th 200,891
For the rest of the month the attendance ran from
200,000 to 300,000 a day. Even in the midst of these large
numbers it was quite possible to enjoy the Exposition,
for the great extent of the grounds made congestion very
unusual.
On October nth the directors gave a banquet to the
commissioners of the foreign nations represented at the
Exposition. Elaborate preparations were made for this
occasion, which was intended to be the crowning social
event of the Exposition, just as the Chicago day celebra-
tion had been the principal popular demonstration. The
representatives of the nations had not, up to that time, been
gathered together as the guests of the management of the
Exposition, although numerous banquets and other enter-
tainments had been taking place daily for many months.
The commissioners of the different nations had entertained
each other and the officers and directors of the Exposition,
and the commissioners of the several States had enter-
tained each other and the officers and foreign commission-
ers. The foreign commissioners had usually observed their
national holidays or the birthdays of their rulers in this
270 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
manner. The British royal commissioners and the com-
missioners from the British colonies had given a banquet
in honor of the queen's birthday at the Virginia Hotel,
and this was attended by officers and directors of the
Exposition, members of the National Commission, foreign
commissioners, and commissioners of the several States.
The national commissioners had also given a banquet to
their president at the Auditorium, at which all of the
various great interests of the Exposition were represented.
It was not possible for your officers to attend all of these
functions, but their absence was always pardoned on
account of the pressure of other duties. Nevertheless,
a more thorough observance of social courtesies would
have been highly creditable to our city, and I would recom-
mend systematic and punctilious regard for such matters
in an exposition of this kind. By this means personal
acquaintance and friendly regard are fostered and business
arrangements between the various interests represented
in an exposition can be subserved. The management of
our Exposition should have entertained earlier in the
season, and not once but several times.
The directors' banquet was too large to be a perfect
success. It was attended by several hundred guests. The
pressure for invitations was very great, and much difficulty
was experienced in any attempt to limit the number.
Nevertheless, the commissioners of the nations, whom it
was intended to honor, could have been more suitably
entertained in a less numerous gathering. Every effort
was put forth to make the banquet the most brilliant of
the season. The directors appointed a committee, consisting
of Messrs. Walker, Henrotin, Ellsworth, Scott, Revell, and
the president and director-general, to take charge of this
entertainment. It was decided that it be held in Music
Hall, the floor of which was raised so as to make a con-
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 271
tinuation of the stage the entire length of the room. The
hemicycle at the back of the stage was filled with banks
of foliage, palms, rubber plants, magnolias, etc. A canopy
was formed of long yellow and white draperies extending
from behind these plants up to the proscenium, and beneath,
arching this canopy, the flags of the forty-eight nations
represented at the banquet hung in a semicircle, with the
flag of our country in the center. Rows of incandescent
lamps in various colors were placed along the edges of
the galleries; ferns and other plants and flowers were
distributed about the room at frequent intervals. Oak
boughs were festooned about all the columns from top
to bottom. The sixteen arches were similarly treated, and
behind and beneath these arches were hung large flags
of the various nations represented. The shape of this
beautiful hall lent itself to the purpose, and its fine
ornamental work and colors heightened the effect.
It would be difficult to imagine a more graceful and
charming setting than that of the directors' banquet.
Tables of many shapes and sizes were arranged, completely
filling the room, the aim being to make all the tables of
equal prominence. Roses and ferns in profusion were
used to decorate these tables. Each table was presided
over by an officer or ex-officer of the Exposition. At one,
your president presided, with President Palmer, of the
World's Columbian Commission, at his side. Others were
presided over by ex- Presidents Lyman J. Gage and William
T. Baker, Director-General George R. Davis, Vice-President
Ferdinand W. Peck, Second Vice-President Robert A. Waller,
and Director of Works Daniel H. Burnham. The following
is the list of toasts:
Salutation, Harlow N. Higinbotham, president World's Columbian
Exposition.
"President of the United States and Rulers of Other Nations,"
Thomas W. Palmer, president World's Columbian Commission.
272 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
"The Birth ot the Exposition," Lyman J. Gage, ex-president World's
Columbian Exposition.
" Design of the Exposition," Daniel H. Burnham, director of works.
"Great Britain and Her Colonies Canada, Ceylon, Cape Colony,
British Guiana, Jamaica, New South Wales, Trinidad," Florence O'Dris-
coll, M. P., royal British commissioner.
" Illinois," Governor John P. Altgeld.
"The German Empire," Dr. Max Richter, imperial representative
commissioner.
" City of Chicago," Mayor Carter H. Harrison.
"The French Republic," Edmond Bruwaert, consul-general and
acting commissioner-general.
"The Development of the Exposition," W. T. Baker, ex-president
World's Columbian Exposition.
"The Russian Empire," C. Ragousa-Soustchevsky, acting com-
missioner-general .
"The Kingdom of Spain," E. Dupuy de Lome, minister plenipo-
tentiary and royal commissioner-general.
" The Closing Days of the Exposition," George R. Davis, director-
general World's Columbian Exposition.
"The Austrian Empire," Anton von Palitschek-Palmforst, imperial
royal consul and commissioner-general.
"The Kingdom of Italy," Marquis Enrico Ungaro.
"The Executive Commissioners of the States of the Union,"
Edward C. Hovey, vice-president National Association of Executive
Officers.
"The Future Influence of the Exposition," Harlow N. Higin-
botham, president World's Columbian Exposition.
The galleries had been arranged for the entertainment
of the ladies, who, from this point, could overlook the
scene below and listen to the responses to the various
toasts. The guests were conveyed to the Exposition grounds
by two trains, which left Central Station at Twelfth Street
at 6 and 7 o'clock; the second train conveyed the ladies.
Owing to the size of the hall and the many guests, it was
not possible to evoke that enthusiasm and unity of hearts
and minds which is the highest test of the success of an
entertainment of this kind. At times confusion prevailed.
Speeches could not be satisfactorily delivered nor distinctly
heard from all points. Moreover, there were no facilities
for serving a banquet in the building. A temporary kitchen,
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 273
with appliances for serving several hundred guests, had to
be provided, and the result was not satisfactory.
Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the memory of that
beautiful hall and brilliant assemblage will not soon be
forgotten by those who participated in it.
To the management the latter days brought a sense
of great relief, with a feeling of extreme weariness. The
debts were paid and there was a surplus sufficient to pay
all expenses of closing, with a million dollars besides to
return to the stockholders. The work was done. There
was no more rush or hurry, for the battle was over. Never-
theless there was sadness in every heart as it became
realized that the great Exposition was to be closed and
removed, and that the waste place which had blossomed
and grown so beautiful would soon become almost as barren
as it had been at first. Fortunate as the Exposition had
been as to beautiful weather, the month of October was
its crowning glory. There was a slight coolness in the
air, enough to make exertion pleasant; the sky was blue
and the lake more blue; the white city was bathed in
purest sunshine beneath its hundreds of floating banners,
as the great enterprise came to its closing day.
Preparations had been made for suitable ceremonies in
Festival Hall according to the following program:
1. Music.
2. Prayer.
3. Address by the president of the World's Columbian Exposition.
4. Music.
5. Address by the director-general.
6. Music.
7. Address by the president of the Board of Lady Managers.
8. Music.
9. Presentation of awards that have been submitted to and approved
by the World's Columbian Commission to foreign exhibitors, by the
chairman or vice-chairman of the Committee on Awards.
10. Address by a representative of foreign nations.
n. Presentation of awards that have been submitted to and
18
274 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
approved by the World's Columbian Commission to American exhib-
itors.
12. Address by a representative of American exhibitors.
13. Music.
14. Address by a representative of the State commissioners.
15. Remarks by the president of the World's Columbian Commission
and closing of the Exposition.
16. "Auld Lang Syne" sung by the audience, directed by Mr.
Tomlins.
17. Benediction.
Open-air entertainments were provided as follows:
A national salute at sunrise, at noon, and at sunset.
A representation of the landing of Columbus, on the lake shore.
Daylight fireworks at noon.
A great band concert from 2.30 to 4.30, in the Administration Plaza.
An illumination of the grounds and buildings during the evening,
with a grand display of fireworks on the lake shore and in the Court
of Honor.
On Saturday night, October 28th, an event occurred
which changed these plans entirely and caused the Expo-
sition to close in the shadow of a great tragedy. Hon.
Carter H. Harrison, the mayor of the city and a member
of your body, was assassinated at his home at about 8 o'clock
in the evening. The law had fixed October 3oth as the
day for closing, but on this day the flags were at half-mast
and the bands played only solemn music. At noon the
officers of the Exposition and of the Commission, with the
directors and commissioners, assembled on the platform
of the Festival Hall, and with them came the represent-
atives of the various nations. The public was admitted
to the extent of the accommodation of the hall.
President Palmer opened the ceremonies with the fol-
lowing remarks:
It was intended that the proceedings of to-day should be of a
joyous character; that the closing ceremonies of the World's Columbian
Exposition of 1892 and 1893 should be attended with festivities, the
firing of cannon, the music of bands, the making of addresses, and with
song. But a terrible tragedy has intervened and has made this day,
which we proposed to have a day of jubilee, a day of mourning. The
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER. 275
mayor of this city, who has done so much to create this Exposition, has
been shot down, assassinated in the portals of his home. He was a man
whose heart beat responsive to every pulsation of this great interna-
tional gathering, and in view of this catastrophe it has been deemed
fitting that the elaborate program should be omitted and that the
exercises should comprehend only prayer, the submission of some reso-
lution of respect, regard, and condolence, then only two or three
announcements, and the closing of our ceremonies by the benediction.
Prayer was then offered by the Rev. Doctor Barrows of
Chicago, after which the following preamble and resolutions
presented by your president were adopted:
A deep and heartfelt sorrow has fallen on the closing hours of the
World's Columbian Exposition. Death, come as it may, leaves as a
heritage to the living mental pain and suffering, immeasurably intensi-
fied when its agency is a cowardly and infamous assassin.
Nothing has ever occurred in our midst that has so disturbed and
distressed our citizens as the very wicked and wanton termination of the
life of Hon. Carter H. Harrison. In the vigor of life, in the possession
of a full measure of health and strength, in the enjoyment of the confi-
dence and esteem of all, in the quiet evening of a day with its duties
done, he sought rest only to be aroused by the rude entrance of an
assassin bent on his destruction for a grievance wholly imaginary. The
tranquillity of the city has been shaken as if by an earthquake. The
officials of the World's Columbian Exposition, the commissioners of the
several States, mourn the loss of an honored official, and lay on the altar,
preserved and kept sacred to his memory in the hearts of all his friends,
this humble tribute of respect and admiration.
Speaking for all here assembled, representatives of the various
interests that have made this Exposition so grandly successful in both
its national and its international character, we claim Carter H. Harrison
was something more than the chief magistrate of this metropolitan city.
As a director of the World's Columbian Exposition he at all times
sought to impress on the Exposition its true national and international
character, and to emphasize the fact that it was promoted by, and in the
interest of, the people of all the world. As chief magistrate of the city,
charged with the duty of providing accessories commensurate with the
full scope of the Exposition, and the care and entertainment of all who
came at the invitation of the National Government, he has been at all
times generous in personal and official hospitality.
To all our friends, without distinction of race or nationality, his
welcome has been cordial, generous, and unstinted. No official has
done more to impress on the Exposition its true character of generous
rivalry among nations and individuals in all things that tend to national
prosperity and international brotherhood, and none in his representative
276 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
capacity could have more thoroughly attested the generous hospitality
of this city, whose chief magistrate he was.
While we admire and honor the varied mental attainments of the
late Mayor Harrison, and mourn the loss of an official and personal
friend, we bow with reverence to the will of our Heavenly Father, "who
doeth all things well," grateful that the life of our brother and friend was
spared until the closing hours of the Exposition.
To the children and family of our brother we tender our deepest
sympathy, and to the city and people whose friendship and hospitality
we have so long enjoyed we express our deep sorrow at the loss of their
accomplished and honored chief magistrate.
Resolved, That the foregoing minutes be adopted by this assembly,
consisting of the officials of the World's Columbian Commission, the
World's Columbian Exposition, the representatives of foreign nations,
and the commissioners of the several States and Territories, and that a
duly engrossed copy thereof, under the hands of the president of this
assembly and the chairman of the joint Committee on Resolutions, be
transmitted to the family of our deceased brother Carter H. Harrison,
and that copies thereof be also delivered to the World's Columbian
Commission and the World's Columbian Exposition.
Be it further resolved, That we commend and approve the order of
the director-general rescinding the order heretofore issued for closing
ceremonies, but we deem it proper and advisable that the several officers
appointed to address this assembly on the several subjects assigned to
them respectively, as apart of the closing ceremonies of the Exposition, be
requested to deliver such papers to the secretary of the World's Colum-
bian Commission, to be filed with and made a part of the records of the
Exposition.
After this formality was completed, President Palmer
again came forward and said:
As all present know, it had been the intention to follow out in
every detail the elaborate and impressive program of exercises that had
been prepared. It would have been enhanced and enriched with
music, with festivities, and with the firing of cannon. It had been
intended to bring these exercises to a close at sunset by the fall of the
gavel simultaneously with the salute of artillery; but all this has been
changed. Only the firing of the gun and the lowering of the flag will
signify the end of the World's Columbian Exposition at sunset. And
now for then, in obedience to the provision of the Act of Congress
creating this Exposition, I declare the World's Columbian Exposition
officially closed.
All these proceedings were heard quietly and without
demonstration of any kind. It was an impressive and, at
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER.
times, a very solemn scene. The address prepared by
your president for the closing exercises, prior to the death
of the mayor, was excepted from the order consigning all
the addresses of the officers to the records without reading,
because of the appropriateness of its language to the
changed conditions produced by the terrible occurrence.
The thoughts awakened by the approaching death of the
Exposition seemed to have acquired a new meaning, and
the address was, therefore, read by Doctor Barrows. The
closing portion was as follows:
This is not the time for exultation over our victory, except in so
far as to recognize that without the favor of the God that guided the
frail craft of the voyagers 400 years ago to this land, it could not have
been achieved. Exultation would be undignified. Gratitude to the
Almighty is the only feeling that I can harbor in my breast except the
sorrow which the closing hour evokes. We are turning our backs upon
the fairest dream of civilization, and are about to consign it to the dust.
It is like the death of a dear friend. It is like bidding farewell to one's
youth. It is like all those times in the -life of a man when the thoughts
of the present are choked with the emotions of the past. At such times
the call of duty alone can uplift the heart and arouse it to meet the
things that are yet to come. That call is upon each one of us now.
It echoes in the hearts of all that have been touched by these wonders
which God has brought to pass. It bids us learn the lessons of the past
season to the everlasting benefit of ourselves and our children. It bids
us to appropriate to ourselves the imperishable parts of this high feast
of the arts, industries, and sciences, and so embalm them in memory's
treasure house that they may be best preserved and produce the largest
fruits in the generations to come.
Let us go forward and meet the duties of the future without fear,
sustained by the faith that what we have wrought will endure and
forever stand as a beacon light, guiding others to loftier heights and
greater achievements.
Doctor Barrows then spoke the solemn words of the
benediction, while all rose to their feet and stood in rever-
ential attitude.
As the audience filed out of the hall, Beethoven's
" Funeral March " was rendered with impressive effect.
The actual closing occurred a few hours later, when, for
278 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
the last time, the great flags were hauled down from the flag-
staffs on the Administration Plaza amid an assemblage of
silent spectators. A large crowd of visitors assembled to
witness this ceremony and waited in silence for the moment
to approach. From the windows and balconies of the
Administration and other buildings on the Court of Honor,
directors and officials, with their friends, including many
ladies, watched for the signal with feelings of regret and
sadness. The great flags had been at half-mast on the
graceful standards upon the Plaza all day, on account of
the recent tragedy. At sunset they were silently lowered
to the ground and their folds fluttered down upon the
multitude beneath, where they were gathered up by the
employes and borne into the building, while the bystanders
stood with uncovered heads. Many of those who witnessed
this simple act could not restrain tears of sorrow for the
sad ending of the glorious Exposition.
CHAPTER XIV.
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW.
WITH the close of the Exposition the labors of
the Council of Administration came to an end.
The council had been organized for the pur-
pose of conducting the general administration
of the Exposition. The Exposition season was now ended
and the differences which had existed during the period
of preparation and the early months of the season were
forgotten. The World's Columbian Commission was about
to adjourn, probably not to reassemble. The council could
resign its powers into the hands of the Board of Directors
of the World's Columbian Exposition, whose officers would
see that exhibits were removed, that proper courtesies
were extended to the representatives of foreign nations
upon the grounds, and that business affairs were closed
tip as rapidly as possible.
The council held its last meeting on Friday, November
10, 1893, and closed its records. Its members shook off
their long established habit of close association and turned
once more to their personal pursuits, with the exception
of your president, whose labor was not yet ended.
I desire here to pay a tribute of affection and respect
to my colleague, Charles H. Schwab, whose patience, even
temperament, and excellent business ability assisted us
greatly in disposing of the work of the council.
On October 2yth Daniel H. Burnham resigned his posi-
tion as director of works. His resignation was accepted by
the Board of Directors with expressions of esteem for that
(279)
280 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
distinguished officer and of appreciation of his eminent
services. He was succeeded in the control of physical
forces on the grounds by the assistant director of works,
Ernest R. Graham, who, on November ist, was appointed
general manager, with a salary at the rate of $600 per
month.
Much regret was expressed because the beauty of the
grounds would soon pass away and the magnificent build-
ings be destroyed. Efforts were made to retain at least
some portions of the edifices. The futility of these efforts
was shown by those who understood the character of the
buildings and their construction. They were designed only
for temporary service, and their safety and durability was
not expected to outlive the Exposition. Their retention
would have required constant outlays of considerable sums
for repairs. Dilapidation began almost as soon as the
Exposition season closed. When the landscape department
ceased to care for the grounds their beauty was quickly
marred by accumulations of waste. The hauling of a few
team loads of heavy exhibits revealed the temporary char-
acter of the roads. Fragments of staff began to scale from
walls or drop from cornices, and within a week the grounds
had lost the freshness which had been maintained only by
constant attention.
Requests for pieces of the statuary began to be pre-
sented one from Pennsylvania for the statue of Benjamin
Franklin, which stood in the south entrance of the Elec-
trical Building; one from Colorado for the equestrian stat-
ues of the " Cowboy " and the " Indian," which stood on the
shore of the lagoon east of the building for Transportation
Exhibits. Such requests were referred to a committee, and
several of them were granted. Mr. Graham was instructed
to preserve carefully all loose property in the park, and
when it was no longer needed, to sell it to the best advan-
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 281
tage. For a time sales were made under the supervision
of the committee, of which Adolph Nathan was chairman.
Later, prices were fixed by Mr. Graham, with the approval
of your president. The Midway Plaisance was closed to
the public on November ist because of an attempt of the
concessionaires to operate their concessions without pay-
ment of percentages, and because it was deemed best to
close the Exposition with promptness, to facilitate the
removal of exhibits and other valuables, and terminate
the great fire risks then in the park.
Railroad tracks were quickly replaced, steam cranes
reappeared, and the removal of exhibits went rapidly
forward. This work was done by the Department of
Transportation, under the rules that existed in the period
of installation. On December ist the Kimball & Cobb
Stone Company contracted to remove exhibits at the rate
of 5 cents per hundredweight. As it appeared that at
this rate the work was done at a loss, the compensation
was afterward raised to 6 cents per hundredweight. This
arrangement greatly lightened the work of the depart-
ment, and its force was soon reduced to a few men. In
March its last employe was discharged.
Previous to the close of the Exposition Mr. Burnham
had given attention to the compiling of a report of the
Department of Works. At the close of the season he under-
took the preparation of the report, and gave to it much
time without compensation. J. W. Alvord, superintendent
of grades and surveys, and F. O. Cloyes, chief draughtsman,
with the forces under them, were detailed to assist in this
work, upon which they spent some months. The elaborate
report which they produced was comprised in eight vol-
umes, each 21 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 3^ inches
thick. It contains many full-page photographs and several
hundred smaller ones, illustrating the progress and details
282 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
of construction, the landscape, and numerous Exposition
scenes, all mounted on heavy card-board. The cost to
your company of preparing this report was $24,925.83. A
statement of its contents appears on page 205.
Immediately upon the close of the Exposition your
company found itself under the necessity of effecting a
settlement with the Board of South Park Commissioners,
from whom the use of Jackson Park and. the Midway
Plaisance had been secured for the Exposition. The ordi-
nance granting the use of this park property provided that
it should be restored to the control of the commission on
January i, 1894, except such parts thereof as might be
occupied by the buildings or other constructions of your
company; that the buildings on the north eighty-four
acres of Jackson Park (the Art Building, State buildings,
foreign buildings, etc.) be removed prior to May i, 1894,
and that the remainder be removed prior to May i, 1895.
The ordinance further provided that Jackson Park and the
Midway Plaisance be surrendered to the park commis-
sioners in as good condition as they were in at the passage
of the ordinance.
Under the terms of the ordinance a bond in the penal
sum of $100,000 had been given by your company for the
faithful performance of the conditions named, and to save
the park commissioners harmless from all damages for the
use of the property by the Exposition. A second bond of
the same tenor and effect, and for an additional $100,000,
was to be given by your company before proceeding to
remove any of the buildings.
It was the theory of the officers of your company that
the park had been materially benefited by the work done
for the Exposition, especially in the large amounts of dredg-
ing and filling. It had also been customary, when estimat-
ing resources, to include a large amount for salvage on
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 283
buildings. In the first budget, February, 1891, the salvage
had been estimated at $3,000,000. At the close of the Expo-
sition grave doubts were expressed whether any sum what-
ever could be realized from the buildings above the cost
of their removal; many believed that the cost of removal
would be greater than the salvage, particularly as the time
in which they were to be removed was limited.
A committee was appointed by your Board of Directors,
composed of the president, the director-general, and Messrs.
Stone, Walker, and Gage, to negotiate with the park com-
missioners. The commissioners claimed that the Expo-
sition had damaged the park very greatly by the destruc-
tion of trees, in both the improved and the unimproved
parts of the park and the plaisance; by covering black soil
and mixing it with sand; by the destruction of lawns and
roads in the improved portions, and by other items more
or less important.
The chief business of your company at this time being
to secure assets, adjust claims, and close up its affairs at
the earliest moment, consistent with the true interests of
the stockholders, it was thought possible to effect a settle-
ment with the Board of South Park Commissioners by
which, after the removal of exhibits and other property not
belonging to your company, the buildings might be turned
over to the commissioners to be used as they should see fit,
they, in return, to release your company from the bond
given in 1890 and from all other claims consequent upon
the use of the park for the Exposition.
In answer to the claims for damages to the park set
up by the commissioners, your committee prepared a state-
ment of benefits and improvements which had accrued to
the park by reason of your occupancy thereof, and an
estimate of the value of the buildings, tools, and other
property which your company could turn over to the
284 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
commissioners. They still insisted that the damages sus-
tained were greater than the improvements, and that the
possibility of obtaining salvage from the buildings was
too remote to be treated as an offset to the balance in
their favor. They required the payment of a sum in cash
in addition to the surrender of the buildings and other
property.
After several conferences between the Board of South
Park Commissioners and your committee, a complete settle-
ment was arrived at early in December. It was agreed
that your company should pay to the Board of South Park
Commissioners the sum of $200,000, and in addition should
turn over to it property consisting of twenty-seven exhibit
buildings, bridges, piers, band-stands, road-rollers, tools and
implements, lamp-posts, pipe fittings, plumbers' materials,
the Statue of the Republic, etc., in consideration of which
your company was released from all its obligations under
the original ordinance granting the use of Jackson Park
and the Midway Plaisance, its bond for $100,000 being can-
celed and surrendered. Your company retained also the
right to occupy the park for the removal of exhibits and
of all property not conveyed to the Board of South Park
Commissioners by the terms of the settlement, after which
its connection with the park was to be entirely closed.
The settlement thus effected was a source of general
satisfaction and relief to the directors, officers, and stock-
holders of your company so far as their wishes could be
ascertained informally. It obviated the necessity of keep-
ing up an expensive organization for the purpose of demol-
ishing the buildings. The settlement removed at a stroke
every possibility of claim upon your company for damage
done to the park by reason of our long occupation thereof.
Numerous claims might justly have been presented, though
in some instances trifling, and nothing short of a complete
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 285
and sweeping adjustment, covering every possible ground
for claim, would have answered the purpose. The settle-
ment was made effective by an ordinance passed by the
South Park Commission, December 29, 1893. This settle-
ment and the contract with the Kimball & Cobb Stone
Company for the removal of exhibits permitted the work-
ing force employed by your company to be reduced to a
comparatively small number on the first day of January,
1894, thus justifying the hope that our affairs might be
closed more rapidly than we had anticipated.
On December 13, 1893, the Committee on Adjustment,
appointed by the Executive Committee in the latter part
of the preceding May, to deal with concessionaires and
settle their claims for or against the Exposition, submitted
its final report. Since its appointment this committee had
been in almost continuous session at Jackson Park until
November loth, and after that time had held its meetings
in the city. Its labors had been great and the results more
than satisfactory. During the first half of the Exposition,
allowances had been made to concessionaires on account of
damage to their business through the failure of electric
current, the incompleteness of roads, or other causes for
which your company was clearly responsible. These allow-
ances were frequently in the nature of compromises for the
collection of large sums due the Exposition and withheld
by the concessionaires. In this work the committee had
the assistance of Samuel S. Page as attorney. In addition
to adjusting claims, the committee assisted the superintend-
ent in collecting from delinquents, giving him moral support
and the aid of the attorney. The allowances made by the
committee to concessionaires amounted to $122,016.48 a
considerable sum, but small in comparison with the total col-
lected and collectible from concessionaires, which was over
$4,000,000. A full and complete report was submitted by
286 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
the committee and placed on file (Document No. 2,086,
secretary's office), giving in each case the nature of the
claim and the amount allowed by the committee. The
Executive Committee fully recognized the importance of
the labor performed by the Committee on Adjustment, and
gave to its members, Adolph Nathan, Thies J. Lefens,
Andrew McNally, and Edward F. Lawrence, a vote of
thanks.
Your auditor, William K. Ackerman, resigned on Novem-
ber 29, 1893, at the same time submitting to your president
a careful, thorough, and comprehensive report of his work
and of the operations of the treasurer's office from the
organization of the company to the date of his resigna-
tion. A little reflection as to the magnitude of our opera-
tions, and the trying nature of the auditing, bookkeeping,
and other financial work of your company, will enable any
director to appreciate the services which Mr. Ackerman
rendered, but to thoroughly understand his energy and
devotion to the company's interests one must have served
with him and had the opportunity to come frequently in
contact with his office through business channels. Charles
V. Harrington, the assistant auditor, acted as auditor after
Mr. Ackerman's resignation until June i, 1896. He then
turned the books over to E. Norton White of the secre-
tary's office, who has had charge of them since, and has
made what few entries were required by our collections
and disbursements.
To further reduce the force employed, it had been
ordered that the services of the employes of the exhibit
departments should be discontinued on January i, 1894, the
chiefs of departments to be continued until April ist for
the purpose of preparing their reports. Owing to delays
in the removal of exhibits, this order could not be obeyed
strictly, and a few clerks and stenographers were retained
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: RE VIE W. 287
until the ist of February or the ist of March; then the
organizations of the exhibit departments went out of exist-
ence, their papers being turned over to the director-general
with the reports of the chiefs. The Department of Pub-
licity and Promotion was discontinued at the close of the
Exposition; that of Foreign Affairs was at the same time
reduced to small compass by the resignation of its chief
and most of the subordinates, leaving one or two clerks to
transact such business as might be necessary, under the
direction of the director-general.
The secretary of the Bureau of Music, George H. Wilson,
and the medical director, Dr. John E. Owens, were con-
tinued in service until April ist, to give time for the
preparation of their respective reports.
The departments of Admissions and of Collections were
reduced to small compass as soon as the Exposition closed.
A charge was still made for admission to the park after
November ist, but the attendance was soon very small.
After November loth the rate of admission was reduced
to 25 cents, and on November i5th the departments of
Admissions and Collections were merged in the offices
of the auditor and treasurer, the superintendents being
continued in the service to make careful reports upon
their work.
The models of all the statuary in the park, having been
carefully preserved, were presented to the Field Columbian
Museum. On the ist of January little remained in Jackson
Park to require the attention of your officers except the
exhibits, the removal of which was proceeding more slowly
than had been expected. The foreign exhibits were the
last to be removed. The formalities of the customs
officials, which had to be observed before foreign exhibits
could be removed from the grounds, were such as to
require some time, and the large amount of material
288 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
waiting to be removed created in the customs office a
congestion which, for a time, it was difficult to overcome.
It is a fact, however, that the delays in the custom
house were used as an excuse in many instances where
exhibitors were in no hurry to move. Many foreign
exhibitors wished to dispose of their goods in this country,
and many of their employes, whose services and salaries
ended with the shipment of the goods, were little disposed
to hasten the shipment. The Exposition management
and the collector of customs received much criticism for
these delays, but it soon became apparent that serious
delays were usually chargeable to the exhibitors them-
selves or to their employes or representatives. The con-
tractors for the removal of exhibits were prepared to
ship any exhibit of reasonable size on twenty-four hours'
notice, and customs documents, in proper form, could be
obtained in a like period when diligent effort was made.
In some instances, where exhibitors were indebted to your
company for services performed, or for power or light
furnished, the empty packing cases were not delivered
from the storehouse until all these claims were adjusted,
and every other proper effort was made to enforce the
payment of bills. Naturally this was a source of loud
complaint in some instances. In such cases, however, the
retention of packing cases was the most available means
of securing the money due, and wherever offsets or counter
claims of any merit were presented they received careful
and patient consideration.
A disastrous fire occurred on January 8th. This fire
originated in the Casino, which, together with the Peristyle
and the Music Hall, was completely destroyed. The fire
communicated to the wooden promenade on the roof of
the Manufactures Building, and this walk was consumed
for several hundred feet. The fire was finally extinguished,
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 289
but not until some exhibits which had not been removed
had been damaged by falling sparks and brands or by
water used to quench the flames. For some time after
this, fires broke out very frequently, indeed almost daily,
justifying the suspicion that they were of incendiary
origin. The persons guilty of the outrage were never
detected. In consequence of the first fire, claims for heavy
damages were preferred by the French Government, whose
exhibits had not been removed as quickly as those of
other nations. These claims aggregate about $80,000, and
are believed to be greatly overestimated. Such damage as
did occur was due to lack of diligence in the removals of
exhibits. Under the rules by which articles were accepted
for exhibition your company had expressly disclaimed all
liability from loss by fire or theft.
The threatening danger of fire resulted in accelerating
the movements of exhibitors and their representatives. By
February ist the park was practically cleared of exhibits.
On that date notice was given that on February i5th your
company would cease handling, officially, all exhibits, or per-
forming other functions of transportation. On this day Mr.
Holcomb, the general manager of transportation, tendered
his resignation. The office was kept open a little longer
by one of his assistants. On the same date the contract
with the Kimball & Cobb Stone Company was terminated.
Some foreign exhibits in bond were abandoned by their
owners, and were sold by the collector of customs on
March 7, 1894. They were valued at about $3,000, and
consisted principally of wines, medicines, tobacco, cigars,
fish in brine and dried, glass, tile, and furniture. The
Department of Transportation was finally closed in March.
The furniture and fixtures belonging to the various
departments of the Exposition were stored in the Annex
to the Transportation Building as the offices were vacated.
19
290 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Some pieces from the principal offices brought good prices
as souvenirs; after a time the remnant was sold in one
lot to the highest bidder. Most of the furniture which
the company had purchased was inexpensive, and even
for the principal offices but little fine furniture or fixtures
had been procured.
THE FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM.
It is proper here to refer to the institution which began
an official existence shortly before the close of the Expo-
sition, and became its heir. I refer to the Field Colum-
bian Museum. From the inception of the Exposition
enterprise the idea of a permanent museum as a probable
successor had been developed, and some articles had been
purchased for exhibition in the Latin- American Depart-
ment with the understanding that they might revert to
such museum. In September, 1893, articles of incorpora-
tion of the "Columbian Museum" were taken out by a
committee consisting of the following gentlemen:
George E. Adams. Carter H. Harrison. Edward E. Ayer.
Emil G. Hirsch. Sidney C. Eastman. Robert McMurdy.
John A. Roche. A. C. Bartlett. Charles Fitzsimons.
On October 26th Marshall Field announced that he
would make a donation of $1,000,000 for the purposes of
the museum. This donation was originally coupled with
conditions that $500,000 more in cash be secured, and
$2,000,000 in stock of your company. These conditions
were subsequently waived. Contributions of $100,000 each
were made by George M. Pullman and your president.
Mrs. Mary D. Sturges gave $50,000, and several gentlemen
interested in the success of the museum undertook to raise
$100,000 more. This sum is nearly all subscribed, and will
eventually be secured. Nearly $1,500,000 of Exposition
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 291
stock was also given to the museum, on which it has real-
ized 10 per cent.
Before the Exposition was closed, the incorporators
appointed committees to secure from among the exhibits
as many desirable objects as could be obtained for museum
purposes. The chiefs of the exhibit departments cooper-
ated heartily, and large donations were made by both
American and foreign exhibitors. The Art Building was
selected for the home of the museum. It had been so
constructed as to make possible its permanent retention
in Jackson Park. The exhibits in that building were among
the first to be removed. The incorporators of the museum
promptly obtained possession of it under an arrangement
with the park commissioners, and the objects donated were
collected here for subsequent installation.
The museum organization was perfected by the election
of a board of trustees consisting of the following:
Norman Williams. Cyrus H. McCormick.
Edward E. Ayer. Martin A. Ryerson.
George R. Davis. Edwin Walker.
George Manniere. Harlow N. Higinbotham.
Owen F. Aldis. William J. Chalmers.
George E. Adams. Watson Blair.
Norman B. Ream. Hnntington W. Jackson.
A. B. Jones.
Frederick J. V. Skiff, chief of the Department of Mines
and Mining of the Exposition, was chosen director of the
museum, and through his energy and ability, seconded by
the efforts of the general manager and other Exposition
officers, the building was put in a fair condition and the
exhibits were installed in a creditable manner by June 2,
1894, when the museum was opened to the public. Since
this time the installation has been greatly improved, and
well illustrates the genius of the director. The name of
the institution has been changed to the " Field Columbian
292 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Museum," in honor of Marshall Field, whose opportune
gift made the founding of the museum possible. Many
objects of value have been secured by gift or purchase,
among which the most important are the anthropological
collection presented by Edward E. Ayer, the first president
of the Board of Trustees, and the collection of gems and
precious stones made by Tiffany & Co., and sold by them
to the museum, for the purpose of preserving it intact. An
inspection of the museum to-day will illustrate the won-
derful opportunities which a great exposition affords for
founding or developing a museum. The Field Columbian
Museum is destined to be one of the principal and perma-
nent institutions of Chicago, and it is interesting to specu-
late as to the possibilities that wait on its future develop-
ment, particularly in the event that our city should, within
the next generation, again undertake the herculean task
of creating an international exposition. Since the Colum-
bian Exposition became a possibility speculation has been
rife as to the benefits which would accrue to our city
therefrom. It now seems apparent that one of the great
benefits to the city and to its citizens has been the crea-
tion in our midst of this great scientific and popular
institution.
On May i, 1894, the Board of Directors found that the
work of removing exhibits had been finished, your com-
pany's property disposed of, and the business for which
the company was organized practically completed. The
treasury contained funds sufficient to permit the payment
of a dividend of 10 per cent upon the stock subscriptions,
including the $5,000,000 of city of Chicago bonds, which,
according to the terms of the city's appropriation to the
Exposition, were to participate with the stock in any divi-
sion of funds remaining at the close of the enterprise.
The dividend was paid on June 9, 1894, $500,000 going to
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 293
the city of Chicago, and $550,000 being distributed to stock-
holders. A balance of more than $400,000 remained in
the treasury, which amount, with the proceeds from claims
in dispute probably collectible, was thought to be sufficient
to meet such claims against the company as might be found
to be payable after investigation or legal process.
On August i, 1894, Anthony F. Seeberger, the treasurer,
tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the direct-
ors with expressions of regret and esteem. By his excel-
lent business methods Mr. Seeberger has won for his office
the commendations of all who had dealings with it, and his
patience and courteous bearing had been invaluable during
the trying period when the treasury was depleted and cred-
itors were pressing. After Mr. Seeberger's resignation Mr.
Barrington acted as treasurer as well as auditor. Thfe
thanks of the company are due to Mr. Barrington for the
thoroughness with which the accounts have been kept
since the close of the Exposition.
After making some collections and paying some expenses
and claims, the amount on hand January i, 1898, was
$450,018.39.
Suits for and against your company are still pending,
and the sum which will remain after all accounts have been
adjusted and closed can not now be definitely stated. Mean-
while your company is under very slight expense, and is
receiving a fair rate of interest upon the funds still remain-
ing on hand.
I feel that it should be a source of congratulation to
the directors that the affairs of the company have been
closed up so rapidly. In almost every instance claims and
other business matters have found adjustment upon a fair
basis and without friction. But for a few suits against
the company, prosecuted, as it seems to me, without suffi-
cient ground, and some claims for moneys due, which your
294 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
officers have been unable to settle upon an equitable basis,
nothing prevents an immediate and final closing of the
affairs of your company.
REVIEW.
In summing up the work which we have performed, I
desire to add a few remarks of a critical nature in addition
to the comments which I have made on each subject as
it was taken up in the course of this report. I shall
confine myself to financial policy and administrative organ-
ization, these being the subjects upon which precedents
will be most eagerly sought as to exposition work. Before
the time comes for holding another American exposition,
architectural and engineering methods may have sur-
passed the greatest achievements of the World's Colum-
bian Exposition in those departments, and the structural
and artistic side of that new exposition will draw its
inspiration from the best thought and impulses of its day
rather than from any models which we may leave. The
grounds and buildings of our Exposition were the out-
growth of a desire for structures more noble and landscape
effects more beautiful than any the world had hitherto
seen. How far these ideals were realized the world of art
and refinement will decide. Words can not add to, nor
can they explain, the majesty of the buildings and the
beauty of the grounds. The recollection which the world
has of them is too vivid soon to be obliterated, but it will
rather be intensified in the calmness of reflection. To the
next exposition we should bequeath, not models and plans,
but, if possible, the boldness and originality, the fertility
of resource and energy of execution that characterized
the labors of our master artists of construction.
As to allotment of space and installation of exhibits,
the director-general, who devoted his best energies to these
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 295
subjects and exercised direct authority over them, will set
them forth fully in his report. This report will doubtless
be published in time by the Government of the United
States.
AWARDS.
Upon the subject of awards but little can be said.
Your company never in any way came in contact with
it, save when our appropriation from Congress was depleted
to defray the expenses of this work. The experience of
expositions is that the subject of awards is not susceptible
of dignified and satisfactory treatment. Persons familiar
with great expositions have expressed the hope that a day
may come when there shall be no more judges, awards,
medals, or diplomas. Whether this is the solution of the
problem, or whether the feature of awards will some day
attain to a better status, we can not tell. Two years after
the close of the World's Columbian Exposition the medals
had not been distributed nor the reports of the judges
compiled. Should these reports be properly published by
the Government, and should they be found intelligent and
impartial, they may constitute a valuable landmark in the
development of science and industry. Otherwise nothing
will have occurred in this branch of the World's Columbian
Exposition to give the subject of awards a better position
than it has hitherto occupied.
FINANCES.
The outlay necessary to create a great international
exposition will doubtless continue to increase. An exposi-
tion is the apotheosis of civilization, in which all that is
beautiful, useful, wonderful, or for any reason attractive,
must play its part. The progress of civilization and the
spirit of emulation will make the work increasingly labo-
rious, difficult, and expensive. It is probable that in our
296 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
country the city in which an exposition is held will be
required to bear the burden of supporting adequately the
national honor in the undertaking, because, rightly or
wrongly, a compensation to the locality is supposed to
exist in the increasing prestige and business activity
incident thereto. It will perhaps be possible, as national
pride increases and local jealousies are subdued into dig-
nified commercial relations, to secure a greater measure of
cooperation from the National Government than we were
able to obtain. It is to be hoped that there will be no
repetition of the undignified and vexatious occurrences
which disturbed your officers in the discharge of their
tasks. In many matters where your company had transac-
tions with branches of the Government, either relating to
finance or to governmental exhibits, there was a disposition
to lay unexpected burdens upon your company, and to shift
upon it labor and expense which it should not have been
required to bear. It was humorously remarked during
the course of preparation, that when labor was to be
required, or responsibility was to be undertaken, or crit-
icism to be endured, the Exposition was the " Chicago
Fair", when praise was meted out and glory was attained,
it was the "World's Fair."
The liberality of our city in supplying funds for the
Exposition is, perhaps, of all things connected with the
undertaking, the most satisfactory for us to contemplate.
All must admire the pluck of our citizens, and their dis-
position to make any sacrifice which the enterprise might
require. Patience, forbearance, and scrupulous care for
the honor of the nation were constantly manifested. The
wealth that springs up and multiplies through the develop-
ment of commerce, manufactures, and the various arts and
industries will ere long strengthen and enlarge the powers
of the citizens of Chicago, so that should the day ever come
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 297
when she shall again desire to entertain the nations of. the
world, twice the amount which the World's Columbian
Exposition required could probably be obtained with less
effort and personal sacrifice; unless, indeed, the civic pride
shall have become cool and lost its present fervor.
As to the financial returns of our Exposition, the subject
of gate admissions may be dismissed in a few words. A
simple system and a few rules are all that is needed to
produce satisfactory results, provided the Department of
Admissions is controlled by men of intelligence and integ-
rity, loyally supported and, of course, carefully watched.
Coins may be used at the turnstiles, as at the Centennial
of 1876, or tickets may be used as at Chicago. Each
system has its advantages. The use of tickets was pre-
ferred by us because it confined the actual receipt of cash
to fewer hands. Ticket sellers can be adequately bonded
and a perfect check established upon them. Ticket takers
can be checked by a perfect registering turnstile system,
and the forgery of tickets can be prevented by changing
the style of ticket daily, or twice a day if necessary. The
ticket need not be expensive. A lithographed ticket upon
inexpensive paper fully answers the requirements. The
stealing of tickets at our Exposition was confined to the
" souvenir tickets," which were expensive engraved tickets,
good on any day of the Exposition. An exposition is always
full of souvenirs and should dispense with souvenir tickets.
In the latter part of our season the sale of the handsome
souvenir tickets was discontinued, but as a large number of
them had been sold they were still received at the gates.
One form of admission ticket, good only on the day of sale,
in my judgment, provides the simplest as well as the safest
system, and these tickets should be placed on sale not only
at the gates but at points in the city, to prevent crowding
at the ticket windows.
298 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
The total paid attendance during the Exposition season
was 21,480,141.
PASSES.
The superintendent of admissions favors the photo-
graphic pass system used by the Exposition, and with this
view I heartily concur, unless something better should be
discovered. The photograph is the only safeguard against
the transfer of passes. The fact that it is not used on
railroads has no bearing upon the case of an exposition.
Railroad officers often issue passes to persons whose favor
they desire to secure, and it is not possible to throw strict
rules about the use to which passes may be put. Expo-
sition passes, except those issued to the chief officers of
the State and National governments and a few others, are
granted for business purposes, and can be made subject to
any reasonable and necessary rule. In an issue of 50,000
passes without any means of identification of the holders,
there would have been a constant transferring of passes to
an extent that would have seriously affected the revenues.
As it was, the possibility of transferring without detection
was lessened. The penalty for transferring a pass was its
forfeiture, and a person having business upon the grounds
would therefore hesitate to put himself in a position where
he might not only be deprived of his pass but be placed
upon the "black list," and be compelled to pay the daily
admission fee for the rest of the season. In any event the
rules for the government of officials at pass gates should
be as simple as possible, to avoid confusion. At one time
the variety of passes and badges which were good for
admission was great enough to confuse a trained intellect.
They ranged from the gold and enameled "eagle badge"
worn by some of the chief officers, including the fire mar-
shal and commandant, down to the brass cross-bow badge
worn by all the men of the guard.
