L'BRARY OF CONGRF« lillllllf LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Shelf. #&~— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. CHICAGO, U.S. A. Ws//l PRICE, TEN GENTS. THE DREAM OF Chicago Oegier's Clean City OR, A Full Account of the World's Fair AT CHICAGO, TJ. S. A. CHICAGO: 1889. Copyrighted, 1889, by A. Brown, Chicago. S i PREFACE. A Rheumatic Invalid, prostrated on his couch, yet mentally eager for mind-food, seeks to divert his weary gaze and attention from surroundings obnoxious by reason of their continuity, in sleep. His efforts are at last rewarded, resulting in the contents of this book. The manuscript of this remarkable narrative laid dormant for six weeks. The party entrusted there- with treated it as "unimportant," not from careless disregard of the interests of his afflicted friend, but because, being a novice in pushing to the front any- thing of this nature, he failed to realize its good points, that had their origin in and from this unfor- tunate individual. We state this to show that any similar published ideas in the newspapers of the country (and there have been some) were not gained from this narrative, or "vice versa" between- the time of writing the Dream and its publication. JUSTITIA. Chicago, Aug. 11, 1889. u IT WAS A DREAM:" OR, How the World's Fair Came Off in Chicago. INTRODUCTION. "Nothing else, thank you! Feel sleepy, and shall soon go to sleep." And so was ended another weary, restless day of inactivity. These were the words of one whose days had been as monotonous as the pods of peas on the same stalk. He bade his WATCHER farewell for the night, with- out presentiment of any unusual results arising from it. His had been a rheumatiG disorder of eleven months' duration; had been skillfully handled, and operated 6 THE GREAT DREAM on, till, from a perfectly useless cripple, he was able, during the day, to walk around a little, and amuse himself. The disease had been confined to the limbs, so that, except in sharp changes of the weather and sympa- thetic spells, the rest of his organism, the body and head, with their faculties, were in very good condition; consequently he was always eager for news and the papers, and to converse with anyone and in fact, to get anything that would help pass the time. He had, of course, heard of and read of the WORLD'S FAIR, and was angry, whenever it was mentioned that it would go elsewhere than Chicago. He had several bets on the location, to the tune of a suit of clothes, two hats, one pair of boots, a year's subscription to the DAILY NEWS and THE TRIB- UNE newspapers; they being the best in his opin- AND ITS SOLUTION. 7 ion of any papers printed in the country; and innu- merable boxes of cigars, and lots of things. He says: "I picked on the best, because, knowing that the Fair was a sure thing, why, of course, I wanted the best and most useful things to be had; and I can start in the cigar line, when I get away from my prison." Well, he would stand by Chicago every time and all the time; he would say: "Here is where the healthy man can thrive; here is where the medical skill is and there will be lots of poor fellows hurt in and around the World's Fair while building it, while it is run- ning and on exhibition, and then finally during the straightening up of things after it is over; and they will have to have medical care, and here is where they can get the best, and have it given to them." 8 •THE GREAT DREAM He had a long string of arguments, very convinc- ing, in favor of Chicago; but nothing like what ap- peared to burst forth on the following morning. He did not say much, but wanted writing materials; and he did nothing but write for five or six days; and so it turned out to be a faithful account of "How the World's Fair Had Come Off" in his sleepy imagina- tion. He had witnessed the success, which proved to be good medicine for him; and it is hoped it will be interesting to THE PUBLIC, as some ideas are very unique and original: AND HERE THEY ARE. It seemed to have been a foregone conclusion and taken naturally, that, as Chicago, Cook county, Illi- nois, U. S. A., was the "Kernel," so to speak of the North American Continent and enterprise, there AND ITS SOLUTION. 9 only could a celebration, such as became an anniver- sary, be held, and sustained in proper form and di- mensions, to the credit of her country and people. And as Mayor Cregier had undertaken to quietly take the bearings in and around the most momentous de- tails pointing towards the making up of the official program, and had come off full of encouragement, the debate was ended; Chicago was the place, and the ar- arrangements began. Letters were received in answer to invitations sent by Mayor Cregier to Queen Isabella of Spain, and Christopher Columbus, Esq., saying that the May- flower would be put in order at once, and would ar- rive in Chicago on the evening of April 28, 1892. Now watch the Mayor and his army of subordinates. All branches were summoned to the apartments of authority and were shown the gratifying letter, as am 10 THE GREAT DREAM incentive and motive for every individual to exert to the utmost, his influence toward making it a success; and a unanimous "Amen!" was the response. Says the Mayor: "My men, the papers ask: 'How are we going to eclipse the Eiffel Tower?' To copy her, I say, would be disrespectful and un-American-like, even with a tower to the moon, would it not?" "Yes, you bet," came from all sides. "Well, I have it. I intend to carry a scheme so novel that all will be surprised; all will come to see it, and one that the fame thereof will go down to pos- terity with acclamation, and make Chicago known to the ends of the earth!" [Hoorah! and applause.] "The gist or key to this gigantic scheme is "PURIFY!" a word of six letters, and affects all in the city — Mayor, Commissioners, Police-Inspector, AND ITS SOLUTION. 11 Sergeants Constables, Councilmen, Lawyers, Busi- ness Men, Bankers, Owners of Theaters, Institu- tions, Priests, Deacons, and all Church Work- ers, Professional Men and every Mechanic and Laborer inside the limits of this great and dear city; and last but not least, every Saloon- keeper, Brewer and Distiller. Never was there offered to this or any other generation such an opportunity to gain back a lost reputation, and to show to the world what can be done by the strength of United numbers, and the blending of the good-will of the forces that go towards the making up of a great city composed, as this is, of all sects, creeds and na- tions; that, to let such a chance slip by without grasping it, would be to invite eternal regret, never to be cured; for no remedy could be found. I intend to have CITY REFORM and Chicago the MODEL. IS THE fi>- • lately ; the o S man, pointing at the Maj - on th< "And i i day,- 1 continued his Honor, "i Lmark for the W( >RL1 >." II< of tL aen and lilmen, I tok o( ope beii igb, but it. "Our Reward,' 1 brill be m dollars and ; an i uqv i ET l ) A V in the bargain. tncU.] \Y\\ would the Fn alon ictlv AND ITS SOI 13 Why, they would sipnply shout, 'Magnifique!' the 'Mirabtle DictuV would be heard all around. And they will be over here by the thousands. Do not deceive yourselves with the idea that the o steamer* can bring onlj so many anyhow. All man- ner of crafts will then be pressed into service, even men-of-war ships will j ly between Europe and Amer- and the cry of all nation- will be, 'Still they come/ It is going to be, my men. thegi event for the gathering ol the Old World to inspect the NEW that ever has taken place — or ever will again — this exhibition of -May 1, 1892, in Chicago; and though coming too closely after the Pan- Exhibition, still the oircumsl being wrought out of Anni- ry Motives so closely allied with European connections of thU ration, will mostly over- come that; and this country (or rather, I should mod- 14 THE GREAT DREAM estly say, this municipality and your humble servant)^ has a responsibility on her hands, that only a spirit- ed community, like Chicago, with a good leader, dare face! [Hear! Hear! Deafening applause, and the break- ing of a chair by one of the Councilmen.] Well may there be blank faces and hesitating confer- ences in New York, St. Joseph, and St. Louis; for those are the three places, I guess, that you sympa- thize with; that is if you have any sympathy. [Not a sound.] "Dear old Washington!" continued the Mayor> "ought to have it, if larger and in better shape. Bat her sister by the Northern Sea will see that credit is done to the country and her Capitol, to see which, Wash- ington will find she has her part to play when the visitors arrive and crowd through the Immortal Depot made memorable by tragedy — the death of our AND ITS SOLUTION. 