Tacoma Bets Its Future on a Giant Interstate Fair

OLYMPIA, Aug. 6.—Governor J. H. McGraw issued a proclamation noting that an interstate fair would open at Tacoma on August 15, with exhibits from Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. He requested that each county present a suitable exhibit of its industrial and natural resources, and urged citizens to co-operate for the fair’s success.

TACOMA, Aug. 8.—[Special.]—Gov. McGraw has consented to deliver the opening address at the Interstate Fair, August 15, at 8 p.m. A special commission of four will be appointed to make a tour of the state in the interest of the fair.

The effects of the fair are already to be seen in the rapidly filling hotels, lodging houses and rented houses, the increased number of people on the streets, the opening of new restaurants and street shows.

At the fairgrounds things are going along with an air of snap and dash that is contagious. Every one of the hundreds of workmen there seems interested in the work; the officials are confident of success; and the change wrought in the appearance of the grounds from day to day is so great that all concerned are convinced the fair is to be a thorough and complete success and a triumph for the men who have carried the enterprise through almost to completion despite unfavorable conditions.

The last steamer from San Francisco brought 100 tons of exhibitors’ and concessionaires’ goods, and about 150 tons more are coming on the next boat. As fast as exhibits arrive they are being installed in the buildings of manufacturers and liberal arts. Exhibits of special interest have been brought here; Great Britain, Canada, Italy, France, Russia, East India, China and Japan all have extensive sections.

The last big concession to be let is a large space on the grounds to Col. Daniel Boone, in which he will show his famous trained animals. In all probability the brutal wrestling match between the lion and the bear will come off during the fair.

The Cairo Village, with its theaters, bazaars and other buildings, is nearly completed. The gravity railway is finished, and the cars will be put on in a few days. The cyclorama building, in which is to be shown the representation of the battle of Lookout Mountain, is having its roof put on. The long roll of canvas containing the picture will be in place by Saturday. Inasmuch as the canvas is in one piece 400 feet long and 50 feet wide, the job is one of no small undertaking.

Director of Buildings Gibson and Director of Decorations Gorman have each large forces at work preparing for the opening day. The grounds are being cleared of debris. Thousands of yards of blue, white and yellow bunting—the fair colors—are being spread to the wind and have given the place a gala air. Although enclosed within a high board fence, the grounds are within full view of the Sound. The picture presented to incoming steamers is one of rare beauty.

Mrs. S. C. Slaughter, chief of the women’s department and art director, has secured a magnificent art display. She is now engaged in working up a woman’s congress of the Northwest to be held at the fair the latter part of September. It is expected that Mrs. Potter Palmer, of Chicago, will open the congress.