7 MAY 1904, Page 2

The great " World's Fair " at St. Louis, held

to com- memorate the centenary of the purchase of Louisiana, was formally opened last Saturday afternoon. That it would eclipse the Chicago Exhibition in mammoth dimensions was, of course, a foregone conclusion, and it is natural enough that Americans should dwell on the various features which combine to establish a new record,—the extent of the grounds, the artificial waterfall, the gigantic organ, and the Olympic arena. Much more significant, however, than these spectacular attractions, remarkable and beautiful though they seem to be, is the unprecedented extent to which foreign Governments have associated themselves in promoting the success of the Exposition. No fewer than fifty are elaborately represented. The Times correspondent notes that while the national exhibit of Japan was more nearly complete on the opening day than that of any other foreign country, there is no exhibit by Russia, that Government having withdrawn after the war in the East began. The English-speaking people throughout the world will wish success to the Exhibition.