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 299
Where large numbers of day laborers are required, who
from day to day are hastily employed and discharged, a
system of passes can easily be improvised for their use.
Fraud and irregularity will certainly occur, even under
the best system. Patience and good judgment and con-
stant watchfulness will limit the amount of fraud that can
be successfully practiced.
CONCESSIONS.
Little can be added to what has been said on this sub-
ject in Chapter V. It is proper to observe how completely
the financial success of the Exposition hinged upon this
one feature. In the budget of February, 1891, the estimate
of receipts from concessions was a million dollars. The
actual receipts were more than $4,000,000. The amount on
hand at the close of the Exposition, when the debenture
bonds had been paid, and before the expenses of closing
the Exposition and collecting from delinquents had been
incurred, was about $2,000,000. In May, 1894, when the
Exposition affairs had been practically wound up and col-
lections from delinquents had to a large extent been made,
the amount on hand was about $1,400,000. Except for the
success of the concessions there would not only have been
no 10 per cent dividend for stockholders, but there would
have been a deficit at the close of the season which the
subsequent collections would not have overcome.
The superintendent reports the receipts from conces-
sions as follows:
1. Collected in cash $3,469,49485
2. Allowances for claims and damage adjusted by
Adjustment Committee 203,019 02
3. Cash deposited at the time of signing contracts
applied on final settlement of percentages _ 82,079 66
4. Allowed for construction of piers, buildings,
etc. , under concession contracts 251 ,431 16
Carried forward . . . . $4, 006, 024 69
3-00 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Brought forward $4,006,024 69
5. Irish villages (revenue charged to these two
concessions rebated under terms of contract
because they did not reach a certain total). 68,587 98
6. Accounts in dispute and litigation (of which
much has since been collected) 240,807 30
7. Suspense account, of which $1,000 is an uncol-
lected check on a suspended bank _ . . 7,661 10
8. Balance outstanding uncollected 9,495 45
Total $4,832,57652
All of the above amount may be regarded as receipts
from concessions except Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8. Nearly all
of 6, 7, and 8 has subsequently been or will be collected,
but if 5 (Irish villages), 7 (suspense account), and 8 (bal-
ance uncollected) are omitted, the total amount of receipts
from concessions is $4,246,831.99, which is a fair statement
of the amount realized by your company on account of
concessions. It would be unfair to this department to
deduct allowances for claims and damages, as they were
due to causes operating in other departments of the Expo-
sition over which this department had no control. The
allowance for construction of piers and buildings should
not be deducted, as these piers and buildings would have
been constructed by the Exposition had they not been built
by arrangement with concessionaires.
It is worthy of note that the cost of collecting from
concessionaires was only 2.44 per cent of the amount col-
lected in cash or its equivalent. As the total paid attend-
ance to the Exposition was 21,480,141, the average receipts
from concessions was 19.3 cents per paid admission. More
than a year prior to the opening of the Exposition the
writer estimated the probable attendance at 30,000,000, and
the probable receipts from concessions at $7,242,500. The
calculation of probable attendance was based upon the
population of the country, allowing a certain ratio of
attendance for places within a certain radius of Chicago,
and a smaller ratio for places more remote. The estimate
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 301
of receipts from concessions was about 24 cents per paid
admission upon the estimated attendance of 30,000,000.
At the time these estimates were regarded as optimistic,
and were viewed by the writer as the highest that could
reasonably be made. It now seems probable that but for
the financial panic, the realization would have been sur-
prisingly near the estimate. It is generally conceded that
under other conditions the attendance would have been
larger by several millions, both because persons would
have visited the Exposition who were compelled by busi-
ness cares to remain away, and because those who came
would have been able to stay longer and visit the grounds
oftener. For the same cause the disposition of visitors to
spend money would have been greater. Receipts from
concessions averaged more in proportion to attendance
during the first two months than during the last four,
whereas the contrary should have been the case.
The attendance fell short about 28 per cent of the esti-
mate which the writer had made. The average of con-
cession receipts per paid attendance fell short less than
20 per cent, while both of these items were largely in
excess of the estimates in the budget of February, 1891,
in which the gate receipts were put down at $7,000,000,
and the concession receipts at $1,000,000. The estimates
of February, referred to, were, however, influenced by
strict conservatism in the management of your company's
business. On the other hand, my estimates were made a
year later, after a more thorough survey of the field and
after resolving all doubts as to the condition of the coun-
try, the attitude of the railroads, etc., in favor of the
Exposition.
One of the most fruitful sources of claims against the
Exposition made by concessionaires was the exclusive
feature included in many concession contracts. The report
302 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
of the superintendent of collections, herewith transmitted,
agrees with my own conclusion upon this subject, namely,
that an exclusive concession, in exact terms, should never
be granted for anything in connection with an exposition,
because it is always difficult to enforce such a concession,
and the Exposition should not give to a concessionaire
the right to demand such enforcement. Moreover, it is
always easy for a concessionaire to devise colorable claims
of violation of an exclusive concession. The management
should go no further than to promise reasonable protection
to the concessionaire in the enjoyment of his concession,
and, after so doing, endeavor to avoid granting concessions
liable to conflict with thbse already granted.
PUBLIC COMFORT.
A well-organized Department of Public Comfort should
be a feature of every exposition. In our Exposition the
great expanse of grounds and the enormous area of build-
ings, and the consequent fatigue from viewing their con-
tents, made this necessity very apparent. This subject had
not received sufficient attention in the early development
of plans, but the necessity of providing resting places for
the weary multitude became apparent immediately after
the season opened. Serious abuses and infractions of the
regulations affecting the comfort of visitors frequently
occurred and difficulty was found in preventing these
abuses and removing causes of complaint. Had there
been a well-organized Bureau of Public Comfort, one of
its chief duties would have been to note carefully all
instances of disregard of regulations affecting public com-
fort, promptly reporting them to the proper officer, and
calling the attention of the guards to the matter where
their services could be used. As it was, work of this
nature was done by different officers in several depart-
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 303
merits in a desultory manner, without concert of action.
The guards were required to report scrupulously every
violation of rules, or any condition existing not in har-
mony with the general plan of the Exposition. They were
trained to be courteous to visitors and to supply informa-
tion when necessary. Their efforts and those of their
officers could not supply the place of a bureau officered
by men familiar with the various aspects of great gather-
ings and devoting their whole time to securing for visitors
fair and proper treatment and a full measure of comfort
and enjoyment.
I have already referred to the service of bands and
orchestras in a department of public comfort. Such a
department should include the following :
First. Several ample stations, open or partially open
to the air, sheltered from sun and rain, provided with
accommodation for those who bring luncheons with them,
thus preventing the litter of lunch baskets, paper, and
refuse throughout the grounds. Light refreshments should
be sold in the stations, and such other articles as might
be considered in harmony with the general idea. Music
might be provided occasionally, and any comforts especially
designed for women and children. Some such items were
provided in the Children's Building, an adjunct of the
Woman's Building.
Second. A careful supervision of the entire grounds by
a few men of much higher intelligence than that of the
average guard, but working in harmony with the guard
and its officers, to prevent and to remedy the innumerable
small abuses and evils of which our Exposition was full,
and which were constantly remarked by the press, or
brought to the attention of your officers in the meetings
of the Board of Directors or of its Executive Committee.
Third. Possibly, and under peculiar circumstances, a
304 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
rooming department. In providing these comforts little
thought should be taken of financial return, and the con-
cession element should be kept well under control. Res-
taurants should be strictly supervised. A thorough under-
standing should be had with the various branches of the
exposition as to the part each should play in working
out, as a central idea, the highest degree of comfort and
pleasure for the largest number of visitors. An under-
standing should be had with the executive commissioners
of the States as to the part of this work which they
would undertake in their State buildings, in order to pre-
vent duplication and conflict ; although, as a general
proposition, it may be said that no outlay for public com-
fort in a crowded exposition will be wasted if it is oper-
ated with intelligence and forethought.
OPERATING EXPENSES.
An impression existed that the expenses of the Expo-
sition were unnecessarily great, both during the period of
construction and during the Exposition season, but I sub-
mit that these expenses should not be judged from the
standpoint of any line of established business. Due allow-
ance should be made, not only for the inadequate time for
preparation, but for the temporary character of the employ-
ment and the high grade of services required in many
departments. In some cases, employes of the Exposition
received salaries much greater than their services would
ordinarily command, but necessity justified the payment
to them of the increased compensation, and on the other
hand the loss of business opportunities while in their
temporary Exposition employment in many cases justified
their demanding it. Certainly in some cases able and
gifted men served your company for compensation quite
inadequate to the duties which they performed.
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW.
305
Knowing the critical condition of the company's finances,
the Council of Administration constantly strove to reduce
the operating expenses, and for four months these show a
steady reduction in spite of the increased business. This
was due to the efforts of the council and to the constant
improvement of the hastily organized force of employes.
However, the saving effected was not large enough to
affect greatly the financial situation. Sweeping charges
of extravagance were occasionally preferred, but they were
not substantiated by proofs, nor did they prove effective
in enforcing economy in operation.
The following statement of the receipts and the oper-
ating expenses for each month of the Exposition is taken
from the final report of the auditor, William K. Ackerman,
dated June 30, 1895:
Month.
Receipts.
Expenses.
Net
May_.
$ 616,140 61
$593,757 20
$ 22,383 41
T f
June ...
1,647,644 44
630,595 20
1,017,049 24
July
1 967,194 84
598,319 97
1,368 874 87
A y "V
August
2,337,856 25
569,798 12
1,768,058 13
September
3,169,938 92
537,566 92
2,632,372 00
October
4,456,870 33
541,167 20
3,915,703 13
Totals
$14,195,645 39
$3,471,204 61
$10,724,440 78
Average receipts per day (exclusive of Sundays), $89,845 85
Average expenses per day (exclusive of Sundays), 21 ,969 64
No account is taken of construction expenses in the
above statement, only such charges being considered as
were applicable to the operation of the Exposition dur-
ing the six months of its continuance.
In Appendix C will be found a complete statement
of the receipts and disbursements of your company. This
statement may be affected slightly in some items by the
final disposition of pending claims, but it is sufficient for
purposes of general information.
20
OF THE
UNIVERSITY
306
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
TRANSPORTATION.
Under this heading I refer to the various transporta-
tion facilities between the city and the Exposition grounds.
The Illinois Central Railroad Company estimates its
outlay for equipment and improvement on account of
Exposition business as follows :
For elevating tracks $1,332,146
Interlocking. 165,000
World's Fair cars 300,000
Locomotives 100,000
Extra salaries 183,000
Station platforms 25,000
Total _ $2,105,146
This company estimates the number of passengers
carried upon its trains between the city and the park as
follows :
Month.
Express Trains.
Suburban Trains.
May
602,618
1,300,750
, j -
1,246,088
1,514,526
July..
1,267,720
1,291,035
August
1,359,220
1,421,231
September
1,685,604
1,786,374
October
2,618,143
2,245,875
Totals
8,779,393
9,559,791
Total of both. 18,339,184
By other trains 1,003,6T)0
Grand total 19,342,784
Of the suburban business they estimated that 4,000,000
were World's Fair passengers, this being about the amount
of the increase over patronage for previous years for cor-
responding months.
This railroad company claims that its facilities were
never taxed to the utmost, and that with the equipment
provided it could have carried three times as many people
without appreciable extra expense. In view of the great
apprehension as to transportation facilities which existed in
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW, 307
the early stages of our enterprise, this claim is interesting
and significant. In many questions as to the handling of
large gatherings there was great looseness and much error
in our estimates, as the course of events subsequently
proved, but in no case was this more evident than as to
the movement of visitors from the city to Jackson Park.
Probably the success in this respect won by the Illinois
Central Railroad was due to the elevation of the tracks,
which would not have been accomplished but for the
persistent agitation of President Baker.
The greatest number carried by this road on one day
was on Chicago day, 541,312. During the season this road
dispatched from Van Buren Street Station 40,116 Exposi-
tion express trains, consisting of 368,733 cars, usually eight
cars to a train ; and 36,600 suburban trains with 219,600
cars. As a tribute to the great skill displayed in handling
these trains, it must be added that "in this service no acci-
dent occurred resulting in death, and very few accidents of
even trifling importance.
The Alley Elevated Railroad (Chicago & South Side
Rapid Transit Railroad) landed in Jackson Park the follow-
ing number of passengers :
May 255,165
June 709,663
July 634,047
August 716,655
September 832,497
October.. . 1,214,382
Total for six months _ 4,352,409
The above statement includes only passengers who were
brought into the park, whereas the statement as to the
Illinois Central represents the total business both ways.
Besides this, the elevated road had stations outside, but
near the grounds, at which many passengers were dis-
charged for the Exposition, so that the figures of the two
roads can not properly be compared. On Chicago day the
elevated road brought into the park 294,000 people. This
308 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
railroad estimates its expense in preparation for the Expo-
sition as follows:
Extra expense for track which would not have been
built but for the Exposition _ $1 ,500,000
Also 100 extra cars and 25 locomotives.
The extra track included an iron bridge 220 feet long
over the Illinois Central tracks at Sixty-third Street. At
this point the unusual spectacle was presented of three
railroad lines crossing each other at different grades. The
electric cars of the Chicago City Railway Company ran
along Sixty-third Street at grade; the tracks of the Illinois
Central passed over, and over these the 220-foot bridge of
the Elevated Railroad.
The Chicago City Railway discharged passengers at four
of the principal entrances to the Exposition, as follows: The
Hyde Park division of the Cottage Grove Avenue cable line
at Fifty-seventh Street; the Cottage Grove Avenue line at
the west end of the Midway; and the Englewood cross- town
electric roads at the Sixty-second and Sixty-fourth Street
gates. The latter also connected the State Street cable
line with the Exposition grounds. The Chicago City Rail-
way Company, in preparation for the Exposition business,
had constructed an additional loop in the center of the
city for its Wabash Avenue and Cottage Grove Avenue
line. This line had previously used the loop of the State
Street cable line.
It is impossible to obtain an estimate of the number of
visitors carried by the Chicago City Railway Company's
lines directly to the Exposition, as the company had at all
times an enormous local business. Its total business for
the six months of the Exposition was as follows:
Cottage Grove Avenue cable 28,725,977
State Street cable 19,790,348
Sixty-first and Sixty-third Street electric line... 7,511,110
Total . 56,027,435
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW.
309
On Chicago day the business of these lines was as
follows :
Cottage Grove Avenue 760,744
State Street 498,547
Sixty-first and Sixty-third Street 93,705
Total 1,352,996
The South Chicago City Railroad Company had a net-
work of tracks extending over the South Chicago and Calu-
met district, including Pullman. This company improved
and extended its lines on account of the Exposition business
and had a terminal on Stony Island Avenue, at the Sixty-
fourth Street entrance. Its total business during the Expo-
sition season amounted to 3,518,721.
The World's Fair Steamship Company received from
your company a concession giving it the exclusive right
to land on the Exposition grounds people coming by water
from Chicago, and from all points on the lake coast between
Kenosha, Wis., on the north and East Chicago Harbor, Ind.,
on the southeast. Subsequently this contract was modified
to allow other boats to land at the north pier on payment
of a small wharfage charge. This company had several
boats plying between the city and the park, among them
the large whaleback steamer "Christopher Columbus," built
for this service, capable of carrying 7,000 passengers, and
having a speed of twenty miles an hour. The number of
people brought to and from Jackson Park by water during
the Exposition season was 1,852,926.
The foregoing data are taken from the report of the
general manager of transportation, who obtained them from
the various transportation companies. As the influence of
the Exposition upon the business of these lines can not be
separately shown, the significance of the data to the student
of expositions is somewhat impaired. The various trans-
portation lines leading to the park did the following busi-
ness during the Exposition season:
310 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
Illinois Central Railroad 19,342,684 ,
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, World's Fair trains . 24,984
Excursion trains , various lines 79, 963
Alley Elevated Railroad 22,371,499
Chicago City Railway 56,027,435
South Chicago City Railroad 3,518,721
Columbia Coach Company 45,155
Steamboats to Jackson Park 1,852,926
Total .103,263,367
Of the foregoing, 852,186 passed through the Terminal
Station, and 4,352,409 through the elevated railroad sta-
tion upon the roof of the Annex to the Transportation
Exhibits Building. These data also show how completely
ineffective was the original plan of bringing visitors by
railroad directly to the Court of Honor, so that they might
obtain at this point their first glimpse of the Exposition.
This idea had its inspiration in the desire to cause the
most profound impression of the Exposition's grandeur by
a sort of coup de theatre given at the outset when the
eye and the mind were keenly awake for the perception
of the beautiful and the wonderful. From a practical point
of view the idea was bad, as it involved the concentration
of a large crowd at one point. Possibly we have reason
to be deeply thankful that our beautiful Terminal Station
was not generally used, and that the reception of visitors
was distributed all along the west side of Jackson Park.
INTRAMURAL TRANSPORTATION.
Under this head I refer to the various means of trans-
portation within the Exposition grounds for the purpose
of moving visitors from one part of the park to another,
or to relieve the fatigue of seeing exhibits. These were
the Intramural Electric Railway, the wheel chairs, the
movable sidewalk on the great pier, the electric launches
running in the lagoons, and the steam launches running
through the water gate out into the lake.
The Intramural Railroad had an elevated structure
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 311
3.11 miles long (double track), extending along the north,
west, and south sides of the park, and provided with
loops at the terminals. The equipment consisted of
fifteen trains of four cars each, each car being forty-seven
feet long and seating eighty-four people ; the forward car
contained the motor. Eight cars could be hauled by one
motor if necessary. The speed of the trains averaged ten
miles per hour, the highest speed between stations being
thirty miles per hour. The interval between the trains
was three and one-half minutes ; a round trip was made
in forty-two minutes, or in nineteen minutes from loop to
loop, with two minutes' relay at each end. There were
eleven stations, requiring twenty-two stops in a round trip.
The system used for operating this road was that known
as the " third-rail trolley system." The third rail was used
as the conductor of electricity, and was placed at the side
of the track, twenty inches from it and thirteen inches
above it. The power house and dynamos used for the
operation of this road were remarkable as exhibits and
attracted much attention. To insure immunity from acci-
dents a block system was used, by means of which brakes
were set automatically, and so remained while the signal
ahead was at the danger position. Only one case of
serious personal injury occurred in the operation of this
road, and this case was due to the extreme carelessness
of the person injured. This record is quite remarkable
when we consider the numbers and the inexperience of
the passengers, conditions which required all the energy
and watchfulness of the employes of the road. The fare
for riding on this road was 10 cents, for which, at first,
a passenger was allowed to ride to the first loop, but
afterward as long as desired. The total number of pas-
sengers carried was 5,803,895, an average of 34,143 per
day for 170 days, or 27 per cent of the total paid admis-
312 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
sions to the Exposition grounds. . Under the terms' of
this concession one-fourth of the gross receipts was paid
to the Exposition.
The concession for wheel chairs was granted to the
Columbian Roller Chair Company. This company pro-
vided 2,200 wheel chairs and recruited a force of attend-
ants, amounting at one time to 1,400, chiefly college stu-
dents. Twenty-two stations were established, all connected
by telephone, making it possible to concentrate chairs
wherever a special demand might appear. The company
was led to employ college students, believing that they
would prove acceptable to the patrons as intelligent and
well-informed guides. An excellent feature of the plan
was that it gave to about 2,000 young men an opportunity
to become thoroughly familiar with the Exposition. Among
others there were about seventy-five colored students from
Rusk University, Holly Springs, Miss., and Atlanta Uni-
versity. These were energetic, faithful, and honest, and
gave good service. The chair men were furnished living
quarters, were paid $i per day and 10 per cent of their
gross receipts.
In the latter part of August the Columbian Roller
Chair Company reduced the charges for chairs, and also
reduced the pay of attendants to 75 cents per day. This
caused dissatisfaction among the students, many of whom
left. Another reason for their leaving was that their vaca-
tion season was nearly over and they wished to return
to their colleges. Their places at the roller chairs were
quickly filled from other walks of life, but about 200
students remained until the close of the season. The
attendants wore a light-blue uniform and cap and pre-
sented a very neat appearance. The number of people
who used the chairs was 794,100, and the receipts were
about $400,000.
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 313
The following rates, were charged until August 24th :
Chair with attendant, per hour * 75
Chair with attendant, per half hour '-..".. 40
Chair without attendant, per hour 40
Double chair for two persons, with attendant, "pel-
hour 1 00
Double chair for two persons, with attendant, per
half hour 60
Day rate with attendant ......11.1111 600
Day rate without attendant 350
The movable sidewalk, located on the long pier east of
the Peristyle, was operated by the Multiple Speed & Trac-
tion Company. Owing to numerous delays in construction,
it was not operated until July, after which time it carried
997,7 8 5 people. It could carry 6,000 persons, and moved at
the rate of six miles per hour.
Transportation on the lagoons was furnished by the
electric launches and the Venetian gondolas. The gondolas
had their special landings at suitable points. These gon-
dolas were often chartered by the hour for private parties.
The boats of the Electric Launch & Navigation Company
had landing places at convenient points all along the
canals and lagoons. They were driven by storage bat-
teries, which received at night, at a station in the South
Pond near the Annex of the Agricultural Building, a
charge sufficient for the next day's demand. As these
boats were not fitted for lake service, they could not go
from the South Pond around the long pier into the Court
of Honor, and a tunnel was made between the Casino and
the Agricultural Building, through which the launches and
gondolas could pass.
The steam launches were strong, seaworthy boats, suit-
able for any weather, built so that there was but slight
obstruction to view from the decks. They ran out into
the lake from the South Pond, the Court of Honor, and
the north entrance to the lagoons, giving to visitors a
pleasant trip and a water view of the Exposition.
314 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
The intramural transportation was as follows :
Intramural Electric Railway 5,803,895
Wheel chairs 794,100
Movable sidewalk 997,785
Electric launches 923,613
Steam launches 195,621
Venetian gondolas 124,952
Total 8,839,966
The above data should not be regarded as a fair state-
ment of the amount of internal transportation which can be
depended on in an exposition. Could the intramural road
have been so placed as to give a fair view of the Exposition
and be at the same time more convenient for patrons, a
larger business could surely have been secured. A surface
line, or a road slightly depressed, having a low fence on
either side, would prove vastly more attractive and com-
fortable.
Wheel chairs are necessarily too expensive to be gener-
ally used, but they will always command good patronage
from persons of means, or from those who are feeble or
in poor health.
The electric launches often found their business limited
only by their capacity to handle it, but the danger of
collision was such as to make it unwise to put a large fleet
of boats on the lagoons. The number of these boats was
limited to fifty.
ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION.
A few comments upon our organization and the various
Acts of Congress relating to the Exposition are certainly
in order.
While the Exposition has been a success and has
achieved many triumphs, there was much that could have
been vastly improved upon. Mistakes and failures were
numerous in the course of its history. It was hampered
by its dual organization, consisting of a National Commis-
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 315
sion on the one hand and of a corporation with its gov-
erning Board of Directors on the other.
The method of choosing the members of the Commission
introduced into it elements little calculated to promote
harmonious and satisfactory action. Moreover, had there
been no objectionable element whatever, the result could
hardly have been different, for persons of the highest
wisdom and learning are not less tenacious of their pre-
rogatives than those whose minds are less nobly equipped.
The fault was primarily with the law which authorized
the Exposition. It provided for two distinct organizations,
and left room for honest differences of opinion between
the members of those organizations as to the extent of
their control over the enterprise. The commissioners were
appointed by the President upon nominations of the Gov-
ernors of the several States. In some instances the nomi-
nations were controlled by persons more or less intimately
involved in local politics, without reference to their fitness
for the work of creating an exposition. I do not wish to
belittle the services and reputation of many members of
the Commission, by no means of the class above described,
but of whom it must still be said that many of them were
not constant in their attendance at the meetings of the
Commission. Their places were too frequently filled by
their alternates. They often found themselves out of
touch with the work of the Exposition, and perhaps not
in sympathy with the proceedings of the body of which
they were members. Besides, they were usually men whose
time was in constant demand at their several homes, and
of course they were not moved by that spirit of local pride
which induced citizens of Chicago to sacrifice their busi-
ness interests for the good of the cause.
Within a few months after the World's Columbian Com-
mission and the Board of Directors were organized, each
316 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
body had a full set of officers, by-laws, rules of order and
procedure, and lists of committees, the latter being almost
exactly alike. The two bodies became at once involved in
disputes, through the press and otherwise, over the various
points where jurisdictional lines were supposed to cross.
The friction and loss of time occasioned by this were suffi-
cient to have wrecked an enterprise of far less magnitude
than ours. Disputes sprang up between the officers of the
two bodies ; jealousies were engendered and time was spent
in criticism and negotiations that should rather have been
given to the work of preparation for the Exposition. The
outcome was, that leading minds in both bodies drew closer
together in the endeavor to control the situation in the
interest of harmony and to stop the disputes which were
breeding scandal.
Having thus frankly criticised the organization of the
World's Columbian Commission, it is only fair to pay a
tribute of gratitude and respect to those members whose
participation in our labor was at the expense of personal
sacrifice of their time and convenience, and whose minds
were actuated by broad and noble impulses and a sincere
desire to see an exposition created that would do honor
to the occasion and the country. First and foremost I
must mention my friend and colleague of the Council of
Administration, George V. Massey of Delaware, whose ser-
vices in that capacity have already been referred to. To
mention his name again is sufficient to you, for he is borne
in affectionate remembrance by all of you who came in
contact with him, and by many more of the officers and
employes of the Exposition. Thomas W. Palmer of Michi-
gan, the genial president of the World's Columbian Com-
mission, presided over its deliberations from the first to
the last, and gave to the Commission's business much of
his personal time at a sacrifice of his convenience and
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: RE VIE IV. 317
private means. William Lindsay of Kentucky served as
a member of the first commission sent to Europe in the
interest of the Exposition, but later severed his connection
with the commission when he entered the Senate of the
United States. A. G. Bullock of Massachusetts served upon
the same commission to Europe. Gorton W. Allen of New
York was a commissioner-at-large. He was also a member
of the commission appointed by the Governor of New York
and was prominently identified with the work of the Com-
mittee on Ceremonies. Ex- Governor Thomas M. Waller
of Connecticut was a member of the Board of Reference
and Control, as was Robert L. Saunders of Mississippi.
John Boyd Thacher of New York, chairman of the Com-
mittee on Awards, should also be named. It is perhaps
unjust to mention these without referring to others who
had the cause of the Exposition and the national honor
close at heart, and cast their votes and gave their voice for
these objects whenever they attended the meetings of the
Commission. There were many who cooperated ably and
sincerely. Nevertheless it is to be hoped that any future
exposition may be spared the dangers which lie in such
an organization as that with which the World's Columbian
Exposition was hampered. From what I have been able
to learn it appears that the Centennial Exhibition met
with the same trouble, only in a less degree.
The last and most important consequence of these dis-
putes was the impossibility of enforcing throughout the
entire organization of the Exposition from top to bottom
that severe discipline and prompt obedience to orders
which, coupled with sound discretion, are necessary charac-
teristics of any great combination of workers, whether for
governmental, commercial, manufacturing, or other pur-
poses. Discipline suffered greatly, except in such cases as
the Department of Works or the departments of Admis-
318 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
sions and Collections, where individual officers, gifted with
a genius for organization, ruled with a firm hand and
pursued their objects with irresistible energy. Even in
these cases it was frequently found impossible to bend
and control these well-organized branches to the will of
superior officers.
The supreme control of an exposition can not be com-
mitted to the citizens of the locality in which it is to be
held. The citizens of Chicago would have deprecated such
a proposition. It would have destroyed the national charac-
ter of the enterprise. Neither can it be handed over to a
heterogeneous assemblage of appointees of the Governors
of fifty States and Territories. If a system could be
devised which would place the entire control of an exposi-
tion in one small body, whose members were chosen for
their peculiar fitness for the work in hand, the troubles
which we encountered would be lessened by half. In the
composition of such a body, perhaps one-half might be
representatives of the locality undertaking the chief respon-
sibility for the enterprise as was the case in Chicago
and the other half men chosen for their learning and
experience, from various parts of the country, whose attend-
ance could be relied upon, even though at the cost of a
heavy charge for salaries.
Suppose such a body chosen and endowed with ample
powers and resources, I would suggest that it organize its
executive force as follows :
A chief executive officer should be chosen, from either
within or without its own number, but if the latter, he
should become, for all practical purposes, a member of the
body. This chief executive officer should have absolute
power to organize his administrative force, appointing and
discharging at will, his acts being in a general way subject
to the approval and supervision of the superior body. He
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 319
should divide his work into three branches, each assigned
to a chief officer, as follows :
First, Exhibition. This should include promotion, allot-
ment of space, installation, and awards.
Second, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation. This
should include the physical forces necessary for receiving
exhibits and depositing them at the point of installation,
and for removing and shipping them at the close of
the exposition, janitor service, policing, fire department,
mechanical, electrical, etc.
Third, Finance. This should include the treasury, the
auditing department, concessions, admissions, and possibly
a comptroller to exercise general supervision over the
expenditures throughout the whole period of construction,
installation, and operation.
Such an organization would prevent, in a large degree,
the bringing of numberless details to the office of the chief
executive, and relieve him from administering upon those
matters of minor importance which, in a good organization^
would be properly adjusted by subordinate hands. The
chief executive would then be free to extend proper atten-
tion to the representatives of foreign governments and to
see that the proprieties and official courtesies incident to
the holding of an international exposition were properly
observed. It would also permit him to attend to matters
of general policy. To still further relieve him, a chief of
foreign affairs could be appointed who would be the assist-
ant to the chief officer, and closely associated with him.
A slight modification of the above plan would be the
creating of a fourth general division, charged with the
duty of judging and awarding. Of this I feel hardly com-
petent to speak with any degree of certainty, as the matter
of awards was never, in any way, under the control of
your company.
320 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT,
JANITOR SERVICE.
One of the most important items of the administration
of an exposition is the janitor service. In our Exposition
it was under the control of the Department of Works,
although many contended that it should have been under
the direct control of each exhibit officer, so far as it related
to his building. The problem is full of difficulty, for upon
it hinges the question of guarding exhibits, the cleanliness
of the buildings, and the possibility of theft. It ought to
be possible to have the janitor work done under contract,
the contractor having the right to arrange with exhibitors
for the janitor work of their spaces at a fixed price per
square foot. In our case the janitor work for the aisles
and public spaces was done by a corps of janitors con-
trolled by the Department of Works, and entirely without
the control of the chiefs of the exhibit departments in the
several buildings. The cost of janitor service was more
than $200,000. Assuming the chief of each exhibit depart-
ment located in each exhibit building to be a man of
first-rate executive ability, I am inclined to recommend
that he have absolute control of his building in every
respect, including not only the janitor service, but the
guard stationed in the building. Under this arrangement
the chief officer of the 'guard in each building would
be subject to the direction of the department chief, except
in matters affecting the safety of the public, the regula-
tions of fire protection, etc. I speak with hesitation upon
this subject, as it is perhaps the most important of all.
The safety of exhibits and buildings from theft and fire
hinge largely upon it. I believe, however, that if the offi-
cers of the various branches of an exposition are fairly
competent, and well disposed, the details of the control of
janitor service and the guarding of exhibits can be easily
adjusted. On the other hand, where there is jealousy and
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW.
321
contention, pretexts can easily and almost unconsciously
be found for causing whatever system is adopted to prove
faulty.
The Administration Building should be constructed with
a view to the highest utility. Beauty should be secondary,
although, of course, it should be considered as far as possi-
ble without endangering utility. The building should be
large enough to accommodate the entire central adminis-
trative force, including the chief officers of the exhibit,
operating and financial departments. In our Exposition
the offices of your president and of the director-general
were separated from the offices of the director of works,
the commandant of the guard, the auditor, treasurer, and
the superintendents of admissions and collections, by the
distance of half a mile, the only connection being an inade-
quate telephone service. The Administration Building
should include living rooms for those officers whose services
are in constant demand, and whose presence by day and
by night would be necessary. There should be a mess-
room or private restaurant for such officers as were required
to live on the grounds, and a private lunch-room for the
entire force employed in the Administration Building. The
time lost by officers and employes in securing meals upon
crowded days is a very serious matter.
Finally, and in conclusion, the perfection and complete-
ness of a system will never compensate for the limitations
of human capacity. The shortcomings of officers and
employes, from the highest to the lowest, will ever give
ground for criticism and complaint, no matter how wise
may be those who frame the laws of the organization.
There will always be abundant opportunity for those "whose
minds are charged with no other labor than the criticism
of the efforts of others.
It is a pleasant task to acknowledge in these closing
21
322 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
lines the faithful services of the two secretaries whose
desks were in the same room with my own, and who cheer-
fully bore their share of the daily and nightly labor of the
office. To Amory W. Sawyer, secretary of the Council of
Administration, and to Howard O. Edmonds, secretary of
the World's Columbian Exposition, I extend sincere thanks,
and I commend their services to the directors of the com-
pany. I desire also to acknowledge the assistance of Mr.
Edmonds in the preparation of this report.
It is likely that those who have served at different
times upon the Board of Directors often feel that the
services they rendered to the cause of the Exposition have
not been fully understood and appreciated by the stock-
holders and the public. Nor is this lack of due apprecia-
tion to be wondered at. One who has not shared in the
labors, trials, anxieties, and disappointments of our Exposi-
tion work can not understand the sacrifices of comfort,
health, time, and money made by those who served as
directors of the Exposition, nor the forbearance they were
called upon to exercise under misdirected criticism and
other trying circumstances.
Futhermore, it is quite impossible that the writer, in
this review, can have succeeded in doing exact justice to
the services of each one who labored in his field for the
success of the Columbian Exposition. I ask your indul-
gence where defects are discovered, and claim only that
an honest effort has been made to cover, in a general way,
the entire subject of your company's operations and the
work of the men who contributed to the success of those
operations. Such reward as the directors may have won
consists not in the approbation of our fellow-citizens, but
in the consciousness of a hard public service well per-
formed.
With all the shortcomings and failures, with all the
POST-EXPOSITION WORK: REVIEW. 323
false rumors and sensational reports, with the shortness of
time, with the heavy financial burden and the coldness
and lack of sympathy of the National Government, not-
withstanding these and many other difficulties, our Expo-
sition stamped itself indelibly upon the closing years of
the nineteenth century, and has left a mark upon our
times, particularly in matters of taste and refinement, that
seems to grow deeper as the Exposition vanishes into the
past. Its effect upon the industries has probably been
very great, but so diffused that it can not be closely esti-
mated or justly appreciated. The effect upon our beloved
city has been to emphasize its position as a great metrop-
olis and an abiding place of energy, business enterprise,
and high ambitions.
APPENDIX "A."
THE WORLD'S CONGRESS AUXILIARY OF THE WORLD'S
COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.*
The World's Congresses of 1893 were first publicly pro-
posed by Charles C. Bonney in an article dated September
20, 1889, and printed in the Statesman Magazine for October
of that year. A proof-sheet of this article was shown by
the editor, Walter Thomas Mills, to Judge L. D. Thoman,
Prof. David Swing, Thomas B. Bryan, E. Nelson Blake, Rev.
Dr. P. S. Henson, and Rev. Dr. John Henry Barrows, all of
whom wrote brief letters commending the project, which
were printed in connection with the article in the magazine.
Advance copies were furnished to the Chicago press and
reprinted or noticed with favorable comments. The pro-
posal was received with remarkable favor, and Mr. Bonney
was at once called upon to carry it into effect. Early in
October a general committee selected by Mr. Bonney was
appointed by the Executive Committee of the provisional
organization for the Columbian Exposition, and on October
1 5th this committee held its first meeting. It consisted of
Charles C. Bonney, chairman; Lyman J. Gage, treasurer;
Walter Thomas Mills, secretary; Rt. Rev. Samuel Fallows,
D. D., William J. Onahan, John J. Mitchell, Ferdinand W.
Peck, Rev. John Henry Barrows, D. D., Julius Rosenthal,
and John A. Neander.
The original proposal of the World's Congresses was
printed in circular form and sent to all parts of the world.
The historic importance of this document leads to its sub-
stantial reproduction here. It was then proposed that the
World's Fair be held in 1892, and this date was accordingly
used in the announcement, which was as follows:
* Prepared by Charles C. Bonney.
(325)
326 APPENDIX "A."
The crowning glory of the World's Fair of 1892 should not be the
exhibit, then to be made, of the material triumphs, industrial achieve-
ments, and mechanical victories of man, however magnificent that dis-
play may be. Something still higher and nobler is demanded by the
enlightened and progressive spirit of the present age.
In connection with that important event, the world of government,
jurisprudence, finance, science, literature, education, and religion should
be represented in a congress of statesmen, jurists, financiers, scientists,
literati, teachers, and theologians, greater in numbers and more widely
representative of" peoples, nations, and tongues" than any assemblage
which has ever yet been convened.
The benefits of such a parliament of nations would be higher and
more conducive to the welfare of mankind than those which would flow
from the material exposition, though it would not be easy to exaggerate
the powerful impetus that will be given by the latter to commerce, and
all the arts by which toil is lightened, the fruits of labor increased, and
the comforts of life augmented.
For such a congress, convened under circumstances so auspicious,
would surpass all previous efforts to bring about a real fraternity of
nations, and unite the enlightened people of the whole earth in a general
cooperation for the attainment of the great ends for which the human
society is organized.
It is impossible to estimate the advantages that would result from
the mere establishment of personal acquaintance and friendly relations
among the leaders of the intellectual world who now, for the most part,
know each other only through the interchange of publications and, per-
haps, the formalities of correspondence.
Among the great themes that such a congress would naturally con-
sider are the following :
I. The grounds of fraternal union in the language, literature, do-
mestic life, religion, science, art, and civil institutions of different people.
II. The economic, industrial, and financial problems of the age.
III. Educational systems, their advantages and their defects ; and
the means by which they may best be adapted to the recent enormous
increase in all departments of knowledge.
IV. The practicability of a common language for use in the com-
mercial relations of the civilized world.
V. International copyright, and the laws of intellectual property
and commerce.
VI. Immigration and naturalization laws, and the proper interna-
tional privileges of alien governments, and their subjects or citizens.
VII. The most efficient and advisable means of preventing or de-
creasing pauperism, insanity, and crime ; and of increasing productive
ability, prosperity, and virtue throughout the world.
VIII. International law as a bond of union and a means of mutual
protection ; and how it may be enlarged, perfected, and authoritatively
expressed.
WORLD'S CONGRESS AUXILIARY. 327
IX. The establishment of the principles of judicial justice as the
supreme law of international relations; and the general substitution of
arbitration for war in the settlement of international controversies.
Arrangements should be made both for general meetings of all, and
separate meetings of each, of the different classes of members. Each
class should form its own congress, and all united would constitute the
grand general assembly. Astronomers, geologists, physicians, religious
leaders, financiers, philologists, and others, should have independent
opportunities to exchange views and consider pending questions, while
the general congress should have the privilege of hearing from the
chosen representatives of each class a presentation of what they might
deem conducive to the general welfare. The separate congresses of the
various classes would be incomparably important and useful; the grand
general assembly, in which the leaders of every great department of
human progress could see the faces and hear the voices of each other in
fraternal greetings and formal addresses, would constitute a spectacle
of such intellectual and moral majesty that to behold it would repay a
journey around the world. Should any class be too numerous to attend
the general meetings en masse, it could send the proper number of
delegates.
The proposal was received with quite as marked favor
abroad as had attended its announcement at home. Favor-
able responses flowed in from all parts of the world, contain-
ing promises of cooperation from distinguished leaders in
most of the countries interested in the proposed Columbian
Exposition.
The work of organization proceeded with great rapidity,
and it soon became manifest that a larger organization
would be required to conduct it to satisfactory results.
Accordingly, on October 30, 1890, the World's Congress
Auxiliary of the World's Columbian Exposition was organ-
ized with the following officers : President, Charles C. Bon-
ney ; vice-president, Thomas B. Bryan ; treasurer, Lyman
J. Gage ; secretary, Benjamin Butterworth. Howard O.
Edmonds, who succeeded Mr. Butterworth as secretary of
the Exposition, was for some time assistant secretary of the
Auxiliary, and was succeeded in that office by Clarence E.
Young.
The formal announcement of the World's Congress
scheme was sent by the Government of the United States to
foreign nations, in connection with the Act of Congress and
the President's proclamation and invitation to foreign nations
328 APPENDIX "A."
to participate in the Columbian Exposition. It was at first
supposed that the Auxiliary would come within the scope of
the Columbian Commission created by the Act of Congress,
but President Harrison having expressed a doubt on this
point, a formal, recognition of the Auxiliary in a subsequent
Act of the Congress was procured ; and on May 25, 1892, the
World's Congress Auxiliary was formally recognized by the
Senate of the United States, in a report of the Committee
on Foreign Relations, as the proper agency to conduct
international congresses in connection with the World's
Columbian Exposition. On June i3th of that year the
diplomatic and consular officers of the United States were
directed by the Department of State to invite the cordial
and hearty cooperation of the governments to which they
were accredited, and to use their best endeavors to procure
such cooperation in the series of world's congresses then
projected. On October 21, 1892, the inaugural ceremonies
of the world's congresses were held in the Chicago Audito-
rium, with Archbishop Ireland as the orator of the occasion.
The printed publications of the Auxiliary declared that
it was the leading idea of the world's congresses of 1893 to
bring the leaders of human progress from the various coun-
tries of the world together at Chicago, during the season of
the World's Columbian Exposition, for the purposes of mu-
tual acquaintance and the establishment of fraternal rela-
tions, and that the chief work of the congresses would be
to review the achievements already made in the various
departments of enlightened life, and sum up in each con-
gress the progress of the world in the department involved,
to the date of the congress ; to make a clear statement of
the living questions of the day which still demanded atten-
tion, and to receive from eminent representatives of all
interests, classes, and peoples, suggestions of the practical
means by which further progress might be made and the
prosperity and peace of the world advanced.
The world's congress work was finally organized in
twenty departments, with more than 200 general divisions in
which congresses were held. These congresses were distrib-
uted through the six months of the Exposition season. In
the limited space which can be allotted to the Auxiliary in
WORLD'S CONGRESS AUXILIARY. 329
this report, only the briefest mention can be made to the
different congresses held and the work accomplished.
The opening session of the congresses was held on Mon-
day, May 15, 1893, and was immediately followed by the
congresses of the Department of Woman's Progress, which
was the first in chronological order, and continued during
the week. This department embraced a general congress,
twenty-three division and eight section congresses ; and
presented the progress of women in education, industry,
literature and art, moral and social reform, philanthropy and
charity, civil law and government, and religion. The attend-
ance was very large, and in importance and comprehensive-
ness it was agreed that the congress far surpassed all
previous assemblages of women.
The congresses of the Department of the Public Press
occupied the week commencing Monday, May 22d, and
embraced all the leading divisions of newspaper work. The
press women's congress and the religious press congress
attracted special attention.
The Department of Medicine and Surgery was assigned
to the week commencing May 29th ; and the electric medical
congress, the homeopathic congress, and the congress on
medico-climatology were held during this week. The dental
congress, the pharmaceutical congress, and the congress on
medical jurisprudence were, for special reasons, held later
in the season.
The Department of Temperance occupied the week com-
mencing June 5th, and embraced a representation of all
branches of the temperance work. There were also held in
connection with this department a social purity congress
and a vegetarian congress, both of which attracted special
attention.
The Department of Moral and Social Reform was
assigned to the week commencing June i2th, and occupied
all of that week and a part of the preceding week. The con-
gresses of this department were of the highest rank, and
embraced the whole range of subjects indicated by the title,
including charities, correction, and philanthropy in all their
forms ; the public treatment of pauperism ; the care of
neglected and abandoned children ; hospital care of the sick,
330
APPENDIX "A."
training of nurses, etc. ; treatment of the insane ; prevention
and repression of crime, etc.; charity organization and pre-
ventive work ; and the study of sociology in institutions of
learning. The humane societies congress and the congress
of waif savers were held on later dates.