15 country's Hero!" [Sobs and tears and applause.] "Well, you know what the word "purify" is, and it is to be applied to the city of Chicago, so that she will be called 'The Three Big C J s City— Clean City of Chicago,' and clean she shall be in every sense of the term. The River we must get rid of, and we in- vite suggestions to that effect. Put everything in trim, above and underground, special regard being had to see to the water, sewer and gas systems. "Close every saloon and place where intoxicants are sold and gambling is carried on, from 12 o'clock Sat- urday night till 12 o'clock Sunday night. Close all theaters and dance halls on Sunday night, unless they be occupied, as in the morning, for preaching, or good, wholesome speaking, or concert, or oratorio per- formances, without costume, to be free to the people to give whatever they like to defray running expenses, / 16 THE GREAT DREAM If any, or by a society, which would be better, for this aim in view. And here will be a chance for some of our Chicago vocalists and elocutionists to distinguish themselves, and any young aspirant to public oratorship; don't you think so, Councilmen and Police?" "Yes, sor; good for your Honor!" "All newsboys to be off the streets by 1 o'clock on Sundays, to enable them to go to special places pro- vided by the city, and be washed, fed, and have a good, entertaining, edifying amusement or instruction, ac- cording to taste. The street cars will have to be reg- ulated by the public demand and the owners. The railroads, no doubt, will do heavy work in early morning by reason of country pleasure-seekers, and spontaneous sportsmen, and the like, gQing out of town for their Sunday. Other institutions, known AND ITS SOLUTION. 17 to you, my men, will have to be run with the same intent ill view; and the extra time you may have (the police especially, I mean), by reason of the bet- ter order of things, I wish you to devote to the solving of the problem now in hand — The success of the Fair and Chicago's credit. [Stamping of feet.] "You will have your hands full all the time, before and after, for our population will increase rapidly. The people of the city must be asked to pray for the Police and the World's Fair Committee men! We must have that horrid little yard in the City Hall Precincts turned into a conservatory, and some, at least, of the smoke nuisance removed. Some conven- iences for pedestrians on the streets at suitable and most advantageous points must be constructed, and any defective street signatures must be made plain, and strict adherence to driving rules shall be 18 THE GREAT DREAM observed. We must tell the citizens that the aim must be to attract and please all visitors, as far as in their power, and give them the value of their patronage. "We must have some bureaus of inquiry with all supplies and telegraph communications, both manned by good attendants; and, my men, remind citizens that, as long as they are inside of the City Limits, they are all sailing in the same ship, with one object- ive point in view — the success of Chicago, in placing before the World the biggest undertaking in the best shape ever seen or attempted before or since the first arrival of the Mayflower. (Act I.) "All will be benefitted hugely, and the small, well- managed undertaking will, for the amount invested, stand muster with the larger one. Hence no jealousy or hard feelings can mar a sworn, unanimous resolve." AND ITS SOLUTION. 19 "We will do our best, sor," came from a solitary individual in the northeast corner. The rest of the force and the council were so lost and amazed at the Mayor's zeal that they also lost their speech. "I wish to tell you that I shall encourage the employment of all home talent and labor. [Hear! Hear! all over the house.] "No responsible position will be given to any out- sider. Well-tried and true citizens of Chicago will fill them — such as inspection and quarantine business, of passengers and live freight; also of doubtful baggage and freight examined for safety. To handle the tens of thousands — feed them and sleep them — that will be coming and going all the time for seven or eight months will be no small undertaking; and if done in our own accustomed, dexterous manner, will all the more surprise the visitors, as well as please 20 . THE GREAT DREAM them. Trus-t not to proffered help, my men; do it and see to it yourselves, is the way for us to succeed. And as I can not think of details now, I wish you to feel interested; and any little hint or suggestion you get, I wish you to hand in, and get all ideas condensed, and so get satisfactory results." And sure enough they did. The Police, one and all, said: "Byes, it shan't be our fault if this 'ere thing ain't a go!" and the Councilmen were unanimous. Well, the evening of the 28th of April, 1892, arrived. A messenger appeared before Mayor De- Witt Clinton Cregier, from the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company to say that a special train was on its way to Chicago, with the visitors and their belong- ings; was composed of six sleepers, two drawing- room cars, one day coach, three baggage cars, and AND ITS SOLUTION. 21 four flat cars, bearing the Mayflower, and would arrive at Chicago early in the morning of the 29th of April, making the remarkable run from the New Jersey Docks, in twenty-two hours; the Pennsylvania Railroad Company having provided a clear track and right-of-way through the whole distance, and had re- freshments ready at specified points, to be handed on board, without loss of time. This took place where the coal and water were needed for the locomotives, which were the two finest the company possessed. Each was manned by two engineers and two firemen, so as not to fatigue them while hauling such precious freight. They were the most sober and respected servants on the New Jersey and Philadelphia Divis- ion, and consequently, were entrusted with this won- derful Chicago train. The Mayor, having summoned his faithful Secretary, and found that all arrange- 22 THE GREAT DREAM ments in and around the City Hall were in readiness, and telling him to inform Chief Hubbard, went to bed, knowing the biggest day was ahead of him that ever befell the Mayor of any town. Well, the time came for the Mayor and Councilmen to go to the depot, and meet the visitors, who were punctually brought into the gaily-decked station at Canal street. The two roaring, hissing monsters from New Jersey plainly showed the speed they had made, by the disarranging of some of their pretty trimmings. The engineers had decked them and the coaches very prettily, with the help of the conductors and brakemen, and all attendants of the train, who were thanked by the visitors through the directors of the company, for their attentive and obliging man- ners in regard to comfort and safety. When all had alighted, the Mayor received them AND ITS SOLUTION. 23 amid deafening cheers and the playing of the bands, and led the way to the carriages provided for the drive to the City Hall, to be received in State. Elab- orate preparations had been made. The usual dingy- looking pile was quite gay, and the lovely weather crowned all with splendor and beauty. Every build- ing was alive with heads straining for a better view. The housetops of Clark and Washington streets were wonderful sights, and reports had great yarns of fab- ulous prices being paid for windows advantageously situated for good views of Queen Isabella. Her dress presumably being in the neight of fashion, much cur- osity was manifested by the fair ones of Chicago. All along the route from the depot the same crowded scene was witnessed. The emblems, flags of all Nations, and the flowers and wreaths, were in profusion, and bands stationed at different points, played National 24 THE GREAT DREAM Airs with capital precision. The party arriving were received on a raised rostrum, beautifully decorated by the ladies' societies of Chicago, in imitation of a ship, presumably the Mayflower, and then above it a gigantic gilt Book, reached by steps all glittering in the sunshine, and great letters on the BOOK read f « CREGIER— REFORM— PURIFY." Then the QUEEN and CHRISTOPHER COLUM- BUS followed the Mayor on the Book, and he ex- julained to them hie method of "Home Rule," and the great sights around them; and the beaming face of the Mayor was reflected on all the buildings and flags! Never was there seen anything like that BOOK for beauty and design — the Eiffel Tower, notwithstanding — and when the Mayor stood on the top of it, great was the shout that went up! Of course , there was some joking done in the crowd. One said, AND ITS SOLUTION. 