San Francisco Call, Volume 95, Number 6, 6 December 1903 — RUSSIA HOLDS CHILDREN'S FAIR [ARTICLE]

RUSSIA HOLDS CHILDREN'S FAIR

International Exposition Openg at St. Petersburg.

ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 5. — A Children's . World's International Exposition was opened to-day in the Tauride Palace with gr^at ceremony by Elizabeth Mavrickievna. The opening was a brilliant function and was attended by. the state Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, including United States Embassador McCormack and high, Government functionaries, in full uniform. The ceremonies were followed by a • grand ball. This, is the first international exposition' devoted exclusively to the life of children ever held and it is unique in every respect. It owes Its origin to a suggestion made by Dowager Empress Marie and is held under her auspices. All the countries of the world were invited to partici- : pate and almost all of them accepted the invitation. Russia has the largest exhibit and France, Germany and Austria follow . in the order named. Theexhibit of the United States, which is under 'the direction of Commissioner Schadt of Philadelphia, , is the smallest, consisting only of photographs of schools and school children, but it enJoys the 'distinction of being displayed under the largest flag in the palace. When the American colors were unfurled the Incident attracted universal attention, the appearance of the Stars and v Stripes being greeted with applause and cheers. .The most interesting features of the exposition are the exhibits relating . to hygenie and the' physical deevlopment of children, including the care of newborn Infants, etc., and the section devoted to scientific teachings. 'One sec-' tion devoted 'to • child life ,j includes paintings of children by Russian and foreign artists. Another section illustrates historical events in . the lives [ of Childhood, discoveries and j inven-; tions of children arid the ethnographical peculiarities of children of different nations. :¦ One of the most pleasant incidents of the exhibition . was the presentation *by - Professor Drumbaugh - of Philadelphia to the Dowager Empress of an American citizen's book written by Miss Hall. The book was presented on' a tray : bordered by small. Russian arid 'American' flags and bearing masses of the Empress* favorite flowers.' The exposition will continue for two months. ;