The congresses of the Department of Commerce and
Finance commenced on June ipth and occupied the residue
of the montlv embracing banking and finance, boards of
trade, railway commerce, insurance, mercantile credits, and
building and loan associations. The water commerce con-
gress of this department was held in connection with the
Department of Engineering. The papers prepared for this
series of congresses were of a highly meritorious character,
and arrangements had been made to secure a large attend-
ance of bankers, merchants, and others interested, from our
own and other countries, but the outbreak of the severe
financial panic of 1893 occurred at the time assigned for the
opening of the congresses of this department, and naturally
resulted in preventing the expected attendance, which was
therefore small. But otherwise these congresses were highly
creditable.
On July 3d the congresses of the Department of Music
were opened. They embraced eight general divisions, and
continued during the week. The women's musical congress
attracted special attention.
The Department of Literature occupied the week com-
mencing July loth, and embraced an authors' congress, an
historical congress, a congress of librarians, a philological
congress, and a congress on folklore. These congresses
were attended by many distinguished persons, and the
attendance at the principal meetings was very large. The
folklore congress confessedly surpassed any other previously
held, and closed with a very remarkable folklore concert, in
which a large number of countries were represented.
The congresses of the Department of Education embraced
thirty-four general divisions and extended through two
weeks. Many of these congresses were of the highest rank,
and as a whole were declared by eminent educators to sur-
pass any educational conventions previously held. Among
the educational congresses which excited especial interest
WORLD'S CONGRESS A UXILIAR Y. 331
were those of manual and art education, kindergarten educa-
tion, the education of the deaf and the blind, business and
commercial education, higher education, and the congress of
colored educators.
The Department of Engineering and the Department of
Art occupied the week commencing July 3ist. The engin-
eering congresses embraced civil, mechanical, mining, metal-
lurgical, military and naval engineering ; also engineering
education and aerial navigation. The congress on water
commerce, largely dependent on engineering problems, was
held in this connection. These congresses were largely at-
tended, and it has often been remarked that they alone
would have been ample return for all the expenses involved
in the organization and work of the World's Congress Aux-
iliary.
The congresses of the Department of Art embraced
architecture, painting and sculpture, decorative art, ceramics,
and photography. All these were of a high character,
though not very largely attended.
The Department of Government occupied the week com-
mencing August yth, and embraced the general divisions of
jurisprudence and law reform, civil service reform, city gov-
ernment reform, suffrage, arbitration and peace, and patents
and trade-marks. The latter was not held until October 2d.
The attendance of the suffrage congress was large ; the
other congresses of this department were fairly well at-
tended.
The week commencing August i4th was devoted to what
was called the General Department, in which congresses not
otherwise assigned, or which could not be holden in their
proper places, were held. This department included a very
remarkable congress on Africa, the horticultural congress,
the congresses on dentistry and medical jurisprudence from
the Department of Medicine ; also continuations of the con-
gress on peace, and the trade press congress.
The Department of Science and Philosophy occupied the
week commencing August 2ist, and embraced the general
divisions of anthropology, astronomy and mathematics,
chemistry, geology, meteorology, electricity, philosophy,
psychical science, zoology, ornithology, and evolution. The
332 APPENDIX "A."
pharmaceutical congress, transferred from Medicine, was
held in this department. The congress on zoology was
deferred to the following week, and the ornithological con-
gress was held in the Department of Agriculture. Most of
these congresses were of a very high order and were well
attended. The electrical congress drew a very large and
distinguished attendance, and elicited the highest praise.
Psychical science drew the largest audiences. The scientific
programs generally were comprehensive and complete.
Those on chemistry and meteorology were especially so.
The Department of Social and Economic Science and
the Department of Labor were assigned to the week com-
mencing August 28th. The former embraced, in addition to
the general congress, the general divisions of profit-sharing,
the single tax, and coinage, weights, measures, and postage.
The labor congress had no general divisions, but embraced
in its program nearly all the aspects of what is known as
" the labor question." Distinguished representatives of
industry, science, and the church participated in the con-
gress, and though it was held during a week of violent dis-
turbance in the industrial world, the sessions of the congress
were characterized by great dignity and harmony, and it
has often been said that no ill-tempered address was made
during the whole week devoted to the congress.
The Department of Religion was the culminating achieve-
ment of the world's congress scheme, and the world's first
Parliament of Religion was the crowning event of these
congresses. This department included forty-five general
divisions. Most of the participating organizations held
denominational congresses of their own. The Catholic con-
gress was very largely attended. The Jewish congress
attracted special attention. The chief interest of the
religious congresses centered in the Parliament of Religions
as organized with extraordinary ability by Dr. John Henry
Barrows. It commenced its sessions on September nth, and
continued the same for seventeen successive days. All the
great religions of the world were represented in this con-
gress. Its proceedings have excited a world-wide interest,
and the "echoes of the parliament" still continue to come
from all parts of the earth. The religious congresses com-
WORLD'S CONGRESS AUXILIARY. 333
menced with the Jewish congress on August 27th, and ended
with the congress of the Evangelical Alliance, on October
i5th.
The Sunday-rest congress, standing in a separate depart-
ment, was commenced September 28th, and included the
physiological, economic, religious, and other relations of the
weekly rest day.
The public health congress, transferred from the Depart-
ment of Medicine to a separate department, was held during
the week of October loth, and embraced all the aspects of
this important subject, ably presented by eminent repre-
sentatives.
The Department of Agriculture closed the series. The
congresses of this department embraced the general divisions
of farm culture, farmers' organizations, and agricultural
legislation, fish and fisheries, forestry, veterinary surgery,
good roads, household economics, agricultural education and
experiment, farm life and mental culture, and real estate.
The congress on ornithology was, as above stated, held in
this connection; and the World's Women's Christian Temper-
ance Union was, as a matter of convenience, transferred to
this period from the Department of Temperance assigned
to the first week in June.
The closing general session of the world's congresses of
1893 was held on October 28th. At this session Secretary
Clarence E. Young reported that the records of the Auxiliary
showed more than 210 working committees of organization,
embracing a local membership of about 1,600, besides a non-
resident membership in the advisory councils of the different
congresses, amounting- to about 15,000 persons. Also that in
the preparation of these congresses more than 1,000,000
circular publications had been sent out. This report also
showed that 1,245 sessions had been held, with 5,974 writers
and speakers, and a total attendance of over 700,000 persons.
It was estimated that it would require fifty octavo volumes
of 600 pages each to contain the papers, addresses, and pro-
ceedings.
The World's Congress Auxiliary embraced a central
organization authorized by the directory of the World's
Columbian Exposition, and recognized by the Government
334
APPENDIX "A."
of the United States as the proper agency to conduct a series
of world's congresses in connection with the Exposition; a
comparatively small local Committee of Organization and
Arrangements; an Advisory Council, so-called, comprising
the non-resident members of the congress, and consisting of
persons eminent in the work involved, selected from all parts
of the world, and cooperating with the local committee by
correspondence, and, wherever practicable, in person. Also
general honorary and corresponding members invited to
give their advice and cooperation to the whole series of
congresses; also committees of cooperation appointed by
particular organizations, and recognized by the Auxiliary as
representatives of societies and institutions. Mixed com-
mittees of men and women were not appointed, but on all
subjects suitable for the cooperation of women in the con-
gresses, committees of women were appointed, and these
constituted, in the aggregate, the Woman's Branch of the
World's Congress Auxiliary. Of this branch Mrs. Potter
Palmer was president, and Mrs. Charles Henrotin, vice-
president. The other members of the original committee of
women were Mrs. Henry M. Wilmarth, Mrs. J. M. Flower,
Miss Francis E. Willard, Mrs. J. Young Scammon, Mrs. Myra
Bradwell, Mrs. John C. Coonley, Mrs. R. Hall McCormick,
Mrs. O. W. Potter, Mrs. A. H. Chetlain, Mrs, Wirt Dexter,
Dr. Sarah Hackett Stevenson, Miss Nina Gray Lunt, Mrs.
Leander Stone, and Miss N. Halstead.
The Committee of Organization, the advisory councils,
the honorary members, and the Committee of Cooperation
were so numerous that they can not be named in this report
without extending it to undue length. The honorary mem-
bership embraced many distinguished names, including those
of his majesty King Oscar of Sweden and Norway, Lord
Chief Justice Coleridge of England, Lord Tennyson, Cardinal
Manning, Prof. Max Muller of Oxford, Dr. George Ebers of
Germany, Professor de Laveleye of Belgium, the presidents
of leading colleges and universities, the foreign ministers of
the United States, and many scientists and other persons of
high distinction.
The world's congresses of 1893 were held in the perma-
nent memorial Art Palace erected on the shore of Lake
WORLD'S CONGRESS AUXILIARY. 335
Michigan, near the heart of the city of Chicago, through the
cooperation of the directory of the World's Columbian Ex-
position and the directors of the Art Institute of Chicago.
The city of Chicago contributed the site, the Art Institute
furnished about $400,000 and the directory of the Exposition
supplied the sum of $200,000, upon the condition that the
building should be completed and furnished for the uses of
the World's Congress Auxiliary during the Exposition sea-
son, from May to October. This building is 319 feet in front
on Michigan Avenue, at the intersection of Adams Street,
and has two wings extending eastward toward Lake Michi-
gan 176 feet. It contains thirty- three halls, which were cal-
culated to accommodate from 100 to 700 persons each ; and
between the two wings were erected two large audience
rooms with seats for nearly 3,000 persons, and standing room
for perhaps a thousand persons more in each of these halls.
The north one was named the Hall of Columbus, the south
one the Hall of Washington. It was estimated that the
entire building would hold more than 12,000 persons, and on
many occasions, especially during the women's congress, the
educational congress, and particularly the religious con-
gresses, the building was found inadequate to the demands
of the occasion. The building was not finished until about
the ist of July, but was taken by the Auxiliary before the
ist of May and occupied by the congresses which com-
menced on the 1 5th of that month. No accident or disturb-
ance worth mentioning occurred during the entire world's
congress season.
Besides the $200,000 above mentioned, the Exposition
directory also expended in the support of the world's con-
gress work about $75,000, and it is estimated that the various
committees of organization also raised and expended about
$25,000 more, making the total expenditures for the con-
gresses about $300,000.
On the first day of November, 1893, the memorial Art
Palace was surrendered to the directors of the Art Institute
of Chicago, to be permanently occupied by that institution,
under an arrangement made with the city of Chicago for
the use of the public ground on which the same is located.
This building now constitutes one of the finest temples of
336 APPENDIX "A."
art in the world, and stands as an enduring monument com-
memorating the wonderful event of the World's Parliament
of Religions, and the extraordinary successes of the other
world's congresses of 1893.
From thousands of expressions from all parts of the
world, perhaps none better can be selected to close this brief
summary than that of Prof. Max Muller, the distinguished
Oxford professor, in the December, 1894, Arena. Writing
of the Parliament of Religions, he says:
The World's Congress Auxiliary at the Columbian Exposition proved
the most important part and the greatest success of that immense
undertaking, taking its place as one of the most memorable events in
the history of the world ; and the Parliament of Religions, unique and
unprecedented, will be remembered and bear fruit when everything else
of the mighty Exposition shall long have been swept from the memory
of man.
APPENDIX "B."
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
STATEMENT OF FORCE EMPLOYED BY WORLD'S COLUMBIAN
EXPOSITION.
SEPTEMBER, 1892, TO OCTOBER, 1893, INCLUSIVE.
18
92
L893
!
ti
o
1
o
&
c
oJ
>
1
|
I
>.
o
e
3
>
j>,
"3
i >
<
*l
1
Treasurer ......
31
39,
28
30
36
95
24
26
25
29
36
27
28
24
Secretary
9
10
10
11
11
19
14
9
8
9
9
9
9
g
Legal
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
4
1
2
2
2
2
Auditor .
18
17
38
39
37
40
39
43
54
40
38
43
41
38
World's Congress Auxiliary.
5
98
7
30
8
4
8
3
8
3
8
9
8
9
10
3
11
2
53
2
43
2
7
3
40
3
39
3
Traffic
|
8
6
Admissions ...
5
13
8
40
349
597
654
574
533
584
Collections
4
15
29
169
247
199
164
188
175
Council of Administration...
Ways and Means ....
6
4
5
4
8
5
8
7
8
7
8
7
8
8
7
9
7
9
9
8
11
9
11
9
10
8
11
11
11
11
1ft
10
9
9
4
2
2
Public Comfort .....
4
5
6
5
9
11
13
12
29
33
42
42
41
39
'Woman's
8
4
7
13
46
1
1
1
1
1
Director-general's office ......
6
5
9
8
6
9
14
29
28
17
23
10
g
9
Agriculture
6
6
9
19,
19!
15
15
18
27
47
42
45
40
25
Electricity
4
4
5
6
8
9
9
13
13
12
10
10
10
10
Ethnology -. .-
11
9
4
14
18
30
36
31
55
72
60
93
58
54
Fine Arts
f>
ft
7
7
8
9
16
31
31
24
23
20
20
21
Fish and Fisheries
3
1
9
4
4
7
8
8
10
12
11
10
9
8
Foreign Affairs
13
19,
16
10
19,
13
13
14
9
12
13
10
10
9
9
9
9,
9
9
9
9
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
5
6
9
6
9
8
9
17
14
12
11
11
10
Liberal Arts
8
9
19
10
11
15
19
23
49
31
31
29
27
26
Live Stock
9,
9
9
9
9
9
3
4
5
5
6
9
32
30
Machinery . .... . .
5
5
6
8
9
12
15
25
27
22
25
21
19
18
Manufactures . . .
6
7
9
19
99
98
43
33
24
18
25
41
19
Mines and Mining
7
10
19,
10
19
17
93
32
26
15
14
13
13
13
New York agency
9!
9
Publicity and Promotion
Transportation Exhibits
Medical and surgical
27
6
7
28
7
7
27
7
7
22
10
7
19
11
7
32
16
8
43
19
6
45
25
21
50
22
36
25
28
23
17
20
12
16
12
17
Bookkeepers . ..
8
9
*14
Building superintendents
11
13
18
15
11
19
15
18
*i1
194
I09
114
158
997
363
Chemists ...
1
1
Clerks and messengers
*>*>
49
38
31
98
99
99
32
18
Coloring and decorating
49
65
81
68
30
67
10
58
207
42
232
40
208
37
236
36
390
50
254
37
94
15
2
7
22
5
22
5
993
*>3
909
934
931
980
379
749
532
268
155
47
18
17
16
14
13
13
14
15
13
9
79
86
74
56
34
59
59
53
40
39
49
49
38
63
59
66
41
Grading and surveying
124
90
76
64
10
50
15
52
13
58
22
361
61
272
79
137
28
41
1
12
9
11
10
11
12
51
143
109
567
1,303
434
154
69
43
40
Landscape gardening
437
494
373
204
86
57
158
187
290
254
56
72
73
59
Accounting office, constniction department, subsequently merged in auditor's office.
22 (337)
338 APPENDIX ".."
STATEMENT OF FORCE EMPLOYED. Continued.
1892
1893
i
cc
1
1
d
9
40
42
8
13
393
110
173
1
,a
o
I
<
>>
1
o
d
p
H- >
>>
"3
i >
b
p
<!
+5
o
1
.i-j
<3
Mechanical engineering
Operating railway
140
27
2
7
293
215
184
182
43
2
30
322
325
239
306
57
4
7
370
325
163
275
52
6
1
366
260
173
175
49
13
5
465
101
210
461
62
21
34
588
172
153
16
25
214
210
1,018
96
17
47
760
237
408
24
29
417
439
1,250
908
200
34
Photograph expenses
Piers and bridges
7
31
ii
2
4
5
Police protection _ . .....
Railway tracks
220
405
"162
47
105
Sculpture modeling
45
28
31
Secret service . .....
Stable expenses
26
320
225
4
24
219
278
25
236
253
1
24
562
229
1
23
391
197
25
227
210
Temporary buildings
494
372
Water and' sewerage ...
193
68
....
22
5
Water supply
2
168
9
153
9
375
37
438
Miscellaneous
5
130
253
162
876
4
1
15
831
4
1
18
672
3
1
13
768
3
1
41
527
3
1
32
423
3
"20
Chiefs and assistants
Chemists
Clerks and messengers..
Electric lights and appli'ces.
Exposition Symphony Orch.
54
47
58
45
624
41
105
98
69
63
100
850
61
175
139
71
54
62
558
64
190
38
468
72
76
69
95
1,945
79
100
36
46
110
37
Fire protection
58
33
Floriculture gardening
Guides
Janitor service
495
70
256
38
439
47
52
138
108
1,748
473
63
273
37
480
51
31
116
86
1,785
455
63
258
48
479
40
31
114
77
1,700
Med. and surg. attendance
Operating electric plant
Launches
Power plant .. ...
377
83
80
90
45
1,522
286
88
83
110
72
1,695
Railway
Terminal Station .
Water and sewerage
Photograph expenses
Police protection
Public Comfort expenses
Secret service *
161
200
40
24
178
277
86
47
36
229
284
128
32
52
78
254
78
36
16
40
225
80
43
23
37
196
44
32
23
33
Services of bands .
Stable expenses
Supt. grounds and buildings .
Warehouse expenses
Average per month pre-Exposition period, 3,753%.
months, 5,457#. Grand total, 76,406.
Exposition period, 7,729%. For fourteen
APPENDIX "C."
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR TO THE PRESIDENT, JUNE 30, 1895.
THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
AUDITOR'S OFFICE, CHICAGO, July i, 1895.
H. N. HIGINBOTHAM, President.
DEAR SIR : I beg to present herewith my report giving
classified statements of receipts, disbursements, assets, and
liabilities of the World's Columbian Exposition, as of date
June 30, 1895.
RECEIPTS.
CAPITAL STOCK:
2 per cent on 26,010 shares $ 5,20200
20 " " 9,221 " 18,44200
40 " " 3,467 " 13,86800
60 " " 7,638 " 45,82800
80 " 1,249 9,99200
100 " " 552,187 " 5,521,87000
Installments in suspense 1 ,952 33
$5,617,154 33
CITY OF CHICAGO Proceeds of appropriation 5,000,000 00
SOUVENIR COINS 1,929,12000
PREMIUM ON SOUVENIR COINS 517,560 43
GATE RECEIPTS:
Pre-Exposition period 282,641 97
Exposition period , May $ 583 ,031 25
June 1,256,18000
July 1,325,37675
Aug 1,694,51800
Sept 2,263,03825
Oct 3,213,92150
10,336,065 75
10,618,707 72
CONCESSION RECEIPTS:
Pre-Ex^osition period 171 ,181 54
Exposition period, May 74,696 15
' June 334,12867
" July 598,54056
Aug 578,52013
Sept. 843,24031
Oct 1,294,14974
3,723,27556
3,894,45710
Carried forward $27,576,99958
(339)
340
APPENDIX "C."
Brought forward $27,576,99958
INTEREST Interest on deposits. 68,090 50
POWER AND LIGHT RECEIPTS:
Fuel oil furnished $ 10,247 60
Electric lighting 235,699 58
Electric power furnished 36,729 11
Steam power 19,740 87
Compressed air service _ 6,591 51
Machine shop receipts 8,639 78
$317,648 45
WATER AND SEWERAGE RECEIPTS:
Water service 13,760 69
Plumbing receipts 15,326 90
29,087 59
TRANSPORTATION RECEIPTS:
Switching 40,514 10
Terminal receipts _ 72,300 50
Transporting supplies 7,827 58
Passenger earnings 255 95
Pilot service receipts 10,521 71
Installing exhibits receipts. . . 17,880 89
Removing garbage receipts.. 14,487 99
Warehouse handling _ 696 59
Storage on exhibits 7,031 48
Storage on empty packing
cases 45,73215
Storage on construction ma-
terial 93 12
217,342 06
AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT RE-
CEIPTS:
Entrance fees for poultry 1 ,051 25
Dairy receipts 6,990 18
Forage receipts 14,336 54
22,377 97
MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS:
Architectural service 2,279 99
First aid for accidents 2,116 08
Materials sold 6,45093
Police service receipts 13,936 68
Forfeits on contracts 300 00
Official guides 4,71501
Rents.. 647 50
Gas connections _ 675 00
Photographic receipts, net.__ 90,577 64
Rooming receipts _ _ . 1 ,966 31
Employes' passes and badges 93,499 38
Advertising privileges _ 1 , 000 00
Traveling crane receipts 10,219 90
World's Congress auxiliary.. 2,130 37
Receipts in suspense.., 1500
230,529 79
816,985 86
Carried forward , $28,462,075 94
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR.
RECEIPTS, POST-EXPOSITION PERIOD.
341
Brought forward $28,462,07594
GATE RECEIPTS... $31,66650
INTEREST ON DEPOSITS 8,242 12
TRANSPORTATION RECEIPTS:
Switching $ 4,73595
Terminal receipts 28,017 78
32,753 73
POWER AND LIGHT RECEIPTS:
Electric lighting 27 30
Machine shop receipts 76 77
10407
SALVAGE RECEIPTS:
Buildings sold ( miscellaneous
small buildings) 4,00900
Decorations sold 5,46296
Electrical material sold 20,381 76
Engineering implements and
tools sold 1,87700
Floating property sold _ 4,325 00
Fire apparatus sold 10,762 76
Horses, wagons, and harness
sold 10,219 75
Lost and found articles 697 72
Miscellaneous material sold.. 17,02988
Mechanical material sold 37,34406
Plants sold 4515
Railroad material sold 38,631 99
Souvenirs sold 11,04451
Uniforms sold 5,07165
Water and sewerage materials
sold 44,29649
Waterfowl sold 36817
Furniture and fixtures sold.. 27,243 03
238,810 88
WATER AND SEWERAGE RECEIPTS:
Plumbing receipts 17 20
MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS:
First aid for accidents 400
Police service receipts 1,21850
Interest and exchange 41 68
1,264 18
312,858 68
28,774,934 62
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable 3,654 52
Unclaimed wages 8,943 66
. 12,598 18
Total receipts $28,787,532 80
242 APPENDIX " C."
DISBURSEMENTS.
GENERAL AND OPERATING EX-
PENSES:
Accident insurance $ 41 ,618 81
Archaeological and ethnolog-
ical examinations 130, 341 18
Advertising 89,49774
Attendants and laborers 154, 218 17
Badges 5,96489
Carriage hire 1,71642
Chemists 2,45000
Commissions 157,705 53
Concession expenses - 90, 921 66
Dairy expenses 20,082 10
Dedication ceremonies 211 ,182 06
Department superintendents. 44,681 43
Department inspectors 2,042 50
Donations and charities 24,97150
Entertaining guests ...... 9,997 82
Exhibits purchased 32,868 83
Exposition symphony orches-
tra 135,671 10
Experts 13,96696
Freight and express 3,589 11
Freight pilot service 8,147 46
Fire protection 256,444 29
Floricultural gardening 61 ,667 47
Foreign agents 119,28441
Foreign agitation 38,123 17
Freight on exhibits 14,73946
Forage for live stock 12,896 82
Furniture and fixtures 67 ,034 19
Gas 5,96248
Guides 6,54350
Gate expenses 341,73425
Heating offices and buildings 66,521 44
Hire of launches and gondolas 495 00
Horticultural gardening 2,133 89
Ice 4,771 25
Interpreters 55000
Inaugural ceremonies 8,883 12
Incidental expenses _ 2,957 53
Interest and exchange 11 ,829 70
Interest on debenture bonds,
net 200,98077
Insurance 122,05726
Insurance on exhibits 6 , 598 91
Installing exhibits 313,451 53
Janitor service 211,008 56
Laundry work 3,82697
Legal expenses 86,707 70
London agency 13,096 21
Medical and surgical attend-
ance 45,331 34
National agitation 65,116 63
Carried forward $ 3,272,383 12
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR. 343
Brought forward $ 3,272,383 12
Newspapers 9,27439
New York agency 15,281 35
Operating water and sewer-
age - 51,43776
Operating laboratory 608 1 1
Operating electric plant 144,425 61
Operating launches 39,605 89
Operating refrigerating plant 389 95
Operating traveling cranes . _ 522 10
Organ and organ recitals 12,079 50
Operating water supply . 15,891 67
Operating fountains 1 ,148 56
Operating sewerage cleans-
ing works .- 16,21214
Operating Terminal Station . 21,602 58
Operating power plant 416,236 24
Operating railway 112,294 35
Official catalogue 11,321 29
Postage 61,49071
Photographical labor and
material - 6,52887
Pyrotechnical displays 103,141 13
Premiums on live stock 117,332 20
Premiums on employes' bonds 97929
Publications 21,60140
Police protection 1 ,046,352 25
Personal injuries 17,915 29
Public Comfort expenses 29,928 55
Removing debris _ 68,47215
Removing garbage 13,274 30
Removing ice and snow.. 16,10449
Rent of offices 62,84301
Rent of grounds 47,068 98
Repairing bridges _ 1,188 29
Repairing statuary . . . 1 ,076 80
Repairing piers and break-
waters 4,76972
Repairing interior docking ... 6 , 903 57
Repairing fences 2,936 55
Repairing buildings 71 ,295 86
Repairing viaducts 1 ,978 93
Repairs and fittings for
offices and buildings _ 3,400 77
Salaries of clerks 406,154 52
Salaries of officers 341 ,740 49
Secret service _ 119,53701
Sheet music and musical in-
struments 10,28740
Shoe and leather exhibit 18,891 64
Souvenir coin expenses 129,150 54
Services of bands 172,896 25
Superintending grounds and
buildings 33,50479
Stationery and printing 90,28380
Subsistence allowance 17,169 78
Carried forward.... $ 7,186,913 94
344
APPENDIX " C."
Brought forward $ 7,186,913 94
Supplies for offices and build-
ings 10,615 17
Stable expenses. 61 ,746 67
Special legislation 7,323 58
Special attractions 24,493 96
Teaming. 2,22241
Telegrams and cablegrams.. 11,050 71
Telephones 25,62883
Typewriter repairs and sup-
plies 1,56433
Traveling expenses. 28,547 46
Transportation concession-
aires' supplies _ 7,565 53
Uniforms 75,96892
Warehouse expenses 43,713 41
Waterfowl 2,65648
17,490,011 40
Preliminary organization ex-
penses 90,67497
DIVIDENDS:
City of Chicago appropriation 500,000 00
Capital stock (10 per cent) . . . 548,985 00
CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURES :
Accounting Building 36,199 61
Anthropological Building 87,612 02
Administration Building 476 , 627 14
Agricultural Building 699,316 75
Art Building 758,781 98
Art Institute 200,000 00
Architects' fees 39,298 57
Board of Architects 137,351 40
Building implements and
tools 7,18460
Bicycle Court 3,55000
Boiler house 47,01699
Boiler plant 192,67493
Bandstands 10,67131
Bridges 83,34090
Bonded warehouses 14,197 98
Claims and damages 445,100 71
Colonnade and obelisk 101 ,495 36
Clock tower 14,60200
Composing and stereotype
building 2,114 66
Combination booths 10,448 50
Children's Pavilion 130 00
Choral Building 89 ,581 21
Coloring and decorating 382,898 61
Carpenter shop 12,487 39
Dairy Building 27,054 80
Damages to property 8,333 04
Draughtsmen's wages 179,70762
Draughtsmen's materials 15 ,966 74
Dredging, filling, and exca-
vating 615,254 36
Carried forward.. ..$ 4,698,999 18 $8,629,671 37
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR.
Brought forward $ 4,698,999 18 $8,629,671 37
Dairy barns 57,52904
Decorations 121,16246
Electric lights and appliances 81,774 08
Electrical engineering 71 ,758 00
Electricity Building _ _ 447,761 84
Electric plant 1,242,44520
Elevation of Illinois Central
tracks 250,15000
Engineering expenses 61 ,094 48
Engineering implements and
tools 5,86422
Fencing (including ticket
booths and turnstiles) 92,934 07
Fire plant 2,96894
Fire and police houses 78,702 42
Fisheries Building 235,008 29
Filters 10,00000
Floating property 92,700 38
Fountains 140,08076
Forestry Building 83,289 59
Freight sheds 20,053 38
Furniture for buildings 121 ,268 85
Garbage crematory building. 3,182 23
Garden implements and tools 4,680 43
Grand court pavilion 12,375 00
Grounds and buildings office. 102,092 21
Grading and surveying 148,900 15
Hauling material 33,172 XX)
Horses, wagons, harness, etc. 38,405 82
Horticultural implements and
tools 813 97
Horticultural Building 319, 766 46
Interior docking 279,525 28
Intramural water transporta-
tion 75149
Kitchen and storeroom 30,000 00
Live-stock exhibit building .. 67,475 97
Live-stock sheds 85,445 77
Lake front improvement 11,949 68
Landscape office and tool
house 46416
Landscape gardening 493,312 43
Landscape architecture 23,064 27
Machinery Building 1 ,235,982 89
Manufactures Building 1,812,691 64
Maps and plans 31,03523
Marine Cafe 15,000 00
Miscellaneous buildings 13, 545 90
Mechanical engineering. 50,394 49
Mechanical implements and
tools 13,30732
Music Hall, Casino, and Peri-
style (net) 318,012 88
Mines and Mining Building.. 292,94747
Oil storehouse 59808
345
Carried forward.... $13,354,438 40 $8,629,671 37
346 APPENDIX C."
Brought forward.... $13,354,438 40 $8,629,671 37
Office building for Mechanical
and Electrical departments 10,756 76
Oilplant - 33,94205
Paint shop 5,343 28
Piers and breakwaters 308,019 90
Public Comfort Building 27 , 345 75
Police signal boxes . . 11 ,181 01
Perron and train sheds 55,153 04
Power plant 665,79943
Propagating houses - ... 20,095 29
Permanent power, operation
during construction 36,496 63
Pumping station 53,029 94
Reproduction of the Convent
LaRabida ... 25,22556
Runways and cranes, Machin-
ery fialL... 97,51008
Railway tracks 409,501 34
Railway Terminal Station. . _ 236 ,985 71
Real estate 26 20
Right of way. 51,59200
Rockery. Horticultural Build-
ing ' 24046
Roadways and sidewalks .... 396 , 353 24
Silo Building 3,953 00
Sculpture modeling 384,6^8 75
Seats for grounds 14,868 07
Sewerage cleansing works... 57.674 58
Statues. 230,69548
Service stables 7,22002
Storage Building 10,848 46
Superintending construction. 188,548 28
Surveying and examining
sites..! 2,26202
Storage houses for empty
packing cases 61,97820
Saw mill 21,79400
Shoe and Leather Building. _ 93,243 76
Ticket booths and turnstiles
(lagoons).. 26,50349
Temporary buildings 58,933 46
Construction of-
fice.. $10,09634
Stable 3,09153
Hospital 1,19744
Fire engine houses 5 , 1 04 04
Tool houses 91727
Police barracks... 6,16873
Power house 9,278 92
Staff houses 7,24505
Watch houses .... 1 ,099 91
Privies 6,13719
Miscellaneous 8,597 04
Temporary sidewalks and
roadways 17,567 52
Carried forward.... $16, 979, 755 16 $8,629,671 37
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR.
Brought forward.... $16,979,755 16 $ 8,620,671 37
Transportation Building 555 ,037 31
Toilet buildings 8,208 83
Turkish Mosque 2,758 93
Van Buren Street pier 6,426 52
Van Buren Street viaduct 18,136 00
Viaducts, Midway Plaisance _ 19,522 70
Water and sewerage 944,492 20
Water supply 5,32606
Woman's Building 138,803 90
18,678,46761
POST-EXPOSITION EXPENDITURES:
Advertising 235 15
Archaeological and ethnolog-
ical examinations 3,713 48
Attendants and laborers 6,462 89
Board of South Park Commis-
sioners (final settlement). . . 200,000 00
Carriage hire 700
Claims and damages 491 61
Concession expenses . 6, 107 92
Damages to property ._ 1 ,072 16
Department superintendents. 4,735 77
Department inspectors _ 225 00
Draughtsmen's wages 1 ,426 31
Draughtsmen's material 56 12
Experts 76250
Final reports 56,94487
Fire protection 12,045 93
Floricultural gardening 2,345 42
Freight and express 81 05
Freight on exhibits returned. 4,893 76
Furniture and fixtures 123 47
Gas 99790
Gate expenses 7,92353
Grading and surveying 94412
Heating oflfices and buildings 19,566 89
Ice 319 69
Insurance on exhibits returned 160 58
Incidental expenses _ 62 53
Janitor service 38,954 56
Landscape gardening ._ 2,02674
Laundry work 25672
Legal expenses. _ 1,52764
Maps and plans 17710
Mechanical implements and
tools 1,50242
Medical and surgical attend-
ance - 2,49695
Newspapers 1962
Operating electric plant 16,839 17
Operating launches 80025
Operating power plant 52,181 64
Operating railway _ 21 ,590 42
Operating sewerage cleansing
works .. 219 30
347
Carried forward. . . . $470,298 18 $27,308,138 98
348
APPENDIX " C."
Brought forward $470,298 18 $27,308,138 98
Operating Terminal Station. 3,214 33
Operating water and sewer-
age... 9,40444
Operating water supply 5 , 387 99
Personal in j uries 985 90
Police protection 133,590 58
Postage - 1,85662
Premiums on employes' bonds 185 58
Preserving and repairing prop-
erty 7,70728
Relaying tracks 3,009 86
Removing buildings (miscel-
laneous small buildings)... 971 04
Removing debris _ 606 07
Removing electric plant 30,603 54
Removing exhibits _ 63,745 91
Removing fences - 314 36
Removing garbage _ 2,761 64
Removing statues 69 25
Removing power plant 64,459 77
Removing tracks _ 893 20
Removing ice and snow - 291 60
Removing water and sewer-
ageplant.. 4,57385
Rent of grounds. 17,931 02
Rent of offices 9,49709
Repairing bridges 201 87
Repairing buildings 18,062 25
Repairing fences 634 12
Repairing fountains , _ 53 73
Repairing interior docking... 647 62
Repairing piers and break-
waters .. 99594
Repairing statuary 3,027 93
Repairing viaducts _ 201 87
Repairs and fittings for offices
and buildings 2,023 35
Roadways and sidewalks 2,592 09
Salaries of clerks 51,742 60
Salaries of officers _ 25,608 10
Secret service 9,60536
Salvage expenses 6,198 68
Seats for grounds 7202
Stable expenses _ 16,487 88
Stationery and printing 2,918 88
Storage on exhibits 2 65
Subsistence allowance _ 1 ,538 52
Supplies for offices and build-
ings 1,117 75
Superintending grounds and
buildings 14,376 28
Teaming 391 75
Telegrams and cablegrams ._ 157 77
Telephones 1,29928
Temporary buildings 694 96
Carried forward.... $993,012 35 $27,308,138 98
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR. 349
Brought forward. . . . $993,012 35 $27,308,138 98
Temporary sidewalks and
roadways 2202
Traveling expenses _ _ 699 21
Typewriter repairs and sup-
plies 17933
Warehouse expenses 38,596 05
Waterfowl 5250
1,032,561 46
Total disbursements $28,340,70044
Total receipts from all sources $28,787,532 80
Total disbursements _. 28,340,700 44
Balance $ 446,83236
The total expenditures to date have been twenty-eight
million three hundred and forty thousand seven hundred
dollars and forty-four cents ($28,340,700.44).
The World's Columbian Exposition 6 per cent debenture
bonds principal ($4,444,500) is not shown in this report, it
having been paid in full and account closed.
ASSETS..
COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING:
IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE
Cash in Chicago banks $425,99860
C. V. Barrington, petty cash 100 00
$426,098 60
AVAILABLE IN THE FUTURE
Chemical National Bank $11,16860
Bills receivable 6,953 91
World's Columbian Commission, their pro-
portion of expenses 2,61125
20,733 76
$446,832 36
NET ASSETS, as per condensed balance sheet
(page 350) $434,234 18
ESTIMATED LIABILITIES, account of unadjusted
claims... 150,00000
Balance NET ASSETS $284,23418
350 APPENDIX "C."
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET, 30TH JUNE, 1895.
Preliminary organi-
zation $ 90,67497
General and operat-
ing expenses 7,490,011 40
Construction expen-
ditures ! 18,678,46761
Post - Exposition ex-
penses!. 1,032,56146
City of Chicago (divi-
dend account) 500,000 00
10 per cent dividend. 548,985 00
Assets ...$446,832 36
Liabilities, 12,59818
Net assets
. 434,234 18
$28,774,934 62
Capital stock $ 5,617,154 33
City of Chicago 5,000,000 00
Souvenir coins and
premiums on same. 2,446,680 43
Gate receipts 10,618,70772
Concession receipts. 3,894,45710
Interest 68,09050
General receipts 816,98586
Post - Exposition re-
ceipts 312,85868
$28,774,934 62
EXPENDITURES TO 30TH JUNE, 1895.
DISTRIBUTED BY DEPARTMENTS.
Pre-Exposition
and Exposition.
Post-Exposition.
Total.
Admissions
$ 352,232 88
$ 9,887 45
$ 362,120 33
Agriculture
85,566 20
8,161 88
93,728 08
Auditing ...
82,076 28
23,708 67
105,784 95
Ceremonies
315,366 45
12780
315,494 25
Charities and Corrections..
Commissioner-at-Large
4,852 95
5,682 43
10559
4,958 54
5,682 43
Collections
90,921 31
7,252 62
98,173 93
Council of Administration _
Construction .
29,815 95
18,801,117 74
59105
30,407 00
18,801,117 74
Custodian
2 191 77
2,191 77
Director-general (office em-
ployes and expenses)
Electricity
24,579 77
42,690 69
9,147 87
4,417 89
33,727 64
47,108 58
Ethnology
131,266 86
9,092 33
140,359 19
Executive
125 215 89
4 324 11
129 540 00
Family Dormitory Asso-
ciation . .
30256
30256
Functions ... ...
127,580 98
1877
127,599 75
Fire
256,492 04
12,069 83
268,561 87
Finance Committee
1,378,14810
200,000 00
1,578,148 10
Fish and Fisheries
30,132 53
4,793 01
34,925 54
Fine Arts
105,923 80
15,648 74
121,57254
Carried forward
$21,989,96541
$311,53938
$22,301,50479
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR.
EXPENDITURES TO 30TH JUNE, IMS Continued.
DISTRIBUTED BY DEPARTMENTS.
351
Pre-Exposition
and Exposition.
Post- Exposition.
Total.
Brought forward
$21 989 965 41
$311 539 38
$22 301 504 79
Floriculture .
71 497 48
2 411 93
73 909 41
Forestry-
13,111 77
1 356 49
14 468 26
Foreign Affairs
218,009 91
99780
219 007 71
Grounds and Buildings
Committee
12,864 01
12 864 01
Horticulture _
34,497 66
4,678 84
39 176 50
Hygiene and Sanitation...
2,926 82
337,649 34
51497
39998
3,441 79
338 04932
Insurance Auxiliary
165 682 78
303 38
165 986 16
Liberal Arts
33,616 08
4,324 29
37 940 37
Livestock
154,382 26
2,397 78
156 780 04
Lecral
58,205 47
1 575 04
59 780 51
48,475 99
7,68002
56 156 01
Manufactures
81,356 57
9,816 96
91 173 53
Marine
55,566 61
80025
56 366 86
Medical
46,112 34
3,171 80
49 284 14
Mines and Mining.
61,85491
6,889 76
68,744 67
Music
386,786 90
2,056 53
388 84343
National and State exhibits
55,317 00
55,317 00
Pomology
2,378 89
1500
2,393 89
Police
1,224,504 29
145,698 59
1 370 202 88
Press and Printing
12,195 91
12,195 91
Publicity and Promotion..
Public Comfort
191,483 54
29,928 55
74800
15055
192,231 54
30,079 10
Shoe and Leather.
24,587 33
49235
25,079 68
Secretary _
61,17304
12,915 3^
74,088 38
Transportation exhibits
Traffic manager
69,636 81
17,129 27
7,129 58
76,766 39
17,129 27
Treasurer
121,780 38
17 418 41
139,198 79
United States agent
9494
9494
Viticulture
3,311 82
20978
3,521 60
Ways and Means
181,01604
3,261 58
184,277 62
Woman's
21,81932
3,041 26
24,860 58
Woman's Dormitory Asso-
ciation
20489
20489
World's Congress Auxili-
ary
76,750 26
1,182 33
77,932 59
Operating .. _ _ ..
1,262,39943
1,262,39943
Guides
7,00735
7,007 35
New York agency
15,283 45
15,283 45
479,295 44
479,295 44
Miscellaneous
66,899 19
8805
66,987 24
Preliminary organization
expenses . .........
90,674 97
90,674 97
Total expenses (as shown
on page 349)
$27,308,138 98
$1,032,561 46
$28,340,700 44
352
APPENDIX " C."
THE TOTAL EXPENDITURES TO JULY i, 1895, BOTH CONSTRUCTION AND
GENERAL CONSOLIDATED, AND INCLUDING IN EACH CASE COST OF
BUILDINGS ERECTED FOR SPECIAL USE, MAY BE GROUPED AS FOLLOWS :
AGRICULTURAL EXHIBIT. Agricultural Building and re-
pairs, general expenses _ $748,911 97
ANTHROPOLOGY AND ETHNOLOGY EXHIBIT. Anthropolog-
ical Building and repairs, archaeological and ethno-
logical examinations, general expenses 228,062 54
ARCHITECTURE. Architects' fees, Board of Architects,
draughtmen's wages, and material, maps, and plans 405,019 09
ART EXHIBIT. Galleries of Fine Arts and repairs, exhibits
purchased, expenses of department _ 837,756 35
BRIDGES. Bridges and repairs 84,731 06
CEREMONIES. Dedication and inaugural, entertaining
guests, invitations, general expenses _ 258,469 69
COLORING AND DECORATING. Exterior and interior paint-
ing and decorating, paint shop and repairs, general
expenses 388,30465
CONCESSION EXPENSES. Salaries of officers and clerks,
ticket booths and turnstiles at lagoons, uniforms,
general expenses _ 132,24295
DAIRY. Dairy Building and repairs, operating refrigerat-
ing plant, general expenses 106,817 70
DAMAGES. Personal injuries, claims and damages, dam-
ages to property _ 472,830 36
DECORATIONS. Interior and exterior decorations, general
expenses.. 123,60081
DIVIDENDS. City of Chicago appropriation _. _ 500 , 000 00
Capital stock (10 per cent) 548,98500
DONATIONS AND CHARITIES. Families of firemen, etc. 24,971 50
DREDGING. Dredging, excavating, filling, rent of ma-
chines _ 615,25436
ELECTRICAL EXHIBIT. Electricity Building and repairs,
general expenses 475,31299
ELECTRIC PLANT. Construction, operating, and removal
of plant, cost of office building, general expenses 1,592,908 38
ENGINEERING, GRADING, AND SURVEYING. Wages, imple-
ments, and tools, surveys and examinations, grades
and surveys, general expenses _ 219,110 74
FENCING. Construction and repairs 96,819 10
FINANCE. Interests, commissions, souvenir coin expenses,
treasurer's department, general expenses 599,862 34
FIRE PROTECTION. Engine houses, wages of firemen, fire
plant, rent of apparatus, extinguishers, chemicals,
general expenses.. 311,24671
FISHERIES EXHIBIT. Fisheries Building, repairs on same,
general expenses _ 261,00815
FOREIGN AGENTS. London agency, traveling agents
abroad, foreign agitation, general expenses 228,271 84
FORESTRY EXHIBIT. Forestry Building, saw-mill, repairs,
general expenses 111,15951
FURNITURE FOR BUILDINGS. Furniture, tools, implements,
general expenses _ _ 128,352 03
GATE EXPENSES. Salaries of officers, clerks, ticket sellers,
and gatemen, uniforms 364,38385
Carried forward $9,864,39365
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR.