25 "Mayor Cregier better go on up now, that his work was well done, and his BOOK made the distance less!" Another said, "He got outside, so that, if the cover or leaves closed on him, he would not have been shut with the BOOK." Soon the band played, "Hail to the Chief of Mayors," and one Old Jed Prouty shouted: "Crown him Lord of all!" The Queen and Christopher and party wore very queer costumes, and wide-brim hats were the rule. They were evidently dumb with astonishment; they spoke little, but were thinking deeply. The 29th of April the evening shadows warned them of the time of day, and with immense cheering, and "GOD SAVE CREGIER!" the crowd made way for the visitors, to go to a model- dwelling, near the Exhibi- tion erected on purpose, and every item of the May- 26 THE GREAT DREAM flower furniture, had been brought there, by request of Queen Isabella. So each one had his and her own belongings, and part of house, and was happy, and here they rested all the next day, to be ready for the grand opening of the Exhibition on the morning of May 1st. Great were the preparations on this last day, and the finishing touches were being put everywhere. In the City great changes were made, and the rules to be followed during the Show were commenced on the night of the 29th of April; and all through the city could be seen frames hung in conspicuous places, to that effect; with the regulations and hours in largs type. All heavy freight, hauling, removing of garb- age and refuse, were to be done at night. The bi- cycle men all agreed to keep off the thoroughfares, and the electric lights, of which there were enough AND ITS SOLUTION. 27 to make the whole city as light as day were in every part. There were devices for keeping off the sand- flies and moths, so numerous in summer, as well as disa- greeable. There were cages hanging over and around the globe, having to one side a fan attached, revolv- ing from some secret, suspended agency, and puffing a vapor from a censor near (all around the cages), that effectually banished the flies, and sent them off to St. Louis without injury, or in any way dimming the light. This was thought to be a really wonderful scheme; and so humane that it quite took with the ladies, and made them, one and all, friends of Chicago. The smoke of the city was sent out of town, by way of immense tubes over tops of houses, having slides for air, on all sides for whichever way the w T ind was blowing, and not much draught was needed, and they worked well. 28 THE GREAT DREAM Arrangements had been made with the harbor men and crafts plying on Lake Michigan, not to use the River at all. So the bridges were never swung open, no crowding of traffic, or accidents from open draws occurred, and one and all added another good word for the Mayor and Councilmen; and the River, not being stirred, was most condescending, and behaved very calmly. A preparation of oil, some bark extract, and a strong, but pleasant, scent was liberally applied early each morning, that gave the water a clearness never before seen, and effectually banished all smell and germs. This was the scheme hatched from the brain of an officer on board of the war-ship, "The Rush," while watching for seal-traders in the "Behr- ring Sea," and sent as a tribute to Mayor Cregier for Chicago's success. To overcome the loss of the River for freight pur- AND ITS SOLUTION. 29 poses there were three wharves built out into Lake Michigan. Over these traveling cranes hovered of* five hundred tons capacity. An elevated railroad ran to each of the three wharves, and car after car was lowered and raised to be loaded or unloaded with olock-like precision, and being of standard gauge, they were run on all the railroads of the country, and to all the freight-houses, and lumber yards in the city, and, wherever convenient, along the track for the unloading of the contents, which was done me- chanically, according to the nature thereof. Boatmen .and longshore-men all began to think it beat the River. "We will soon have elevated railroads all over the City, anyhow," they said, "and this 'ere fixin'! will be all the go." Two or three of the railroads made connection this 30 THE GREAT DREAM way, to facilitate the handling of their extra freight oints for trains and for visitors to inspect; and every place was well managed, so that nothing suffered or dete- AND ITS SOLUTION. 33 riorated. Inspectors were constantly on the alert, and sanitary men had hardly anything to do, but explain and show to visitors; produce of all kinds was plen- tiful and cheap; everything was fed, comfortable, and clean. The fire laddies had their programs learned by heart. Many of the fire stations were very prettily decorated with flowers and bunting, and the fire helm- ets were charged and lit with electric lights — some- thing quite new to the World at large. Well, the morning of the 1st of May began to dawn. People were stirring early; indeed, thousands never went to bed at all. Many were putting up stands for viewing the opening of the gates. One gigantic stand that seated 35,000 people was the in- vestment of a fat-faced Mormon of Salt Lake City; and his beaming countenance was sufficient to con- 34 THE GREAT DREAM vince one of his success, and the little Mormons were promised a trip to see the gates "that led to Zion," as he expressed it. He had reserved seats for a few select friends, and his taste being of that broad type, it was interesting to note who they were — Mr. Gladstone and Adelina Patti." This lady had once sung in the noble Temple at Salt Lake City, the only prima donna that had ever been so honored; the Shah of Persia and Mrs. Hodgson Burnett; the Sioux Chief,, Sitting Bull, and Sara Barnhardt. The mormon had once seen a picture of the latter, and wished to see the original. Here were the Pope of Rome, Mr. Booth, Mr. Powderly, Professor Huxley, Francis Murphy, Governor Stanley of Canada, Gov. Lowry, J. L. Sullivan, Prof. Swing and Gen. Bou- 1 anger. All the space in this immense stand had been AND ITS SOLUTION 35 full except the reserved seats, since noon of the day before! but fortunately the weather was mild and beautifully fine and some venders of eatables made young fortunes all night. One man cleaned fifty dollars out of sandwiches (that had once h^^cl the choice morsel, but it having slipped out, left nothing but the fragrance!), and a go-as-you-please clipper of pure Lake Michigan. The number of balconies and stands erected was a sight in itself, and an example of the exhaustive nature of our pineries, and they had all been tested by order of the Government, and were found the most substantially built of any private enterprise of the kind ever before officially examined. So there was no fear, no calamity to chronicle; and all was good-will. At one side of the gates" was the "MAYFLOWER" all decked and trimmed and dazzling in the sunshine^ 36 THE GREAT DREAM yet it was very prim. The Queen sat on the deck and Christopher Columbus by her side, holding a long telescope; and the look-out men were similarly occupied. On the other side, on a raised stand, superbly dec- orated, was the President and family, with all the dignitaries from Washington — Embassadors, etc., and a few Crowned Heads from Europe. Then his Worship the Mayor and his Councilmen, and all the City Dignitaries arrived and, alighting from their carriages, stood before the gate. The entrance to the grounds was a magnificent iron structure never to be forgotten on account of its beauty, design, and massiveness, and it swung to the touch of an electric bell, folding, like a book, and maintaining itself in perfect order, as though agencies were in each leaf and fold; and the dazzling brilliancy AND ITS SOLUTION. 