THE WORLD'S FAIR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 94, 24 April 1891, Page 3

THE WORLD'S FAIR.

ENGLAND'S PREMIER AIDS THE PROJECT.

Chicago, March 27. Great Britain's formal acceptance, through Lord Salisbury, of President Harrison's invitation to take part in the World's Columbian Exposition moans that all the nations of Europe will soon also forward their acceptances. Lord Salisbury's prompt action was something of a surprise, for Great Britain did not take part in the Paris Exposition, and, owing to legislation in Congress averse to the interests of English manufacturers, it was beliaved that the Government would take no part officially in the Exposition, but would allow private capital to make a display. The information that the Government had accepted the invitation and that the Prince of Wales taighb consenb to serve as president of the Royal Commission soon to be chosen was most encouraging to all officials.

The Government of Spain has cordially responded with an acceptance, and as a further evidence of goodwill has decided to name United States Minister E. Burd Grubb as vice-president of the commission. A despatch from Berlin brings news of the organisation of all the leading manufacturers of that country to collect a creditable display of German manufactures and products. A syndicate of Russian bankers with offices at St. Petersburg has undertaken, with the assistance of the Czar of Russia, to collect a fund of $1,500,000. The Russian Government is-willing to duplicate any amount that may be raised by the bankers, and one of the most interesting of all the European displays way be expected from Russia. In all States where Legislatures failed to make an appropriation for State exhibits, organisations are being formed among business men to take the matter in charge. Ex-Governor Osborne of Kansas waa in the city this week in conference with offi-

cials regarding the Kansas exhibit. The ex-Governor is president of an association that has a capital stock of §150,000 formed to make a big display at the Exposition. Similar organisations are being formed in Georgia, South Dakota, Arkansas and many other States. The Lumbermen's Association of Texas has agreed to donate $100,000 toward a display from that State.

Secretary of the Treasury, Foster, has telegraphed Secretary Dickinson that he has set apart §10,000 more for the National Commission.

Sculptor St. Gaudcns, of New York, is making designs for about tiffcy fountains for Jackson P.irk, six of which will bo of mammoth design. The largest, a cascade fountain, will be located directly in front of the Administration building. The promote™ of a, §700,000 water palace have been assigned a space for their building, and are forming a stock company to build it.

An ordinance providing for a permanent art palace on tho lake front, to be builb by the Art lnetituto of Chicago and the Commercial Club, was favourably reported by the Judiciary Committee of the Council on Monday night. Director Hutchinson is confident that §700,000 will be raised for the building as soon as the ordinance goes into effect.

Jochi Takimine, of Tokio, Japan, wants to establish a Japanese toa garden on the grounds. He is backed by a banking firm that hus been doing business in that country for 600 years and has §60,000 to psend.