353
Brought forward $ 9,864,39365
GENERAL EXPENSES. Salaries, advertising, postage, rents,
gas, ice, incidentals, heating offices, legal expenses,
newspapers, stationery and printing, telegrams, tele-
phones, traveling expenses, Accounting and Adminis-
tration Building 1,479,52902
GROUNDS. Superficial work on same, such as removing
debris, garbage, ice and snow, hauling material,
seats, toilet buildings, fountains, South Park Com-
missioners' final settlement. 707,258 28
HORTICULTURAL AND FLORICULTURAL EXHIBIT. Horticul-
tural Building, heating, repairs, implements and tools,
greenhouses, gardening, general expenses 464,878 68
INSTALLING AND REMOVING EXHIBITS. Installing exhibits,
freight on loan exhibits, bonded warehouse, storage
houses for packing-cases, and removing exhibits 592,907 06
INSURANCE. Insurance on buildings and exhibits, accident
insurance _ 172,135 35
JANITORS. Janitors, attendants, messengers, uniforms,
guides _ 383,92975
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. Landscape architecture, imple-
ments and tools, gardening, propagating house, gen-
eral expenses 555,59300
LIVE-STOCK EXHIBIT. Live-stock building, sheds, repairs,
silo building, premiums, forage, general expenses 299,238 33
MACHINERY EXHIBIT. Machinery Building, repairs, gen-
eral expenses 1,272,936 99
MANUFACTURES AND LIBERAL ARTS EXHIBIT. Manufac-
tures and Liberal Arts Building, repairs, clock tower,
general expenses _ 1,904,97671
MARINE. Operating launches, waterfowl, floating prop-
erty, general expenses 139,30258
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL. Surgeons, physicians, nurses,
medicine, temporary hospital, general expenses 49,248 05
MINES AND MINING EXHIBIT. Mines Building, repairs,
operating laboratory, general expenses _ 333,443 26
Music. Services of bands, symphony orchestra, music
hall, choral building, band stands, sheet music, organ
and organ recitals, general expenses 607,377 75
NATIONAL AGITATION. Agitation, legislation, outside
agencies 87,72366
PIERS AND BREAKWATERS. Piers, breakwater, interior
docking, repairs _ 607,28855
POLICE PROTECTION. Guards, secret service, signal boxes,
barracks, uniforms, police stations, general expenses. 1,418,061 38
POWER PLANT. Construction, operation and removal of
power plant, boiler plant, runways and traveling
cranes, general expenses _.'. _ 1,582,614 77
PRELIMINARY ORGANIZATION. Expenses prior to legal
organization 90,67497
PUBLIC COMFORT. Public Comfort Building, repairs, gen-
eral expenses - 163,281 49
RAILWAY TRANSPORTATION. Railway tracks, right of way,
rent of grounds, perron and train sheds, terminal
station, repairs, operation, elevation of Illinois Central
tracks, general expenses 1,353,36935
Carried forward $24,130,16263
23
354
APPENDIX " C"
Brought forward ,.. $24,130,162 63
REPRODUCTION OF CONVENT OF LA RABIDA. Building,
repairs, installation, general expenses __ 25,009 16
ROADWAYS AND SIDEWALKS. Roadways, sidewalks, tem-
porary walks and drives, maintenance 416,50127
SCULPTURE. Modeling, statues, colonnade and obelisk,
peristyle, tools, staff houses, repairs, general expenses. 863,554 25
SHOE AND LEATHER EXHIBIT. Shoe and Leather Building,
repairs, contribution, general expenses 113,819 30
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS. Pyrotechnical displays, outdoor
concerts, entertainments 127,635 09
STABLE EXPENSES. Horses, wagons, harness, shoeing,
feed, bedding, buildings, repairs, general expenses. 125,400 41
SUPERINTENDENCE AND INSPECTION. Superintendents, in-
spectors, experts, general expenses 302,523 51
TRANSPORTATION EXHIBIT. Transportation Building, re-
pairs, general expenses 602,561 63
VIADUCTS. Van Buren Street, Midway Plaisance, and
repairs 39,83950
WATER AND SEWERAGE. Construction, operation, and
removal of plant, pumping station, sewerage cleans-
ing works, niters, general expenses 1,180,520 43
WOMAN'S BUILDING. Woman's Building, repairs, general
expenses 145,68019
WORLD'S CONGRESS AUXILIARY. Rent of Art Building,
general expenses 267,49305
$28,340,700 44
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENSES CONDUCTING THE EXPOSITION,
FROM IST MAY TO 3 IST OCTOBER, 1893.
MONTH.
Receipts.
Expenses.
Net.
May
June
July
August
September
October..
616,14061
1,647,64444
1,967,19484
2,337,856 25
3,169,938 92
4,456,870 33
593,757 20
630,595 20
598,319 97
569,798 12
537,566 92
541,167 20
22,383 41
1,017,049 24
1,368,87487
1,768,05813
2,632,372 00
3,915,703 13
$14,195,645 39
$3,471,20461
$10,724,440 78
Average receipts per day (exclusive of Sundays), $89,845 85
Average expenses per day (exclusive of Sundays), 21,969 64
In arriving at the foregoing result no account, of course,
has been taken of construction expenses, but only such
charges as were applicable to the management of the Expo-
sition during the six months of its continuance were con-
sidered. Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM K. ACKERMAN,
CHAS. V. BARRINGTON, Auditor.
Ass't Auditor.
APPENDIX "D."
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS.
CHICAGO, January i, 1895.
HARLOW N. HIGINBOTHAM,
President World's Columbian Exposition.
SIR:
I have the honor to submit the following as the final
report of the Department of Admissions of the World's
Columbian Exposition :
The position of superintendent of the Department of
Admissions was tendered me by the Bureau of Admissions
and Collections of the World's Columbian Exposition and
accepted on December 27, 1892. My department was to
be under the control of this Bureau of Admissions and
Collections, which was a committee consisting of Edward
B. Butler, chairman; Harlow N. Higinbotham, Ferdinand W.
Peck, Anthony F. Seeberger, and William K. Ackerman.
Under the supervision of this bureau my department was
organized and equipped for the work in hand. The general
questions of policy and the systems to be adopted were
determined by me in consultation with the bureau. Long
and frequent meetings were held, and I desire to express
my deep sense of obligation to each member of the bureau
for their patience and their careful consideration of the
necessities of my work. On June 24, 1893, the Bureau of
Admissions and Collections was abolished by a vote of the
Board of Directors, and the superintendent of Admissions
thereafter received his instructions direct from yourself as
chairman of the Council of Administration. This change,
while in the direction of a closer and better organization,
(355)
356 APPENDIX /?."
was more apparent than real, from the fact that it had
been the aim of everyone in any way connected with the
department to keep in close touch with the Council of
Administration and to work in the interest of harmony, to
the end that good business methods might always obtain.
The department which I was called upon to organize was
expected to perform an enormous work. It would seem that
the time allowed me was perilously short; the same, however,
was true to an equal or greater extent of every branch of
the Exposition's work. An office was established immedi-
ately at Jackson Park, and no time was lost in looking the
ground over and making the necessary preparations. In the
four months elapsing between my engagement and the date
fixed for the opening of the Exposition it was necessary to
perfect arrangements for ticket booths and entrance gates,
fix upon a system of admission tickets for the enormous
attendance which was expected, arrange for the printing of
such tickets, and also for a system of free admissions for
those entitled to this courtesy and those whose business
brought them within the Exposition grounds, either as
employes under the administration or as exhibitors. These
and a multitude of other questions connected with the
engagement of a force of ticket sellers, ticket takers, inspect-
ors, and office employes, all to be of such a character that
reliance could be placed in their integrity and intelligence,
were among the things which engaged the attention of the
superintendent and of the Bureau of Admissions and Col-
lections.
ENTRANCES.
Booths and entrances had been constructed at Jackson
Park for the purpose of experimenting with the visitors who
came to the Exposition grounds during the construction
period. The entrances were of the zigzag pattern. The
ticket then in use was perforated through the middle. The
purchaser, on entering the grounds, presented his ticket to
the first ticket taker, who tore off one-half, depositing it in
the box and allowing the purchaser to pass on with the
remainder of the ticket through the zigzag to the other end,
where the second ticket taker took the balance of the ticket-
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS.
357
and deposited it in his can. At close of business the contents
of the two cans should agree. The first ticket taker was
hidden from the second, and either one could be relieved
from duty by a third ticket taker without the knowledge of
the other, by which means it was expected that collusion
between ticket takers might be guarded against. This sys-
tem might possibly have answered well for a smaller crowd,
but could not have been satisfactorily operated during any
of the crowded days which we experienced. The entire
experimental system was therefore discarded and, in accord-
ance with recommendations made by me to the bureau on
January 2ist, after consultation with the Department of
Works which recommendations the bureau approved and
instructed me to carry into effect a new set of booths and
entrances was constructed. These entrances and booths
were located as follows :
Cornell Avenue and Fifty-sixth Street.
Fifty-seventh Street and Stony Island Avenue.
Fifty-ninth Street and Stony Island Avenue.
Sixtieth Street and Stony Island Avenue.
Madison Avenue (north side of Midway Plaisance).
Woodlawn Avenue (north side of Midway Plaisance).
Cottage Grove Avenue (east end of Midway Plaisance).
Woodlawn Avenue (south side of Midway Plaisance).
Madison Avenue (south side of Midway Plaisance).
Sixty-second Street and Stony Island Avenue.
Sixty-fourth Street and Stony Island Avenue.
Sixty -fifth Street and Stony Island Avenue.
Sixty-seventh Street and Stony Island Avenue.
"Alley L" Terminal.
Terminal Railroad Station.
Casino Pier.
North Pier.
Palmer Avenue.
In arranging for ticket booths at the Terminal Station
and the Casino Pier, the plans of these structures were
found to be of such magnitude that it was necessary for this
department to follow them. Excursion trains were expected
from outlying sections within a night's ride of Jackson
Park, and these, it had been thought, would crowd the
Terminal Station with visitors coming direct to the park
358 APPENDIX "/?."
for a single visit, returning to their homes at night. This
expectation was not realized, and the strictly "excursion"
business could have been handled in a much smaller com-
pass. The Baltimore & Ohio and Chicago & Northern
Pacific roads ran trains into this station from the Grand
Central Depot and from suburbs on the west side of the
city, and for some time this was the only use to which the
station was put. Later the Illinois Central Railroad ran
their World's Fair trains into this station, so that persons
coming from the heart of the city by these trains could
leave them and enter Jackson Park either at Sixtieth Street
(Midway Plaisance), Sixty-third Street (Woodlawn), or at
the Terminal Station, according as they desired to visit the
northern, central, or southern portions of the Exposition
grounds. From this time on the Terminal Station received
a large share of business and proved a great convenience,
but, except on one or two occasions, when the crowd at the
park was of such magnitude that it would have congested
whatever facilities might have been provided, the accommo-
dations at this station were far in excess of the demand.
At the Casino Pier it was necessary to have booths and
entrances at both sides in order that boats might be pro-
tected from winds and storms, and, on account of the large
patronage expected by water, the pier was built of great
length and a large number of entrances constructed. It was
seldom, however, that a large number of these were in use
at any one time.
Soon after the Exposition opened, new booths and en-
trances were established on Fifty-ninth and Sixtieth streets,
where the tracks of the Illinois Central Railroad cross the
Midway Plaisance, so that persons leaving the Illinois Cen-
tral trains or electric cars at these points could enter the
grounds at once instead of walking to the entrances on Stony
Island Avenue. This was necessitated by the popularity of
the Midway Plaisance, which was greater than had been
generally anticipated.
Six ticket offices were opened at Van Buren Street and
Michigan Avenue, on the approach to the viaduct leading
over the Illinois Central tracks, for the purpose of ticketing
visitors in the city before they took trains for the park, thus
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 359
relieving the congestion which might be expected at the
ticket offices located at the entrances to the park.
Arrangements were made for ticket booths in the sub-
urban stations of the Illinois Central Railroad at Twenty-
second, Thirty-sixth, Thirty-ninth, and Forty-third streets,
with the same general purpose of relieving congestion at the
gates. In making this arrangement, however, the depart-
ment was in ignorance of the fact that 100,000 tickets of
admission were to be delivered to the Illinois Central Rail-
road Company on May i, 1893, as a part of the consideration
for which this company agreed to elevate its tracks in the
vicinity of Jackson Park. There was some understanding
or expectation that these tickets would not be sold in the
city, but sent to agents outside of the city for sale, instead of
which most, if not all, of the tickets were sold at stations on
the suburban system, and thus our suburban station ticket
offices proved of little use to us.
Ticket offices were located in the Sherman, Grand Pacific,
Auditorium and Auditorium Annex hotels, McClurg's book-
store, and Chase & Company's piano store all with the idea
of preventing congestion at the gates. The expense of
maintaining these agencies was nominal and the result
entirely satisfactory. No arrangements were made with the
4< Alley L " road for the sale of tickets, but the plan of the
" Alley L " terminal station in Jackson Park afforded ample
facilities for caring for all visitors coming by that line.
It would have been preferable and in the interest of
economy had the ticket booths at the main entrances been
located upon one side instead of both sides of the wagon
gates, but the wagon gates were already a fixture, and the
department was obliged to adapt itself to the situation.
The ticket booths were roomy, comfortable, and of pleasing
design. Much trouble was experienced in securing electric
light for some weeks after the Exposition opened, but this
service was gradually improved.
The service of the Illinois Central Railroad, with its two
tracks for suburban business and two for trains running
without stopping between Van Buren Street and Jackson
Park, made it possible to bring trains to the park every five
minutes, and oftener less, proving a source of great revenue
360 APPENDIX ".>."
to that company and swelling the attendance to the Exposi-
tion; also contributing in a large degree to the comfort and
satisfaction of the patrons of the railroad and of the Expo-
sition.
The World's Fair Steamship Company also did good
service, and owing to the exceptionally fine weather which
prevailed during most of the Exposition season, were ena-
bled to run boats as advertised, maintaining their schedule
with considerable regularity, and landing large numbers of
people at the North Pier and the Casino Pier.
The terminal station of the "Alley L" road was con-
structed over the roof of the annex of the Transportation
Building, from whence visitors found their way down flights
of stairs into the Exposition grounds. There were three
broad flights, the central one for exit purposes, and those on
either side for entrances. The ticket booths and entrances
were located at the bottom of the two side flights of stairs.
The terminal of the road on the roof above had two stubs.
The visitors dismounting from trains on one stub entered
the grounds down one of these side flights, and those dis-
mounting on the other stub used the other flight. The mid-
dle flight, used for exit purposes, was a source of some
apprehension for a time, as the exit gates were located at
the top of the staircase, and in times of congestion the
stairs would be crowded with visitors waiting for trains.
The staircases were carefully and strongly built, and fre-
quent tests revealed no weakness, but all danger from con-
gestion was soon removed by locating exit gates at the
bottom of the flight and preventing large crowds from
standing on the steps.
TICKETS.
Previous to the organization of the Bureau of Admis-
sions and Collections the use of the 5o-cent silver coin as
a ticket of admission to the grounds was strongly advo-
cated, the precedent of its use at the Centennial Exhibition
and the strong terms in which it was commended by the
general manager of admissions at that exhibition being
among the arguments in its favor. Also it was urged that
by this means the expense of printing and handling tickets
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 361
would be avoided, besides which the Exposition would
have a ticket the penalty for counterfeiting which would be
far more serious than in the case of a printed ticket. It had
for some time been assumed that the coin system would be
adopted in preference to the ticket system, but as time went
on other reasons became apparent which led to the adoption
of the ticket system, consisting of a series of finely engraved
tickets which would be desirable as souvenirs and a series
of cheap tickets which could be rapidly procured at small
cost and which could be changed at any day almost at
any hour to guard against the danger of counterfeiting.
By this means the expense of locating money-changers at
all entrances to make exact change and of counting and
arranging coins for the bank avoided. The ticket was
to be deposited in the hopper and mutilated by the same
motion with which the ticket taker admitted the visitor
through the turnstile. The mutilated ticket remained as a
check on the register and also on the ticket seller. Tickets
of a neat engraved design, offered by the American Bank
Note Company of New York, were accepted. These tickets
were about the size of the old United States fractional
currency notes, bearing the signature of the president and
treasurer of the World's Columbian Exposition. They were
in four series, distinguished from each other by the vignettes.
A vignette portrait of Columbus was used for one series, a
typical American Indian for the second, Washington for
the third, and Lincoln for the fourth. These tickets were
numbered consecutively and placed in packages of 100
each, strapped both ways, and shipped in bundles of 5,000
each. Six millions of these tickets were ordered, 1,500,000
of each series. The paper used was a certain prepared
paper used by the United States Government for the print-
ing of bonds, and the American Bank Note Company first
secured the consent of the United States Treasurer before
using it for Exposition purposes. The paper had a peculiar
mottled appearance, which could be discovered by holding
it to the light, and the spots could also be felt with the
hands. As only 6,000,000 of the souvenir tickets were
ordered it will be apparent that the bureau intended to
rely for the bulk of admissions upon the cheaper form of
362 APPENDIX "Z>."
ticket. This was a plain ticket, having but little ornamen-
tation, bearing upon its face the signatures of the president
and treasurer and upon its back a scroll of geometric lathe
work. The cost of this ticket was only about one-eighth
of that of the souvenir ticket, and it was changed daily,
the ticket being good for admission only on the day of
sale. They were furnished by Rand, McNally & Co., under
a bid made by them to the Bureau of Admissions and Col-
lections. The various series were distinguished by letters of
the alphabet in connection with numbers, as for example:
A, i A, 2 A, B, i B, 2 B, etc. Twenty-five millions of these
tickets were ordered as follows:
Forty packages, 300,000 tickets 12,000,000
Thirty packages, 200,000 tickets 6,000,000
Twenty packages, 150,000 tickets 3,000,000
Forty packages, 100,000 tickets 4,000,000
Total 25,000,000
It will be seen from the foregoing that the Exposition
had two forms of general admission tickets on sale, the first
being the elaborate engraved ticket, good for admission to
the Exposition on any day, and the second being the inex-
pensive ticket sold at the gates and good only on day of sale.
The latter was of a style which changed with each day of the
Exposition, to prevent counterfeiting ; the former was so
carefully made as to almost defy counterfeiting. The advan-
tage expected from the use of the engraved ticket was that
many of them would be retained as souvenirs and never
presented at the gates, thus netting a considerable amount
to the Exposition over and above the actual number of cash
admissions. This expectation was realized to a considerable
extent, for many more tickets were sold than were presented
at the gates for admission, and a large portion of the surplus
of engraved tickets remaining at the close of the Exposition
were subsequently disposed of as souvenirs.
TURNSTILES.
The problems connected with the adoption of a ticket
were intimately associated with the form of entrance and
manner of entering the park by the visitors. Various turn-
stiles were under consideration during the time the ticket
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 363
question was being discussed, the aim being to secure for our
use a stile which would give a complete register of every
person passing through the gates, whether by complimentary
pass, employes' pass, or ticket, and, if possible, to so deface
and destroy tickets as to prevent their being used again.
Turnstiles and choppers were presented for consideration
which, if accepted, would have required the services of two
men ; others presented a combination turnstile and chopper
which could be operated by one man. The shortness of the
time remaining proved a serious obstacle in this matter. By
the middle of February several parties whose turnstiles were
on exhibition withdrew them, claiming that the time was too
short in which to fill the contract, if awarded them. The
Department of Works advertised for bids for renting turn-
stiles and choppers during the period from May ist to Octo-
ber 3oth, inclusive, and on March gth a contract was awarded
to the Casper Automatic Gate Company, Limited, of New
Orleans, for 350 turnstiles and choppers at a rental basis.
Under this contract the Casper Company was obliged to
furnish satisfactory turnstiles and choppers combined, to-
gether with the register, cans for the reception of the tickets,
and locks for the doors connected with the stiles all to be
in place in satisfactory order by May ist. Delays in trans-
portation and switching from the city into the terminal
yards, caused by the severe congestion of traffic incident to
the Exposition, rendered it impossible for the company to
fulfill this contract satisfactorily. Other causes, mostly
beyond the control of the contracting company, added to
this delay. The stiles were, however, finally put in place,
and proved satisfactory. The mutilation of the ticket by the
chopper was too great, however, and prevented our obtaining
the actual attendance, therefore the chopper was discon-
tinued in July, and after that the tickets were not mutilated
at all. The register, which had been accepted as satisfactory
and guaranteed as reliable when the contract was awarded,
proved to be the reverse. It was found necessaiy to remove
them and substitute the " Davis " register, and after July
26th very few complaints were heard on account of the
register. After that date the register, unless pronounced
out of order, gave us the actual number that passed through
364 APPENDIX ">."
the gate. The party who held the contract for the turnstile
kept a sufficient force of skilled mechanics upon the grounds
to look over every gate at night and adjust any defects that
might be found.
PASSES.
Next in importance to the establishment of a safe system
of paid admissions and proper regulations and equipment at
the gates was the question of free admission. It was appar-
ent from the outset that an enormous number of persons
would be entitled to free admission. This number was
expected to be out of all proportion to that of the Centennial
and greater than that of the Paris Exposition of 1889. It
was accepted as a foregone conclusion that many would
secure free admission who were not entitled to it, and that
employes' passes would be abused ; the problem was simply
to minimize this abuse. The photographic pass system in
use at both of the expositions mentioned was adopted with
some changes. At the Centennial the ticket used was in the
form of a book cover. Inside a space was set apart for each
day of the exhibition, with the date engraved therein. This
pass bore the photograph of the person entitled to use it,
and the ticket was punched when the bearer entered the
grounds. We adopted a pass in the form of a book bearing
the photograph and also the autograph of the person entitled
to use it on the inside of the cover. The book was made up
of coupons bearing the date of the days upon which the
Exposition was open, and a coupon was detached when the
bearer entered the grounds. The theory of the Bureau of
Admissions and Collections in adopting the photographic
pass system was that its use should be practically universal
among all those entitled to free admission, excepting those
whose official position demanded recognition by the Exposi-
sition, viz., the President and Vice-President of the United
States, members of the Cabinet, justices of the Supreme
Court of the United States, members of Congress, etc. Being
less liable to abuse by transfer than a simple card of admis-
sion, the bureau sought to enforce the use of this pass for
the great bulk of the free admissions. For this purpose
those high in official authority under the Exposition Com-
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 365
pany, the National Commission, or the various foreign com-
missioners were asked to use this photographic pass in order
to strengthen the bureau in its endeavor to enforce the use
of this pass generally. In most cases this plan was concurred
in and approved of, and photographic passes were issued to
the president and directors of the Exposition, the officers of
the National Commission, and the officers of the various for-
eign commissions. In some quarters opposition to it arose,
and occasionally some one would feel it an indignity
to be compelled to identify himself by a photograph in
order to enter the grounds. Where this opposition was
encountered it was usually impossible to overcome it by any
argument, and much embarrassment was caused thereby.
Patience and considerable firmness, however, enabled us to
bring about the use of this pass in most cases, even where
there was no danger of abuse by transfer, thus giving us the
example which we desired, and enabling us to compel the
use of the photographic pass among the great mass of those
entering the grounds for business purposes in connection
with exhibits, concessions, the press, etc.
A complimentary card of admission was issued to the
principal officers of the United States Government, the
Diplomatic Corps, and the Governors of the States and Ter-
ritories of the United States. The following is the rule
adopted by the Board of Directors of the World's Columbian
Exposition and approved by the World's Columbian Com-
mission, governing free admission to the Exposition grounds :
Complimentary tickets shall be issued to those whose official position
demands recognition by the Exposition, viz., to the President and Vice-
President of the United States; members of the Cabinet; justices of the
Supreme Court of the United States; members of Congress of the United
States and the chief officers thereof; the Diplomatic Corps; Governors of
the States and Territories of the United States; the mayor of the city of
Chicago and the members of its council; the members of the World's
Columbian Commission and their alternates ; the Board of Directors of
the World's Columbian Exposition and ex-directors thereof; the members
of the Board of Lady Managers and their alternates; the members of the
State and Territorial World's Fair boards; members of the Board of
Control and Management of the United States Government Exhibit ;
foreign commissioners and their secretaries; judges and jurors of awards;
all the executive officers of the Exposition; all the custom house officers,
clerks, and employes connected with the United States Treasury Depart-
366 APPENDIX ">."
ment in the service of the Secretary of the Treasury within the Exposi-
tion grounds; to the members of the Board of South Park Commissioners;
one each to a representative of the principal and most prominent news-
papers of this and foreign countries; certain members of the police and
fire departments of the city of Chicago, and to any other person or per-
sons who may be adjudged to be entitled to a complimentary pass by the
president of the World's Columbian Exposition, the president of the
World's Columbian Commission, and the director-general. In all cases
where a pass is issued upon the request of the president of the World's
Columbian Commission, the president of the World's Columbian Exposi-
tion, or the director-general, such pass shall bear the signature of such
officer who makes the application therefor.
All persons who may be actually employed by the World's Columbian
Commission and by the World's Columbian Exposition, and all necessary
employes of World's Fair State boards in connection with the work of
the Exposition, shall be given free passes to the grounds during their
respective terms of service.
Each exhibitor shall be entitled to one pass, provided his presence is
required during the installation of his exhibit and the time same is on
exhibition. Such attendants and employes as are necessarily and regu-
larly required for the care of each exhibit respectively, whose services are
paid for by the exhibitor, shall be entitled to free admission.
One free pass shall be issued to each person, firm, or corporation
who has been granted a concession by the World's Columbian Exposition,
and all the necessary servants and employes of such concessionists shall
be admitted free to the Exposition grounds.
The full term photographic pass-book provided for 183
admissions, one for each day of the Exposition, and, in addi-
tion, monthly photographic pass books were prepared to be
issued to employes of a transient character whose service
was liable to terminate during the current month. These
books were consecutively numbered, and were encased in a
leatherette cover or pocket. The American Bank Note
Company secured the contract for the photographic pass-
books, their design meeting with approval and the price
being below all other bids. The contract called for 40,000
full term and 20,000 monthly books, but the latter was in-
creased later on to 40,000, besides 10,000 not numbered, to
take the place of books lost or canceled. In the case of
monthly books, when the coupons for one month were ex-
hausted, if the person was entitled to admission for another
month, a pad containing coupons for the succeeding month
was delivered to him by the department, to be slipped into
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 367
the old pass cover and used as before. A charge of $i was
made for all full term photographic passes, to cover the cost
of printing and issuing same.
The complimentary cards of admission were engraved
and printed for the Exposition by the American Bank Note
Company without charge, for which the thanks of the bureau
were tendered to the officers of the company.
The photographic pass was intended to cover the bulk
of admissions to the Exposition, but, in addition to those
whose official position was such as to render it not proper
to require a photograph, there was a large class consisting
of day laborers in the employ of contractors doing work
for the Exposition, or of exhibitors in arranging booths or
placing exhibits, who were constantly changing, from whom
it was not possible to obtain a photograph, as they were
hired and discharged from day to day. When engaged, their
services were needed imperatively, and means had to be
provided for affording them free admission in the simplest
and most expeditious manner; therefore workmen's tickets
good for a month were printed, with a different color for
each month. These tickets were only good through one
turnstile at each entrance, where the ticket was punched
as the holder passed through. Contractors were charged
$i for each ticket, to be deposited with the treasurer as a
guarantee for the return of the ticket at the end of the
month or when the holder ceased working for such con-
tractor. The dollar was usually retained by the contractor
from the salary of the party using the ticket, and was
refunded at the end of the term of service when the ticket
was surrendered. Single-day workmen's tickets were also
issued to care for emergency cases sure to arise. This
ticket was to be canceled by perforation. It showed the
date issued, and was good for admission only on the date
set forth upon the ticket. These tickets were accepted
only at the Sixty-second Street and Cottage Grove Avenue
gates. Single-trip passes for the use of the president of
the Exposition, the president of the Commission, and the
director-general, were issued in books of fifty to cover
emergencies arising in these offices. Cards of admission
for a short term were also issued to those attached to the
3 68
APPENDIX ">."
Live Stock Exhibit during the six weeks when this exhibit
was in progress, and also to judges and jurors of award
during the terms of their service.
These are all the forms of free admission used by the
department. They were not all arranged for in advance
of the opening day. Some of them, such as workmen's
monthly and day passes, were issued to care for certain
kinds of free admission, where a photographic pass could
not be made to work. As I have said before, the aim of the
department and of the bureau at the outset was to enforce
the photographic system as far as possible, as affording the
better protection from abuse.
ISSUING PASSES.
The method of issuing passes was the subject of long and
careful study. Many consultations were held by the bureau
with the director-general; and the superintendent, acting
under the bureau's instructions, conferred at all times with
the director-general and received his hearty support and
cooperation in every effort to facilitate the proper operation
of the department's rules and regulations.
It was arranged that requests for photographic passes on
account of foreign exhibitors should first have the signature
of the applicant, stating the space occupied by the exhibit.
This request received the approval of the foreign commis-
sioner for the country from which the exhibit came, and was
then sent to the director-general's office, where it was scru-
tinized and, if approved, sent to the office of the Department
of Admissions, where the book was issued and an order given
for a sitting with the photographer. The photographic order
carried with it a ticket good for six admissions; this allowed
the party six daily admissions, and generally at the end of
the fourth day the photographic book was ready with the
picture in place bearing the seal of the Department of
Admissions.
The applications for passes for exhibitors other than for-
eign bore the signature of the exhibitor applying, the num-
ber of passes required, and the occupation of each person.
The space which the exhibitor occupied was also designated.
The application then received the approval of the chief of
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 369
the exhibit department, who certified that he had carefully
examined the application and found that the parties were
entitled to passes and, further, that he was satisfied that they
had not received passes on account of any other exhibit.
The application then went to the director-general's office,
was scrutinized, approved, and sent to the Department of
Admissions, where the book and photographic order were
issued as in the case of foreign exhibitors.
Each application, after being filled, was recorded in the
books of the Department of Admissions kept for that pur-
pose, showing the name, the department with which appli-
cant was connected, the number of the pass-book, etc.
Employes of exhibit departments received their passes
on application from their chiefs, approved by the director-
general, and employes of the Department of Works received
passes on application from their superior officers, approved
by the director of works.
Concessionaires obtained their passes on application to
the superintendent of the Department of Collections, in
whose office each case was investigated separately before
receiving his approval, after which the application came to
the Department of Admissions to be filled. All applications
for passes were filed carefully away for future reference.
RETURN CHECKS.
It was frequently necessary for persons entitled to free
admission to pass out of the grounds and return the same
day. Arrangements were made for the issuance of return
checks to pass-holders just before they left the grounds
through the exit turnstiles. These return checks were of
different colors, and, soon after the Exposition opened,
arrangements were made for dating them with a perforating
machine, and then these checks were good only on the day
indicated.
BADGES.
Each holder of a photographic book was provided with a
neat bronze or aluminum badge bearing a number. This
number was registered against the pass number, and each
party receiving a badge deposited with the treasurer $2,
24
37O APPENDIX "Z>."
which was returned to him at the end of service, upon sur-
render of the badge and cancellation of book. The wearing
of this badge assisted in reducing the number of photo-
graphic books, for by taking the number of his badge, when
worn by a person apparently not engaged upon business in
the Exposition grounds, the pass-book could be referred to,
the reasons for its issuance examined, and an investigation
instituted. Further than this the badge was not particularly
useful, except that when it was conspicuously worn it was an
indication that the wearer was not a visitor but an officer or
employe in some branch of the Exposition. Being neat and
not conspicuous, it was generally worn by the pass-holder,
and indeed a large number of them were retained as souve-
nirs and never presented for redemption. Thirty-five thou-
sand of these badges were issued in all, and the net amount
realized from unredeemed badges and from the charge of $i
made for the photographic pass-books is $93,501.38. The
cost of labor in handling the passes and badges is not figured
in this account, however; merely the cost of printing the
passes and preparing the badges.
ABUSE OF PASSES.
Having arranged for a careful record of the circum-
stances surrounding the issuance of each particular pass,
it was easy to ferret out cases where passes were abused
whenever these were brought to our attention. Several
employes of the department were employed continuously
on this work, and often as many as fifty passes would be
taken up in this way in the course of a day. " Stop lists,"
bearing the numbers of all passes outstanding to which
the holders were not clearly entitled, were kept at each
pass-gate, and frequently an extra employe would be sta-
tioned with the " stop list " at each gate, and the gateman,
on examining each pass as presented, would call out the
number to the employe holding the list.
It can not be said that the pass system was not abused.
No one connected with the work ever hoped to prevent such
abuse, but the outcry frequently made during the Exposition
season against the system in use and the criticisms urged
against the efficiency of the department were in most cases
DEPA R TMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 3 7 1
unmerited. The superintendent endeavored to induce every-
one to bring their complaints promptly to his attention, assur-
ing them that every effort would be made to correct the evil
should it be found possible to do so, acting within the depart-
ment's functions.
In July it became apparent that there were many passes
outstanding to which the holders were not entitled under the
rules, and the Council of Administration, after consultation
with the superintendent, ordered that all passes be brought
in and countersigned by the superintendent "Good after
August ist," and no passes were so countersigned without a
certificate from a department chief as to the necessity for the
pass. By means of this order more than 3,000 passes were
canceled, the owners of which had either left the service and
were no longer entitled to a pass, or had never been entitled
to one, but had secured it through lack of discipline in certain
departments or through ignorance of the regulations.
RETURN CHECKS DISCONTINUED.
In spite of every precaution it was found that the return-
check privilege was abused through collusion with employes
of the department. Also it was found that the employes de-
tailed for distribution of return checks could be dispensed
with by permitting the pass-holder to return through the
pass-gate by presenting his book and depositing his personal
card. Each gate was supplied with blank cards and pencils
for the use of those who came without personal cards.
PHOTOGRAPHING FOR PASSES.
The work of taking the photographs necessary for the
passes was done under a contract made by the Exposition
Company with J. J. Gibson of Ann Arbor, Mich. The con-
tract provided that he was to give three prints, if necessary,
of all pictures taken on an order from this department, for
the purpose of placing them in the photographic book, so
that in case one photograph was destroyed or mutilated in
cutting it to fit the oval space in the pass-book, another could
be substituted. This contract was made before the organi-
zation of the Department of Admissions. The idea in making
372
APPENDIX "D."
it was that parties securing a good likeness when their photo-
graphs were taken for the pass-book would order copies for
their own use. The photographs for the use of the Depart-
ment of Admissions were to be taken without charge, the
photographer expecting to reimburse himself out of such
orders as he might secure from the pass-holders. The scheme
was not practical ; the photographer had not estimated the
number of photographs to be taken. When the work of
issuing passes began in earnest, the number each day was so
great as to crowd him to the utmost and render it impossible
to take photographs with that care necessary to the produc-
tion of a pleasing likeness. The work of photographing was
begun on March 21, 1893, in the north gallery of the Horti-
cultural Building. At the same time the photographer began
the erection of his own gallery just east of the general office
of the Photographic Department of the Exposition. For a
time only from twenty to fifty photographs were taken daily.
Meanwhile the Department of Admissions used every effort
to hurry forward the applicants for passes, realizing that as
the ist of May approached both the photographer and this
department would be in danger of becoming overwhelmed.
Early in April the work crowded upon the photographer so
rapidly that he began to realize that his bargain was a losing
one. He was taking from 300 to 900 photographs a day, and
could devote no time to obtaining good likenesses or printing
additional pictures. It was clear that he would lose the entire
amount he had invested, and he became very much discour-
aged. This was a source of great danger to the department,
as the photographic pass system would have been broken
down by his failure to furnish the necessary likenesses. The
uneasiness which was felt on this score was heightened by
the fact that the photographic pass system had but few
friends, except among those officers who realized its impor-
tance to the financial success of the Exposition. It was daily
meeting with opposition and severe criticism. One of the
directors of the company, Adolph Nathan, came to the relief
of Photographer Gibson with encouragement and assurance
that the Exposition Company would allow him a sufficient
payment for work done upon photographic passes to assist
him to make good his loss. Guards were detailed to preserre
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 373
order and facilitate the photographic sittings, and by the ist
of May the work of securing photographs and issuing passes
was well in hand. Mr. Gibson continued in his work until the
close of the Exposition, the last photographic sitting being
given October 24th. An allowance of 10 cents per negative
was paid to him by the company upon most of the photo-
graphs taken by him. He had contracted to do this work
without charge. The payment, however, was well merited
and just, and his work was faithfully and satisfactorily done.
Photographs taken were marked with the number of the
photographic order and sent to this department; they were
then assorted and immediately pasted in the photographic
book and the seal of the Department of Admissions affixed
to the cover in such manner as to include one corner of the
photograph, so as to prevent the affixing of other photo-
graphs for the purpose of transferring passes.
ORGANIZATION.
Soon after I assumed charge of the office, E. A. Felder
was appointed assistant superintendent, and on April ist
W. L. De Remer was appointed chief inspector, for the pur-
pose of organizing ticket sellers and ticket takers, and a
force of inspectors. He was also authorized to arrange for
a uniform, to be worn by the men under him, as well as by
himself, consisting of trousers, blouse, and cap. Bids were
secured for this work, and the contract was awarded to
E. A. Armstrong & Co. of Chicago.
Applications for positions had been on file with the treas-
urer and auditor previous to the formation of this depart-
ment. They were all sent to the superintendent, and early
in April, under orders from the Bureau of Admissions and
Collections, the superintendent took up these applications
and addressed letters to those applicants residing outside
of the city, requesting them to report for examination and
to be ready for duty, if accepted, by April i$th; and to those
residing in the city, requesting them to report for examina-
tion, and to be ready for duty, if accepted, by April 25th.
Each man accepted was required to give bond, the bureau
having previously arranged with the Fidelity & Casualty Co.
for the bonding of the men connected with this department
374
APPENDIX "Z>."
at a premium satisfactory to the bureau, the premium being
paid by the Exposition and not charged against the men.
Ticket sellers were required to give bond in the sum of
$2,500, and ticket takers in the sum of $1,000. The men
were considered bonded as soon as a notice was handed the
insurance company, they to look up and ascertain the stand-
ing and reliability of the parties insured and to advise this
department whether the bond held or should be canceled.
Each man employed was immediately given an order on
Armstrong & Co. for a uniform. The uniforms were to be
ready by May ist, so that the men should appear for duty
on that day fully equipped, but the failure of the firm and
the delay in appointing a receiver, coupled with another
delay regarding the ownership of the cloth to be used, ren-
dered it impossible to uniform the men until later. The
uniforms were highly commended for their neat and satis-
factory appearance. They were made of an excellent quality
of dark blue cloth, with white braid. The plan adopted for
the payment for the uniforms by the men was the same as
that adopted in the case of the Columbian Guard. Each
man agreed to allow a deduction of $5 per month from his
salary. If an employe remained with the department for the
full six months he received back from the Exposition the
amount retained from his salary, and was permitted to retain
his uniform as a souvenir of his faithful duty to the Exposi-
tion Company. Those leaving the service by dismissal for
good reasons reduction of force, resignation on account of
death in family, or obtaining positions elsewhere were
refunded the amount deducted from their salaries, less an
amount fixed to be deducted for wear and tear, their uni-
forms being surrendered to the department for use of others
employed. Those dismissed from the service for violation
of orders or other good cause, not only surrendered their
uniforms, but also forfeited the amounts deducted from
their salaries.
In addition to the uniforms, a contract was made with
Salisbury & Co. for mackintoshes for all the men to protect
them in stormy weather. These were treated in the same
manner as the uniforms as to payment, and on leaving the
service the men took them as their property.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 375
GENERAL OFFICE.
At the opening of the Exposition the organization con-
sisted of the superintendent, assistant superintendent, chief
clerk, and such other clerks as were needed to perform the
work of the general office taking care of applications for
passes of all kinds, entering up applications, filling out
photographic orders, carefully preparing each photographic
book, giving name of party using same, his occupation, what
department of the Exposition he was connected with, and
seeing that the number of the pass-book agreed with the
number placed on the application. All these details being
attended to and the passes properly prepared, they were sent
to the superintendent for his signature. A large amount of
correspondence grew out of the system, as well as a great
deal of miscellaneous business, interviews, etc. All of these
matters had to be attended to with promptness, requiring the
closest application on the part of the superintendent and of
the employes.
TICKET DEPARTMENT.
Separate from the general office was the general ticket
office, organized for the purpose of handling the 31,000,000
of tickets called for in the Exposition's contracts. At the
head of this department was a general ticket agent, and
under him a corps of clerks organized for the purpose of
handling the series of tickets for each day. The series of
tickets to be used on each day had a mark to distinguish it
from the series of tickets used on any other day. Each
evening a series was selected for the following day by the
superintendent and the general ticket agent. One ticket of
this series was always retained and sent to the chief inspector
to be bulletined in the assembly room, so that ticket takers
should know what ticket would be honored on that day. It
was the business of the general ticket office to place in the
box belonging to each ticket seller a certain number of tick-
ets, together with a book showing the commencing and
closing number of the tickets placed in the box. Each day
the ticket sellers on starting out receipted to the general
ticket agent for the tickets in the box. The book placed in
the box with the tickets had two stubs the left-hand stub
376 APPENDIX "D. n
to be turned in to the treasurer with the cash, the main body
to be returned to the general ticket office with the balance
of tickets, and the right-hand stub to be retained by the
ticket seller as his receipt from both the treasurer and the
general ticket office. At the close of the day's business
the ticket seller deposited his money with the treasurer with
the left-hand stub, and obtained the treasurer's receipt both
on the main body of the slip and on the right-hand stub.
No settlement could be had with the general ticket office
until the money had been deposited with the treasurer and
his receipt obtained. The ticket seller next settled with the
general ticket office, delivering up the main body of his slip
and taking a receipt for the balance of tickets on hand upon
the right-hand stub. A careful count of tickets was made
in the general ticket office before giving receipt to the ticket
seller, to ascertain if those sold and those returned agreed
with the full number taken out in the morning. If one
ticket seller relieved another, the successor receipted to his
predecessor for such tickets as he received, and the general
ticket seller held the second ticket seller responsible for the
return of the balance of the tickets when he was relieved
from duty.
After all ticket sellers were relieved at close of business
and reported at the general ticket office with their boxes and
receipts from the treasurer, and the balance of tickets on
hand was counted, then the general ticket agent made his
report for the day to the superintendent. This report gen-
erally reached the superintendent's office by 10.30 o'clock p.
M., in season to enable us to give the admissions to the news-
papers for publication.
This system worked admirably throughout the entire
period of the Exposition. Being simple, yet comprehensive
and entirely adequate to the necessities of the situation, it
worked with as little friction on the pth day of October, with
upward of 700,000 paid admissions, as it did during the first
week of May, when the admissions were under 20,000.
When the gates closed at night every penny due the Expo-
sition Company for the sale of tickets by all its representa-
tives was in the possession of the treasurer. A complete
settlement was made and the account closed within an hour.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS.
377
TICKET-COUNTING DEPARTMENT.
A third department was the ticket-counting room, in
which were employed eighteen young women as ticket
counters. Their duties were to take the cans containing the
tickets used during the day for admissions. In each box was
the certificate of the inspector in charge at the entrance
where it was used, showing the commencing number of the
register when the ticket taker went on duty and the com-
mencing number when he was relieved by his successor, or
the closing number of the register at the closing of the
Exposition grounds for the day. The certificate showing
these two numbers in the box, the difference between them
should always agree with the number of tickets in the box.
This certificate was always retained by the forewoman, who
merely gave the ticket counter who was to count the tickets
the number of the ticket taker. If the actual number of
tickets in the box agreed with the figures rendered by the
inspector on this certificate, then the report was correct. In
case it failed to agree, the tickets were counted by another
person; frequently the mistake was found in this way. After
the tickets in all the cans had been counted and found to
tally with the register, the forewoman made her final report
for publication as the actual official attendance on that day.
This report included the number of paid admissions and the
number of admissions on passes. Thus it will be seen that
the ticket sellers accounted to and were checked by the gen-
eral ticket office ; the ticket takers by the ticket-counting
department.
The force of ticket sellers and ticket takers was organized
by Chief Inspector De Remer. A squad of ticket takers and
ticket sellers was assigned to each entrance for the purpose
of manning the ticket booths and turnstiles thereof. Each
squad was in charge of an inspector, chosen for intelligence,
discretion, and reliability. In all cases of dispute or difficulty
arising at the gates, appeal was made to the inspector in
charge, who was often called upon to exercise firmness and
good judgment. Errors and mistakes frequently arose, as
might naturally be expected under the circumstances, but
the inspectors acquitted themselves creditably in nearly
every instance. The thanks of the superintendent are due
378 APPENDIX "Z>."
to them in a large measure for the satisfactory results ob-
tained.