37 of the clasp and edges could not be imagined, but must be seen. Here was the Mayor's TALISMAN, in all its inten- sity, the magic letters again blazing forth, "CREGIER — "REFORM — PURIFY!" He stepped forth and handed the Queen down the carpeted incline of the MAYFLOWER, and approached the gate that com- menced to swing open, Christopher Columbus escorting Mrs. Cregier; the attendants and followers in the rear all receiving the welcome and freedom, salute and advance. At the same moment, at a given signal, there bursts forth music from the finest united band force ever attempted — the stirring strains of "'Twas Rank and Fame that tempted thee," from Richard Balfe's "Rose of Castile," changing to the "Star Spangled Banner," and "See, the Conquering Hero comes." 38 THE GREAT DREAM Two magnificently-constructed Towers were on each side of the gate, and look-out men, and guns, and all modern appliances for speedy communication. As soon as the gate commenced to roll, the guns were fired and the whole City knew that the Show was open, and the cheering was wonderful. Never in this or any other generation, can the like be again seen or matched; those who saw it will have a deep impression, that will never be effaced; and the chil- dren, in their old age, will immortalize the scene, and always find pleasure in telling of its magnitude. The arrangements were simply superb — no jostling, ill- feeling, or words. Thousands had stood and occupied the stands since the day before, bringing their food with them, and they must have been martyrs to Patience. But then she was rewarded; yes, indeed, she was. AND ITS SOLUTION. 39 The gates closed behind the visiting party, and the people began to disperse, for the public were told by signs that they could not be admitted till next morn- ing, the second of May, as a few minor details, yet undone, compelled this. The request of the Queen, that they might reverently, in the vast Auditorium, offer to Him — the Ruler of the Universe — united prayers and thankful- ness for their miraculous voyage and safe journey to Chicago, and the kind and friendly reception, so much beyond what they had dared hope for, or antici- pate, could not be refused by such a good, Christian man as they had found in the Mayor of Chicago! "Amen! God bless the Mayor!" was heard, show- ing that he had acquiesced in their wishes, and those of the people; and so the show was opened. A detailed description is here given: 40 THE GREAT DREAM At eight o'clock on the morning of the 2d of May, amid the firing of guns and the beating of drums the great gate unfolded itself to stay open till ten o'clock at night. This was the rule for the week except Saturday nights, when it would remain open one hour later, in consequence of the great crowds of wage-workers that would come on that day, as every employer had agreed to close all works at one o'clock every Saturday, of every kind of stores and outside labor. During the Show the business men of Chicago had a meeting, and agreed to benefit the working classes as much as was in their power. The newspaper men said if the Sunday newspaper was printed, it should not be sold after ten o'clock, and let all the rest of the day place the printers and all engaged in the of- fice at libertv. AND ITS SOLUTION. 41 "We owe," they said, "all the working public. Help toward giving them institutions of a healthy nature, and they will appreciate them. We will issue small editions only on Mondays with this end in view. Thousands and tens of thousands will come and note all we shall do, are doing and have done; we will put in practice the REFORMS in all their details, and get them well learned against the time for the mighty gathering of the hosts; and their true and matchless work will be understood and ever after re- main to commemorate the benefit derived in all ways from the Show that first gave rise, or suggested the REFORMS so beneficial to weary people in a noble city." The entrance was a long barrier of turnstiles of which there were twelve. There were six similar entrances at other points, and as many exits, all 42 THE GREAT DREAM well pointed out by plain signs in every language. Tickets were procured up-town, or at offices, along the route to the Exhibition and near to the entrances. Mounted police stood guard at these places and pa- troled all around the Exhibition and thoroughfares leading to it. They, with their steeds were very attract- ive, and such horse-flesh and blood, caparisoned as they were, took every one by surprise; and the re- mark, " What a force !" *was heard everywhere. Inside the gate was a pile of copies of the piece of music, played on the morning before, by the unit\ ed bands, when the Queen and the Mayor passed through the gate. There were 25,000,000 copies, so that one member of every family party, at least, could have a memen- to of the great event. This memento was free to all who chose to take it; and on it was, besides the AND ITS SOLUTION. 43 correct tune, an excellent photograph of the Mayor and Queen Isabella. To undertake to tell all there was to be seen in the grounds would be impossible; all the Journalists in America could not do it justice in twelve months. A great deal was done and shown on the model system, but on a scale large enough to have every detail minutely perfect, and young and old all agreed they had been to the best school of their lives. The huge glass auditoriums were exquisite; the col- ored glass and paintings in windows, on sides, and domes, were lovely, as the sun shone through them and showed off their delicate tints. The lawns and flower-gardens were beautifully laid out. There was a lake (an inlet from the lake) whose water was perfectly clear, and had lots of fish in it; and there was the steam yacht, the sailing ves- 44 THE GREAT DREAM sel, the row boat, the ferry. wire and balloon, and at the bottom of the water 'was a transparent glass tube large enough to walk erect in. It was perfectly dry, light, and had all air necessary, the ends of which were in a bricked-up room, or vault on each side of the lake; and steps and elevator communicated with terra firma. This was much patronized by young peo- ple, as something new. A magnificent structure in the grounds, of immense size, and built of wood, but disguised in the shape of a big BOOK, was the Mayor's Official Monument. It was of six floors — the number of letters in the May- or's Motto— "PURIFY!" and each letter blazed in large size on each floor. It was on pillars eight feet high. The first floor was the Mayor and Conn- oilmen's Private and Reception Apartments. The sec- ond floor was for the Police and all Official Business AND ITS SOLUTION. 45 connected with the Exhibition. The third floor was for the Library and Reading Rooms; the fourth floor was for the Young Men's Christian Association, where prayers in every tongue went forth daily; the fifth floor was for a Model Hospital; the sixth floor was a Model School, for Cooking; and the countless num- bers of women of doubtful ages that made one con- tinuous file into this handsome apartment, showed that it was appreciated, if it was near the sky. One feature of this building was the modes of getting to the different floors. Every mode had been consid ered. There was the elevator and the stairway, and an outside incline walk, so that those too nervous, or not acquainted with the new, fast modes of ascent, might walk up, and do it without the inconvenience of losing their breath, and without injury to the heart. A look- out on the roof, provided with telescopes and glasses to 46 THE GREAT DREAM suit all sights, was reached by a guarded way to prevent too many ascending at one time. There was a small charge made, to defray expenses attached to it, and also for those of floors, numbers three, five, and six. Under- neath this structure a cafe did a thriving business. As a sort of apology for the Eiffel Tower, (but which, in fact, put it quite into the shade,) and called the Isabel- la Mountain, was an imitation of High Peak, of the Rockies, the base of which spread over acres of ground; and beneath it, and partly in the ground, but of less ex- tent, was a model of the "Mammoth Cave of Kentucky." This mountain rose to the hight of fifteen hundred feet, and showed that mineral croppings, jagged quartz, ledges, and points glistened in the sunshine. At the base was the rough dislodgings of the mountain steeps, that time and storm had loosened and caused to roll down. AND ITS SOLUTION. 