Panama Fair Is Now Under Way

The Panama-Pacific International exposition was formally opened at noon today, Pacific coast time.

President Wilson, in the White House, by the touching of a button, completed a telegraph circuit which automatically worked a relay key in the wireless station at Tuckerton, N. J. Instantly powerful electric waves leaped out across the continent.

A fraction of a second later they were received on aerials strung from the Tower of Jewels, in the exposition ground. Another relay instrument transmitted them to apparatus which swung open the doors of the Palace of Machinery, unloosed the pent waters of the Fountain of Energy and detonated signal bombs in token of receipt.

"Today is the triumph," said Governor Johnson, speaking for California, "of a San Francisco that nine years ago lay prostrated in ruins."

Owing to the presence of Secretary Lane, representing President Wilson, there was no exchange by telephone, as had been planned, of messages between the White House and President Moore of the exposition. Instead Secretary Lane transmitted the greetings of President Wilson, and in return announcement was sent to him by telegraph that the exposition was open.

"This is the world in epitome," said Dr. Frederick J. V. Skiff, the director-in-chief, in a brief dedicatory address. "Within the enclosure of these exposition grounds there are no foreigners. All may stand and step upon this soil as if it were their native land."

Salvos of artillery salutes, shrieking whistles and sirens, pealing bells, rolling drums and piercing fifes had wakened the city at dawn. The day had been declared a legal holiday and nearly all the business houses and factories were closed to permit their employees to march in the gigantic parade, which early took possession of the grounds.

Marching in the parade were Secretary Lane of the Department of the Interior, representing President Wilson; Governor Johnson, the senate and assembly of California; the governor and entire legislature of Nevada, Mayor Rolph of San Francisco, Mayor Rose of Los Angeles and the mayors of many other California cities.

The formal aspect of the dedication was made as short and simple as possible. United States soldiers and marines escorted Secretary Lane, Governor Johnson and the other officials to a stand facing the main entrance to the exposition, where they were welcomed by President Charles C. Moore and the other executive officers.

In opening his address Secretary Lane said in part: "To you, President Moore, and to your colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I bear the congratulations of the nation on the opening of this international exposition. This morning I have from the president the following telegram: Please convey my hearty congratulations to the authorities of the exposition and express my hope that their highest expectations for its distinguished success will be more than realized."

All records for opening-day attendance at world's fairs were broken by the exposition. Less than two hours after the gates had opened, and while the crowds were still streaming in, the turnstiles showed 150,000 admissions, as against 127,000 for the Chicago fair in 1893, and 178,000 for the St. Louis fair in 1904.