To protect the ticket sellers from being waylaid or from
any other accident, the chief inspector had all reliefs march
to their posts and return when relieved from duty in squads,
the ticket sellers in front of the line guarded by ticket takers
until they reached the treasurer's office, so that if anyone
had attempted to rob a ticket seller he would have been
promptly met by at least a dozen men.
The general ticket office, after settlement with ticket
sellers, made up a final detailed report to the auditor, which
report was signed by the superintendent. Such tickets as
remained over unsold from any one day's issue were tied up,
sealed and placed in the vaults ready for examination by the
auditor, to prove that the difference between actual sales of
any series of tickets reported by the general ticket agent to
the treasurer and the actual number remaining on hand in
the vault agreed with the original invoice for that series.
Frequently it was found that the balance remaining on hand
of two or three series could be placed on sale on the same
day, thus saving expense to the Exposition. The balance of
a series which had passed inspection could be used for this
purpose; thus, on light days it was possible to avoid the use
of a new series. This plan was adopted frequently, and
finally when the packages of each series were reduced below
the quantity that could be used, the balance remaining,
together with those tickets taken from the ticket takers'
cans in the counting room, were burned in the furnaces con-
nected with the green-houses on the grounds. This burning
was done usually twice a week, or oftener when necessary,
in the presence of the superintendent and a representative
of the auditor's department. Often the number burned
exceeded 300,000. All tickets were burned, whether of the
cheap daily admission series or the engraved souvenir tickets.
It had been urged that the engraved tickets could be col-
lected and used over, but after packages were once broken
and sales made by ticket sellers, the expense of sorting over
the different series and placing them in packages of 100 was
found to be too great. Moreover, ticket sellers, while always
willing to accept packages as they came from the engravers,
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 379
rather doubted the packages made up for them in the general
ticket office, claiming the right to count the tickets before
commencing their sales, which was not feasible on account
of the delay incident thereto.
OPENING DAY.
The foregoing will give a fair idea of the organization of
the department, which had to be thought out or worked out
prior to May i, 1893. Between January ist and May ist the
Bureau of Admissions and Collections met once a week, and
frequently of tener, for the consideration of the recommenda-
tions of the superintendent and for conference relative to
matters which had to be considered. The last meeting pre-
vious to May ist was held on Saturday, the 2gth of April,
when all unfinished business was cleared up, so that the
department was ready for the opening day.
The contractors, both for the ticket booths and wire fenc-
ing, and for the turnstiles and entrances, had been delayed
in their work by the continued snow and rain storms, so that
upon the ist of May the facilities for handling the people
were quite imperfect. Indeed, it was nearly two weeks after
the ist of May before the booths and fences were ready, and
the turnstiles were not in a condition for service until some
time after the ist of May, as has been mentioned before. On
opening day this department assumed charge of all entrances
to the Exposition grounds, placing its men on duty at all pay,
pass, and wagon gates, and at all exit gates, for the purpose
of giving out return checks to the holders of photographic
pass-books, to enable them to reenter the grounds. The
chief inspector's report shows the number on duty that day
to be 440 men. Considering the fact that most of the men
were performing service for the first time handling money,
making change, and receiving tickets and considering,
also, that the ticket booths and entrances were not com-
pleted and the turnstiles not in operation, the day's work
was very satisfactorily performed. The numoer of paid
admissions was 128,965.
Exaggerated reports of the number upon the grounds to
witness the opening of the Exposition had been spread
abroad, and it was subsequently reported that large crowds
380 APPENDIX ">."
entered the grounds without tickets, by scaling fences and
through side gates on Midway Plaisance. Such assertions
were made by persons having no idea of crowds. The
superintendent feels confident that a ticket or pass was
received from nearly every one who entered the grounds,
and that the actual loss to the Exposition in admissions was
very trifling. The men were full of enthusiasm, and worked
hard for the interest of the Exposition.
That some persons obtained admission by scaling fences
is quite likely. It was a very simple matter to scale the
fences as they were at this time, unless persons attempting it
were detected in the act by members of the Columbian Guard.
Previous to May ist attention had frequently been called to
the condition of the fences. These were of a temporary
rather than a permanent character. They had been in use
during the construction period, and were not of sufficient
height to render it at all difficult for parties seeking to
avoid payment of admission to scale them. It is not a diffi-
cult matter for a person of ordinary activity to scale an eight-
foot fence. Through the earnest recommendations of the
Bureau of Admissions and Collections a strip of barbed wire
was nailed along the top of the board fence, but the protection
afforded by this was only slight. The department was there-
fore expected to rely upon the alertness of the Columbian
Guard to prevent the scaling of fences. Unfortunately, fric-
tion had arisen among the members of the guard over the
method of admitting them to the grounds, and also from the
fact that, while they had been in charge of the gates during
the construction period, they were now relieved from all con-
trol over them. This led to a lack of cooperation and, to
some extent, even to a willingness to see the Department of
Admissions embarrassed. This state of feeling was unfortu-
nate and could not readily be removed. The direct result of
it was that the department was for a time deprived of the
support and aid which could have been obtained from so
excellent an organization as the Columbian Guard. Finally,
after the Exposition had been formally opened, the necessity
for further protection became apparent to everyone. The
condition of the fences was taken up by the Council of Admin-
istration, and, to provide immediate protection, three strands
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 381
of barbed wire were placed as quickly as possible around the
entire Exposition fences, adding two feet to its height, and
keeping the fences almost intact from outside scaling, except
at one or two places on the Midway, from which occasional
complaints reached the department. The expense was nom-
inal and the relief complete, although it must be admitted
that the fences never presented a very sightly appearance.
The department was also hindered by the lack of electric
light at the gates and in the ticket booths. Ticket sellers
were frequently compelled to resort to common oil lanterns,
and errors arose for which the men could not be held wholly
responsible. Later this trouble was removed, and no annoy-
ance was experienced therefrom during the last three
months when the heavy crowds appeared.
The exit gates became out of order at times, through
faulty construction, so that persons could enter the grounds
by means of them. It was also found possible to use them
as ladders for the purpose of scaling the fence, but by watch-
fulness and the use of barbed wire this abuse was effectually
stopped. At 8 o'clock in the evening, when the bulk of the
crowd was leaving the grounds, it was found that the exit
gates were not adequate to permit the crowd to leave
quickly; hence, the wagon gates were thrown open at this
hour, and, later on, when the crowds were larger and began
to leave in large numbers earlier, these gates were some-
times opened at 4 o'clock. Thus all danger of congestion at
exits was avoided.
EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO MAY 1ST.
While the period immediately preceding the opening of
the Exposition had been one of great trial to the Bureau of
Admissions and Collections and to the superintendent in
endeavoring to perfect all the many details of the work,
it was nothing in comparison to the period immediately
subsequent to the opening. In the main the systems which
had been adopted were found to be capable of satisfactory
working, but numberless trying details and unexpected
contingencies, such as can be imagined in connection with
so great an undertaking, arose at all times. The crudeness
of the organization and the incompleteness of certain parts
382 APPENDIX ">."
of the Exposition, necessitating the carrying on of construc-
tion and installation work and the admission of laborers; the
fact that a large army of exhibitors, concessionaires, and
employes had not become familiar with the systems in force,
etc., brought down much criticism upon the department, and
friction occurred over matters too numerous and too trivial
to be referred to at length.
The paid attendance was very small, which was rather a
hindrance than an advantage, as the department was pre-
pared to deal with much larger crowds than it encountered,
and the anxiety as to the financial results of the Exposition
led to criticisms that were embarrassing, and that sometimes
could not be satisfactorily met. Then, too, at the outset
there had been undoubtedly an excessive issue of trip and
term passes, and where a single instance was discovered by
anyone of a pass in the hands of a person not properly entitled
thereto, it was immediately taken as a proof of a bad state of
affairs, and looked upon as an evidence of the inefficiency of
the department. It would be useless to go into the discour-
agements which arose and the difficulties, apparently insur-
mountable, always confronting the department. Persistent
effort triumphed finally over many of these, and others dis-
appeared or corrected themselves.
During the month of May the weather was rainy and cold,
and the work of completing the installation and finishing up
odds and ends of construction work was being pushed
forward ; the attendance, owing to both of these facts,
was trifling compared with that of the other months. In any
event the attendance for the first month could not but be
slender compared with what might be expected during any
other month, for the simple reason that visitors would natu-
rally hold off until later, feeling that the Exposition could be
seen to greater advantage at a later time, when all parts were
complete and in harmonious working order.
CHILDREN'S TICKETS.
On May 226. the Exposition management decided to charge
a half -fare for children, and a children's ticket was accord-
ingly printed and sold for 25 cents to children over six and
under twelve years, those under six being admitted free.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 383
Children were admitted on these tickets through a turnstile
at each entrance set apart for children, for the purpose of
keeping this form of admission ticket from being mixed with
the full-fare ticket and confusing the statistics. The ticket
takers in charge of children's turnstiles exercised such dis-
cretion as railroad conductors in collecting half fare. Doubts
as to the age of a child claiming admission were resolved in
favor of the applicant, and only such persons were turned
back at these gates as were clearly and unmistakably above
the age of twelve years. This admission rate for children
continued until October loth, when an order was made for
the admission of persons between the ages of six and eighteen
years, inclusive, during the days from October loth to 2ist,
inclusive, for 10 cents. This was done for the purpose of
giving the school children of the city the educational advan-
tage of the Exposition to the fullest extent. The schools
were closed during this week, in order that the children might
avail themselves of the privilege, and every effort was made to
bring as many of them as possible to the grounds on each day
of the week. Especial mention should be made of the efforts
of Director Alexander H. Revell, a member of the Board of
Education, and Superintendent of Schools A. G. Lane, who,
with others, exerted themselves to the end that the benefits
of this low fare might be widely distributed. The number of
school children who attended during the week from October
1 6th to 2ist was 310,444. After the 22d of October the 2 5 -cent
fare was resumed. The attendance of so many children
brought with it a large number of adults, who came with the
children as parents or guardians, thus, it is believed, actually
effecting a financial gain to the Exposition rather than a loss
from this heavy reduction of price.
By the middle of June the attendance, which had been
steadily gaining since the first week of the Exposition, had
grown to large proportions, as will be seen from the
statistics accompanying this report. The improvement in
the efficiency and discipline of the department had more than
kept pace with the improvement in the receipts. Work was
simplified and matters of detail adjusted themselves on a
satisfactory basis.
With a view of concentrating the administration in all
384 APPENDIX "D."
parts of the Exposition, the Bureau of Admissions and Col-
lections was abolished by vote of the Board of Directors of
the World's Columbian Exposition on June 2ist, after which
date the superintendent of Admissions received his instruc-
tions direct from the Council of Administration. The change
was, however, more apparent than real, as stated in the first
part of this report, the president of the Exposition being a
member of the bureau and at the same time chairman of the
Council of Administration, and every effort being made to
keep the work of the bureau and the council in perfect har-
mony. Still, the move was in the right direction and in the
interest of simplicity of organization.
The wagon gates were used for the admission of supplies
and the removal of waste material, debris, etc., during the
night. Wheeled vehicles other than the roller chairs were
not allowed on the grounds during the day, and no vehicles
were admitted through these gates during the day except
upon written permits from the president of the Exposition,
the president of the Commission, or director-general. Car-
riages were sometimes admitted bearing distinguished guests,
such as the Governor and his staff upon a State day, the
Duke of Veragua, the Infanta Eulalia, etc.
The original order for the opening of turnstiles for the
admission of visitors directed that they be opened at 8 o'clock
morning and closed at 7 o'clock evening, discretion being
given to the Council .of Administration by the Board of
Directors to open them for evenings whenever the council
deemed it advisable. It was found necessary, however, to
open the gates earlier than 8 o'clock, as visitors began to
gather before that time and wait for the gates to open.
They were accordingly opened at 7.30 o'clock as soon as the
attendance increased to considerable proportions. Com-
mencing June 2ist, the grounds were opened every even-
ing until ii o'clock during the balance of the Exposition
season.
The efficiency of the department was tested on the 4th of
July by an attendance of 283,273 visitors. The grounds
seemed well filled and in places the crowds reached large
proportions. Later we had many days upon which the attend-
ance exceeded that of the 4th of July. The attendance on
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 385
this day was drawn from Chicago and the immediate vicin-
ity, as visitors from a distance had not yet begun to arrive in
such numbers as later in the season. It was a most success-
ful day for the Department of Admissions, the large attend-
ance and heavy receipts being handled without any trouble,
and a careful observation and study of the crowds and the
facilities for handling them, both for admission and exit, led
to improvements conducive to both the efficiency and the
safety of our arrangements. The instance referred to in the
early part of this report of the change in the exits and
entrances at the terminal station of the South Side Elevated
Railroad is a case in point. It was found necessary on this
and subsequent days to assign employes to extra duty, that
is, for longer hours than originally contemplated, it being
deemed wiser to do this than to increase the force, and also to
be m the interest of efficiency that the extra service should
be recognized. Extra compensation was allowed for each
hour of additional service.
The attendance fell off during July, after the Fourth,
owing principally to the heat. A certain class of visitors
had been received during June, consisting of children,
youths, and teachers whose schools had just closed, and per-
sons who had left their homes bound for places of summer
resort. These came and went, and the local attendance from
the city and vicinity also decreased to some extent. After
the first week in August a decided change occurred. The
advertising throughout the country effected by the return of
earlier visitors to their homes, and by the newspaper reports
and pictorial illustrations of the Exposition, bore fruit in the
increased attendance from a distance. Certain features of
the Exposition had begun to be talked of and known in
every part of the United States and, to a certain extent,
abroad. The attendance increased rapidly day after day
and week after week through August and September. Spe-
cial days, assigned to different nations or different States of
the Union, led to celebrations, fetes, and observances within
the grounds, and contributed largely to swell the attendance.
Finally, it was decided to observe October pth, the anniver-
sary of the Chicago fire, as Chicago day. A special ticket
was printed bearing upon its back a picture of Fort Dear-
25
386 APPENDIX /?."
born and the site of Chicago. This ticket had a coupon
which was detached and deposited in the ticket can, the body
of the ticket being retained by the visitor as a souvenir.
Great enthusiasm was aroused over this celebration; tickets
were placed on sale in large quantities several days in
advance; rumors of an enormous attendance were rife, and
every possible arrangement was made for the reception of
the crowd. Ticket sellers and ticket takers went to their
posts at 6.30 o'clock in the morning, but found the crowds
around their booths already waiting for them. Over 700,000
Chicago day tickets were rapidly disposed of. No conges-
tion occurred at any gate, with the possible exception of
Cottage Grove Avenue entrance, where a temporary conges-
tion occurred until relief was obtained from the city Police
Department to preserve order and compel the crowd to pass
into the grounds properly in line. Early in the day ticket
sellers began to send in for more tickets, and messengers
were kept busy taking out tickets to supply the demand.
The entire edition of Chicago day tickets was finally dis-
posed of, and then it was necessary to place regular day tick-
ets on sale.
It had been planned that a portion of ticket sellers at
each gate should close their windows before the middle of
the afternoon, long enough to count their money and turn it
in to the treasurer's office, but the crowd grew heavier and
the plan was abandoned. Patrol wagons in charge of Colum-
bian Guards, together with representatives of the treasurer's
office, called at the main ticket booths and brought in all the
money collected up to that time, counting each box or bag
in the interest of the ticket seller whose name appeared
upon it. Even the Columbian roller chairs were impressed
into the service to assist in bringing the large bags of silver
to the treasurer's office. It was 2 o'clock Tuesday morn-
ing before the last ticket seller settled and the final report
of 716,881 paid admissions was given to the press. It was a
most glorious day in every respect, the weather being per-
fect and the enormous receipts being handled without
hitch or any bad result. For several days after this the
attendance was over 300,000 each day, and the men, although
thoroughly exhausted with their heavy labors, continued to
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 387
handle the crowds as though nothing unusual had happened
during the week.
As upon July 4th and other great days, exaggerated reports
of the scaling of fences, etc., appeared, but the fences were by
this time so well protected with barbed wire and the Colum-
bian Guards so vigilant that there was little chance for suc-
cessful fence climbing. Many complaints were heard during
this day and others when the attendance was enormous of
failure to receive correct change from ticket sellers. These
were considered by the superintendent or chief inspector
carefully, and usually the fault was found to rest with the
purchaser. In many cases the purchaser would leave his
change at the window in the excitement of the moment, and
the money would be found waiting for him in the superin-
tendent's or chief inspector's office. Special watch was kept
for cases of incorrect changing of money as a clew to any
dishonesty which might exist in the force, and special watch
was also kept for cases of incivility on the part of employes.
Such cases were severely reprimanded the first time, and a
repetition caused dismissal.
Upon the celebration of State days the Governor of the
State celebrating, with his staff and, frequently, military bands
and full regiments, marched into the grounds free through
the wagon gates. Occasionally W. F. Cody's Wild West Show
entered and marched through the grounds to take part in the
ceremonies of certain States. After the Cold Storage Ware-
house fire the firemen of the city Fire Department were
admitted free when in uniform through the wagon gates by
order of the president of the Exposition. All these free
admissions did not appear in the reports, as such persons
did not pass through turnstiles and therefore were not reg-
istered.
Ticket sellers on duty at 7.30 o'clock in the morning were
relieved at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, at which latter hour
their returns to the treasurer and general ticket office were
made. Unless there was to be an exhibition in the evening
or a display of fireworks which had been well advertised, this
2 o'clock return generally averaged 85 per cent of the entire
admission; the total attendance could be predicted from it
with great accuracy. What is more remarkable, the admis-
388 APPENDIX "D."
sions through the Sixty-fourth Street entrance between the
hours of 7 A. M. and 1 1 A.M. were almost unvaryingly about
one-fifth of the entire 2 o'clock return, so that any estimate
of the total attendance based upon the admissions at Sixty-
fourth Street entrance from 7 to n o'clock A. M. could be
depended upon, and the afternoon newspapers gave figures
based upon the admissions at Sixty-fourth Street as the
attendance up to 2 o'clock.
Attached to this report will be found samples of all
tickets issued from this department during the Exposition
period; also all forms of application for passes required by
foreign exhibitors, exhibitors' employes, and concessionaires;
also tables showing the paid attendance and free admissions
for each day of the Exposition; also tables of the weekly and
monthly attendance, with notes of special days, weather
reports, and other information of interest. (On file Field
Columbian Museum.)
The total free admissions of all kinds from May ist to
October soth, inclusive, was 6,059,380, which includes admis-
sion upon complimentary cards, photographic passes, press
passes, trip passes, and workmen's tickets, also return checks.
The latter should not figure in the total of free admissions, as
the parties using them had already entered the grounds once
on their passes and had left the grounds to return again later
in the day. The following is a more correct statement :
Total free admissions of all kinds 6, 059, 380
Less return checks 1,703,448
Actual free admissions 4,355,932
The total paid admissions for the entire period of the
Exposition was 21,480,141.
The final settlement of the department with the auditor
and the treasurer shows a complete accounting for all tickets
sold, and the number of tickets remaining on hand agrees
with the original invoices. The Department of Admissions
has handled during the Exposition period $10,336,065.75, and
with the large number of men employed for temporary ser-
vice in various positions, such as ticket accountants, ticket
counters, ticket sellers, and ticket takers, the record of the
department is a most excellent one. No claim for any short-
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 389
age of money or tickets was ever reported from the auditor
or treasurer, and no such shortage ever occurred. The dis-
cipline, intelligence, and devotion to duty of the employes of
the department was beyond all praise.
In closing this report I must thank the members of the
Bureau of Admissions and Collections, Edward B. Butler
(chairman), Ferdinand W. Peck, William K. Ackerman, and
Anthony F. Seeberger, and the members of the Council of
Administration, George V. Massey, J. W. St. Clair, and
Charles H. Schwab, and more especially yourself, Mr.
President, in your capacity as a member of the Bureau of
Admissions and Collections, as chairman of the Council of
Administration, and as president of the Board of Directors
of the World's Columbian Exposition, for your patient
attention to the wants of my department, the support you
bestowed upon me in the endeavor to raise it to a high
degree of efficiency, and for your counsel, advice, and assist-
ance in every emergency.
With great respect,
I have the honor to be
Yours very sincerely,
HORACE TUCKER,
Superintendent Department of Admissions^
World's Columbian Exposition.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING MAY 17, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 21,553
" undelivered 5,046
canceled 767
5,813
" " delivered 15,740
Monthly photo passes written up 9,580
" undelivered 3,683
" " canceled 491
4,174
" delivered 5,406
Total in use to date.., 22,146
390 APPENDIX "JP."
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING JUNE 6, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 26,919
" undelivered 3,889
" " " " canceled 1,886
5,775
" " " " delivered 21,144
Monthly photo passes written up 13,807
- " undelivered 3,613
" canceled 2,501
6,114
" delivered 7,693
Total in use to date 28,837
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING JUNE 20, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 28, 728
" " " '* undelivered 3,135
" " " " canceled 2,329
5,464
" " " " delivered 23,264
Monthly photo passes written up 18,437
undelivered 3,556
" " " canceled 3,109
6,665
" delivered 11,772
Total passes in use 35,036
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING JULY 4, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 29,981
undelivered 2,635
canceled 3,301
5,936
" delivered 24,045
Monthly photo passes written up 23,587
" " ** undelivered 4,337
" canceled 5,662
' delivered 13,588
Total number in use 37,633
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS.
391
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING JULY n, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 30,415
undelivered 2,236
canceled 3,847
6,083
delivered 24,332
Monthly photo passes written up- 25,649
undelivered 4,064
" canceled 7,426
" (for July) not renewed 1,255
12,745
' delivered 12,904
Total number in use 37,236
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING JULY 25, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 30,779
" undelivered 719
canceled 5,966
6,685
delivered 24,094
Monthly photo passes written up 28,587
" undelivered 2,577
canceled 9,394
" " " not renewed 1,216
13,187
delivered 15,400
Total number in use -. 39,494
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING AUGUST 8, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 30,925
" " " " undelivered 559
" " " " canceled 6,834
" " " " unapproved 6,778
14,171
in use 16,754
Monthly photo passes written up 31,879
" " " undelivered 4,114
" canceled 11,939
August coupons undelivered _ 4,895
20,948
inuse 10,931
Total number in use 27,685
392
APPENDIX
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING AUGUST 22, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 30,996
* " " " undelivered.. 602
canceled 7,553
unapproved 4,923
13,078
" " << " in use 17,918
Monthly photo passes written up 34,629
" " " " undelivered 2,597
canceled 13,959
August coupons not delivered 3,843
20,399
in use.., 14,230
Total number in use 32,148
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING SEPTEMBER 12, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 31 ,214
" undelivered 601
" canceled 7,593
" unapproved 5,036
13,230
" " " inuse 17,984
Monthly photo passes written up 39,780
" * " " undelivered 2,844
" canceled 17,262
September coupons not delivered 3, 788
23,894
" " in use 15,886
Total number in use 38,870
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING OCTOBER 10, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 37 ,336
undelivered 2,100
" " " " canceled 7,593
*' " " *' unapproved 6,025
15,718
in use.. 21,618
Monthly photo passes written up 40 ,000
" undelivered 1,391
canceled 20,585
October coupons undelivered 4,061
26,577
inuse 13,423
Total number in use 35,041
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS.
393
PHOTOGRAPHIC PASS STATEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING OCTOBER 30, 1893.
Full term photo passes written up 39,898
undelivered 1,763
" canceled 7,593
" " " " unapproved 7,266
16,622
in use.
23,276
Monthly photo passes written up 40,000
" " undelivered 1,305
canceled 22,060
October coupons not issued 4,535
27,900
in use 13,100
Total number in use 36,376
STATEMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PASSES.
Full term passes issued 39,885
Monthly passes issued _ 40,000
Total number passes issued. .. _ 79,885
Account.
Monthly
Total.
Dept. Agriculture, Live Stock, and Forestry
Horticulture
Fish and Fisheries
Mines and Mining
Machinery
Transportation Exhibits
Manufactures, including Shoe and Leather
Electricity
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts
Ethnology.
Publicity and Promotion .
Foreign Affairs
Womans'
State Boards
Music
Public Comfort
Installation
Awards
Children's Building...
D rector-general's office force
Treasury Department
Executive Department
Auditing Department
Admission Department
Law Department
Collection Department ...
1,349
424
122
396
1,115
1,193
1,961
638
736
1,351
92
3,650
4,741
400
1,576
313
31
9
49
68
19
28
67
70
724
7
203
564
179
34
113
599
550
447
225
2
625
43
37
'l02
663
40
6
14
168
11
1
15
28
66
1
259
1,913
603
156
509
1,714
1,743
2,408
863
738
1,976
135
3,687
6,679
502
2,239
353
37
23
217
79
19
29
82
98
790
8
462
Carried forward 21,332
6,730 28,062
394
APPENDIX "D.
Account.
Full
Term.
Monthly
Total.
Brought forward _
21,332
6,730
28,062
\^orld's Congress Auxiliary
11
11
National Commission, including Lady Managers
532
48
580
550
1
551
Concessionaires .... . . . ........
12,613
23,860
36,473
Department of Works
3,422
9,059
12,481
United States Government Exhibit ....
1,031
235
1,266
* customs
285
43
328
" ' ' internal revenue . - -
6
5
11
World's Fair postoffice
103
19
122
39,885
40,000
79,885
STATEMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PASSES ISSUED TO OFFICERS AND EMPLOYES
OF EXPOSITION AND COMMISSION.
Full term passes issued.. 5,211
Monthly passes issued. 8.918
Total number passes issued 14,129
Account.
Full
Total.
Dept. Agriculture, Live Stock, and Forestry
Horticulture
Fish and Fisheries
Mines and Mining _
Machinery
Transportation Exhibits.
Manufactures, including Shoe and Leather
Electricity
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts _.'
Ethnology
Publicity and Promotion..
Foreign Affairs . .
Music
Public Comfort
Installation
Awards
Children's
Director-general's office force. _ . .....
Treasury Department
Executive Department
Auditing Department
Admission Department
Law Department
Collection
World's Congress Auxiliary
National Commission, including Lady Managers
and employes
Department of Works
66
31
11
45
36
27
45
16
40
23
49
78
15
313
31
9
49
68
19
28
67
70
724
7
203
11
532
2,598
5,211
30
57
1
11
40
6
14
168
11
1
15
28
66
1
259
48
8,149
8,918
96
88
12
56
36
27
47
16
42
30
51
78
15
353
37
23
217
79
19
29
790
8
462
11
580
10,747
14,129
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS.
395
STATEMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PASSES ISSUED TO OTHER THAN OFFICERS
AND EMPLOYES OF EXPOSITION AND COMMISSION, INCLUDING EXHIB-
ITORS, ATTENDANTS, CONCESSIONAIRES, ETC.
Me
mthly passes issued _ .
31,082
65,756
Total number passes issued __ . . ...
Account
Full
Term.
Monthly
Total.
D
De
Co
Sfa
Co
Co
Go
Ur
w<
pt. Agriculture, Live Stock, and Forestry
exhibitors and attendants
1,283
393
111
351
1,079
1,166
1,916
622
696
1,328
43
3,572
4,726
400
12,613
1,576
824
550
1,031
291
103
534
122
33
102
599
550
445
225
1,817
515
144
453
1,678
1,716
2,361
847
696
1,946
84
3,609
6,664
502
36,473
2,239
1,734
551
1,266
339
122
pt. Horticulture exhibitors and attendants
Fish and Fisheries,
Mines and Mining,
Machinery',
Transp'n Exhibits,
Manufactures,
Electricity,
Fine Arts,
Liberal Arts,
Ethnology,
Publicity and Promotion press.
618
41
37
1,938
102
23,860
663
910
1
235
48
19
Foreign Affairs exhibitors and attendants
Womans' . .
ncessionaires and employes :
ite boards and employes .
ntraotors and employes
mplimentary
vernment exhibitors' attendants. m
lited States customs
grid's Fair postoffice exhibitors and attendants
Totals
34,674
31,082
65,756
DETAILED STATEMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PASSES ISSUED TO DEPARTMENT
OF WORKS.
Full term passes issued 3,422
Monthly passes issued 9,059
Total number passes issued 12,481
Account.
Full
Term.
Monthly
Total.
Transportation ... .
431
115
546
80
655
735
Medical
96
35
131
Photography . . .......
153
53
206
9
3
12
Storekeeping ....
4
5
9
P.fl-rrifio 1 forward
773
866
1.639
396
APPENDIX
Account.
Full
Term.
Monthly
Total.
Brought forward.
773
866
1 639
Surveys and grades
42
63
105
Water supply, sewers, and fire protection
90
34
124
Architectural .
68
8
76
Decoration ____.___.._ .
33
47
80
Electrical
164
328
492
Engineering construction ....
27
29
56
Landscape -
25
32
57
17
17
Guards, secret service, guides, and messengers..
Janitors
969
163
4,173
2 541
5,142
2,704
Fire
167
167
Director of works office force and staff
60
28
88
Contractors
824
910
1,734
Totals..
3,422
9,059
12,481
REPORT OF PASSES ISSUED TO FOREIGN COMMISSIONS.
Full term passes 4, 741
Monthly passes 1,938
Total number passes issued. 6,679
Commission.
Full
Term.
Monthly
Total.
1 Argentine . .
12
8
20
2 Austrian
331
176
507
3 British Guiana . ..
1
\
4 British India
3
3
6
5 British
638
374
1 012
6 Belgian
200
38
238
7 Brazilian
24
47
71
8 Bolivia
14
1
15
9 Bulgarian
11
3
14
10 Cape of Good Hope
19
19
11 Canadian
322
306
628
12 Chinese
9
9
13 Chilean
8
1
9
14 Ceylon
16
20
36
15 Corea
1
1
16 Costa Rica
8
4
12
17 Cuba
1
1
18 Curaco
3
3
19 Columbian Pavilion..
1
2
3
20 Danish
52
19
71
21 Denmark
2
1
3
22 East Indian
4
4
23 Ecuador
3
1
4
24 French
712
238
950
25 German ..
1,275
316
1,591
Carried forward
3,670
1,558
5,228
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS.
397
Commission.
Full
Term.
Monthly
Total.
Brought forward
3 670
1 558
5 228
26 Guatemala .. ...
2
18
27 Hatian
5
2
7
28 Honduras
3
29 Italian
237
90
327
30 Jamaica
8
4
10
31 Japan _
204
8
212
32 Johore
12
6
18
33 Korea
2
2
4
34 Liberian _ .
4
4
35 Madagascar
2
2
36 Mexican ... . .
16
30
46
37 Monaco
8
4
12
38 Netherlands ..
38
7
45
39 New South Wales
31
11
42
40 Norwegian
38
7
45
41 Ottoman
7
1
8
42 Orange Free State
1
1
2
43 Paraguay T ....
8
8
44 Peru
1
1
45 Persian . .
21
14
35
46 Portuguese
2
1
3
47 Russia .
176
102
278
48 Scandinavian
1
1
49 Siamese ...
6
2
8
50 Swedish :
66
15
81
51 Spanish
68
24
92
52 Syrian
2
2
53 Switzerland
83
27
110
54 Trinidad
3
2
5
55 Turkey
4
4
56 Uruguay
8
4
12
57 Venezuela .
4
2
6
Totals --.
4,741
1,938
6,679
RECAPITULATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PASSES ISSUED.
Full term passes issued - 39,885
Monthly passes issued 40,000
Total number passes issued. 79,885
Issued to
Full
Term.
Monthly
Total.
Officers and employes Exposition and Commission
Press
5,211
3,572
8,918
37
14,129
3,609
Concessionaires and employes
12,613
23,860
36,473
State boards and employes
1,576
663
2,239
Constructions and employes Department Works.
Complimentary
824
550
910
1
1,734
551
U. S. customs and internal revenue employes...
Exhibitors and employes .
291
15,248
48
5,563
339
20,811
Totals
39,885
40,000
79,885
398
APPENDIX "Z>."
STATEMENT OF COMPLIMENTARY CARDS.
Full term cards issued 2,117
Short term cards issued 15,093
Total number cards issued.. 17,210
Full
Term. Term.
Short
Total.
Requested by George R. Davis, director-general..
" H. N. Higinbotham, president
" " T. W. Palmer, pres't Commission..
* * * ' John Boyd Thacher, chairman
Authorized by Bureau Admissions and Collections
675
126
403
2
911
14,853
166
73
15,528
292
476
2
912
2,117
15,093
17,210
Fourteen thousand five hundred and fifteen of the limited cards
charged to the director-general were issued on account of the press.
STATEMENT OF PASSES FOR JUDGES OF AWARDS.
Total number issued 748
All issued on request of John Boyd Thacher, chairman of Com-
mittee on Awards.
STATEMENT OF SPECIAL PASSES ISSUED.
Total number issued 8,345
Department Agriculture 26
Horticulture 9
Livestock 1,623
Mines and Mining
Machinery 4
Transportation Exhibits 38
Manufactures 2
Fine Arts 10
Liberal Arts a
Publicity and Promotion 1,600
Foreign Affairs 13
Music 3,174
Awards 440
State Boards 69
Womans' 40
Children's 6
Lady Managers' 10
Auditing 19
Treasury 1
Admissions .. 2
Works 16
Collections 8
Concessions 109
United States Government Exhibit 375
United States Customs 5
City Council, Philadelphia 37
Chicago police _ . 62
Authorized by H. N. Higinbotham, president 11
Military companies 627
Total 8,345
These passes were all used for short terms.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS. 399
STATEMENT OF WORKMEN'S TRIP TICKETS.
Number issued 84,741
" returned unused __ 12,281
Total number tickets used 72,460
F. Tickets good only at Sixty-second Street entrance :
Number issued 52,071
" returned unused 5,902
used 46,169
E. Tickets good only at West Midway entrance :
Number issued 32,670
" returned unused 6,379
used.. 26,291
72,460
STATEMENT OF PRESS TRIP PASSES.
Total number used ,. 43,000
(All issued to M. P. Handy, chief Department Publicity and Promotion.)
STATEMENT OF TRIP PASSES ISSUED.
Total number issued 3.995
Issued to Ferd. W. Peck, vice-president World's Columbian Expo-
sition _ 100
George R. Davis, director-general 500
W. I. Buchanan, chief Department Agriculture _ 50
M. P. Handy, chief Department Publicity and Promotion 195
H. N. Higinbotham, president World's Columbian Expo-
sition 700
T. W. Palmer, president World's Columbian Commission 900
Mrs. George L. Dunlap, Children's Building 900
Gen. N. A. Miles 500
John M. Clark, collector of customs 100
Police Department 50
Total 3,995
The 551 passes charged as " complimentary" were issued to Illinois
Assembly, Chicago City Council, Chicago police, representatives of the
different trades unions, Centennial commissioners, and various others.
These passes were authorized by the Bureau of Admissions and Collec-
tions, the Council of Administration, H. N. Higinbotham, president, and
George R. Davis, director-general.
Three hundred and seventy-three passes charged to United States
Government Exhibit include passes issued to West Point cadets. Thirty-
seven passes issued to the City Council of Philadelphia were authorized
by the Council of Administration. Sixty-two passes issued to Chicago
police were authorized by H. N. Higinbotham, president.
Six hundred and twenty-seven passes charged to military companies
400
APPENDIX
were authorized by the director-general, and were collected for at the
rate of 50 cents per day for the time for which they were issued.
HORACE TUCKER, Esq., Superintendent Department of Admissions.
DEAR SIR: On account of the abuse and transferring of workmen's
passes, which was carried on to a large extent on May 20, 1893, it was
deemed necessary to devise an application for workmen's passes in the
form of a contract, whereby a deposit of $i was to be made for the pass
and also a penalty of 50 cents per day be charged in case the pass was
found in other hands than that of the original owner.
An application to cover the above was immediately gotten up, as
sample attached. The passes to go with this application were three in
number and of the punch kind, good from June ist to isth. No. i pass,
blue in color, was good at workmen's gates from 6 A. M. to i p. M. No. 2
pass, white, was good from i p. M. to 7 P. M. No. 3 pass, red, was good
from 7 P. M. to 6 A. M. Only one pass was issued to each workman, good
for hours wanted, and for only one admission a day.
The second half of June passes were issued same as above, and were
colored brown, pink, and yellow. The $i deposited on passes did not
apply to Exposition employes proper, their passes being issued free, and
so stamped.
Contractors and others wishing to renew their passes for the follow-
ing month did so by turning in their old passes, on which they had
deposited $i, and taking out a new one, simply exchanging them. When
through with their passes, they turned them in and received their deposit
of $i back.
The statement below shows the number of passes taken out, upon
which $i was deposited:
June, first half 9,713
June, secondhalf 1,433
July 1,193
August 614
September- 500
October.. 353
Total 13,806
Passes returned to November soth "... 11 ,271
2,535
Passes not returned $2,535 00
Penalties charged on passes lifted at gates 352 50
Total derived from workmen's passes $2,887 50
The month of July and thereafter passes were issued for the entire
month. The statement next attached shows the complete number of
workmen's passes issued by this department.
Yours respectfully,
(Signed) T. B. HINMAN.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMISSIONS.
WORKMEN'S PASSES.
4OI
Month of
Series.
Ordered.
Issued.
Total
Issued.
Janua
Febra
Marcl
April
May
ry
60,000
80,000
70,000
25,000
80,000
35,000
15,000
25,000
20,000
5,000
3,000
5,000
15,000
5,000
3,000
8,500
5,000
3,000
3,000
40,000
55,573
71,443
65,101 )
21,514 J
71,580
23,972 )
15,000 \
22,143 )
13,991"
206
513
2,050 -
8,102
170
420
7,504
3,538
2,369
2,308
21,717
55,573
71,443
86,615
71,580
61,115
25,452
7,504
3,538
2,369
2,308
21,717
arv
i
( Workmen's
1 A
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July
first half
full month ._ .
second half. _
Augu
Septei
Octob
Novei
Decer
5t
criber
er _.
nber
ober
Totals
505,500
409,214
409,214
*Issued by E. R. Graham, general manager World's Columbian Exposition.
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MONTHLY REPORT OP TOTAL FREE AND CASH ADMISSIONS,
WITH DAILY AVERAGES.
Free.
Cash.
Total.
Total Admissions for May
481 947
1 050037
1 531 984
Daily average Free Admissions (31 days) 15,547
Daily average Cash Admissions (28 days) 37,501
Total Admissions for June
902,721
2,675,113
3 577 834
Daily average Free Admissions (30 days) 30,090
Daily average Cash Admissions (30 days) 89,170
Total Admissions for July
1,217,239
2 760263
3,977 502
Daily average Free Admissions (31 days) 39,266
Daily average Cash Admissions (30 days) 92,009
Total Admissions for August
1,172,215
3,515,493
4 687 708
Daily average Free Admissions (31 days) 37,813
Daily average Cash Admissions (31 days) 113,403
Total Admissions for September
1,149,071
4,659,871
5,808,948
Daily average Free Admissions (30 days) 38,302
Daily average Cash Admissions (30 days) 155,329
Total Admissions for October
1,136,187
6,819,364
7,955,551
Daily average Free Admissions (30 days) 37,873
Daily average Cash Admissions (30 days) 227,318
Total Free and Cash Admissions from May 1st to Oct. 30th.
6,059,380
21,480,141
27,539,521
Average Daily Free Admissions from May 1st to October 30th (inclusive), 183 days, 33,111
Average Daily Cash Admissions from May 1st to October 30th (see foot note), 179 days, 120,001
On the following Sundays, May 7th, 14th, 21st, and July 23d, only passholders were
admitted to the grounds.
MONTHLY REPORT OF FREE ADMISSIONS, WITH DAILY AVERAGES.
481,947
Total Free Admissions for May ......................................................
Daily average for May (31 days) ............................ . ............... 15,547
Total Free Admissions for June . .....................................................
Daily average for June (30 days) ..................... . ...................... 30,090
Total Free Admissions for July ..................................................... . 1,217,239
Daily average for July (31 days) ............................................ 39,266
Total Free Admissions for August ...................................... ............ 3,172,215
Daily average for August (31 days) ......................................... 37,813
Total Free Admissions for September... ....................................... 1,149,071
902,721
Dflilv flvcfcicfc for September (30 dflys)
Total Free Admissions for October ".'."'. ---- 1,136,187
Daily average for October (30 days) 37,873
Total Free Admissions from May 1st to October 30th (inclusive) 6,059,380
Average Daily Free Admissions from May 1st to October 30th (inclusive), 183 days.... 33,111
(409)
APPENDIX "E."
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
APRIL 14, 1894.
To HARLOW N. HIGINBOTHAM,
President World's Columbian Exposition.
SIR;
I have the honor and the pleasure of transmitting this
report of the business of the department which you and the
other members of the Bureau of Admissions and Collec-
tions did me the high honor of considering me competent
to organize and to conduct, thus completing my labors in
behalf of the great Columbian Exposition of 1892-3.
It is with feelings of much relief, but still greater regret,
that I thus take leave of what I realize will always remain
my greatest work.
I have to thank you and the other gentlemen composing
the Bureau of Admissions and Collections for the honor
conferred upon me and for the confidence you and they
reposed in my integrity and methods, up to the time of the
dissolution of the bureau; and I have still more to express
my gratitude to you for your unwavering support of the
department throughout the trying six months of the Expo-
sition. Without that support the department could not have
accomplished its work, and without your constant advice
and aid the results attained would have been impossible.
I appreciate the unvarying patience and consideration
with which you always listened to and advised me concern-
ing many matters which to you must have seemed unimpor-
tant, in the light of the infinitely greater affairs you were
daily called upon to consider, and I appreciate the strength,
wisdom, and firmness, always tempered by justice and by a
(4")
412 APPENDIX "E."
sense of consideration for the other side, with which you
advised and supported my department in the many other
very important matters which it was necessary to bring to
your notice.
GENERAL REPORT.
The Bureau of Admissions and Collections appointed the
superintendent of this department during- the early part of
February, 1893. The superintendent reported for duty at
headquarters of the Exposition on February 7, 1893, upon
which date the organization of the department began.
W. E. Cash was appointed assistant superintendent and
reported for duty March 10, 1893.
There was no change of superintendent or assistant
superintendent during the existence of the department.
The work of the department practically ceased when the
superintendency was vacated, which was December 31, 1893.
After that time but one man remained representing the
department; he was checking up and verifying figures
between this department and that of the auditor. This
work was finished, and the work of the department, with
the exception of the drawing up of this report, finally com-
pleted March i, 1894, at which time all expense ceased and
the department was at an end.
This was the last department organized, and the time to
prepare was very short ; it was but eighty-two days to the
opening of the Exposition. The superintendent had abso-
lutely no knowledge of the business to be transacted, beyond
his familiarity with the application of such general princi-
ples as would apply to all business. He was not familiar
with the contracts nor with the business methods of the
Exposition itself. Fortunately, through his intimate per-
sonal acquaintance with the president of the National
Commission, and with one member of the Council of Admin-
istration, which controlled and directed the administration
of the Exposition, he was well acquainted with the princi-
ples governing the organization of the Exposition, including
a thorough knowledge of the duties and capacities of the
National Commission and of the directory of the Illinois
corporation known as the World's Columbian Exposition,
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 413
which two bodies constituted the dual government of the
Exposition. This knowledge enabled him to avoid many
errors which might have been disastrous, and also enabled
him to reach any result desired by the shortest possible
route by taking the matter at once to the department which
could properly deal with it, give him the information re-
quired, or take the action necessary ; it also enabled him to
avoid trenching upon the prerogative of other officials,
thereby exciting an unconscious opposition which would
have interfered with the work of the department.
Nevertheless, the time was all too short, and the superin-
tendent of this department should have been appointed at
least six months before the opening of the Exposition.
SCOPE AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT.
It was contemplated that this department should have
charge of all sources of revenue of the Exposition outside of
gate receipts and proceeds of the sale of souvenir coins, but
later the collection of charges for electric light, power, etc.,
were left in the hands of the respective departments supply-
ing the same.
The most important work of the department was the
dealing with concessionaires, the regulating of their business,
establishing methods of receiving and accounting for gross
receipts, and collecting from them the percentages due the
Exposition.