47 In one place a sort of deep crevasse showed the snow- slide's work of peril and devastation. Float was to be seen amongst this debris, and the prospector, with pick in hand, was breaking rocks that caught his eye. The timber line was capitally shown with the usual fir trees in scattered and scanty numbers towards the sun, and more dense, facing the Northern and more snowy side. There were to be seen the glistening bones of native animals that had been killed, or had died on the mount- ain-side, and there were the trails made by miners, and the pack trains that took up the supplies and brought down the ore for market, some of which were to be seen at work. Along these trails were mouths of shafts in prosperity; and others abandoned, with their hoisting apparatus, trucks, etc., ail idle. 48 THE GREAT DREAM The tops of peaks were white with snow, and the usual mountain-water springs from it were to be seen below. Strong people/who could walk and climb, could trav- el these trails for adventure, and good views could be had at only moderate hights, by those who could not go higher, or did not wish to. Many took their lunches up this retreat, and others sketched from it. On the top was a gigantic windmill, always going by reason of the never-failing currents at this hight. The windmill furnished the power for four broad-guage, in- clined planes or trams laid from the base to the sum- mit of the mountain — of quite a moderate pitch, and so controlled that no accident in running away was possi- ble; for, the moment the power was checked, or any disarrangement of the gearing occurred, the portion of track underneath the cars expanded and let all settle, AND ITS SOLUTION. 49 through the little space that intervened beneath the track to the mountain-side, perhaps eight or ten inches. Such an ingenious method gave everyone courage to try it, and the coaches provided, were comfortable and af- forded a nice ride and view. On the top of the mountain was a tower five hundred feet high, and inside elevators of the usual kind, being worked by the same wind power, hoisted people to the highest look-out, artificially, ever constructed in the World — two thousand feet ! Some people, on coming down, said that they plainly saw the sun shine, on the NORTH POLE ! Others claimed that Milwaukee was the extent of their power of vision ! Be this as it may, one and all were greatly impressed with the ascent to Cloud-land ! There were underground passages beneath the build- ings and grounds, with openings at convenient points, 50 THE GEE AT DREAM splendidly lighted with electricity. They were to take off the pressure of crowds moving to and fro; and there were also, substantial and picturesque viaducts for the same purpose, and high enough to give good views. Some- of the large botanical displays in the grounds were better understood from these structures, than on the same level, as there the effect was lost by reason of their vastness. So these high thoroughfares were much used by the lovers of horticulture. Great crowds of every Southern country and clime (and they were legion), were always to be found here. The display of wild and tame flowers, shrubs, and plants were doubtless a great surprise, as well as the skill of procuring and arranging in so tasteful a man- ner. Then there was the vegetable and fruit display; the cereals, tobacco, rice, flax, cotton, and all the products AND ITS SOLUTION. 51 under this head, with the peanut, and the cranberry swamp, were just as interesting as well as astounding; and the silk-worm industry, the ostrich farm, and the incubatory, were gazed at with intense interest. There was, also, a new process for making silks by science and art, with good prospects of the little, dili- gent worms being given a recess, if not fewer hours of labor. A stuffed buffalo told too plainly of the to-be- deplored, wanton extermination. But all the rest of the feathered and four-footed tribes, seemed to show up well. The display of fire brigades and paraphernalia, and all kinds of water-power and wind-power were immense. It seemed as though the latter had rather the best of it. One illustration under this head, was a mechanical in- vention combining great power, with a want of only small space in which to work. It was a machine appli- 52 THE GREAT DREAM cable to any dwelling or building of many floors, that needed commodities on each, as coal, etc., and hoisting safes, baggage, and, in fact, anything having regard to special fixings, according to the nature thereof. It was on the ship-winch principle; and the power furnished by wind on the roof or by water-tank if the house was so provided. The water not being wasted or injured in any way, the wind gear could be attached when needed, by a simple device. In the case of coal, a box-tubing reaching to the alley, down the side of the building, containing a revolving belt, with rests or cups, and running into a chest where it was fed by a teamster unloading his wagon, he hav- ing first notified the purchaser to set the machine in mo- tion. Another similar chest for receiving the coal was placed on each floor when needed. Steam power was a great interest, and the crowd here AND ITS SOLUTION. 53 was always large. Each device and kind was well- studied by interested, delighted and skilled artisans and amateurs alike. The laundry department was interesting. Here China John had his chance, but ingenuity has caught him napping, and John's novel "Squirt" that "used to was," is now discounted in the "Melican" laundries." The devices here were overwhelming in their intricate, yet effectual simplicity, and all was perfect — proving that a clean collar was good for, and within the reach of every man — and other garments, too. Then there was every kind of bath, at every temper- ature, and all kinds of water from all parts of the Earth and Sky; for rain water was there for those that pre- ferred it. New designs of baths and rooms, and furni- ture of the same and divers kinds of water and earth closets. 54 THE GREAT DREAM Large fountains were found playing in all parts of the grounds, surrounded by different sized basins of water, some full of gold-fish, and some had pearls, coral, sponges, and sun-fish to be seen at the bottoms. There were buildings of every description, design, and shape. Those having designs for stores in part, or whole of the building, had them occupied by parties wishing to display their goods and methods of doing business. There were grand ones from all over the UNIVERSE ! But the home establishments led by many lengths; and as a proof that it was without partiality the "Profess- ors" who dressed the windows and rooms were engaged at fabulous prices, by visiting proprietors who zealously worked the Board of Trade "RACKET," to procure such talent for their establishments. The well-known house of "C. Jevne," for delicacies AND ITS SOLUTION. 55 and various eatables, lost its six Professors in this way — two going to New York! (just think of it !) one to San Francisco, one to Melbourne, Australia, one to Con- stantinople, and one to Alexandria, in Egypt. The Marshall Field establishment lost five Professed gentlemen in this line, and one lady — the latter and one gentleman going — "Oh, horror of horrors ," to St. Louis! but as a stipulation in the bargain of compensation, it was agreed that in the building to which they went there should be a never-failing supply of fresh Wauke- sha water! and this being coupled with a fat stipend, The grief of their comrades was materially lessened, and their own repugnance relieved. The other four gentlemen went to Calcutta, Timbuc- too, London and Auckland respectively. The miscellaneous display of E. J. Lehmann, compris- ing everything North and South of the Equator, did not 56 THE GREAT DREAM fail to come under the approval of all, and so lost his Professors, as did the others, five ladies and three gen- tlemen going to the Argentine Republic, Boston, To- ronto, Seattle, and City of Mexico, in the ease of the former; and Rome, Paris and Vienna, in the case of the latter; so that, in this one enterprise alone, the term of "Liberty enlightening the World," was verified and witnessed. There was the dwelling peculiar to every land in shape, taste and material; and they were composed of every conceivable commodity known, but the rarer the commodity the smaller the scale on which it was built, paper, straw, shells, minerals, etc., and all kinds of wood that grows, and stone, and marble, and the material under that head. One building constructed of sections of cable wire soon came to be known as the "Yerkes House." AND ITS SOLUTION. 