Repository: UIHistories Project: Illio - 1895 [PAGE 73]

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Impressions from the C

HE Columbian Exposition cannot comthe unqualified praise of its thousands of enthusiastic admirers, for the simple reason that in some respects it fell far short of perfecThe extreme south end of Jackson Park, the fence along- the western boundary, which might be sufficiently imposing barrier to a base on partially clothed skeleton of the immense Spectatorium, affording a constant fire menace to all the exposition structures above the north pond, were some of the features which prevented the Exposition's perfection, if not from the artistic point of view, at least in the average visitor's estimation. For little did these flaws, these errors of omission concern him, when that which was a delight to the eye was hardly to be escaped;

of Ifoonor • - • •

while the bad or uninteresting would have to be sought for on the outskirts or in the nooks and corners. Our visitor will quite likely make his initial entrance to the Fair, as is designed that he should, out of the Terminal Station, over the Plaza, and into the Administration building. If it is a bright June morning, as we suppose, the glimmering sheen of the waters of the basin and the glowing white of the buildings will make the scene well-nigh intolerable to the unprotected eye, .and a pair of blue or smoked glasses will be a necessity. Our sight-seers eyes have most certainly been open as he crosses the Plaza, and traverses the rotunda under the great dome. But as he emerges from the eastern portal, there is opened before him a vista such, that, unless susceptible to the thrill of this, a first impression, the Exposition can have naught else in store to move him. T h e McMonnies fountain is seen a t a disadvantage from this position, but it is the magnificent perspective, rather than the details near at hand, that gives to this wonderful panorama its charm. On either hand the long, low facades stretch away, each in its own exquisite detail, but

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