The minor matters entrusted to the care of the depart-
ment were the revenue accruing from the music halls be-
longing to the Exposition, the collection of charges for
removing garbage, collection of wharfage charges for land-
ing at the piers, care of the safety deposit vaults, the collec-
tion of receipts from passengers on the traveling cranes in
Machinery Hall, the collection of receipts from the sale of
dairy products in the Dairy Exhibit, and a number of minor
receipts, the aggregate of which was unimportant.
The labor of organization was a great one, and there
were few or no precedents of value in determining methods
to be pursued. The classes of business represented by the
concessions granted were of almost every conceivable
variety, and the systems to be used must be such that they
414
APPENDIX "."
could be applied readily to many varieties of business.
They must not be expensive, requiring a large number of
employes either for concessionaires or for the department ;
they must not be cumbersome, thus rendering quick and
efficient service to the large number of patrons expected
impossible. Yet they must be such as to protect the Expo-
sition as far as it was possible to do so, both as to conces-
sionaires and as to the employes of the department.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
The great general principles to be applied were these:
Applicability to many classes of business, dispatch, econ-
omy, safety, absolute control for the purpose of ascertaining
the amount of concession receipts. Good will of concession-
aires as far as possible to secure it without sacrificing the
interests of the Exposition.
The foundation of the principal business of the depart-
ment consisted of the contracts between the Exposition and
a large number of parties (who are termed in this report
concessionaires), granting to them privileges to do certain
kinds of business. In all cases the consideration to the
Exposition was a certain percentage of the gross receipts,
which percentage varied from 2% to 70.
The superintendent began, single handed and alone, the
study of the contracts. Abstracts were made by dictation
to a stenographer, which process of abstracting involved a
thorough and careful reading of each contract. When this
work had progressed a few days, the concessionaires were in-
vited to consult with the superintendent concerning a means
of securing an accounting and determining the amount
of the gross receipts which would be cheap and expeditious
to the concessionaire, and protective to the interests of both
parties; for the view taken was that the department was to
aid the concessionaires in every possible way, as well as to
collect the revenue of the Exposition. The contracts almost
invariably reserved dictatorial powers to the Exposition as
to the methods of receiving and accounting for the gross
receipts. This fact being understood by the concessionaires,
it was possible in most cases, by the use of some tact and
diplomacy, to exercise the authority reserved to the Exposi-
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 415
tion and still satisfy the concessionaire that he was being
fairly treated, and that the methods prescribed and adopted
by the department were as good as the circumstances would
allow. While this was not universally true, it was true in
95 per cent of those cases where the concessionaire desired
to deal honestly with the Exposition, but, of course, could
not be expected to be satisfactory to the few whose inten-
tions were otherwise. In the end the department prescribed
the methods.
After some weeks' careful study of the contracts, long and
exhaustive discussions with the concessionaires, and consul-
tation with the Bureau of Admissions and Collections, under
whose authority the department acted, gradually it became
clear to the mind of the superintendent that the various con-
tracts could largely be classified so that the perfection of a
comparatively few systems, and their proper application,
would cover nearly every class of business to be dealt with.
These systems may be briefly classified and described as
follows :
1. TICKET SYSTEM. This system would apply to the sale
of a fixed article at a fixed price, or to the sale of not more
than two fixed articles at two fixed prices. Thus were
covered admissions to entertainments, transportation of pas-
sengers, and the sale of goods at those stations where articles
were at one or two fixed prices, such as peanuts, popcorn,
lemonade, all soft drinks, etc.
2. TICKET SYSTEM MODIFIED FOR APPLICATION TO RES-
TAURANTS. This was used, as implied above, in restaurants,
cafes, etc., but was soon found to be unsatisfactory, except
in a few cases, and was therefore dropped by substituting the
third system.
3. RESTAURANT SYSTEM. This was used in restaurants
after abolishing the modified ticket system.
4. CASH REGISTERS. These were used at stations where
miscellaneous sales were made which might run in odd
amounts, and where the business was large enough to war-
rant the expense of one person to act as cashier.
5. DUPLEX SYSTEM. This was used in the same class of
stations as No. 4, but where the sales were too small to war-
rant the expense of a cash register and cashier.
41 6 APPENDIX "."
6. WAREHOUSE SYSTEM. This system, with its modifica-
tions, applied to those classes of business where goods could
be received into a warehouse and easily checked out, such
as catalogues, silver spoons, where all were received from
one factory; guides, etc.; and where these articles were sold
separately from any others.
7. ACCOUNTING FROM THE BOOKS OF THE CONCESSION-
AIRES. This system applied to cases which were difficult to
reach by a fixed system, such as advertising privileges;
Crane Company, machinists' supplies ; Hyde Park Gas Com-
pany.
In addition to all systems, cash statements were made
daily at each station as to the actual cash receipts, which
were signed by the concessionaire or his agent in charge of
the station ; inspection of the books of concessionaires was
also resorted to, in all cases where it was considered desirable,
in addition to the systems established.
Full details of the application and working of the systems
will be found under the head of " Explanation of Systems,"
below.
Very careful and long consideration was given to the
question of the department engaging the greater portion of
the cashiers who should actually receive the money from
the customers, but it was decided that as the Exposition
would then be responsible to the concessionaires for all
shortages on the part of the cashiers, and that as there was
no reason why employes of the department should be more
honest than other employes, that the risk was greater than
the benefit, and that it would be more profitable to rigidly
enforce the application of the systems, and to keep as close
watch as possible, dealing immediately and severely with all
offenders.
EXPLANATION OF SYSTEMS.
Below will be found full details of each system as estab-
lished and operated by the department:
I. TICKETS.
The principle governing this system was that the Expo-
sition should originate all tickets. The first order given by
DEPA R TMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 4 1 7
the department for tickets was for 33,000,000, and upward
of 60,000,000 were used during the Exposition. The tickets
were printed in denominations of 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50
cents, $i and $2. These denominations covered each of the
various rates of admission to all entertainments, and also
enabled waiters in restaurants to make correct change. The
tickets were printed in eight colors, in any number of series
desired; each series was of a distinctive pattern, which
might easily be recognized from a short distance, so that
inspectors, secret service and other employes of the depart-
ment could see whether the right ticket was being used at
any particular station. Thus, with eight colors and nine
series, seventy-two distinctive patterns of tickets of each
denomination, each easily recognizable, were produced.
The various denominations increased the distinctive
number of tickets also, so as to reduce the possibility of a
ticket being purchased at one concession and used at any
other to a minimum. For instance, there were not seventy-
two places on the ground where the same admission charge
prevailed ; and in addition, many large concessions ordered
distinctive tickets of their own, through the department.
The tickets were consecutively numbered in each series
and color from one to as high a number as seemed desirable,
the highest being 999,999. One style of package was a com-
pact roll containing 1,000, 2,000, or 5,000 tickets, consecutively
numbered. This package was found to be undesirable, for
the reason that mistakes in numbering could not be detected
until they were discovered in the actual use of the ticket,
which greatly impaired the reliability of the audit, because
occasionally the numbering machine getting out of order,
would slip and misnumber the tickets.
The style of package which was found to be more desir-
able contained the tickets printed in strips of ten, in an
oblong package, blocked at one end. These tickets could be
run through when received from the printer, like the pages
of a book, and errors in numbering at once detected.
These packages usually contained 500 tickets, which was
found to be the most convenient size for handling. The
cost of the tickets ranged from 16 to 27 cents per thousand.
Circular No. i, which is given below and which was care-
27
41 8 APPENDIX "."
fully prepared for distribution to concessionaires, explains
very carefully the practical working of the system:
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
BUREAU OF ADMISSIONS AND COLLECTIONS.
CIRCULAR No. i.
Instructions and regulations for concessionaires and their employ 'es,
in whose business the ticket system will be used.
This system will apply at
1. Stations where one or more articles are sold, all at the same fixed
price.
2. Stations where articles are sold at not more than two fixed prices.
3. Stations where admission or reserved seat charge is made.
4. Stations where meals are served at one fixed price, and where
other refreshments are not served in the same room.
5. Some other stations, concerning which information will be given
at headquarters of this department.
TERMS USED.
Station A booth where any money is received.
Division A part of the grounds under supervision of a division
superintendent.
TICKETS.
1. All tickets will be printed by this department, and will be sup-
plied to concessionaires at cost.
2. Tickets will be supplied by this department to concessionaires
according to the needs of their business, and will be delivered to con-
cessionaires, or directly to the cashiers at stations, as this department
may from time to time direct.
3. Receipts for tickets will be made in triplicate, each signed by the
person delivering and person receiving tickets one copy to be given
the concessionaire, one to this department, one to be retained by the
cashier or other person receiving the tickets. When this department
calls in unused tickets, similar triplicate receipts will be signed and
disposed of as above.
4. Tickets will be printed in such forms and colors as this depart-
ment shall decide, and the tickets in use at any station will be changed
at any time this department may order.
5. Tickets will be consecutively numbered and must be strictly
accounted for.
6. Tickets will only be good at the time and station purchased, and
are not good at other stations.
7. Tickets of any kind shall not be sold outside the grounds to be
used within the grounds.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 419
8. Used tickets will be destroyed by this department. Concession-
aires may first, within a time designated by this department, count any
or all tickets pertaining to his concession in a locked cage at department
headquarters. If concessionaires desire to count tickets in any box or
boxes for any day, this department must be so informed by the hour of
business closing of that day.
9. Tickets will so vary in distinctive forms, designs, colors, etc., as
to enable any person to detect, in the ticket box or elsewhere, at once, a
ticket not properly in use at any station at a certain time, and as tickets
will be frequently changed by this department, tickets will not be coun-
terfeited, as there will be no certainty that any style of ticket will be
used for any length of time, or ever used again at any time.
10. Tickets given concessionaires or any cashier or other employe of
concessionaire, shall be charged the concessionaire, and this department
shall collect at night direct from cashier, or next morning from conces-
sionaire, its percentage on all tickets unaccounted for by concessionaire
or by his employes, together with cost of the tickets, and which are not
shown by them to this department unbroken and in original consecutive
order and condition.
11. As tickets of each form or series will be consecutively numbered,
from one into, perhaps, millions, and as this department will not issue
consignments consecutively, it can be determined at once, by the tickets
in the boxes, whether counterfeit tickets are in use, as the numbers
would not be within the proper range.
SALES CLERKS.
12. Salesmen shall under no circumstances take money from cus-
tomers.
13. Salesmen shall not communicate with cashiers during business
hours.
14. Salesmen shall sell goods for tickets only, and shall at once, on
receiving ticket from a customer, drop it in the ticket box.
CASHIERS.
15. Cashiers will receive and receipt for tickets, consecutively num-
bered, and must each night account for either tickets or their value in
cash.
16. If cashier is changed from one station to another, the unused
tickets must not accompany the cashier, but will be used at the station
to which they were issued until this department calls them in.
17. Cashier must be placed in a stand which has absolutely no com-
munication with salesmen, and so constructed as to be seen into by all
persons passing.
1 8. Cashier shall receive requisite amount of change each morning
from concessionaire, which amount shall be always the same. The
amount decided upon as necessary shall, before April isth, be communi-
cated to this department, and shall be uniform each morning and to each
420 APPENDIX "\"
cashier. Receipt for this change shall be made in triplicate, one for
cashier, one for concessionaire, and one for this department.
Cashier shall count cash at night and shall take triplicate receipts
for same from concessionaire, one of which shall be given this depart-
ment, one shall be retained by cashier, and one shall go to concession-
aire. This receipt shall state the opening and closing ticket numbers
showing the day's business, and also amount received in morning as
change.
In case this department desires to collect its percentage at night
direct from the cashier, it will do so, giving triplicate receipts to be
signed by this department and by the cashier, one to go to concessionaire,
one to this department, and one to be retained by the cashier.
All receipts shall be signed by representative of concessionaire of this
department and by cashier.
CASHIER'S STAND.
19. Cashier's stand shall be separate from and in front of counter |
when possible. It may be at one end, or in the center, or, in case of
corner booths, may be at one corner of the booth. Entrance to cashier
stand shall be from outside the counter, and must be so constructed as
to admit of full observation at all moments inside of the same, by all
persons passing the stand.
TICKET BOXES.
20. Ticket boxes will be supplied at cost by this department, of tin,
and provided with locks, of which this department shall have all keys.
21. These boxes shall be so placed that all persons passing or buying
can readily see whether each ticket is put in the box by the salesmen.
22. Boxes will be collected by this department at night and taken to
department headquarters. Any concessionaire desiring to count tickets
in any box may do so, in a locked cage provided at headquarters of this
department, provided this department shall be notified before closing
hour of that day.
TICKET SIGN.
23. This department will supply at cost, small, neat signs reading :
"This ticket only is good this day," and also small signs which shall
be facsimiles of the various tickets. The ticket in use at any time
must correspond with the facsimile sign, which shall be hung over the
cashier's window.
These facsimile signs shall belong to this department, and shall be
changed as it shall direct, in harmony with change of tickets.
EMPLOYES.
24. Any employe who shall not fully comply with all instructions
herein, or whom this department shall suspect, upon reasonable grounds,
of endeavoring to falsify collections, or of entering into any collusion
with a view to deceiving this department, will be immediately deprived
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 421
of his or her pass, and shall under no circumstances receive another
during the Exposition period. Under the photographic system of passes
adopted by the Bureau of Admissions and Collections, it will be impos-
sible to obtain a new pass.
PAUL BLACKMAR,
Superintendent of Collections.
Concessionaires would make a written requisition stating
the number of tickets desired, the denomination, and the
station of the concession at which they were to be used.
The department filled this requisition, delivering such series
and color as it saw fit. The tickets so delivered, and those
tickets only, could be properly used at that station, nor could
they be used at any other station, either of that concession
or any other. The tickets were receipted for by the conces-
sionaire and charged to his account, the receipt and charge
each stating the number of tickets, the opening and closing
numbers, the denomination, series, and color.
If the department thought for any reason that any sta-
tion was making improper use of the tickets, it would send
to the station other tickets of a different color and distinctive
series, taking up such as were left on hand of the tickets
previously delivered, giving receipt for them and crediting
them back to the account of the concessionaire.
Tickets as sold would be torn singly off the strip and the
having of loose tickets in the possession of a ticket seller or
ticket taker was sufficient cause for reprimand, and if the
offense was repeated, for canceling the pass of the offender.
As soon as the ticket was used by the customer handing
it to the sales clerk or to the doorkeeper of the entertain-
ment, it was immediately dropped into a lock box of which
the department had the only key.
This explanation, in connection with the circular given
above, will give a clear understanding of the operation of
this system.
2. TICKET SYSTEM MODIFIED FOR APPLICATION TO
RESTAURANTS.
The same tickets were used as in System No. i, and the
method of distribution to restaurant concessionaires was the
same.
422 APPENDIX "E. n
The tickets were sold to the waiters by the concession-
aire in amounts of usually $10, and in denominations
enabling the waiter to make change for all amounts. The
waiter would take the order from a customer, and in bring-
ing the same from the kitchen, would stop at the checker's
stand the checker was in the employ of the concessionaire,
and was supposed to be thoroughly familiar with all prices
on the bill of fare. He would look over the tray and
announce the amount, so that it could be plainly heard both
by the waiter and the ticket receiver, who was in the employ
of the department, and who never was assigned more than
two or three consecutive days to the same place, for the pur-
pose, as far as possible, of avoiding collusion with the wait-
ers and checkers. The ticket receiver sat within a few feet
of the checker, and the waiter would pay the amount in tick-
ets to the ticket receiver, who would immediately drop them
into a locked box, provided for the purpose, as described in
Circular No. i, referred to in explanation of System No. i.
The waiter passed on with the tray and collected the
same amount in cash from the customer, which cash was the
personal property of the waiter, as he had paid cash to the
proprietor or manager for the tickets.
Defect in this System.
Theoretically, the system seemed good ; practically it
was a failure, with the exception of one or two very large
concessions, which could afford a most thorough organiza-
tion, for their own protection against their employes. The
reason of the failure was the fact that the tickets being
handled by a large number of irresponsible waiters, and by
150 ticket receivers, it was possible to pass the tickets in
other restaurants than those to which they were issued, thus
holding out a great temptation to employes, both of the
department and of concessionaires. It was discovered that
within a few days after the opening of the Exposition a
combination was formed, with several restaurant managers
at the head of it, between them, the waiters, and the ticket
receivers, to defraud both the Exposition and the concession-
aires. The process was this : The ticket receiver would
" hold out " a large number of tickets, usually of the higher
i?5?V
OF THE IS
UNIVERSITY >
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 423
denominations of 25 and 50 cents. These tickets were passed
over to the managers in the combine, who paid the ticket
receivers a small consideration, based upon the purchase
value of the tickets. The managers sold them to the vari-
ous waiters under them at an advance on this price, but at
considerable less than their face value. The waiters paid
for orders with them at face value, collecting in turn the full
amount from the customer.
The department withdrew this system, substituting Sys-
tem No. 3, except in cases of very large concessions, the
managements of which were thoroughly organized within
themselves. These few concessions overcame the difficulty
by selling the tickets to the waiters every morning, and as
often through the day as they ran out of tickets, stamping
each and every ticket with the date upon the back. At night
each waiter turned in all the tickets remaining in his posses-
sion, and was paid for them. Tickets were only good upon
the date stamped upon them. It was not wise to make this
arrangement except where the concessionaires were thorough
organizers, and where the concession was so large that the
concessionaire, to insure his own safety as against his
employes, had to make his system very accurate and com-
plete. A concessionaire who had but one restaurant, and
ran it himself, could have used this system by collusion with
the ticket receiver, to the disadvantage of the Exposition.
3. RESTAURANT SYSTEM.
Under this system the waiter would take the order from
a customer, and in bringing the same from the kitchen, would
stop before the checker's desk, as in System No. 2 ; the amount
was ascertained by the checker, written upon a slip, making
two impressions, by use of carbon paper, and one was handed
to the waiter, the other remained with the checker. The
waiter passed on with the tray to the cashier, presented the
check, paid the amount in cash, the cashier receiving and
keeping the check, and as an additional safeguard, ringing
up the amount on a cash register ; the waiter then collected
the amount from the customer. The checks came in book
form, were consecutively numbered, the number of the
waiter put upon each check by the checker, and as the dupli-
APPENDIX "AV
cate remained in the book at the checker's desk, it was easy
to check out any discrepancy and to find what waiter was
responsible for any check which the cashier had not received.
Neither system adopted in the restaurants was entirely
satisfactory. The nearest approach to complete safety can
only be had where the customer pays his check himself to a
cashier stationed at the exit, as he goes out, but it was
feared by all concessionaires, and also by the department,
that with the great number of patrons expected, the delay
would be such that the loss of business in this way would
more than offset the leakage from the other systems; but if
the experience were to be repeated, the superintendent
would adopt and insist upon a system which would include
this feature, in preference to any and all others, believing it
possible by good management to insure good service and to
avoid unnecessary delay.
4. CASH REGISTERS.
It was decided to use cash registers in those places where
the sales were of a mixed character, that might range in any
amount from 5 cents up, especially at stations where the
sales were many in number but small as to amount of each,
and where it was therefore necessary to wait upon custom-
ers and to make change quickly, so as not to lose custom
because of delay. There were delivered at the superintend-
ent's office, machines of many makes and many patterns.
This matter was more especially referred to the assistant
superintendent, and he spent four weeks in carefully inves-
tigating the merits of all machines. The number of ma-
chines eventually used under the jurisdiction of the depart-
ment was 644. They were of two patterns, known as " total
adders" and "detail adders." The difference in the gen-
eral principle governing the two patterns was that the total
adder made a continuous record up to $99,999.95, at which
point it automatically reset itself at naught. It could not be
turned back to naught or the reading altered, except by a
mechanic who understood the machine, and who had to use
special tools for the purpose. The detail adder would also
make a continuous record, if desired, but was built so that it
could be readily reset at naught by anyone who could unlock
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 425
the machine. This device was more convenient for stations
where a great number of sales would go at one price, such
as buttonhole bouquets, cigars, and articles of that kind.
Within a month from the opening of the Exposition the
department became convinced that the detail adder was an
unsafe machine for the purpose of a triple accounting
between a concessionaire, the employe of the concessionaire,
and the employe of the department, because the department
employe who unlocked the machine to take the reading
could make a false report of a less amount than the reading,
and by resetting the machine at naught to begin the new
business, could destroy all evidence of falsification. This
practice the department was convinced was resorted to by
two or three of the division superintendents in its employ,
by collusion, either with the concessionaire or the employe
of the concessionaire, the amount of revenue of which the
Exposition was defrauded being divided between the two
parties to the fraud.
The department ceased the use of these machines as fast
as the total adders could be substituted.
In taking the reading from the total adder, should the
division superintendent report falsely, the Exposition would
be defrauded of revenue temporarily, but the first time
another employe of the department should open the machine
for the exact purpose of keeping a check upon the division
superintendent, the real total amount up to that time must
necessarily appear, and of course any amounts which the
department had temporarily lost would be at once charged
against the concessionaire.
The operation of the system was as follows: The depart-
ment made a contract with a cash register company to
supply all the machines necessary to concessionaires at such
times and places as the department should direct. The rent
was to be $8 per month for each register, which was to be
paid by the concessionaire direct to the company. The com-
pany were to keep the machines in order; were to replace
any broken or disabled machine immediately upon notice
with a perfect machine, without charge, and the company
also took all risk of breakage, damage, etc., except from
willful malice. The department guaranteed the company
426 APPENDIX "."
the collection of the rent for the machines, and eventually
paid a sum something less than $400, which the company
was unable to collect from the concessionaires.
The registers as ordinarily made have a lock, but one key
will fit all or at least a great number of the locks; therefore,
the department ordered that the machines should be pro-
vided with staples and hasps. The department provided a
padlock for each machine, holding the only key thereto in its
possession, the concessionaire or his agent retaining the key
to the ordinary lock; thus the machine could only be opened
in the presence of both the concessionaire or his agent and
the division superintendent of the department. The reading
was then taken and signed both by the concessionaire or his
agent and by the division superintendent, this reading being
turned in to the office of the department. The difference
between it and the reading of the day before gave the
amount of the day's business.
Concessionaires were instructed that each sale, as soon as
made, must be separately rung up on the machine, and that
only one person must handle the register.
The register was invariably to be placed in plain sight
where customers, inspectors, secret service, and all passers
by could see plainly the figures that were rung up. By this
means the department was able to tell whether a reasonable
degree of honesty prevailed in the use of the registers.
When reports were turned in by secret service or other
employes that less than actual amounts, or " no sale " were
being rung up at any station, a special agent was immedi-
ately sent to unlock the machine, take the reading and to
count the money in the drawer. If the cashier falsely ring-
ing up had put the money in the drawer, the cash would
overrun the reading and the evidence was conclusive ; steps
were taken to immediately rectify the amount in the interest
o the Exposition, and warning was issued against further
dealings of the kind.
5. DUPLEX SYSTEM.
This system was used for the same class of stations and
business as No. 4, but where the number of sales was apt
to be comparatively small, making speed in waiting upon
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 427
customers relatively unimportant This is the system ordi-
narily in use in dry goods and other mercantile institu-
tions, the sales clerk, being furnished with a book composed
of fifty slips and duplicates consecutively numbered, making
out a slip for each customer and a duplicate each time by
means of carbon paper, the duplicate remaining in the book,
and the cash received should balance with the amount repre-
sented by the duplicates. As in the case of the cash register,
each separate sale must be immediately noted upon the slip.
The book slips must be invariably kept in plain sight, and
all writing in the book must be made in the most exposed
and conspicuous position in the booth, so that customers,
secret service, and others could tell sales were being properly
recorded.
6. WAREHOUSE SYSTEM.
The department was provided with a large warehouse,
where it received for concessionaires such articles as cata-
logues, guides, souvenir satchels, all stationary-stand articles,
and other articles which were to be sold at stations where
nothing was sold except such articles "as could be classed and
handled under this system.
The articles having been received into the care of the
department, were delivered to the concessionaires owning
them as desired, the percentage being immediately charged
them upon the retail selling price of the articles. The
amount was not paid immediately by the concessionaire, but
was paid by him daily upon his report of the amount of sales,
the final settlement being made upon the basis of all of the
goods delivered to him at the retail prices, less goods returned
to the warehouse, the difference between the two amounts
showing the full sum on which percentage was to be paid.
A few large concessionaires provided warehouses of their
own, but they were rather in the nature of what might be
styled "bonded warehouses," the department checking in all
the goods as received, and concessionaires accounting in final
settlement for all that were not found in the warenouses.
A further modification of this system governed a few such
articles as solid silver souvenir spoons, which were all fur-
nished the concessionaire by one responsible factory, which
furnished the department with certified invoices of each ship-
428 APPENDIX "."
ment to the concessionaire, together with a sworn monthly
statement. The goods were kept track of tinder these invoices
and sworn statements, and the accounting made as in the case
of warehouses.
This system theoretically is perfect, but in practice it will
only apply to those articles which it is difficult to smuggle
into the grounds. It was found necessary to modify and limit
its application to a comparatively small number of articles be-
cause of this objection.
7. ACCOUNTING FROM THE BOOKS OF THE CONCESSIONAIRES.
This was limited to the smallest possible number of con-
cessionaires, and confined to those where no system could be
made to apply without either great expense or great incon-
venience, as it was thought to be good judgment to put every-
thing upon a business basis as far as possible, so that the
Exposition, being practically a partner in the concessions,
might have some share in the control of the receipts.
This accounting was used in some cases as the only pos-
sible means, and was resorted to in a great number of cases
where systems were used, for the purpose of verifying the
results; and was also employed in all other cases where the
department had reason to believe that the systems were not
being perfectly applied, or were being misused to the disad-
vantage of the Exposition.
INTERNAL ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
A full understanding of the work to be accomplished
being arrived at, and the methods and systems to be adopted
and enforced being determined upon, it was necessary to
organize the department within itself, so that the best results
possible might be arrived at. It was not believed that all
the money which might become due the Exposition would
be collected, but rather that many concessionaires would
endeavor by every possible means to defraud the Exposition.
But the department was determined that fraud should be
reduced to a minimum, and that, with the support and aid
of the executive authorities of the Exposition, systems would
be enforced, offenders should be dealt with in such manner
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
429
as to suppress further offense as far as possible, and that the
loss to the Exposition should be reduced to a minimum.
The internal organization must also be such as to guard
against dishonesty and incompetence on the part of employes
of the department, as far as possible, for there was no reason
to believe that with the large number of employes necessary,
all would be efficient and above suspicion.
The efficiency of the department in respect to its
employes was wonderfully strengthened by the fact that the
superintendent had absolute control of engagement and dis-
charge ; in fact this principle was one of those agreed upon
between the superintendent and Bureau of Admissions and
Collections at the time the appointment was tendered him.
From the decision of the superintendent within the
department there was no appeal, the result being that
within a few weeks from the time the force was thoroughly
organized (May i, 1893), everything was running smoothly
within the department. There was no crossing of authority;
petty jealousies, which so outrageously interfere with the
working capacity of large forces of .men, were suppressed;
peace and harmony were the rule, and good results were
possible.
There were quite a number of subdepartments within
the department, each having a head, and this head was held
responsible for the prompt performance of the duties with
which he and his men were entrusted. The head of this
subdepartment could recommend to the superintendent
employes whom he would like to work under him, but had
not the power of engaging or discharging.
Every employe of the department, while he was expected
to report to the man in charge of his particular class of
work, had personal access to the superintendent on any
matter, whether of a personal or business nature, which he
desired to present. There was no favoritism. Every employe
was expected to perform the duties allotted him, and while
some work was necessarily more desirable than others, the
employes were assigned to the various positions, as far as
might be, because of their fitness, and not because of any
personal feeling. That general good feeling and loyalty
prevailed throughout the department is perhaps best evi-
430
APPENDIX
denced by the fact that the superintendent and the assistant
superintendent were each presented with a memorial and
token of remembrance, in the presentation of which nearly
all the employes of the department joined, notwithstanding
that 95 per cent of the entire force were absolute strangers
to the superintendent and his assistant up to the time they
entered the employ of the department.
The subdepartments and their duties may be briefly
classified as follows :
I. OFFICE FORCE.
Of this subdepartment the chief clerk was head, and was
held responsible. It included the supervision of the book-
keeping, the making up of the audits, the figuring of the
percentage, the corrections of errors in audits, and general
work of that kind. This subdepartment also had charge of
the inspection and the verification of the books and accounts
of the concessionaires and of the traveling auditors, so
called, whose duty it was to harmonize discrepancies between
accounts of the concessionaires and those of the depart-
ment.
It was in this subdepartment that the entire work of the
department was perfected and the amounts for collection
determined.
Some idea of the magnitude of the labor of this sub-
department may be formed from the fact that it handled
during the season about 188,250 division superintendents'
reports; that difference in figures and disputes as to cor-
rectness of the same were adjudicated, corrected, and har-
monized thereby.
Also, at the close of the season, the chief clerk, with a
few of his assistants, made up the figures for this report,
which necessitated the rehandling and entering of each and
every individual audit for the entire season, so that from the
records in the possession of the superintendent it can be
shown what the receipts were at each station of every con-
cession on the grounds (with some very few exceptions) for
every day of the season, and also the number of people who
attended any special performance on the grounds, the num-
ber of passengers on the electric launches, the gondolas, the
elevated railroad, etc., upon any special day desired. In fact,
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
431
the classification of the figures for this report involved the
doing over of the entire clerical work for the season. The
figures were made to harmonize with those of the auditor's
department, so that when the figures for the report were
finally finished by the chief clerk and his assistants all dis-
crepancies were eliminated and an exact balance arrived at.
While it might appear that making the figures balance
should not be difficult, and that they should balance them-
selves, when it is considered that the department was prac-
tically keeping books for 370 concessionaires, a very great
number of whom had no methods or ideas of bookkeeping ;
that the errors and discrepancies, for this reason alone, ran
into the thousands; that cross entries for the purpose of
settling these differences were very numerous, it will be
evident that the work of balancing up was no light one, and
it will be easier to understand the immense labor of finally
verifying and balancing the figures for the entire season,
audit by audit and day by day.
The salaries per month in this subdepartment were:
Messenger boys, $30; girls counting tickets, $45 to $50,
clerks, $60 to $75 ; bookkeepers, $75 to" $100; stenographers,
$50 to $75 ; traveling auditors, $75 to $100 , chief clerk, $125.
In close connection with this force, and with headquarters
in the same large accounting room, were subdepartments
Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
2. COLLECTION FORCE.
This subdepartment was under the charge of the chief
collector, whose duties were to receive the statements daily
from the chief clerk's department, enter them upon a collec-
tion sheet, and distribute them to his collectors. He also
checked off on this collection sheet each day's collection
from each concession as it was paid, and a glance at this
sheet showed, daily, the exact daily audits still outstanding
and unpaid against each concession. The more obdurate
and difficult cases he also undertook to collect himself. The
collectors, upon receiving their statements each day, entered
them each in his own collection book, and started on their
daily tour to collect money, keeping an accurate account of
all amounts received and by whom paid. Upon returning
432
APPENDIX "E.
to the office they turned in the money to the cashier of the
department, taking his receipt therefor.
The collectors consulted the chief collector in cases of
difficulty, and in extreme cases, which the chief collector was
not able to deal with successfully, he in turn consulted with
the superintendent or assistant superintendent of the depart-
ment. Where collections were made in cash the only imme-
diate check against the collector was the statements he took
out, but where the amount was paid by check the general
order was that all checks should be drawn to the order of
the treasurer of the Exposition. The details of the organi-
zation of this subdepartment were so thoroughly worked
out that it was next to impossible for a collector to hold out
or suppress more than a very small part of one or, at the
outside, two days' collections without discovery, should he
be disposed to do so. The collectors were under bonds of
$1,000 each, and there was only one case of default, which
occurred Saturday, the collector leaving the city Saturday
night. Sunday the discrepancy was known early in the
morning, from scrutinizing the figures, because of the fact
that this collector had turned in on Friday an even amount
as received from one concessionaire instead of the exact
amount of the audit, and it was not the custom of this par-
ticular concessionaire to pay otherwise than the exact amount
of the audit. One other collection had also run over two
days; this concessionaire invariably paid promptly. The
full amount of the default was covered by the bond of the
collector, and was paid to the Exposition by the bonding
company. It would, of course, have been possible for a col-
lector to abscond with his day's collections, and the bonds
should in each case have been somewhat larger, possibly
$2,500, which would have been ample. It was very nearly
impossible for any collector to suppress any part of his col-
lections and continue his work for more than two days, and
without several days' partial suppression no large amount
could be taken, as the cash received was very largely silver
and the checks were uncollectible.
The men collecting from the slot machines were really
a part of this subdepartment, although as they collected the
money directly from the machines, of which the department
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
433
held the only keys, there were, of course, no statements for
them to collect from. They brought the gross receipts from
the machines to the office of the department, where it was
divided, giving the concessionaire his proportion, the balance
being turned in to the cashier of the department.
The salaries in this subdepartment were: Collectors,
$50 to $75; chief collector, $100.
3. CASHIER.
The cashier and his assistant received all moneys from
the collectors, or from concessionaires or others, who
came directly to the office to pay; gave receipts to each
party for the amount received; entered it in the cash books,
and daily turned over all the money received to the treas-
urer of the Exposition, taking his receipt therefor. Two
cash books were used, one for each alternate day, so that the
receipts of Monday could be posted directly from Monday's
cash book to the ledger, allowing the cashier the use of the
other book to enter Tuesday's receipts. This arrangement
allowed the work to progress without delay, either to the
bookkeeper or the cashier, which was very necessary, as the
cashier's labor seldom ended before somewhere between 9
and 1 1 o'clock at night, and the bookkeeper or his assistant
did not get through their labors before 2 or 4 o'clock in the
morning.
The actual cash passing through the hands of the cashier
during the season was $3,469,494.85.
The salaries per month in this subdepartment were:
Cashier, $100; assistant cashier, $75.
4. TICKET ROOM FORCE.
This subdepartment was under the charge of the chief
ticket clerk. Its duties were to receive tickets from the
printer, run through them, see that the numbers were cor-
rect, record them as received, fully noting the inclusive
numbers, denominations, colors, and series of each package,
stowing them in the ticket vault, in such a manner that any
special numbers, denomination, color, and series could be
instantly gotten at. It also received requisitions from con-
cessionaires for tickets, and filled the same, taking the con-
28
434 APPENDIX "J."
cessionaire's receipt therefor. This work invariably passed
through the hands of at least two persons, to avoid any col-
lusion between the employe delivering the tickets and the
concessionaire receiving them, as to the number of tickets
delivered, and all other points which it was necessary to pro-
tect. Each concession was charged the exact tickets deliv-
ered, the record of the transaction stating the opening and
closing numbers of the tickets delivered, the denomination,
color, and series, and the number of the requisition. From
the records kept in the ticket office it was possible to tell at
any time every individual ticket that had been delivered to
each concession, and if a ticket were brought to the depart-
ment at any time, it could instantly be determined to what
concession it was issued and the date upon which it had been
purchased by the customer from the concession, or whether
it had never been sold at all, but had been taken from an
unbroken package. This subdepartment also had charge
of the force of girls who opened the concession ticket boxes,
counted such as were desirable of the used tickets, looked all
used tickets over to see that no false or counterfeit tickets
were in the box, and finally turned them over to the clerk in
the box collector's room, who had charge of the grinding
machine which destroyed the used tickets.
The salaries of this subdepartment were from $45 to $60
for clerks and ticket counters; $100 for chief ticket clerk.
5. WAREHOUSE AND VAULTS.
This subdepartment was under the charge of the chief
warehouse clerk, who had charge of the warehouses. The
duties of this subdepartment were to receive into the ware-
houses concessionaires' goods, checking them in and deliver-
ing them to the concessionaires owning them, upon his
requisition and receipt, and when settlement was made, to
check back into the warehouse the unsold goods.
There were also three safety deposit vaults in the larger
buildings for the use of exhibitors in those buildings, for the
purpose of storing jewelry, money, or any other valuable
articles. They were conducted in the ordinary method of
safety deposit vaults, a small rent being charged for the use
of the boxes. The receipts from this business were very
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
435
small, the demand being, for some reason, very limited. It is
a most favorable comment upon the good order preserved
and upon the efficiency of the means used by the Exposition
to protect persons and property, that these safety deposit
vaults were so little used when the value of the class of
articles referred to was so great. The vaults were in them-
selves an exhibit of the manufacturers thereof. The cost of
the vaults and the expense of maintaining them was enor-
mously large compared with the receipts, which, in fact, did
not pay even the running expenses, to say nothing of any
return on the investment. Of the two vaults in the Manu-
factures and Liberal Arts Building, one was closed entirely.
The vault in the Mining Building was the most liberally
patronized, and paid some profit above the running expense,
which profit, however, was more than absorbed by the loss
upon the running expenses of the one vault remaining in
use in the Manufactures Building.
The salaries in this subdepartment were from $45 to $60
for laborers and clerks ; $100 for chief warehouse clerk.
6. PASS CLERK'S OFFICE.
This subdepartment was under the charge of the pass
clerk of this department, whose business it was to examine
all applications for passes made by concessionaires for them-
selves and their employes, and to approve the application of
such as he deemed proper. This involved a good deal of
disagreeable controversy with the concessionaires, who usu-
ally took the view that passes were of no value; that they
should be entitled to as many as they wanted without regard
to the use made of them, proper or otherwise, and that they
were under no obligation to the Exposition to return passes
of employes leaving their service.
It took several weeks of hard work, and in some cases
absolute refusal to grant further passes until the missing ones
were turned in, to convince concessionaires that they were
under any obligation whatever to watch their passes and
control them carefully. Complete and accurate record was
kept by the pass clerk of every pass approved, and a full and
complete account was kept with each concessionaire of passes,
charging those issued and crediting those returned. This
436 APPENDIX "."
involved accuracy and promptness, as the pass question was
an urgent one throughout the entire Exposition.
There were issued under the approval of the Department
of Collections 29,695 passes (including monthly and full term),
but there were never in use at one time more than 16,000
passes by concessionaires and their employes. The difference
is accounted for by change of employes, the old passes being
canceled and taken up and new ones issued from time to time
as required.
Pass clerks' salaries were $40 to $60 for clerks; chief pass
clerk, $125.
7. DIVISION SUPERINTENDENTS.
This subdepartment was under the charge of the chief
division superintendent. The number of division superin-
tendents was from nineteen to twenty-nine. The grounds
were divided geographically into twenty-six parts known as
divisions. Each division was in charge of a superintendent
whose business it was each day to visit every station in his
division where business was done, and take the audit of the
station upon blanks provided for the purpose by the depart-
ment. This audit consisted, first, of a cash statement of the
previous day's receipts signed by the concessionaire or his
cashier; and secondly, a report of the result of the previous
day's business as shown by the system established by the
department and in use at that station, such as cash registers,
tickets, etc. When each division superintendent had col-
lected all the audits in his division, he turned them into the
chief division superintendent, who checked off the list to see
that all were turned in. They were then turned into the
chief clerk, who sorted them into concessions; each concession
was then checked up to see that no station pertaining to that
concession was missing. This being the case, all was ready
to begin the work of making up the account of each conces-
sion for the previous day's business. As an evidence of the
promptness and efficiency of this particular part of the organ-
ization, and that of the office force, it can be said the business
completed at 1 1 o'clock on Monday night, less the cash paid
in up to Tuesday night, was shown by the balance sheet sent
to the superintendent's desk on Wednesday morning at 9
o'clock, with the exception of a number of concessions, vary-
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 437
ing from six to ten; these few were unfinished because of the
necessity of correcting errors and sending back audits for
completion to one or two stations; also, the statements for
Monday's business were ready to send out for collection at 8
o'clock Wednesday morning, and of course this same prompt-
ness was continued throughout the week. The credit for
this promptness is to be divided between the division superin-
tendents and that of the office force, who necessarily worked
very closely together. Either subdepartment could delay
or aid the work of the other very materially.
Two or three of the division superintendents were dis-
charged during the season upon suspicion of endeavoring to
defraud the department by collusion with concessionaires or
their employes, and one or two others for incompetency, but
as a rule the service rendered was very satisfactory.
Their salaries were $60, with the exception of one or two
who had special division work at $75 ; the chief division super-
intendent, $100.
8. BOX COLLECTIONS.
This subdepartment was under the charge of the chief
box collector. Its duties were to distribute to the stations the
boxes to receive the tickets, where tickets were used. These
boxes were white over the entire ground one day and black
the next, so if the wrong color was noticed at any station it
was immediately known that this subdepartment had not
attended to such station properly by changing the box.
Each box was plainly marked with the number of the con-
cession, number of the station pertaining to the concession,
and number of the division to which it belonged, and must
be delivered individually to the proper station.
The department owned the boxes and the padlocks
thereto, retaining all keys in its possession. As soon as a
gatekeeper or sales clerk received a ticket from a customer,
it must be immediately dropped into a box, not held in the
hand until a number accumulated, being very particular
that the ticket was properly and immediately disposed of.
Should the concessionaire, for any reason, desire himself
to see the tickets in any box counted, the box was provided
with a separate place to attach a second padlock, in which
case it could not be unlocked by the department until the
438 APPENDIX "E."
concessionaire should arrive, when the box would be opened
and the tickets counted and examined in the presence of
both parties. The box collectors would start out with a full
wagon load of empty white boxes, exchanging them for the
full black ones, which last would be delivered to the room
provided for the purpose at department headquarters, from
whence they would be delivered to the ticket-counting force
to unlock, examine, and count the tickets. They would then
be delivered to the man in the box department, who had
charge of the grinding machine which destroyed the tickets;
thus no tickets were used but once. Careful watch was kept
of the tickets from the time the box opened until the tickets
were destroyed.
The chief box collector kept accurate record of the
receipt and delivery of boxes, so that if any concessionaire
claimed that his box was not delivered the record would show
the facts at once. The boxes were checked in as they
arrived, against the list of each box collector, so that omis-
sion or neglect of duty were promptly made known, and the
delinquent box collector immediately dispatched on a special
trip to change the box at the neglected station.
The salaries in this subdepartment were $60 for collect-
ors; $100, chief box collector.
9. SECRET SERVICE.
This force was comparatively small, but its value can
hardly be overestimated. It was in no way connected with
the guard or the regular secret service of the Exposition,
but consisted of three to five people, who were exclusively
in the service of the department. They were not detectives
by profession, as the department could at all times command
the service of such detectives by application to the chief of
the regular secret service of the Exposition.
The persons selected for this duty were ladies and gentle-
men of good appearance who would not be suspected of
being anything more than ordinary visitors. It was not easy
to persuade parties of the proper appearance and character
to accept this service, but this was made less difficult by the
fact that the members of this secret service were only known
to the superintendent and assistant superintendent.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 439
The service rendered by the persons selected to perform
this exacting and difficult duty was as satisfactory as was
rendered by any subdepartment.
An allowance of $600 per month was made to the depart-
ment by the Exposition for this service, and this allowance,
or such part of it as was necessary, was disbursed by the
superintendent personally, who received and kept in his own
possession all receipts and vouchers. It was expected that
the results of this service would be to prevent fraud rather
than to recover any portion of the revenue of which the
Exposition might be defrauded ; but the evidence thus
secured was made use of in some cases in such manner
that the increased receipts were considerably greater than
the disbursements for this service during the full term of
the Exposition.
The secret service employes were instructed, as far as
was necessary, concerning the various systems in use, and
in their travels throughout the grounds were directed to
report each and every occurrence on the part of sales clerks
or other parties receiving money or handling tickets which
appeared in the least degree irregular. Each case observed
was reported on a separate slip, stating the number of the
concession, station, and division, where a sign indicating the
same was to be seen ; and stating exact location of the stand
where no such sign could be discovered. The following
points were invariably to be shown in the report: The exact
time, the date, the article sold, description of the sales clerk,
description of the purchaser, price paid, and the amount
rung up or recorded.
The possession of this exact and detailed report enabled
the department to refute denials of crooked work on the
part of concessionaires or any employes who might be dis-
covered and reported. It was the general practice of the
superintendent to get at least three confirmatory reports
concerning any one concession or station before taking
action. The first action taken was usually a warning; on
repetition of the offense, the pass of the offending person
was taken up, and often an amount, estimated to be right,
added to the amount reported as the gross receipts of that
station. In case of many repetitions of the offense and
440
APPENDIX "E. n
the flagrant violations of the regulations and the systems,
the business of the concession was frequently closed and
terms were made before reopening was permitted.