57 There was one of corn cobs, one of claws and beaks of animals and birds of prey. These buildings were quite a study in every way, and instructive. Then there was the Asylum, Court House, Church, School House, Hotel and Theatre, both ancient and modern represented. Here was a magnificent display in the special department, from Manitoba and Brit- ish Columbia,, and Alaska — all three presenting won- ders of their respective latitude on land and water; and they were a study in themselves, and one of the most interesting in the Exhibition. Sailing vessels and steam ships were elaborate in detail, and the Home part of it plainly showed that if Uncle Sam had been in the rear in sea-faring industries, he would take front rank now, and the employing and depending on foreign help for ocean transportation was a past feature in United States 58 THE GREAT DREAM Rule and Policy ■; and he would now go it alone, do his own work, and keep his own dollars on the Home side. The different Mechanisms applicable for speed and extra size of vessels in all departments was grand,, while new devices for life boats, life preservers, and for casting oil on the troubled waves, and remedies for dispelling unpleasant symptoms, peculiar to nov- ices of ocean travel, were numerous and had their several advantages and characteristics plainly given. Here we had the balloon, showing its usefulness,, and how to be controlled under any circumstances. There was one adapted with special device for send- ing a small man in it, with a rope, intended to save the wrecked mariner, so that connection was made sure with the land or life boat; and also a calculator of distances, to determine the power required to send AND ITS SOLUTION. 59 the machine the necessary distance when firing the propelling charge. The show of live stock was magnificent, and their quarters were fit for a king's palace; so clean and hav- ing no disagreeable smell of shed, pen, or stable; and every beast looked the picture of comfoit, except- ing a few pigs and steers that seemed to be suffer- ing from asthma by reason of their fatness. The noble horses, too, that were there from the racer to the heavy draft — were just superb in their gay trim- mings. The poultry show was grand, and some kinds of fowls went to bed earlier than others. The dog show and the cat show were too cute, and made lots of fun for the little ones. Inside of the large building, filled with fancy exhibits from all countries, were fountains of scented waters^ 60 THE GREAT DREAM each of different fragrance, which was added to distin- guish the waters. They were brought from twenty dif- ferent noted rivers of the World. These specimens of water were from the Seine, St. Lawrence, Euphrates, Murray, Frazer, Jordan, Congo, Columbia, Tagus, Colorado, Vistula, Tay, Rhine, Missis- sippi, Thames, Ganges, Nile, Liffey, Amazon, and Hud- son; and beautiful they looked, having decorations suit- ed to their several latitudes and surroundings. There was a piece of ground, slightly elevated, where was erected a rotunda and band stand, and seats for weary pedestrians. It was always full, and it was inter- esting to see the different kinds of pipes and tobacco used, and to hear the various languages spoken. It made one ask himself, "What must Babel have been like?" The display of all kinds was very large. AND ITS SOLUTION. 61 In the Chinese portion there were several very inter- esting exhibits, as well as in that of Japan. Some of these fellows thought they would corral a few "Melican" dollars anyhow; so they had an exhibit representing a China Mummy > fixed somewhat different from the Egyptian, of course, but still the shapeless sort of form was there reclining horizontally, and, excepting a slight elevation where the head was supposed to be, it looked as though perfectly encased in its wrappings. They claimed a process of keeping him forever and ever, and said that they intended to do so, he being a chief amongst them; and yet they claimed to do noth- ing to him more than to make the first application on the day of his death, ten years previously. A contrivance for showing the top of the head and the soles of the feet, to substantiate the alleged preservation which they claimed, was removed from 62 THE GREAT DREAM the ends of the figure, and replaced with consumate skill; and apparently it proved all that they claimed to the crowds who were bound to see so wonderful a preservation *of the human body after death! The enterprising Japs or Chinese were just coining money, until one day a chap up from St. Louis was taking in the Show, and being a tall, lithe sort of a fellow, and brimfull of curiosity, reached over and touched the Mummy, and put his hand on the head, when one finger went in! but being in a hot and eager discussion with his comrades — that even Missouri did not contain anything half so marvelous — he failed to notice it. All at once such a yell as only a St. Louis man can make when he is in earnest, startled that part of the building. To make the account short, the Mummy was alive — a disguised Chinaman! The St. Louis man's hand had shut off AND ITS SOLUTION. 63 John's wind supply. His finger being in the mouth of the Chinaman, he had the choice of becoming a real Mummy or bite, and he bit. The house-furnishing department was the couch of ,all nations, on the coverlid of which was beautifully scaled a map of the country which it represented, with flags, colors and insignia; and truly the models of seeking comfort in slumber was various; and in some it was difficult to see where the comfort came in. The ancient traveling methods, showing from time to time the advancement of vehicles and the power of locomotion, were displayed, and the kind of bag- gage carried by those traveling. Some of them were in striking contrast with the modern Saratogas or The Gladstone Bag. The Diamond Hitch of the present day, adopted in 64 THE GREAT DREAM the mountain packing regions, proved to be the same as that used by Joseph's brethren, when they went to Egypt to buy corn — only that the modern mule is more mulish, and the driver is less discreet! The ancient girth covered the whole of the belly of the animal. There was, consequently, no streak of pressure from a narrow strap or rope. The benefit to the animal seems obvious. The exhibit of saddles and bridles was great; a moderation in the horn of the former and the check rein of the latter was con- spicuous, and the saddle-tree was of new design; the rider and ridden both being considered. There was a show of suspenders, novelties indeed, for durability, comfort and aid to the exhausted wearer; for they could be charged with electricity at will, " collapsed" at noon and at six o'clock, and never broke the buttons off the garments supported. AND ITS SOLUTION. 65 They warranted a long career to baggage-men, pedes- trians, and men of severely-tried avocations . The musical instrument gallery was just too lovely and gorgeous, but all was sladly marred by too many instruments playing at the same time. Rival houses, who had hired the "fastest player on record (of course) and warranted to produce more music from less oetaves of the piano or organ board, than any other living artist, made things lively. And then there was the sweet flutist, oboeist, harpist, violinist, banjoist, piccolist, celloist, and all the other "ists," each doing his or her best to earn their wages, and do up the vile impositions that each represented as being worse than his own, which, of course, they in exalted terms endeavored to impress upon them that were weak enough to halt and listen. Well, to sum up, it was just so much noise and the technicalities of 6$ THE GREAT DREAM a pig-pen, at supper time could just as well Lave been observed! We think musical instruments ought to be separated — (the kinds at least)— and some to be placed for guests (comparatively in private) to try and test, etc., and not to be thumped by those ap- pearing to have noise in their eye, as the only re- quirement after patronage. How could the good qual- ities of a Steinway or Erard, and others, (and there are good ones) be brought to bear on the visitor, when all around is concertina, harmonium, brass of all descriptions, and mouth organs, and fiddles, drums, and triangles at all pitches and in all keys, and different airs if any at all? Why, the result can not but be unsatisfactory, and I think fit medicine to hasten lunacy unadulterated! There was every form of music conceivable — sheet, book, manuscript, and methods for teaching and AND ITS SOLUTION. 67 committing to memory. Hence it will be common to hear dreams sung in character to the edification and amusement of those within hearing, and whole operas rehearsed in somnambulistic form without the walking! Time.s will, indeed, be gay in the "sweet by and by! There was a beautiful Temple where Orchestral Music was always to be heard, executed by the best societies of the World; also Organ Recitals on mammoth instrument quite out of sight, yet the performer was visible to his audience. This instru- ment had mechanical methods of producing sound and other designs, making a combination the most novel of modern times, and a marked step in organ history. Choral societies, vocalists and instrumentalists, soli and concerted, all competed here for fame and med- als of beauty, conducted by their own leaders and 68 THE GREAT DREAM trainers, and the juvenile genius was remarkable. The place seated fifteen thousand people comforta- bly, and was unsurpassed for accoustical properties; was always full. A charge of twenty-five cents was made to any part of the building. It was built long, with round ends and oval roof, the beauty of which was worth the money to see. The performers were in the middle, and the seats rose from the floor-level to the roof all around and the whole place was delightfully cool in summer. One day of each week noted speakers of the World, and qualified, aspiring debutants occupied the beauti- ful place. The subjects were varied in character embracing Science, Warfare, Literary Topics, Navigation, Medi cine, Religion, Chemistry, Stage, City Government, etc.; and on this particular day six spoke during one AND ITS SOLUTION. 69 hour, each — M. Pasteur, Sir Edwin Arnold, Frances Willard, Tragedian Salvini, Prince Bismarck, and Gen Crook, recently from the wilds of the West. Here took place in plain view, the most difficult and hazardous operations for all nations to witness — the advancement made in surgery in the New world — showing how assiduously the practitioners in this line of art had applied themselves, and how thorough their search for knowledge had been, and still their cry was: "Oh, where shall wisdom be found?" "Oh, where is the place of understanding?" "Why," they said, "here is the place!" and they unanimously bowed at Chicago's Shrine. If there was the slightest feeling of restraint or tinge of immodesty, it melted before the cause, and the impressive magnitude surrounding it! The 70 THE GREAT DREAM Heroic Patients were all volunteers, yet, grasped at the last straw, like all of Nature's created beings, but loyal and hoping at least that a spark of enlighten- ment might fly, as it were, from his or her difficulty and be Immortalized, perhaps, after death — (if Fate so decreed) — in strong contrast with the comparative obscurity while living. And then the thought: It is a part of CHICAGO WORLD'S FAIR re- moved any wave of trouble, and left a peaceful res- ignation within the breast! There were beautiful sketches of the best views of every part of this Continent, of large size; also of different tribes of Indians, their peculiar modes of life and their relics, etc., faithfully portrayed; also every industry of this country, the customs of the people employed, their dress, style of living, etc.; and all surroundings were detailed splendidly and all AND ITS SOLUTION 7 1 particulars given by qualified and attentive guides and interpreters, and it seemed appreciated as much as any part of the exhibition. A foreign display of bells and bell ringing in the old and also in the modern style, was grand; and a handsome tower one hundred and eighty feet in hight, containing a peal of eight heavy bells, had on its walls printed invitations for any body of men lik- ing to try them. The heaviest bell weighed forty- four thousand pounds, and when it struck with full- swinging force, it was heard North and South, East and West. It was said that such a peal in or near NEW YORK, together with the heavy guns fired in Chicago on this occasion, would have been fatal to the glass structures of the Exhibition, and even outside, near dwellings, as the lay of the country did not admit 72 THE GREAT DREAM of the escape of large volumes of sound like these! and in the same way applied to ST. LOUIS ! If anything like this had injured the beautiful stained glass, it would have been simply to make all feel sad; for nothing like it had ever been seen. Even PARIS and NAPLES bowed before it as un- surpassable, and visitors thought they were on the road to Heaven by the way of Chicago, and with the Mayor as guide! The display of all kinds was very large and well- arranged, and space for every country was abundant. Each had its different kind of Store, Cafe, Instruction Room, Art Gallery, Residence, Church, Theater, Street Scenes; and the different persons to be met in them, with all furnishings and goods in detail, so that the visitor could be in France for an hour, and then step into Italy, or Australia, or Hindostan. AND ITS SOLUTION. ^3 The street scene of Madras was superb, and the old surroundings of Mecca and St. Petersburgh were very- striking. Displays of armor and the old battle im- plements were of interest, and the new torpedo guns and the latest war devices for killing adversaries were displayed. All the different kinds of timber peculiar to this Continent was astonishing, and the size of some in certain parts still more so. There was a log from California, used as a cafe, that was equal to any sized place of the kind in the city! Another of immense length from Tacoma, was fit- ted as an arcade, and innumerable booths occupied by venders of every nation, peddled their respective curi- osities as mementos of the FAIR. Even our natives were astounded at so many dif- 74 THE GREAT DREAM ferent trees that they had never heard of. A depart- ment of interesting Model Views, and which were worked by mechanism, ingenious and unique, were those showing the different modes of administering justice and punishment since the first arrival of the "MAYFLOWER" down to the present REIGN of MAYOR CREGIER! The different styles of apparel and raiment, with their ancient fixings and fastenings, and foot-and- head-gear, also, arranged on wax figures, worked as aforesaid and with dates attached. There was the Noah's Ark of this continent, and specimens of every Ante-diluvian biped, quadruped, and creeping thing, and fish heard of, discovered, or found in fossil form, skeleton, or petrified. The advance from time to time in printing books and newspapers was interesting, both as to the mat- AND ITS SOLUTION. ?5 ter and size. The school paraphernalia, with the branches taught, the discipline exercised, and the type of teacher and manipulator of the Magic Wand, sup- posed to be so conducive to develope the brain in the good old past and gone, was capital; and many a Master and Miss were seen riveted, as it were, to the scene that formed so prominent a place in the memoirs of their Forefathers, and which, no doubt, could be introduced effectually with discretion at the present time. The same agencies were applied to the figures rep- resenting the ancient and the modern minister, and the places in which they exercised their callings, They were very odd and of many types. One indefatigable pastor and shepherd of ancient date, in his log meeting-house, and with his congre- gation in many garbs, was too funny for anything, 76 THE GREAT DREAM yet honesty and faithful devotion to his work were plainly sticking right out of his angular frame. And then "The village musicians," five in number, raised their pieces and furnished the chord that all were to unite with, and show their appreciation, of the discourse they had listened to, and electrifiy those that had not listened but had slumbered and slept — a habit as ancient as it is modern. The arrangements for refreshments were elaborate and ample, supplies being brought in and refuse taken out by private sub-ways for the purpose; so that nothing was seen above ground or outside of the cafes themselves; and they were kept in superb or- der and gave satisfaction. One party had the sole right of grounds and license, and, no doubt, this was a good arrangement, as it preserved a uniformity and was under one government. AND ITS SOLUTION. 