The secret service reports, after being made out, were
sealed by the employes in an envelope directed to the
superintendent, and were left at a secret office not at the
department headquarters, at which office sealed orders and
instructions were left addressed by number, no name being
used, to the various members of the force. Each member
had a special hour appointed to report at this office, no two
at the same time, and at such time as it was necessary to
give special instructions, they were met by the superin-
tendent or assistant superintendent for that purpose. The
beneficial results of this service to the work of the depart-
ment resulted more largely from the exact information
which their work enabled the department to secure and to
present to the concessionaires thus convincing them that
they were carefully watched .than in the amount recov-
ered or the value of the reports themselves.
When the season was somewhat advanced it became
necessary to engage an employe who was termed an
inspector whose duty it was to act upon the information
thus obtained, upon the less important points ; the more
serious cases being acted upon by special order from the
headquarters of the department.
Salaries of this subdepartment ranged from $80 to $100,
together with the reimbursement of sundry small amounts
which the members of the force were permitted to spend for
the purpose of seeing whether proper disposition and record
was made of the receipt of the money by the concessionaire.
IO. MUSIC HALL FORCE.
This force was under the control of the music hall ticket
treasurer. It had charge of the sale of tickets and of the
doors of the two music halls and concert room belonging to
the Exposition. The business was of actually the same
character as that of the treasurer in charge of a theater or
opera house. The money received from the sale of tickets
was turned in to the cashier of the department each day,
and a full and complete account of the tickets was kept and
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 441
checked up carefully. The cashier turned this money in to
the treasurer of the Exposition separate from all concession
receipts.
The salaries in this subdepartment were : Doorkeepers,
$60 ; ticket sellers, $75 to $100 ; ticket treasurer, $125.
II. MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES AND RECEIPTS.
In addition to receipts from regular concessionaires and
from the music halls, there were various other collections of
which the department had charge the collection of the
amounts due for removing garbage, of amounts due from
concessionaires for tickets furnished them, and various other
small items of this kind. There was no separate subdepart-
ment for this class of business, as it was apportioned and
taken care of where it could be most economically done in
the general organization. A table of sundry collections will
be found on page 494.
There was one quite important matter which it eventu-
ally fell to the department to care for; this was the collection
of such amounts as could be gotten from the foreign exhibit-
ors and from other parties who were selling without author-
ization from the Exposition in the foreign sections of the
various buildings. The authority was not given to the
department until very late in the season, to deal with this
matter so as to enable it to get even the small amount which
the Exposition certainly was entitled to, if these people were
permitted to sell at all, which it was never intended they
should in the original plan of the Exposition. The results
of the attempt to collect from this class of sales were by no
means commensurate with the effort, and bore an infinitesi-
mally small proportion to the large amount of sales made.
The reason of this will be found under the heading, " Sales
in Foreign Sections," page 492.
COURSE OF BUSINESS AS CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
The concession contracts constituting the prircipal busi-
ness of the department being understood, the explanation
of the various systems of accounting being comprehended,
the internal organization of the department being described,
it is proper at this point to give a synopsis of the " course of
442
APPENDIX
business as conducted by the department." This being done,
a bird's-eye view of the work of the department will have
been presented which, it is believed, will enable any one con-
versant with business of the kind to understand thoroughly
the methods and results achieved by the department.
DEALING WITH THE CONCESSIONAIRE BY
THE DEPARTMENT.
Concession No. 4, popularly known as " Cairo Street," is
selected as an example of the working of the department in
its dealings with concessions. The reason of this selection
is the fact that this concession had more stations than any
other, being ninety-eight in number at the highest point, and
because, further, almost every system in use by the depart-
ment was in operation in the conduct of this concession.
The manager of the concession was first notified to con-
sult with the superintendent of the department. Each class
of business which the concession was authorized to transact
under its contract was taken up separately, and the method
of receiving and accounting for the gross receipts was agreed
upon. It must not be supposed that this could be accom-
plished at one interview; it took weeks of consideration and
consultation to arrive at satisfactory results, and the results
arrived at were not agreed upon as being absolute and
unchangeable for the season, but were subject to revision and
change as experience might determine, and as the parties
to the transaction might agree. Where it was not possible
to come to an agreement satisfactory to both parties, the
department would prescribe the method which must be
adopted, but these cases were very few in number.
For admission to the street itself and for admission to all
entertainments inside the street, tickets (System No. i) were
adopted.
For restaurants, ticket system modified (System No. 2),
and later in the season this was changed to the restaurant
system (System No. 3).
For the sales of goods in the various booths, both cash
registers (System No. 4) and duplex (System No. 5) systems
were used ; and also a modification of the warehouse system
(System No. 6), Cairo Street having warehouses of its own
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
443
under the supervision of the department, where all goods
were received and were checked out to the various booths.
This precaution was especially desirable to the interests of
the Cairo Street concession, as all of its booths for selling
purposes were sublet to parties who paid a percentage of
their sales to the concessionaire somewhat larger than the
concession paid to the Exposition.
Finally, accounting from the books of the concession
(System No. 7) was made use of where it appeared desirable
to do so.
The systems being agreed upon for each class of busi-
ness a report is made by the manager of the concession to
the department, of each station to be operated, its exact
location in the concession, and its class of business; these
stations are recorded by the department, numbering from
one up to any number desired, record kept of the locality,
the class of business at each station and the percentage of
revenue thereon, in a book especially for that purpose, each
concession being kept separately. Stations can be added
from time to time as desired, in which case each new station
takes the next higher number. Stations are numbered sepa-
rately within each concession.
Any station can be closed when desired, but notice must
be given the department. Sometimes if a station is closed
and a new one opened, the number of the old station is
transferred to the new, but it is necessary to exercise great
care in the case of a transfer of a number, and it is not
a good plan, as confusion is apt to result. It is better to
drop the number and not revive it unless the same station is
revived.
The station being designated as above, a white tin sign,
5x8 inches, lettered in red, is provided for each station and
tacked up where it can be readily seen by all parties passing.
C. 4
S. 1
D. B.
444
APPENDIX
The C. is for concession, the S. for station, the D. for divi-
sion. These signs are uniform throughout the grounds, with
the exception, of course, of the number of the concession,
station, and division. It may be said here that it is the duty
of the secret service inspectors and all employes to report
any station doing business where such a sign is not to be
seen, when it is the duty of the chief division superintendent
to see that the sign is immediately put in place. It is because
of the absence of these signs that a great number of illicit
sellers are known to be such, and the selling stopped.
The station being designated, requisitions are made by
the manager of the concession for tickets for those stations
where the ticket system is instituted, and they are furnished
by the department, each station being charged with the
exact number of tickets received. It is not permitted to
issue the tickets to a concession all under one charge, per-
mitting the manager to distribute the tickets to such sta-
tions as he sees fit. In all cases the station is the unit of
accounting with the department, and its records and ac-
counts are invariably kept first against the station. Further
on in the process all station records belonging to the same
concession are closed daily into the account of the conces-
sion; this prevents any misuse of the tickets, and the de-
partment can always rely upon finding the proper tickets
at the proper station, and otherwise knows that either care-
lessness or something worse prevails at the station in fault.
Requisitions are made for cash registers for such stations
as need them, which are filled by the cash register company.
In this concession (No. 4) a warehouseman is stationed per-
manently by the department, as it furnishes employment
enough for one man in that capacity, and, also, a short time
after the beginning of the season, a division superintendent
is assigned expressly to this concession.
All the necessary paraphernalia being provided at each
station, and the station signs being up, all is ready for busi-
ness, the day's business closing at u o'clock p. M. with the
closing of the gates of the Exposition, although in some few
cases customers remain later than that; but this is prohib-
ited as far as possible.
The division superintendent begins his rounds the follow-
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 445
ing morning as early as it is possible to find anyone at the
various stations. He is provided with blank reports, sepa-
rately printed and ruled for each system of accounting, and
duplicates are made out by him at each station in his divi-
sion, one of which is retained by him; the other is left at the
station. This report, when complete, shows the cash receipts
for the day before as stated by the cashier or other employe
in charge of the station, or by the concessionaire himself, and
is almost invariably signed by one of these parties. Below
this cash statement is set forth the result as shown by the
system prescribed by the department for use at that station.
The report, when finally complete, is signed by the division
superintendent; he visits each station in his division in turn,
making his report for each one. When all reports are com-
pleted in his division he reports with them at the headquar-
ters of the department, generally between 1 2 and 3 o'clock,
where he looks them carefully over in the room provided for
the use of the division superintendents, seeing that he has
all reports pertaining to his division or giving the reason for
any missing ones, and as far as possible correcting errors
which are apparent on the face of the reports, if there be any
such. He then passes them in to the chief division superin-
tendent, who sees that all reports due from him are received.
The division superintendent then goes back to his division
to see that business is being properly conducted, systems
properly operated, all sales accounted for, etc.
The chief division superintendent waits until all division
superintendents have reported and delivered their reports to
him ; he is accustomed to looking over a number of reports
to see that no evident discrepancies or errors exist ; he then
delivers the entire number (which varied from 13,950 during
May, when business was very light, to 46,500 during October,
when the highest point was reached) into the charge of the
chief clerk, who gives them to the clerk whose duty it is
to sort the entire bundle into concessions, arranging each
concession consecutively according to the numbers of the
stations.
It must be noted that many concessions, unlike Cairo
Street, had stations in more than one division; some of
them, like the concessions for peanuts, for souvenir spoons,
446 APPENDIX "."
for soft drinks, etc., had stations in nearly every division on
the grounds ; hence the reports necessary to complete one
concession statement might be scattered through the entire
bundle of 500 to 1,550 reports. If any report pertaining to a
concession is missing, he at once knows it because of the
order of the numbers, and it is immediately sent for, as it is
impossible to make up the statement for that concession for
that day until the reports of all the stations pertaining
thereto are in.
As fast as this clerk has all reports for any one conces-
sion complete, he passes them over to the clerk having
charge of all collections, figuring the percentage, etc., of
that particular concession. Usually each clerk has charge
of certain concessions which he deals with throughout the
season, as they vary so largely in character, percentage, etc.,
that his familiarity with the concession makes the work
more expeditious; also, after a short time, he remembers,
from the number of the station, the percentage pertaining
thereto without reference to the station book. As there are
many of the concessions which pay several different percent-
ages, the time thus saved is a material gain.
The percentages being figured and noted upon each
report, the same clerk makes a statement from the reports
for that concession, upon which are spread, in detail and in
numerical order, each station, its gross receipts, its percent-
ages, and the amount of each percentage. This is added,
showing the amount of the gross receipts and the amount of
the revenue accruing to the Exposition and due from the
concessionaire for the day's business under consideration.
The station reports, with the statement as above, are
pinned in one bundle, with the statement on top, and the
whole is passed to another clerk, who makes a copy of the
statement, which is then delivered to the collector to present
to the concessionaire for payment. The statement then
goes to the clerk whose duty it is to enter it in the large
concession book, which shows the gross receipts and revenue
from each concession each day. The revenue column of
this book, when finally corrected and added at the end of
the month, shows the full amount to be credited on the:
department ledger for the revenue for the month.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 447
The statement then proceeds on its journey to the hands
of the bookkeeper, who posts in the ledger, against the
account of the concession, the gross receipts and the revenue
due ; thus the office record is complete, department errors
and omissions excepted.
In case of error claimed by the concessionaire, such claim
will be made to the collector who presents the statement for
payment. It is then returned to the department and gone
over to see if the error is a clerical error within the depart-
ment; if so, it is at once corrected all the way through the
record, and again sent out for collection. If the error is a
discrepancy between the concessionaire and the department,
one of the department traveling auditors is sent with the
entire record of the day's business, including division super-
intendents' reports, to the concessionaire, the two harmonize
and agree upon the amount, when it is returned to the
department, corrected throughout the record, and again sent
out for collection, unless the traveling auditor collects it at
the time he harmonizes the account, which is very frequently
the case.
The collector's copies being made out, are now given to
the chief collector to distribute. The chief collector enters
each statement on his collection sheet, fuller reference to
which is made under the head of "Internal Organization,
Chief Collector," and then distributes the statements to his
collectors to present to the concessionaires for payment.
This distribution is made geographically, as far as possible,
according to the location of the headquarters of each con-
cessionaire. The collectors receiving each his bundle of
statements, enters them immediately in his own collection
book separately, and starts upon his collecting tour. He
presents his statements, collects the same, if possible ; or, if
he can not get the entire amount for any reason, is authorized
to receive on account whatever is offered, after making every
effort to collect the full amount. He leaves the statement
with the concessionaire, receipted in full if paid in full ; with
the amount paid credited upon it where an amount is paid
upon account, and with no entry where no amount is paid.
In by far the greater number of cases payment is made
daily in full, but there are quite a number of large conces-
448
APPENDIX
sions, perfectly responsible and safe, which are usually
allowed to run several days, not exceeding a week, collecting
the full amount at one time.
The collector can receive checks drawn to the order of
the treasurer of the Exposition. Checks drawn otherwise
are refused. Each amount, as received by the collector, if
it is a payment in full, is checked against the amount in his
collection book, or, if it is a payment on account, is so noted.
Returning to the department headquarters, he reports
first to the chief collector, that he may oversee his checking
in to the cashier, if he so desires. The collector then reports
to the cashier, returning in the full amount of his money,
which is counted, and the amount agreed upon between the
collector and the cashier, and receipt given by the cashier to
the collector. Usually this receipt is written in the col-
lector's book, providing the book checks up properly with
the money paid to the cashier. The collector is then relieved
from all responsibility for differences in cash. It occurred
once that the collector, turning in his money to the cashier,
neglected to take a written receipt, and on counting the
money there was a difference of $10. The superintendent
being well convinced that neither party was dishonest in the
matter, persuaded them to divide the loss between them,
although, strictly, the collector should have suffered the loss,
as he neglected to take a receipt at the time. The collector
succeeded in collecting $2.50 against this amount from one
of the concessionaires whom he had reason to believe was
$10 short in the money paid by him that day, as the collector
was careless in counting the money. This is the only dis-
crepancy that occurred throughout the season. One default
was made by a collector, and is more fully referred to under
the head, "Internal Organization, Chief Collector." The
collectors report to the chief collector all unpaid statements,
and the chief collector personally takes them in hand, and
if unsuccessful in collecting, refers them to the superin-
tendent.
The collectors each use two collection books for alternate
days, leaving one book with the cashier at the time the money
is turned in. The cashier, now having possession of the money
and of the collectors' books, enters the amounts in his cash
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 449
book from the collectors' books under the titles of the con-
cessions paying the money. All money in the possession of
the department is every night, sometimes oftener, delivered
to the treasurer of the Exposition, whose office is in the same
building, taking his receipt therefor. This receipt is usually
written in the cash book, which sets forth the amounts in
detail, and also the total, which, of course, agrees with the
money delivered to the treasurer. The cashier uses two cash
books for alternate days, so that one can be in use by him and
the other can be in the possession of the bookkeeper from
which to post the receipts.
The bookkeeper now receives from the cashier the cash
book properly receipted from the treasurer, and from this
cash book the items are posted to the credit of the various
concessions. Thus the debits to each concession, as far as the
statements are completed, are fully entered, and the credits
for all amounts of cash received from each concession are also
entered ; the balance, which is carried out each day in the
ledger after the manner of bank bookkeeping, showing the
amount due by the concession. This, balance is never quite
up to date for the reason that it is impossible to get the state-
ments complete sooner than thirty-six hours, as the business
finished Monday night at 1 1 o'clock can not be collated and
entered in the ledger until Tuesday night; the cash paid in
Tuesday is credited also Tuesday night, so that the cash pay-
ments are posted up to a date twenty-four hours later than
the statement, but as the last cash payment must necessarily
apply on the previous day's business or before, the balance
on any one morning shows exactly the amount due for all
business ending thirty-six hours previously; that is, Wednes-
day morning's balance sheet, which is invariably sent to the
superintendent's desk by 9 o'clock, shows the exact amount
due from each concession for the business transacted up to
1 1 o'clock Monday night.
Statements are made each day to the auditor of the
Exposition of the amounts collected from each concession,
the auditor keeping a separate account with each conces-
sionaire. This double expense seems unnecessary, as the
books of the department are under the supervision and con-
trol of the auditor's office to any extent that he desires, and
29
450
APPENDIX
when information is wanted in detail in the auditor's office
as to concession accounts, he invariably comes to the books
of the department to procure it, so that it would seem to be
an unnecessary labor to keep the individual accounts with
the concessionaires in the auditor's office. Had the depart-
ment been independent, it would have been very desirable
that the auditor should have an absolute check by keeping
account individually with each concessionaire, but really the
books of the Department of Collections are simply an adjunct
of the auditor's office, although, of course, kept independently
under the direction of the superintendent as to all details.
COST OF COLLECTIONS.
The total expense of conducting the department as shown
by the report of the auditor of the Exposition, April 4,
1894, was $ 98,130 63
The amount collected in cash from concessionaires on
account of percentage was 3,374,482 28
From sales in foreign sections 12,816 81
Traveling cranes 10,219 90
Foreign craft landing at piers, wharfage charges 477 35
Garbage removal 1,083 82
Safety deposit vaults 657 17
Dairy receipts 6,450 92
This account was for receipts from the milk, but-
ter, etc. , which were the product of the Dairy Exhibit
of the Exposition.
Guide corps 588 00
This was received from fees paid the guides by
visitors.
Musichalls . 62,71860
Total $3,469,49485
Percentage of cost based upon the actual cash col-
lections figured as above was 2.82 per cent.
The total amount of the revenue of the Exposition accru-
ing from percentages of concessions was 4,237,563 95
Collected from sales in foreign sections 12,816 81
From other sources (as above) 82,195 76
Total $4,332,57652
The cost of making the audit of this amount was
2.26 per cent.
The gross receipts of the concessions were $16,583,051.53.
The method of ascertaining the amount of these gross
receipts and of collecting the same from the customers was
prescribed by the department.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
451
The cost of establishing, maintaining, and conducting the
operations necessary to control these gross receipts was .59
per cent.
Table of gross receipts will be found at page 474.
CASH COLLECTIONS AND EQUIVALENT TO CASH.
In addition to the cash collections as above, page 477,
amounting to $3,469,494 85
There are the following amounts which are the same
as cash to the Exposition, but which were collected in
a different manner:
Allowed by the Adjustment Committee to concessionaires
because of claims for damages, etc _ _. 203,019 02
This amount was rebated from the accruing percent-
ages which otherwise the department would have col-
lected in cash and turned in to the treasurer, in which
case the damage allowed would have been paid by
vouchers on the treasurer. It is therefore equivalent
to a cash collection made by the department. Table
of these amounts will be found at page 477.
Allowance to concessions on account of construction 251 ,431 16
These allowances were provided for in some of the
concession contracts, and were for such purposes as
building the Jackson Park pier, Wellington Catering
Company kitchen, Marine Cafe, and some other build-
ings, and was arranged in this way, the concessionaires
paying the cost of the buildings, piers, etc., which
they then deducted from the first percentage accruing,
otherwise the Exposition would have been compelled
to disburse the money for the cost of the piers, build-
ings, etc., collecting the percentages as usual. The
department is therefore entitled to credit for this as
being the same as a cash collection. Table of these
allowances will be found at page 479.
Advance payments on account of concessions 82,079 66
These payments were deposits made with the treas-
urer when the contract was signed, and were to be
applied on final settlement of percentages accruing.
The department would therefore have collected the
amount toward the end of the season in due course of
its work, instead of which at the close of the season it
credited such concessionaires as had deposits with the
treasurer with the amount thereof. This, therefore,
should justly be considered as a cash collection. Table
of these amounts will be found at page 478.
Total collections, cash or its equivalent $4,006,024 69
The cost of the collection of the above was 2.44 per cent.
The number of employes in the department during the
active six months of the Exposition varied from 157 during
May to 241 in July, during which month the number was
the greatest; after that time the number was largely reduced
452 APPENDIX "."
because the change in the restaurant systems reduced the
number of ticket receivers from 115 to 22.
The average monthly compensation throughout the de-
partment, exclusive of the superintendent and the assist-
ant superintendent, was $57.76. This average of compen-
sation is lower than that of any department or class of
service in the Exposition except ethnology, $57.09; janitor
service, $45.52; guides, $31.76; photographical expenses,
$56.34; Womans' Building, $50.68.
All figures for salary are taken from the reports of the
auditor of the Exposition during the season, which are aver-
aged to obtain the results shown above.
RECAPITULATION OF THE COST OF COLLECTIONS.
From page 450, upon actual cash collected 2.82 per cent.
From page 451, collections in cash or equivalent to cash ..2.44 per cent.
From page 450, revenue accruing from concessions 2.26 per cent.
From page 451 , gross receipts of the concessions 59 per cent.
COUNTERFEIT MONEY.
The amount of counterfeit money received by the depart-
ment was exceedingly small considering the amount of cash
which passed through its hands. Under this heading are
included, also, clipped and perforated coins and all other
money not readily receivable or easily passed. The total
amount remaining in the hands of the department at the
close of the Exposition was $18, which, on the total cash col-
lections of $3,374,482.28, was too small an amount to be even
taken into consideration. In view of the fact that the col-
lectors employed by the Exposition were largely young men
of no great amount of experience, it was very remarkable
that a much larger amount of counterfeit and defaced money
was not received. A certain amount of this bad money also
was received through the medium of the slot machines,
where of course no judgment could be passed upon it. The
counterfeit money from the slot machines was divided
between the department and the concessionaire on the same
percentage basis as the good money. As the contracts called
for certain percentage of the gross receipts, and inasmuch
as the concessionaire could not exercise his judgment in
receiving the money as it was passed into the machines, the
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
453
department considered it only fair to receive its proportion
of the bad money.
In the case of ordinary concessions, however, while the
contracts read that the Exposition should receive a certain
percentage of the gross receipts, the view was taken that as
the concessionaire or his employe received and could exam-
ine the money, that they should be responsible for bad
money passed upon them, and should pay the department
in good money the Exposition percentage of the entire
receipts.
ADJUSTMENT COMMITTEE.
As early as the opening of the Exposition it was apparent
to the superintendent that it would be impossible to collect
revenue from a large number of concessions, especially many
of those upon the Plaisance, for the reason that there was a
great amount of dissatisfaction and many claims of damage,
mostly exhorbitant, but still largely based upon some founda-
tion; because of the failure of the Exposition to supply elec-
tric lights according to contracts for that purpose ; because
of the condition of the roads deterring many visitors from
making an attempt to get to some concessions, and because of
some other minor causes.
A claim for damage, which was merely a claim, and not
definite and determinable as to the just amount, was, of
course, no offset against the determined debt accruing to the
Exposition each day because of percentages under a definite
contract, still there was justice in many of the claims, and it
was impossible to convince the concessionaires who were
aggrieved, and whose business was really suffering because
of the causes referred to, that it was right that they should
pay their percentages. Lawsuits meant delay, hanging up
all revenue for the time being, and, possibly, depriving the
department of its authority to prescribe methods, etc., which
actually happened later in the season in the case of conces-
sions which went into the hands of receivers or other officers
of the court.
Therefore, it was necessary that the Exposition should
appoint some representative which would recognize the fact
that there was a just basis for some of these claims, although
454
APPENDIX
not always to the full amount, and which should have power
not only to confer but also to reach a positive agreement in
all cases where it was possible, and to act, thus arriving at a
final settlement of the matters at issue.
The superintendent presented his views to the Exposition
authorities, and the Executive Committee appointed an "Ad-
justment Committee," consisting of three, and afterward four,
directors of the Exposition to take charge of this matter,
with power to act. The superintendent gave them the use of
a room at the headquarters of the department connecting
directly with his private office, and placed at their disposal
all the facilities of the department for getting information,
facts and figures.
This committee was in session constantly for nearly the
entire period of the Exposition, there being hardly a day but
at least one member of the committee, and usually three,
were present, and working upon the many varied and com-
plicated propositions and claims brought to their attention.
As the season progressed questions arose which had
not been contemplated at the beginning, complicating and
rendering more onerous not only the burdens of the com-
mittee, but of the department. Probably the hardest matters
to adjust and to agree upon with concessionaires arose from
the protection of the so-called "exclusive concessions." The
question as to how many customers an entertainment had
lost during a certain number of hours when they did not
have electric light was comparatively easy to estimate, using
the attendance through the gates as a basis each day ; but
such questions as to how far the concessionaire who had the
contract for the exclusive sale of souvenir spoons was being
damaged because others were selling spoons upon the
grounds, souvenir or otherwise, and as to how far the con-
cessionaire holding the contract for the exclusive sale of
oriental goods was damaged because of a similar reason, were
next to impossible to determine.
The conclusion unanimously arrived at by the members
of the committee and the superintendent was that exclusive
concessions are an unmitigated nuisance, and never should
be granted except in a very few cases, which are set forth at
more detail under the heading " Exclusive Concessions."
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 455
The department worked harmoniously with the com-
mittee, and the results accomplished, in view of the difficult
conditions, were very remarkable. Almost all cases of dis-
pute were adjusted by the joint efforts of the committee
and the superintendent to the satisfaction of the complain-
ant, and in almost all cases to the profit of the Exposition.
There was something of a bitter feeling on the part of
many of the concessionaires toward the Exposition because
of failure to supply lights, to put roads in good condition,
etc., and everything possible was done by the joint efforts of
the Adjustment Committee and of the department to allay
this feeling, and with a very great degree of success. The
committee used its influence, which, of course, was great, to
rectify abuse where the Exposition was at fault, to put lights
and roads in order as fast as possible, and in all cases gave a
patient and careful consideration to the complaints brought
before them ; at the same time never losing sight of the fact
that it was their duty to protect the interests of the Expo-
sition.
There were various other matters also in charge of this
committee, such as construing contracts where amounts to
be allowed the concessionaire for construction were indefi-
nite, or where the contracts were construed differently by
the department and by the concessionaire.
The importance of this committee as an aid to the work
of the department, and its beneficial results to the finance
and to the general conduct of the Exposition, can hardly be
overestimated. The general plan upon which it was organ-
ized and its method of work must also be highly recom-
mended. A committee of few members, it was enabled to
consult with concessionaires, to confer within itself, and to
decide momentous questions without confusion, and with a
degree of celerity which would have been impossible with a
larger body; being almost constantly in session, its con-
sideration of affairs was consecutive, and therefore more
intelligent than would have been possible with a larger
committee, meeting only occasionally, and the meetings
being attended by different members at different times;
being composed of men of wide business experience, it was
able to grapple with any and all questions submitted to it ;
456 APPENDIX ""."
and being composed of men of broad views it was able to
consider fairly the other side of the question.
The superintendent has never known an unpaid com-
mittee of directors to work as industriously and conscien-
tiously as did this committee during the six months of his
intimate association with them. A detailed account of their
labors and its result will be found in the report of the
Adjustment Committee itself. (Exposition files, Field Co-
lumbian Museum.)
UNAUTHORIZED SALES.
A large number of peddlers, gripsack salesmen, and others
who had no concession, undertook to sell in the grounds and
buildings at various times. There was more or less annoy-
ance and trouble from this source the entire season. The
rules prohibited peddling of any nature except of a very few
articles, the nature of which rendered it desirable that visit-
ors could procure them readily. These articles were guides,
catalogues, and a very few others.
The usual method pursued with the peddlers and small
sellers of this class was to escort them outside the gate,
together with their goods. There was very seldom serious
objection to this on the part of the peddling element.
There was another class of unauthorized sellers, who
would by some manipulation get small spaces in the build-
ings to sell from. These spaces were more easily gotten in
the foreign sections than elsewhere, and often the sellers in
such sections would endeavor to protect themselves under
the cloak of the foreign commissioner in whose section their
operations were carried on. Where these people were not
of the nation represented by the section they were in, and
were not selling articles characteristic of or produced by
that nation, the usual course was to load their material and
merchandise into a patrol wagon and either take it out-
side the gates, where they could take possession of it if they
desired, or take it to the headquarters of the department,
where it was delivered to them when they had agreed to
take it from the grounds, which course the department
enforced by providing an escort, who saw the goods safely
outside the gates.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 457
In these cases resistance was frequently met with, and
often a very lively little fracas would ensue, but, as a rule,
sales of this character were fairly well controlled. Consider-
able aid was given by the men at the wagon gates, who would,
as far as possible, inspect goods, packages, etc., brought into
the grounds, excluding such as seemed contraband until a
permit could be secured from the proper authorities to bring
in the goods.
There was another class of unauthorized sales which
were conducted by concessionaires who would sometimes
sell goods and transact other business to which they were
not entitled under the term of their contract. In those cases
the offender was usually warned, and if the warning did not
receive prompt attention, sometimes the goods would be
confiscated by the department, temporarily, until such time
as the offender should agree to take them from the grounds
and not to place them on sale, and sometimes the station
offending would be closed entirely until the proper guaran-
tee should be given that the offense should cease.
The class of unauthorized sales which caused the greatest
annoyance and loss to the Exposition, except sales in foreign
sections, were those of goods which were in direct conflict
with some exclusive concession. It was harder to deal with
this class of unauthorized sales than any other except in
foreign sections, because it was almost impossible to con-
vince the seller that the concessionaires owning an exclusive
right to sell such articles must be protected, and that it was
not an injustice that the seller should not be permitted to
sell them. The most notable contests of the department
over unauthorized sales were because of this class. Other
reference will be made to this matter under the head of
" Exclusive Concessions."
SALES IN FOREIGN SECTIONS.
It was not contemplated in the original plan of the Expo-
sition that exhibitors, native or foreign, should se 1 ! from their
exhibits for immediate delivery, except in those cases where
a concession was granted covering the privilege of selling; in
such cases, regular concession contracts would be entered
into between the Exposition and the party desiring to sell,
458 APPENDIX "."
which would compel him to deal with the Exposition in his
capacity of a concessionaire separately and distinctly from
his capacity as an exhibitor.
The superintendent has reason to believe, from many
things that came under his observation, that there was a
pretty thorough organization among a certain number of
foreign commissioners to allow such sales in the sections ap-
portioned to their various governments, and to protect the
sellers by every means in their power from being compelled
to pay any revenue to the Exposition for the privilege of
selling.
Every possible means was resorted to which would cause
delay, that the Exposition might not promptly enforce its
claims, in some instances exhibits being covered by the
foreign commissioner with the flag of his country, threats
being made that if the flag were interfered with international
complications would result.
There is positive evidence that in some instances foreign
commissioners received money from persons desiring to sell
in the sections apportioned to their governments for the priv-
ilege of so doing. This evidence consisted of receipts for
money paid, signed by the commissioner and delivered to the
other party to the transaction. About the ist of September
the department was endowed with the authority to collect,
on account of such sales, such money as it might be able.
This authority, however, did not give the department
power of taking peremptory measures in the case of refusal
to pay, and the only method by which anything was col-
lected was by exercising the power of persuasion, some
threatening, or any measure short of actual force which it
would appear would produce the desired result.
Under this very limited authority there was collected
from this source $12,816.18, which was perhaps one-fortieth
part of what should have been collected had these sellers
been compelled to pay a reasonable percentage or consid-
eration to the Exposition.
The method by which the department succeeded in col-
lecting the small amounts above from such sales was this :
Consultation was first held with the foreign commissioner
representing the section to be dealt with, and an agreement
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
459
was made that the seller should pay a fixed amount per day,
ranging from $2 to $10.
A permit was then given by the department to this seller,
and the amount was collected daily, just as in the case of
other audits. There was no accounting, hence no way of
getting at the gross receipts, which, therefore, can not be
estimated. It is known that the amount was very large, and
the superintendent believes that had perfect regulations
been established before the beginning of the Exposition,
from four to five hundred thousand dollars of revenue would
have accrued to the Exposition from this source.
The number of permits granted covering this class of
business was 138.
The superintendent's opinion as to the best method of
handling sales of this character is given under the heading,
" Plans for Sales of Articles in Exhibits."
A table of exhibitors' sales will be found on page 492.
ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS.
It was not to be expected that rules and regulations
established by the Exposition through its numerous depart-
ments, for the regulations of the business and personal con-
duct of a permanent population of 30,000 people, which is
about the average daily pass attendance of people constantly
employed within the grounds, and of an additional floating
population averaging 110,000 daily, would be observed by
the free will of the persons to be controlled, but that means
must be devised to enforce regulations when necessary.
The rules and regulations which it fell to this department
to enforce were such as related to concessionaires, concessions,
and sales of all kinds, authorized or unauthorized, within the
Exposition grounds.
The physical force necessary to enforce order was fur-
nished by the Columbian Guard upon the request of the
department, as the superintendent and assistant superintend-
ent each had and carried with them a special order to the
Columbian Guard to act under their direction at all times.
In addition to this, there was a general order to the guard to
enforce the rules and regulations of the department and to
act in harmony with it.
460 APPENDIX "E."
The usual method of enforcing regulations of the depart-
ment in concessions was by closing up the offending conces-
sion, which usually resulted in terms being made immediately
or very shortly by the concessionaire.
Great care was exercised by the department that closing
up should not be resorted to except for sufficient cause, which
cause must be established by perfect evidence. The guards
sometimes, but not often, met with resistance. The worst
element to deal with, both as to disregard of regulations and
as to their enforcement, were the foreigners, and especially
the orientals, although the most important physical contest
that took place was in the German Village, between the
imported German waiters and the guard.
When an adjustment of trouble because of disregard of
regulations was arrived at, the Americans could usually be
depended upon to abide by it, but this was not the case with
the largest part of the foreign element.
VOIDING CONTRACTS.
In a very few instances it became necessary to serve
notice on the concessionaire voiding his contract, which was
one of the rights reserved by the Exposition in the case of
violation of the terms thereof. In these cases an adjustment
was usually arrived at immediately and the business per-
mitted to continue.
The department met with as much success in enforcing
regulations as could be expected under the circumstances
and considering the ground to be covered.
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS BASED ON EXPERIENCE OF
THE DEPARTMENT.
There are some general conclusions which the superin-
tendent has derived from the experience of the department,
which it is proper should appear in this report, as the presi-
dent of the Exposition requested that the report should be
not merely a bare statement of the business transacted by
the department, but also a history of that business, and that
it should also contain the results of this experience and the
conclusions deduced therefrom, in such form, if possible, as
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 461
to be of use to future expositions. Many of these conclu-
sions appear throughout the report under the various head-
ings to which they more properly pertain, such as the objec-
tions to exclusive concessions, the objections to permitting
sales in the exhibition buildings, etc. While possibly some
part of the following observations might better have appeared
under such separate headings, and some may be duplicated,
the superintendent has thought it better that they should
appear here than to be omitted entirely,
GRANTING OF CONCESSIONS.
This duty was entrusted by the Exposition to the Com-
mittee on Ways and Means, consisting of a large number of
directors, and too much praise can not be accorded to the
gentlemen constituting the committee and to the chairman
thereof, for the earnest and conscientious manner in which
this work was performed. The view which they took of
their duty in the premises was most certainly an exalted one,
as they gave as much (or more) attention to preserving the
dignity of the Exposition as to granting concessions merely
for the sake of obtaining revenue. But in spite of the great
care taken some few concessions were granted, in the con-
fusion inevitably attending the action of a large committee,
which slightly detracted from the high moral standing of the
Exposition, but all such errors were of a minor nature, and
were the result of inadvertent errors, and most certainly
not because of any intent to that end on the part of any of
the gentlemen of the committee.
A committee of this kind was necessary to finally pass
upon and approve concession contracts, as such a committee
is the only means by which a corporation with a large direc-
tory can act intelligently and legally. It is not desirable to
entrust the final approval of such contracts to any individual,
no matter how honest or able he may be. But this com-
mittee should have been authorized to engage a man of wide
business experience, of broad views, and of unquestioned
integrity, to give his undivided time and attention to the
concession business, subject to final revision and approval of
his conclusions by the Committee on Ways and Means.
It would have been better, perhaps, that this man should
462 APPENDIX "."
also have had charge of the collections tinder the contracts
which he had been the means of creating.
It is impossible that a committee, meeting no matter how
frequently, no one of whom gives his entire time and atten-
tion to the multifarious matters under consideration, could
act as consecutively and with as thorough understanding of
all details as a single man who devotes his attention to noth-
ing else, and in fact the committee found it necessary to have
present at these meetings, not only the chairman and the paid
secretary, who gave his entire time to the business, but also
an attorney, who became a permanent attache of the com-
mittee.
Had the course suggested been pursued, a great deal of
the unfortunate crossing of concessions, and especially of ex-
clusive concessions, might have been avoided ; the contracts
would have been more uniform, and many minor points,
which, however, were of much importance to the successful
carrying out and operating of the contracts, would not have
been overlooked. In view of all the circumstances the re-
markable thing is that so few mistakes were made and that
the results accomplished were so satisfactory.
SPACE FOR CONCESSIONS.
The superintendent is unalterably opposed to allowing
any sales in the exhibition buildings proper, except of a very
few articles really necessary to the comfort and convenience
of visitors, as set forth in " Plan for Sales of Articles in Ex-
hibits," page 464. The reasons for this opposition are also
given under the same heading.
But allowing that it is determined that such sales shall be
permitted, and that concession contracts covering such sales
are granted, very different arrangements from those obtain-
ing at the Exposition should be made for providing, appor-
tioning, and assigning the space necessary for the purpose.
This last observation also applies to space for concession
purposes throughout the entire grounds, as well as in the
exhibition buildings. There was endless trouble and dissat-
isfaction among concessionaires because of the thoroughly
unsatisfactory manner in which this matter of space was
handled.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 463
The entire difficulty is due to the fact that the subject
was not considered and made a part of the great general
plan of the Exposition at the very beginning.
A very few weeks before the opening of the Exposition
concessionaires began to attempt to secure space inside the
buildings and booths outside. It seemed to be impossible
to have assignments of space made them which would be
permanent and reliable. The matter was in the joint charge
of the Department of Works and of the director-general. If
one of these departments approved a space, the other was
more than apt to veto it. No spaces apparently had been
especially reserved for this purpose in the general plan of
apportionment in the buildings. The spaces had to be got-
ten where they could be found. This department, in its
original plan, intended to do its station work in the office,
upon a large division map especially drawn for the purpose,
and from the records of assignment of space made by the
Department of Works and the director-general, but this plan
was abandoned upon the second day's trial, as no such
records which were reliable could be gotten. It finally
became necessary for the department to cover the entire
grounds with its employes, find stations actually located, and
either doing business or preparing to do so, take a memo-
randum of the location, find out what concession had posses-
sion of the space, making up its records of stations in this
way.
The superintendent believes that the following plan
would satisfactorily cover all points:
In the original plan of the grounds and buildings, certain
designated and fixed spaces should be set off for concession
purposes, just as they were set off for the purpose of certain
classes of exhibits. The control of the assignment of this
entire space should then be transferred to the Committee on
Ways and Means, or other authority granting concessions,
subject to certain general rules, regulations, and limitations
clearly set forth in writing: For instance, an assignment of
space for the sale of cheap silver jewelry should not be per-
mitted near a handsome exhibit of legitimate and beautiful
articles of the same kind. Various other limitations would
readily suggest themselves; but, subject to such limitations,
464 APPENDIX ". n
the concessions should be fitted to the space and the assign-
ment made to each concession by the authority granting the
concession, as soon after such granting as possible. Such
assignment should be clearly noted on the map and plan of
the grounds and buildings, and the spaces assigned to each
concession should be at once divided into stations, numbered
and recorded. All preliminary work would then be com-
pleted, constituting in the end a perfect whole, just as in the
case of the general plan of exhibits; and when the opening
day should arrive all would be in readiness, confusion and
delay would be entirely avoided, records would be perfect,
and all the business could be systematized and organized
from the office, instead of having to search the ground daily
to get the information required. This plan would also avoid
all disagreement between departments. The method, or
lack of method, actually operated invariably resulted in
damage to the concessionaire and did not result in any
benefit to the Exposition.
In granting the concessions on the Plaisance, and many
others outside of the exhibition buildings, the space was care-
fully and fully designated in the concession contract, and there
is no reason why a somewhat similar process could not be
adopted within the exposition buildings, if it were contem-
plated and decided upon in the original plan.
It has been claimed that concessions are no part of a great
exposition. While this sounds well theoretically, practically
it is a misstatement, as concessions have always existed at
expositions, and always will. The question is not to theorize
as to what ought to be, but to adopt the best practical plan
to deal with that which is and which will be. From this
standpoint concessions are a part, and a very material part,
of any exposition, large or small, and any general plan which
does not provide for their proper placing is as defective in
that particular as it would be in another particular, if it did
not provide for a proper placing of exhibits.
PLAN FOR SALE OF ARTICLES IN EXHIBITS.
It is the opinion of the superintendent that no sales of any
kind whatever should be permitted in the exhibition buildings
proper, except restaurants, soft drinks, catalogues, guides,
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS, 465
and possibly some few articles which, from their nature, are a
necessity to visitors.
It would add to the dignity of a great exposition and to
the attractiveness of the exposition buildings if miscellaneous
sales were not allowed.
It is next to impossible to prevent the sellers, and particu-
larly the foreigners, from addressing the people as they pass,
and soliciting them to purchase or look at the goods, which
makes it more or less disagreeable to the visitors who wish
to give their attention to the exhibits free from annoyance.
A far better method of providing for the sale of such
articles as are on exhibition would be to provide several
large and handsome buildings for that express purpose,
where duplicates of exhibits should be on sale.
These buildings should be placed each under the care of
a thoroughly efficient business man who understood the
business of the so-called department stores, as they are con-
ducted in large cities. The money received from all sales
should go to a central cash office under the supervision and
control of the exposition, and daily there should be returned
to the proprietor of each station the amount of sales of his
station, less the percentage due the exposition. When well
organized and properly conducted, this system is thorough,
rapid, and efficient, and there is no objection which can be
raised to it, except that it would give the exposition almost
a certainty of securing its revenue, which would undoubt-
edly be strongly objected to by a large number of the
people with whom the Exposition dealt in Chicago.
The fact that this business can be perfectly systemized
is evidenced by the investigation of the superintendent of
the methods of a large department store, where there -ate
600 sales clerks in twenty-five or thirty departments, the
receipts from each of which was kept separately, the average
variation for the year being less than 7 cents a day.
EXCLUSIVE CONCESSIONS.
The experience of the department demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the superintendent that no exclusive conces-
sion should be granted except of the following characters :
i. To erect and maintain a village, street, or building,
466 APPENDIX "."
characteristic of any special nation ; but this should not
include the exclusive right of sale of any class of merchan-
dise or goods whatever, whether pertaining to that nation or
otherwise, as it is absolutely impossible, in the first place, to
discriminate as to the classes of goods to be sold, and in the
second place it is impossible to prohibit and to prevent
entirely sales of merchandise which will conflict with such
exclusive rights.
2. Catalogues, guides, and other publications which per-
tain exclusively to the exposition. The right of publishing
and selling within the grounds publications of this character
can be made exclusive, and can be reasonably well pro-
tected, but the right to publish and sell such publications,
and all similar character of business, should be confined to
one concession. It is impossible to draw a well-defined line
and say " here the guide ends " and " here the catalogue
begins," and this would be true of any other publications
which were characteristic of and pertaining to the exposi-
tion, except illustrated works. For instance, a guide to the
grounds must contain a map; possibly a map is no essential
part of a catalogue, but then again, possibly it is, and the
question of determining is a delicate one, and certain to give
dissatisfaction to one or the other party if the concessions
are held separately.
The following are a few examples of the questions
arising, and which perhaps show the characteristic difficul-
ties attending the protection of exclusive concessions, and
how liability for damage on the part of the exposition
arises :
There was an exclusive concession granted for the sale of
souvenir spoons. The first question that arose was as to
whether certain other spoons being sold upon the grounds
by other parties were or were not " souvenir " spoons, in the
sense intended by the contract. In some cases it was hard
to determine ; in a few cases impossible. The next question
was how to prohibit and prevent the sale of souvenir spoons
by other parties. The department had quite a number of
employes engaged in this effort a good part of the season.