77 The ice contract for this one enterprise alone reached away into the millions, and this article was used un- sparingly. The display of printing plants, heating apparatus, and conservatory appliances was very fine, and had some novel additions. The dairy products and furniture, the farm-house economic methods and their competing devices, were good. *The railroads had displays in safety signals and brakes, and had pockets hung out with reminders printed thereon, to the effect that, if the good public would assist them in their poverty, they would lay down double tracks, and would never let freight trains and passenger trains travel on the same tracks! The new and latest improved depot and Pullman car were there, and always attracted visitors to in- IS THE GREAT DREAM spect each beauty. Everything under the sun was there to be looked at — nothing being for- gotten — and all in its entirety, every design imagi- nable, producing every article in want, and also those not so necessary, was to be seen in the "NICKEL IN THE SLOT" machines; and some designs were of much merit and originated plainly from native ingenuity. The firing of the guns at ten o'clock, p. m., on Saturday night told that two hours sufficed for the clearing of the gigantic show for a DAY OF REST. All were very glad, for they had a day to ponder over what they had seen; to seek other edifying pur- suits; to sleep or do whatever they felt would do the most good. And the employes and attendants, were also heartily congratulated for their chance of rest, as one and all agreed that never were the right AND ITS SOLUTION. *79 persons in the right places before as they were here; nor did a body of people deserve more praise for their good manners and wish to please everybody. Many were the comments and remarks heard on Monday upon the ways provided to give all a chance to spend their Sunday to their taste. "What did you think of Dr. Thomas or Professor Swing?" This question was propounded of the above promi- nent divines, and also of many other well-known, preachers from far and near, who had occupied the different pulpits and platforms of the city churches, and the halls and theaters. Every place in the entire city where people could congregate, was occupied either by a preacher or lect- urer of substantial reputation and in A^arious languages. There were large out-door meetings, at one of which 80 THE GREAT DREAM was heard the Bishop of London; at another Stanley, the African Congo River Explorer addressed a mul- titude; at another John V. Harwell was attentively listened to, and fine singing was a great feature in this meeting; at another gathering on the Lake Front, Lord Lonsdale, who recently traveled in the Arctic Regions, gave his experiences and answered numerous inquiries before a large but orderly crowd. All these speeches, lectures, and sermons appeared in print the next day, and were eagerly bought. The reporters were hard worked about this time, and went to church more regularly than at any other time since their childhood. The hotel men rose to the occasion. In the morn- ing invitation was given to any guest in the house competent to speak, and a quartette party sung. In the evening standard works were performed in an able AND ITS SOLUTION. 81 manner. As an instance on this particular Sabbath even- ing in this DREAM, Potter Palmer, esq., provided in the Rotunda of his Palatial Hostelry "Handel's Acis and Galatea," and nobly it was sung too. The guests all dreamed that night of "Love in Her eyes Sits Play- ing." "The Grand Pacific" gave a fine rendering of Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise." The Tremont House" gave Beethoven's "Mount of Olives," sung by the Bostonian Company staying in the House. The "Sherman" had "Mozart's Twelfth Mass." The "Leland" produced Sullivan's "Prodigal Son." The "Clifton gave to their guests Sterndale Ben- nett's "Women of Samaria." The Richelieu guests all went to church, or to the Auditorium where Whitelaw Reid and Minister Lin- coln representing France and England, respectively, 82 THE GREAT DREAM addressed appropriately a large audience, and Professor Eddy "made the mighty organ speak as only he can." In the chorus, "He Gave Them Hailstones," and the whole closed with the mighty throng singing, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee." Many a fine lady of wealth and position went with her husband to the Hospitals and visited the sick, and sought out the poor of the city; and when night came they were, with those entertained at home, ready to say— " Early to bed, early to rise," for the unfolding of the gate leading to THE WONDER OF THE PRESENT AGE ! There was a sign at the entrance in eight different languages, to the effect that any steel carried on the person, through the turnstiles, would be highly danger- ous to the wearer having it, by reason of the powerful AND ITS SOLUTION. 83 magnets there, and inside of the buildings and grounds, acting in such a way, as never to fail to produce dan- ger or death. The consequence was such a handing over of revolv- ers, bowie knives, dirks, stilettos, assagias, razors, javelins and pocket-knives, never was seen before. The pile was a sight, and many were the sidelong glances cast at it by the police patrols and the mounted force, who had hung high, in conspicuous size, framed pla- cards, with supposed likenesses of Willie Tascott and Jack the Ripper, with the amounts offered for their places of abode or capture. There was a fine model of a fashionable gambling house, with all its paraphernalia in detail, and a game In progress, with its usual exciting influences, when a raid by the police takes place, with consternating effect, as the gainers and losers have all suddenly found them- 84 THE GREAT DREAM selves in the same "soup," and compelled to ride at the same rate. Another scene representing a nicely fitted-up estab- lishment, and in bold, gilt type appeared these words: "Hankins' Home" (for incurable gamblers, worn-out dealers, and decayed hangers-on, etc.), and they were in clover, indeed; for its sign read that all inmates, having produced the required passport necessary to become one, would be cared for the remaining days of their existence in the flesh. The amazed foreigners thought this was a glorious country. "How different," they said, "from our 'Monte Carlo,' where the poor, unfortunate losers had to resort to cold lead to find a way out of this unfriendly w r orld!" The Undertakers' display suggested nothing, simply because of the good habits that, under the new CRE- GIER REFORM, had become contagious; and the AND ITS SOLUTION. 85 drop of DR. BROWN-SEQUARD'S ELIXIR OF LIFE, fell on one and all as they passed the portal entrances; and so there was nothing for them to do. There were drinking fountains for man and beast, in plenty ; and everywhere there were clocks having four faces which struck the quarters and hours. None but honest five-cent cigars were sold during the entire summer, and no fish stories, reflecting on Lake Michigan, were tolerated. The Babel and myriads of tongues asking questions at the various enquiry rooms, was startling and confusing; but the well-drilled inter- preters and assistants, placed here by the committees, overcame the obstacles, and praise was expressed on all sides for their dilligent efforts to please and satisfy everybody. Well, time wore on, the thirty-first day of October came, and the Show closed. 86 THE GREAT DREAM The City of Chicago was well paid for her efforts, but the financial part was as nothing compared with the great good produced among all classes and things in and around the city, by the GREAT REFORMS now learned so well, and appreciated by the inhab- itants; and all the visitors, going back to homes in cities, less well governed than Chicago (and not pos- sessing her instructive, edifying and comfortable Sun- day Institutions,— "FREE TO ALL— DENIED TO NONE!" where the laborer and mechanic can meet to discuss self-interests, read and smoke, listen to music or elo- quence, study art and science in their several warm departments, not forgetting the libraries), dropped a silent tear, yet felt thankful, that those who had worked so hard and done so much to keep up the record of their people and country, would have it, and AND ITS SOLUTION. 87 were deserving of it; and so felt relieved and grati- fied with all they had seen, and the good management of the railroads transported all the visitors away with- out a hitch or accident of any kind; and the arrange- ments all the summer had been grandly carried out, for thousands were touring the entire Continent the whole time. And now Adieu! MY DREAM is over, and I hope what I saw will be as good to you, My Readers, as I felt it had been to me, when I awoke. FAREWELL !