The sale of spoons would be stopped in the Algerian Village
at 10 o'clock, and when the inspector passed out of the
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 467
village at 10.30 every Algerian would produce spoons from
his pockets, from his locked boxes, from his hat, from his
wife's clothing, and from all conceivable places where spoons
could be hidden. It was easy to prove that the spoons were
being sold, for any one could buy them should he ask for
them, even if they were not in sight. More attention was
given to the protection of this one exclusive concession than
to any other one, because the goods were of a class that
were easily hidden in the pocket and elsewhere, and could
therefore be readily sold all over the grounds. With all the
vigilance of the department and the souvenir spoon conces-
sionaire agreed that the department had done all in its
power, and highly complimented it upon its efficiency in this
respect the sale could not be entirely suppressed.
Another case was the exclusive concession for the sale of
oriental goods. What are oriental goods? This question
arose, was investigated, and it was discovered that a very
large proportion of goods sold as oriental were French goods
of oriental designs, manufactured for the oriental trade.
What are French and German novelties? They were
found to consist of almost all classes of goods under the sun
which might pertain to Southern Europe, Northern Africa,
or the Orient, made in France and Germany, and sold as
goods pertaining to the country of which their patterns and
style might be characteristic.
Having determined the character of the goods, as far as
possible, the question still remained as to what means could
be used for preventing their sale.
These are but a very small number of the questions
arising concerning exclusive concessions, as the questions
graded from these very marked cases to others which were
almost impossible to determine upon.
Except the characteristic concessions named above, an
exposition is only safe in granting exclusive concessions in
one way, which is that the exposition shall agree not to
grant a similar privilege to any other party. The exposition
then, as a matter of good faith, would do its best to protect
the concessions so granted, but would not assume the respon-
sibility of doing so, thereby becoming liable for damages in
case of failure to efficiently protect. For the guidance of
468 APPENDIX "E."
future expositions it can not be too strongly insisted upon
that exclusive concessions, except of a very few kinds, and
under limitations set forth above, are extremely undesirable.
More concerning this appears under the head of "Adjust-
ment Committee."
PERCENTAGES WERE THEY EXCESSIVE?
Early in the season there was quite a general complaint
that the Exposition had demanded far higher percentages
than the concessionaires could pay and leave a profit. Upon
the small amount of business prevailing in May and early
June, which, however, was as much or more of a disappoint-
ment to the Exposition than to the concessionaires, this com-
plaint might have been reasonable ; but that, as a general
rule, the percentages were not too high is evidenced by the
fact that nearly all the concessionaires made a reasonable
profit, and some of them a very large profit, considering the
capital invested. Some percentages were undoubtedly too
high, figured upon the merits of the business itself, and with-
out regard to management or cost of the plant. Among
these may be mentioned soft drinks, 55 per cent ; peanuts
and pop corn, 65 per cent ; souvenir spoons, 40 per cent ; all
of which, and some others, were afterward reduced by the
Exposition. The claim made by some parties that the Expo-
sition was unreasonably rigid and unjust in its dealings with
concessionaires is best shown to be without foundation by
the fact that the Exposition reduced many percentages which
it was believed were too high to enable the concessionaire to
successfully conduct his business. Other classes of conces-
sions that could not profitably pay the percentage were those
where the investment in plant was too large, through the
error in judgment of the concessionaire, and where the
business was conducted in an unbusinesslike manner, in
some cases such as to drive away rather than to attract cus-
tomers; in other cases such that the employes of the conces-
sionaire could appropriate to their own use a large propor-
tion of the receipts; and in a very few cases where the enter-
prise as a whole was an ill-judged one, and did not attract
the public. The most notable example of this latter class
was the Chinese Village. Why it should have been so was
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 469
not apparent, as it was a thoroughly good representation,
and was conducted from the start in a thorough and busi-
nesslike manner; nevertheless, the public did not seem to be
attracted by it.
The Casino restaurant may be selected as an example of
failure because of poor and unbusinesslike management. It
was known to the department within a few days after the
concession opened for business that there was a well-organ-
ized conspiracy on the part of employes to appropriate a
large portion of the receipts. The evidence was procured
by the department and worked into a case, but on the very
day that numerous arrests were to take place the Casino
passed into the hands of a receiver, where it remained for
the balance of -the season.
The Natatorium (intended to be a swimming plunge,
restaurant, and variety show though the swimming plunge
was never operated) is a good example of too much money
invested in a plant. Without an admission fee and a very
attractive performance, it was found to be difficult to get
back the large investment out of the profits of the restaurant
alone, for the short term of six months.
That 25 per cent was not too much for restaurants to pay
is evidenced, because nearly all of them made satisfactory
profit, and some a very large profit, and without too large
charge to the public.
It can be truthfully asserted that the Exposition was
almost invariably very liberal in its financial dealings with
concessionaires.
MIDWAY PLAISANCE.
Much objection was raised to the original plan of the
Plaisance, on the ground that it was undignified and no
proper part of a great international exposition.
Viewed in the light of past events it is unquestionable
that the Plaisance, dignified or undignified, was a great
success.
Had the many concessions located upon the Plaisance
been scattered indiscriminately throughout the Exposition
grounds, unquestionably the dignity or the stateliness of
the Exposition as a whole would have been injured beyond
forgiveness, but, located as it was, separate from the Exposi-
470
APPENDIX "E."
tion proper, so that those who were not disposed to visit the
sights to be seen there did not have them forced upon
them, the Plaisance was a feature from the absence of
which the Exposition would have suffered greatly.
People wish and expect to be amused as well as
instructed by an exposition, and if the amusement is not
such as to degrade, there is no reason why it should not
properly be a part thereof, especially if nearly all of the
amusements are more or less instructive.
Perhaps a few of them were less instructive rather than
more, but those who appreciate the realism of "Cairo Street,"
the quaint beauty of "Old Vienna," the attractiveness of
the little people and their customs in the "Java Village," the
mechanical perfection of the Ferris Wheel, and the fascina-
tion of many other Plaisance concessions, will agree that the
Plaisance did far more good than harm to the interests of
the Exposition, notwithstanding the few, very few, features
which were objectionable.
That visitors on the whole enjoyed and believed in the
Plaisance is evidenced by the amount of money they spent
with those concessions which were exclusively Plaisance
concessions (not including stations located upon the Plais-
ance, but belonging to miscellaneous concessions, such as
peanuts and soft drinks), amounting to $7,189,940.78, return-
ing the Exposition a revenue of $1,644,768.85.
The proportion of visitors who did not enjoy the Plaisance
enough to make a second visit was very light, and this in
spite of the entertainment and instruction to be gotten in
the Exposition grounds proper.
That there were some things which might better have
been omitted from the Plaisance concessions, there is no
question ; and that some things which were permitted might
have been better controlled, there is no doubt ; but consider-
ing the nationalities dealt with, and the moral standing of
the performers in many of the entertainments, it is unques-
tionable that the best was done which the circumstances
admitted.
That the Plaisance attractions added millions of dollars
to the receipts of the Exposition at the gates, in addition to
the revenue from the concessions, is certain, as it was the
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 471
custom of many people living in Chicago to attend the Expo-
sition late in the day or evening, simply to hear the music or
attend the various entertainments found on the Midway.
Many of the concessions represented faithfully manners,
customs, and buildings in strict accordance with the char-
acteristic representations they undertook, and without the
Plaisance the great Exposition would have been somewhat
less a complete whole than it was.
A table of Midway Plaisance concessions, receipts, etc.,
will be found at page 482.
TABLES OF CONCESSION GROSS RECEIPTS, REVENUE,
ETC., WITH EXPLANATION.
This table is divided into columns, each column being
plainly headed ; but this explanation is necessary to a more
definite understanding of the information contained therein.
The first column, headed "Concession No.," gives the
number of each concession. These numbers were arbitrary,
but followed the order of the dates of the contracts as far as
it was possible to do so. The number assigned to a conces-
sion was unimportant, as it was simply a means of indexing
and readily referring to any and all matters pertaining to
the concession. The same number was, of course, adopted
throughout the department, for any and all puposes pertain-
ing to the concession. The total number of concessions was
370-
The second column, headed "Operated by," gives the
name of party operating the concession, who was often not
the party to whom it was originally granted, but a corpora-
tion organized for the purpose, to which was transferred the
concession contract.
The third column, headed "Character of Concession,"
gives briefly the character of the business transacted, and
very often the popular name of the concession as it was
known to the public. For instance, Concession No. 4 is noted
in this column, " Cairo Street." Concession No. 7 is noted,
" German Village."
The fourth column, headed "Remarks," explains itself.
The fifth heading covers eight columns, being marked at
the top "Receipts Classified." In these eight columns the
472
APPENDIX
gross receipts are classified according to the purpose for
which money was expended by the visitors, as follows :
No. i. This classification shows all restaurant gross
receipts, except in a very few instances where restaurants
were run in connection with amusements so that it was
absolutely impossible to segregate same. Such cases were
few and the receipts comparatively small. Where soft
drinks, liquors, and smokers' articles were sold in the restau-
rants in such a way as to make it impossible to segregate the
receipts thereof, the entire receipts are entered in this
column. The amount of gross receipts was $5,016,609.84.
No. 2. This classification shows gross receipts from pea-
nuts, pop corn, soft drinks, cider, candy, and all such edible
articles as are not necessaries, except a few which were sold
from the slot machines. It includes, however, gum sold
from the slot machines, as it was not possible to segregate
the gum receipts from the slot machine and receipts from
other sales of gum. The amount of the gross receipts was
No. 3. This classification shows the gross receipts from
general admission charges to the streets, villages, etc., like
" Cairo Street " and the " German Village," where an admis-
sion charge to the concession was provided for in the con-
tract. The Ferris Wheel receipts are included in this classi-
fication, as it seems to be, perhaps, the proper place to put
it. The number of patrons was 15,242,835, and the amount
of gross receipts $3,420,704.85.
No. 4. This classification shows the gross receipts from
admission charges to attractions located inside the conces-
sions, to which the contract provided for admission charges,
such as theaters, sleight-of-hand performances, and all other
minor features inside concessions to which admission was
charged. The number of patrons was 4,172,466. The
amount of gross receipts was $821,072.80.
No. 5. This classification shows the gross receipts from
transportation where it was possible to segregate from other
receipts. In some cases it was not possible to do so perfectly,
as the receipts from this source were so confused with others.
A case in mind is the " Snow and Ice Railway," where the
receipts for transportation on the railway proper were mixed
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
473
with concert-hall receipts and restaurant receipts. In the
concessions which were exclusively for the purpose of trans-
portation, like the elevated railway, the electric launches,
and the roller chairs, there is, of course, no such confusion.
The number of people carried was 11,137,935. The amount
of gross receipts was $1,908,110.63.
No. 6. This classification shows the gross receipts from
sales of goods, merchandise, etc. The amount of gross
receipts was $3,644,800.93.
No. 7. This classification shows the gross receipts from
cigars and smokers' materials in all cases where these were
sold separately. A large part of such receipts will neces-
sarily appear in classification No. i, as it was impossible to
segregate them. The amount of the gross receipts was
$138,949.61.
No. 8. This classification includes miscellaneous receipts,
which it was hardly possible to classify. The nature of the
concession will, in all these cases, show what these miscel-
laneous receipts were for. The amount of gross receipts
was $534,827.44.
The next column, headed "Total Gross Receipts," shows
the total gross receipts carried out against each concession
and the total footing of all the gross receipts, which was
$16,583,051.53.
The next column, headed "Average Percentage," shows
the average percentage which each concession paid the
Exposition of their gross receipts. There were many con-
cessions which paid different percentages on different classes
of receipts. Concession No. 4 (Cairo Street) paid percent-
ages varying from 5 to 25 per cent. The total average per-
centage was 25.5 per cent.
The next column, headed " Revenue," shows the revenue
accruing to the Exposition from each concession.
The total revenue was $4,237,5 6 3-95-
The next column, headed " Largest Number of Stations
Operated," shows the largest number of stations operated by
any one concession at any one time, and the total largest
number of stations, which was 3,542.
The next column, headed " Number of Cash Registers,"
shows the largest number of cash registers used by any
474
APPENDIX
one concession at any one time. The largest total number
was 644.
The next column, headed " Remarks," explains itself.
RECAPITULATION.
Total number of concessions, 370.
Gross receipts, classification No. 1, restaurants $ 5,016,609 84
Gross receipts, classification No. 2, peanuts, soft drinks, etc. 1 ,097,975 43
Gross receipts, classification No. 3, general admission to
concessions patrons, 14,372,835 3,420,704 85
Gross receipts, classification No. 4, admission to attractions
inside of concessions patrons, 4,172,466 _ 821 ,072 80
Gross receipts, classification No. 5, transportation
patrons, 11, 137,935.. 1,908,110 63
Gross receipts, classification No. 6, sales of goods, merchan-
dise, etc 3,644,800 93
Gross receipts, classification No. 7, cigars and smokers'
materials 138,949 61
Gross receipts, classification No. 8, miscellaneous 534,827 44
Gross receipts, total $16,583,051 53
Revenue to the Exposition 4,237,563 95
Average percentage upon gross receipts 25.55 per cent.
Largest number of stations operated 3,542
Largest numbers of cash registers used 644
RECAPITULATION OF GROSS RECEIPTS, REVENUE, AND
COLLECTIONS.
A glance at the following table, headed as above, will
give briefly all the figures relative to the business of the
department.
The gross receipts of the concessions were $16,583,051.53.
This does not include any allowance for gross receipts of the
sales in foreign sections (page 492), as these permits were
usually issued on the basis of a fixed amount per day, the
sellers being of such a character that it was not considered
profitable to take their statements, as they had no regular
concession contracts; it was mostly a case of getting all that
was possible under adverse circumstances, and an estimate
of the gross receipts would be simply guesswork and of no
value.
Under the heading, " This amount is accounted for as fol-
lows," in the column marked "per cent," is the percentage
which each amount bears to the total revenue.
Items Nos. i, 2, 3, and 4 are cash or the equivalent of
cash, as set forth under the heading " Cost of Collections "
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 475
(page 450), making an aggregate of 92.46 per cent of the
entire revenue accruing to the Exposition from these sources.
1. Table of "Cash Collections " will be found on page 477.
2. Table of "Allowances for Claims and Damages
adjusted by the Adjustment Committee " will be found on
page 477.
3. Table of "Cash Deposits applied on Final Settle-
ment " will be found on page 478.
4. Table of "Amounts allowed for Construction" will be
found on page 479.
Item No. 5, headed "Credited Back to Irish Villages,"
amounts to 1.58 per cent of the entire revenue, is really no
part of the revenue, and should not appear as a part of the
same; but it was necessary to charge the daily percentages
accruing to the accounts of these concessions, in order to
determine whether the gross receipts and revenue for the
season should equal the amount specified in the contract,
after which these concessions should pay a percentage to the
Exposition. Being but two items, no table is necessary.
Item No. 6, under the heading " Accounts Disputed and
in Litigation," is 5.56 per cent of the entire revenue. It is
probable that about one-half of this amount will be collected.
Some of the concessions are in the hands of receivers or
officers of the court, others are adjusted claims against the
Exposition of various characters, and some are disagree-
ments as to construction of contract. Table of " Accounts
Disputed and in Litigation" will be found on page 479.
Items Nos. 7 and 8, " Suspense Account" and " Balance
Uncollected," ammint to .4 per cent (four- tenths of i per
cent) of the entire revenue.
7. Table " Suspense Account " will be found on page 479.
8. Table of "Balance Outstanding Uncollected" will be
found on page 480.
RECAPITULATION OF CONCESSION GROSS RECEIPTS, REVENUE, ETC.
May 1, 1893, to February 10, 1894.
AUDITS -Month of May $ 188,66850
COLLECTIONS Month of May $ 51,182 30
AUDITS Month of June 595,971 71
COLLECTIONS Month of June 338,142 59
Carried forward.. . $ 784,640 21 $ 389,324 89
APPENDIX ".."
Brought forward $ 784,640 21 $ 389,324 89
AUDITS Month of July 624,018 30
COLLECTIONS Month of July _ 561,100 76
AUDITS Month of August 676,141 08
COLLECTIONS Month of August 568,786 26
AUDITS Month of September. 981 ,791 46
COLLECTIONS Month of September 825,294 01
AUDITS Month of October to date _ 1,197,397 49
COLLECTIONS Month of October to date .. 1,096,042 39
$4,263,988 54 $3,440,548 31
CONCESSION No. 43 Irish Industries Asso-
ciation (admission) . . . . 46,692 89
CONCESSION No. 69 Mrs. Alice M. Hart,
Irish Village _ 21,895 09
TOTAL COLLECTIONS Garbage, dairy re-
ceipts, traveling cranes, etc 28,946 54
TOTALAUDITS $4,332,57652
TOTAL COLLECTIONS $3,469,494 85
Gross receipts, concessions Nos. 1 to 370 16,583,051 53
Revenue from concessions Nos. 1 to 370 4,237,563 95
Exhibitors' sales, Nos. 1 to 138, revenue collected 12,816 81
Traveling cranes, fares collected from passengers 10,219 90
Charges for foreign craft, landing at piers 477 35
Garbage removed, collected for this service 1 ,083 82
Safety deposit vaults, collected for boxes rented _ _ 657 17
Dairy receipts, collected from sales of product of Dairy
Exhibit. 6,450 92
Guide service, collected from fees paid by visitors. _ 588 00
Music halls, collected from admissions to musical per-
formances given by the Exposition (other musical
performances were treated as "concessions) 62,718 60
$ 4,332,576 52
This amount is accounted for as follows:
AMOUNT. PER CENT.
1 . Collected in cash by this department $3,469,494 85 80 . 07
2. Allowances for claims and damages adjusted
by Adjustment Committee _ 203,01902 4.69
3. Cash deposits at the time of signing contracts,
applied on final settlement of percentages 82,079 66 1.90
4. Allowed for construction of piers, buildings,
etc. , under concession contracts 251 ,431 16 5 . 80
5. Irish villages, revenue charged to these two
concessions and rebated under terms of
contracts because they did not reach a
certain total (see page 475) 68,587 98 1 . 58
6. Accounts disputed and in litigation 240,807 30 5 . 56
7. Suspense account, of which $1,000
is an uncollected check on sus-
pended bank $7,661 10
8. Balance outstanding, uncollected.- 9,495 45
17,156 55 .40
$4,832,567 52 100.00
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
477
TABLE OF CASH COLLECTIONS.
The amount collected in cash from concessionaires on
account of percentage was $3,374,482 28
From sales in foreign sections.. 12,816 81
Traveling cranes 10,219 90
Foreign craft landing at piers, wharfage charges 477 35
Garbage removal 1,083 82
Safety deposit vaults 657 17
Dairy receipts... 6,450 92
(This account was for receipts from the milk, butter,
etc. , which were the product of the Dairy Exhibit of
the Exposition.)
Guidecorps 588 00
(This was received from fees paid the guides by
visitors.)
Music halls 62,718 60
Total $3,469,494 85
TABLE OF ALLOWANCES FOR CLAIMS AND DAMAGES ADJUSTED
BY THE ADJUSTMENT COMMITTEE.
Con. No. 3 Elia-Souhami, Sadullah Company, j ^'ijjjjj ^ $2,200 00
" " 4 Egypt-Chicago Exposition Company 50000
( 5,000 00
. 7 _ German Eth. Exposition Company \ 1 ,000 00 7,000 00
( 1,000 00
" 8 L. J. Kadish, Natatorium j |^ *|0 9 m ^
13 _ Columbian Moorish Palace Company 1 ,625 00
i 77^ fin
" 14 Benj. Henneberg -j 2 ,25QQQ 3 25 ^
44 < 18 E. R. Nichols & Co f 3,00000
19 Intramural Railroad Company... | 47733 8,01497
.< 44 23 VanHouten& Zoon.. 23841
" 24 L. A. Thurston 3,35740
' 28 A. Sifico& M. Ganon 2,00000
( 817 35
31 Hungarian Cafe Company -j 1,18265 3,80603
( 1,806 03
" 35 Meeker & Willard 2,50000
4. 36 W. M. Lowney Company 1,666 66
37 Electric Launch & Navigation Co. 1 'iQ5 50 1>755 ^
44 38 Venice-Murano Company 40000 80000
44 44 39 World's Fair Captive Balloon Co... 300 00
44 4, 45 _ M. F. Gallagher & Co 3200
4. .< 46 Adams 4& Cobb - 3,50299
" 50-D. Moretti 5,00000
/ ftrtfi ftO
51 - Elia-Souhami, Sadullah Company j jg 56 852 50
4. 44 54__GilbertM. King | 3,01876
Carried forward 163,923 25
478
APPENDIX
Brought forward 163,923 25
Con. No. 55 S. H. Hale 1,243 19
56 Smith Exploring Company 500 00
59 International Dress & Costume Co.. 2,00000
64 E. L. & E. M. Requa 738 57
67 W. W. Dreyfoos 3,486 85
68 _W. B. Conkey Company 20,000 00
71 Cottentin & Zieman 1,023 88
75 Y. Maurai 90 00
78 Richard Stockton __ 3,383 36
" " 81 Koenig & Greisser j* 21400 834
" 86 Ludovic de Spiridon 19055
( 2,500 00
" " 87 Hagenbeck Arena Company \ 600 00 6,185 00
I 3,08500
" " 88 Lee Cahn 8446
94 Wellington Catering Company 66,65449
" " 95 Praise Peters. 6000
" 102- Franz Triacca -j 5 ^ J 58812
103 B. F. Norris, Alister Company 3,880 34
" " 105 Robert Lindblom 25278
.. 107 J. J. Gibson 2,53451
" 114 Eugene Leneuf 20000
" 116 Oceanic Trading Company 250 00
121 Columbian Guide Company 5,00000
"122 Julius Berkey & Ford Johnson Co... 75 00
" ' 133 -Lapland Village Exhibition Co... j {'22330 2,32230
". " 136 Elizabeth W. Riley 7500
" " 137 Arthur Schwartz | 3 j$ jjjj 30000
" " 150 Smith & Upham 12,51979
154 Secord& Hopkins 16549
" 172 Ardeshir & Byramji 25000
208 Berriman Bros 77866
" " 223 A. J. Johnston -j 37500 43500
" " 253 P. B.Wickham.. 66 00
" " 257 S. K. Bistani 1,340 00
258 English Military Tournament Co... 1,19036
" " 358 Lawson & Soper 271 72
" " 368 M.Berliner 12635
$203,019 02
TABLE OF CASH DEPOSITS TO BE APPLIED ON FINAL SETTLEMENT.
Con. No. 4 Egypt Chicago Exposition Company $ 26200
46 Adams&Cobb 25,00000
" 57 World's Fair Tower Company 50000
67 W. W. Dreyfoos 1,500 00
" 68 W. B. Conkey Company 10,00000
" " 72 J. H. Dilworth & Co j ^ JJJJ 1,000 00
4 ' ' 73 Columbia Soft Drink Company 10,000 00
Carried forward.. . $48,262 00
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 479
Brought forward 148,262 00
Con. No. 82 B. D. Spencer 472 12
88 LeeCahn 2,000 00
103 B. F. Norris, Alister Company 5,000 00
105 Robert Lindblom ; 2,500 00
114 La Collective de la Boulangerie Francaise 400 00
119 Union News Company 787 16
121 Columbian Guide Company _ 10,000 00
122 Julius Berkey _ 2,756 10
123 M. F. Moss 865 05
133 Lapland Village Exhibit Company 1 ,000 00
136 Elizabeth W. Riley 139 76
144 Apollinaris Company, Limited 426 25
154 Secord& Hopkins 2,000 00
161 A. P. dela Riberio _ 116 21
170 Jos. Baker & Co 75 58
171 HulieMeret 4 39
176 Edward Bertault _- 5,000 00
286 J. R. Reavis 48 00
344 Envelope & Stamp Machine Co... 227 04
$82,079 66
TABLE OF AMOUNTS ALLOWED FOR CONSTRUCTION.
Con. No. 15 World's Fair Steamship Company $ 46,690 79
73 Columbian Exposition Soft Drink Company. 30000
" " 78 Richard Stockton 15,00000
94_ Wellington Catering Company 30,000 00
< 102 Franz Triacca .- 3,200 00
105 Robert Lindblom 3,50000
. " 135 Elizabeth W. Riley 2,00000
" 140 Clow Sanitary Company 150,08539
173 City News Company 65498
$251,431 16
TABLE OF ACCOUNTS DISPUTED AND IN LITIGATION.
Con. No. 10 J. S. Morris $ 17,213 25
" 16 George Barrie 6,426 00
21 Waukesha Hygeia Mineral Springs Company. 29,629 48
30 Columbia Casino Company 43,95437
" 35 E. R. Meeker 57689
" 53 Crane Companv 1,23 74
.. .. 58 George W. Ferns 84,422 28
.. < 68 W. B. Conkey Company 1,86520
79 Multiple Speed & Traction Co 29,458 39
81 Koenig&Greisser.. 7,820 50
134_ W. D. Preston et al
141 _ Hale Elevator Company 17,135 52
218 Thos. Stevens 800 00
$240,807 30
TABLE OF SUSPENSE ACCOUNT.
Con. No. 31 Hungarian Cafe Company $ 1,00000
" " 28 A. Sifico 6,661 10
$ 7,661 10
480 APPENDIX "."
TABLE OF BALANCE OUTSTANDING UNCOLLECTED.
Con. No. 39 World's Fair Captive Balloon Company $ 1,213 73
41 Hyde Park Gas Company 3,666 18
59 International Dress & Costume Co 731 11
89 Mrs. W. R. Robeson 167 97
94 Wellington Catering Company. 3,466 17
257 S. K. Bistani 167 83
296 J. B. Campbell 82 46
$ 9,495 45
CONCLUSION.
The superintendent believes that a study of this report
as rendered, and analysis of the tables of figures forming a
part of the report, will give any information which may be
needed for general purposes.
Accurate figures in detail, relating to any particular con-
cession account, can be gotten by reference to the books and
papers of the department, all of which are in possession of
the Exposition.
This report could have been shortened very materially,
but at the possible risk of omitting information which might
be valuable or of not fully explaining many matters of detail
so that they would be fully understood by any one interested
in the matter.
On the other hand the report might have been amplified
to much greater proportions, and while, undoubtedly, some
further information would have been included, it would have
been at the risk of much tiresome repetition and of inserting
a great deal of valueless and uninteresting matter.
The superintendent unfortunately contracted a serious
illness within a week after the Exposition closed and was
compelled to leave the scene of the labors of the depart-
ment, and has never been able to return, owing to other
engagements which took effect as soon as he was able to
meet them. Thus he has labored under tne great disadvan-
tage of compiling this report at a distance of many hundred
miles from the original records and papers; and while the
figures as given are absolutely correct, there are many small
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 481
items of interesting information which might have been
incorporated in the report but for the circumstances men-
tioned.
The superintendent believes, however, that everything
really necessary to the full understanding of the working of
the department is contained herein.
All of which is respectfully submitted, with the hope
that the report as formulated may be satisfactory and in full
accordance with your views as to what it should contain and
as to the form in which it is expressed.
Very respectfully yours,
PAUL BLACKMAR,
Superintendent Collections,
World's Columbian Exposition.
31
482
APPENDIX "E."
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DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
483
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DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
485
486
APPENDIX "E."
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DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
487
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APPENDIX
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DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
489
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490
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DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
491
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492
APPENDIX
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS September i, 1893, to February 10, 1894.
EXHIBITOR'S SALES.
Per-
mit
No.
GRANTED To.
To SELL.
Gross
Receipts.
Exposi-
tion
Revenue.
Cash
Collec-
tions.
A 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
Edward Faulk
Optical Goods
$ 1,040 00
1,025 00
48 00
404 00
880 00
1,74000
34800
216 00
14000
63000
440 00
52600
$ 260 00
256 25
1200
101 00
220 00
485 00
87 00
54 00
35 00
157 50
11000
131 50
$ 260 00
25625
1200
101 00
22000
485 00
87 00
5400
35 00
157 50
11000
131 50
Hatch Cutlery Co
Cutlery, etc. _
Knight Boot-black. Mch. Co.
S W Hall
Boot-blacking Machines
Overgaiters
T. H. Noonan & Co.
Clothes Cleaner
Geo. T. Johnson
Eradicator
B. C. Leubezyusky
Microscopes ..
E. T. Northcutt ..
Wheat
G T. Capwell
Hammers
C. Rusch & Co
Model of Cologne Cath'l.
Microscopes
M. Samuels
Dr. Shoztal
Jewelry .
(Not operated)
H. J. Deal
Jno. Sankey
Souvenirs.
24000
24 60
980 00
70000
1,760 00
60 00
6 15
245 00
17500
440 00
60 00
6 15
245 00
17500
44000
" Life of Leather "
Alfred Gutman
Engraving
Jno. Itzikawski . ..
Handkerchiefs
Jos. Lathoud
Souvenirs
(Not operated)
J. B. Morris
Soap Bark
1,640 00
4800
410 00
12 00
41000
12 00
Frederick Turck
Souvenirs
(Not operated)
W. G. Allen
Soap Bark
29400
20000
480 00
73 50
5000
120 00
73 50
5000
120 00
Marie Benant
Jewelry
Alphonse Dibblebach
Magic Glasses
(Not operated)
(Not operated)
Evan Jones
Souvenirs
1,28000
50000
320 00
125 00
32000
125 00
Isadore Bachelet
Jewelry
(Not operated)
Chas. Taylor
Soap Bark
30000
200 00
48000
400 00
63200
66900
94200
63600
1,376 00
40000
75 00
50 00
12000
100 00
158 00
167 25
235 50
159 00
344 50
10000
75 00
5000
120 00
100 00
15800
167 25
23550
15900
344 50
10000
F. Zanon & A. Canima
T. Collard Penant
Souvenirs
Engraving
V essaires Bros.
Glass Engraving
E. Schiska
Microscopes
Jno. Zeller
Engraving
Jno. Holmes
Engraving
Peter Baxter
Souvenirs
D. Simon
Handkerchiefs
Lewis Van Dobven
Placques
(Not operated)
E. C. Hunt
Rubber Stamps
62400
840 00
156 00
210 00
156 00
210 00
S. Wood
Chameleons
Emil M. Bloom
Pearl Fraze
Cider and Wine
72400
370 00
234 00
1,000 00
58000
200 00
40000
204 85
540 00
1,18000
740 00
14400
396 00
408 00
34000
181 00
92 50
58 50
250 00
145 00
50 00
100 00
51 21
135 00
295 00
185 00
36 00
99 00
10200
85 00
181 00
9250
5850
250 00
14500
50 00
100 00
51 21
135 CO
29500
185 00
36 00
99 00
102 00
85 00
G. W. Walker
Needle Threaders
Dr. Welch
Grape Juice
Geo. Mischke
Microscopes
M. Brown
Amber Jewelry
Mrs. B. Vindure
Soap
Sells Lubin
Optical Goods
Pe de la Sota
Opals .
W. H. Pike
Souvenirs
R. Vincent
Glass Engraving
F. J. Dugan
Potter's Goods
Jno. Kiddell & Co
Aluminum Goods
Geo. Aboukalil
French Novelties . .
Harriet Friedman
Optical Goods
Johns & Taylor
Microscopes _ ..
(Never operated)
Richard Klein
Souvenirs
24000
6000
60 00
(Not operated)
L. Witowski
(Not operated)
Peter A. Burns
Microscopes
442 00
110 50
110 50
George Mischke
James Riley...
Souvenirs
216 00
54 00
54 00
S. Wood....
Amounts carried forwa
rd...
$31,441 45
$ 7,910 86
$ 7,910 86
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
493
EXHIBITOR'S SALES. Continued.
Per-
mit
No.
GRANTED TO.
To SELL.
Gross
Receipts.
Exposi-
tion
Revenue .
Cash
Collec-
tions.
A 69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
Amounts brought forwa
Miss Herzfield
rd
$31,441 45
116 35
460 00
35000
45000
36800
$ 7,910 86
2909
115 00
87 50
112 50
9200
$ 7,9!0 86
29 09
115 00
8750
11250
9200
Fancy Goods
Felipe Gerade
Medals
G. C. McMullen
Cider
Eugene Fourchet
Handkerchiefs
J. Tauggis
Perfurriery
(Not operated)
Peter A. Sauret & Co
Alex. Abakolil
French Novelties
96535
340 00
7 10
60000
40000
241 34
8500
1 77
15000
10000
241 34
85 00
1 77
15000
10000
J J Bradner
Microscopes
Geo. F. Smith
Souvenirs
M G. Thompson
Microscopes ..........
Isaac Mainzer
Handkerchiefs
(Not operated)
(Not operated)...
Wright & Smith
Cider
68895
8000
23200
20000
17223
2000
5800
50 00
17223
2000
58 00
5000
Lowinberg & Co.
Souvenirs
S T Hodgson
Souvenirs ............. .
MndiVTi Piprson
Souvenirs
(Not operated)
(Not operated)
E Sober Bros.
Souvenirs
11200
15200
7000
2800
38 00
17 50
28 00
3800
1750
Alfonse Sasserath
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
(Not operated)
Joseph Pierson
H Stanislas & Co
Souvenirs
9600
2400
2400
V V Perre
Souvenirs
218 50
9600
12000
5463
2400
3000
5463
2400
3000
Chas Candil
Candy . ...
Souvenirs
Geo Brant
Elizabeth Herbert
Souvenirs .........
16800
53800
8200
56 00
42 00
132 50
2050
14 00
4200
132 50
20 50
1400
Alida Goetshebeur
Handkerchiefs
Adeline Verbet
Souvenirs
E Vansteo
Souvenirs
(Not operated)
E Hang
Souvenirs
26000
48 00
6500
1200
65 00
1200
E Romlot
Souvenirs
(Not operated)
J Fischell
Diamonds
16566
292 00
120 00
222 00
284 00
466 00
195 70
12000
13600
396 00
26 25
7300
30 00
55 50
71 00
116 50
48 92
30 00
34 00
9900
2625
73 00
3000
5550
71 00
116 50
48 92
30 00
3400
9900
E Dunham
Souvenirs
Kittie Fulmer
Milk
G N Haines
Engraving
Louis Brandis..
Souvenirs
Souvenirs .............
Schafer & Holbrook
Souvenirs
H Crowley
Souvenirs
A M Sloss
Souvenirs ..._...........
S H Burns
Souvenirs . ........
W K Deacon
Souvenirs
630 00
52800
15750
132 00
15750
13200
T C Mattox
Cider
(Not operated)
Souvenirs
460 00
8400
2000
1,00000
360 00
11 70
3600
16000
189 50
29 90
32 00
64 00
160 00
100 00
873 30
115 00
21 00
5 00
250 00
9000
2 92
9 00
4000
47 38
7 48
8 00
1600
4000
25 00
218 32
11500
21 00
5 00
250 00
9000
292
9 00
40 00
4738
748
800
16 00
4000
2500
218 32
Arthur E Clark Jr
Souvenirs
Geo A Cankaler
Souvenirs ...
Kaleski Bros
Ivory Goods
Souvenirs
Fruit
F Scott
Souvenirs . ..
Alf Tacy
Medals
T A Steiger
Souvenirs
Handkerchiefs
Souvenirs
F. A. Camp
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Wells & Wetmore
Souvenirs
Amounts carried forwa
rd
$45,790 80
$11,496 19
$11,496 19
494
APPENDIX
EXHIBITOR'S SALBS.~&a*/sA
Per-
mit
No.
GRANTED TO.
To SELL.
Gross
Receipts.
Exposi-
tion
Revenue.
Cash
Collec-
tions.
A140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
Amounts brought forwa
W.H.Walker
rd
$45,790 80
2000
203 50
30 50
197 80
130 00
160 00
60 00
140 00
60 00
110 00
35 00
207 00
6000
33 80
90 00
299 75
120 00
100 00
196 00
1,448 00
40 00
5000
140 00
1,056 00
14000
32 15
123 00
$11,496 19
5 00
50 87
7 62
49 45
3250
40 00
15 00
35 00
15 00
27 50
8 75
51 75
15 00
8 45
22 50
74 94
30 00
25 00
49 00
36200
10 00
12 50
35 00
26400
35 00
8 04
30 75
$11,496 19
500
5087
7 62
4945
32 50
4000
1500
35 00
15 00
27 50
8 75
51 75
15 00
845
2250
74 94
3000
25 00
4900
362 00
1000
1250
35 00
26400
3500
8 04
3075
Needle Threader
Arthur Fisher
Souvenirs
Barton Mfg. Co
Souvenirs
S. H. Bramer _. _
Souvenirs
Leo Breenittzer
Souvenirs
Brown Amber Co. ......
Amber Goods
Sol Fischel
Diamonds
Geo. C. Mather...
Souvenirs
H. D. Hill
Souvenirs
A. Seaton
Souvenirs
F. B. Viall
Souvenirs
W. C. Porterfield
Souvenirs
R. Sauley
Souvenirs
Sarah E. Titcomb...
Souvenirs
J. H. Caruss
Lenses, etc.
C. G. Johnson
Souvenirs
J. Lowenberg .
Souvenirs
Geo. H. Albin
Wood Souvenirs
A. Dreissen .
Souvenirs
S. Miller
Fancy Articles
S. Reamington
Souvenirs
R. Jones
Cider
E. H. Fleming
Souvenirs
Valensin & Muller
Souvenirs
Miss L. Hammond
Souvenirs
E. Giroux
Souvenirs
W. Eichelberger
Souvenirs
Totals
$51,073 30
$12,816 81
$12,816 81
SUNDRIES.
Exposition
Revenue.
Cash
Collec-
tions.
Traveling Cranes
$10,219 90
$10 219 90
Foreign Craft Landings 59th Street Pier .
477 35
477 35
Transportation Department (Garbage and Tonnage)
1,083 82
1,083 82
Safety Deposit Vaults
657 17
657 17
Dairy Receipts . . ...
6450 92
6,450 92
Guide Corps. _
588 00
588 00
Musical Performances
11,262 10
11,262 10
Music Hall...
23,194 00
23,194 00
Festival Hall ,
28,178 50
28,178 50
Recital Hall
84 00
84 00
Totals
$82,195 76
$82,195 76
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS. 495
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS May i, 1893, to February 10, 1894.
RECAPITULATION.
AUDlTS-Month of May $188,668 50
COLLECTIONS Month of May $51 182 30
AUDITS Month of June 595,971 71
COLLECTIONS Month of June x 338,142 59
AUDITS Month of July 624,018 30
COLLECTIONS Month of July 561,100 76
AUDITS Month of August 676,141 08
COLLECTIONS Month of August 568,786 26
AUDITS Month of September 981,791 46
COLLECTIONS Month of September 825,294 01
AUDITS Month of October to date.. 1,197,397 49
COLLECTIONS Month of October to
date 1,096,042 39
SUNDRY AUDITS FOR SEASON $4,263,988 54 $3,440,548 31
Concession No. 43, Irish Industries
Association. (Admissions)
Concession No. 69, Mrs. Alice M. Hart
SUNDRY COLLECTIONS 28,946 54
(Garbage, Dairy Receipts, Traveling
Cranes, etc.)
TOTAL AUDITS $4,332,576 52
TOTAL COLLECTIONS $3,469,494 85
BALANCE $863,081 67
Revenue. Concessions Nos. 1 to 369 $4,237,56395
Revenue. Exhibitors' Sales. Permits Nos. 1 to 166 12,816 81
Sundry Items 82,195 76
TOTAL AUDITS $4,332,576 52
Collections from concessionaires. $3,440,54831
Collections from other sources 28,946 54
TOTAL COLLECTIONS 3,469,494 85
BALANCE $863,081 67
LESS.
The following amounts were placed to credit of
respective concessions on following accounts:
CONSTRUCTION $251,431 16
CLAIMS AND DAMAGES ADJUSTED 203,019 02
FINAL SETTLEMENT (deposit applied) 82,079 66
DISPUTED ACCOUNTS AND ACCOUNTS IN LITI-
GATION 240,807 30
SUSPENSE ACCOUNTS 7,661 10
J7o4,99o *4
IRISH VILLAGES. Admissions not collected as
per contract... 68.587 98
9,495 45
BALANCE OUTSTANDING COLLECTIBLE:
Concession No. 39 World's Fair Captive Bal-
loon Company 1,213
Concession No. 41 Hyde Park Gas Company . 3,666 18
Concession No. 59 International Dress and
Costume Company
Concession No. 89-Mrs. W. R. Robeson
Concession No. 94 Wellington Catering Co... 3,466 17
Concession No. 257- S. K. Bistani
Concession No. 296 J. B. Campbell.,
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS FEBRUARY n, 1894.
The following supplementary statement shows the various entries to be
considered, that the statement of Paul Blackmar, Superintendent Department
of Collections, dated February n, 1894, may agree with concession receipts
as shown in auditor's report of same date :
To CASH COLLECTIONS :
Turned over to A. F. Seeberger, treasurer... $3,469,494 85
Deposits applied on settlements 82 ,079 66
Collections by Treasurer :
Symphony Orchestra $1 , 500 00
Turned in by Mr. Wilson 39 00
Sheriff, cigar sales Casino 1 00
1,540 00
PRE- EXPOSITION REVENUES COLLECTED BY AUDITOR:
Con. 9 J. M. Skiles & Co.. $5,007 38
11 T. J. Mannion 74 31
15 W. F. S. S. Co 1,942 36
18 E. R. Nichols.. 742 27
27 H. V. Holmes 27 51
63 F. H. Noble & Co 2,330 29
Philipson Min. W. F._ 911 36
Public Convenience Co 1 ,243 16
Columbian Com 269 05
12,547 69
ESCROW KEY ACCOUNT:
To secure return of vault keys 6 00
DEPOSITS STILL TO CONCESSIONAIRES' CREDIT :
Thos. Stevens $ 100 00
E. E. Hartzel _. 1,000 00
C. H. Taney 20,000 00
Chemical National Bank 6,000 00
27,100 00
$3,592,768 20
LESS ACCOUNTS IN GENERAL LEDGER TRANSPORTATION
DEPARTMENT :
Tonnage and garbage $1 ,083 82
Dairy receipts 6,450 92
Traveling cranes 10,219 90
$17,754 64
Carried forward $17,754 64 $3,592,768 20
(496)
DEPARTMENT OF COLLECTIONS.
497
Brought forward . .................. $17,75464 $3,592,76820
REFUNDED BY AUDITOR:
Con. 13 Moorish Palace ..... $ 2480
" 48 E. Muybridge ........ 3 75
" 182 Old Vienna ......... 3,90782
" 195 Cont. Pub. Co ......... 32 75
" 198 F. J. Dugan .......... 30 00
4 ' 234^-Java-Chicago . ........ 13,132 02
" 239 W. S. P. Glove Co ..... 542 14
249 Mueller Retail Co. . . 3,600 00
304 Orchestral Concerts . . . 4,770 41
323 M . W. Johnson ....... 186 55
338 J . W. Cummings ...... 200 00
342 Martin Mayer. . ....... 48 88
354 Magnus Anderson _____ 264 73
Concerts ............. . 8,893 15
35,637 00
53,391 64
$3,539,376 56
ALLOWANCES :
Construction Account ............ $251 ,431 16
Claims and Damages ......... 203,019 02
-- $454,450 18
LESS VOUCHERS NOT YET RECEIVED BY AUDITOR:
Con. 15 W. F. Steamship Co... $ 46,690 79
73 Expo. Safe Deposit Co. 300 00
88 Lee Cahn _____ ....... . 8446
94_ Wellington Catering Co. 597 30
119 Union News Co. ______ 7 56
133 Lapland Ex. Co _______ 1,000 00
140 Clow Sanitary Co ..... 150,085 39
173 City News Co ...... ... 654 98
199,420 48
- - 255,029 70
$3,794,406 26
CONCESSION RECEIPTS :
As per auditor's report of February 11 , 1894 ............... $3,794,406 26
Having made an examination of the various accounts, as shown on the
books of the Department of Collections, I certify the above, taken in connec-
tion with statement of Paul Blackmar, Superintendent, dated February 11,
1894, to be a correct transcript of said accounts, and that they agree with the
accounts as shown in Auditor's Department, World's Columbian Exposition.
C. T. MILLER.
A. D. COON,
In Charge of Records,
Dept of Collections.
March 1, 1894.
32
UNiVERSJT
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APR 07
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FORM NO. DD6, 60m,
YD I6b//
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