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| 1933 Century of Progress Exposition Documents |
Mrs. Roosevelt Besought to Open World's Fair
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Source: Chicago Daily News, 17 May 1933, pg. 4.
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Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, first lady of
the land, today became the center of attention of officials of a Century
of Progress, who seek an eminent guest of honor for the opening of the
exposition ten days hence.
Press of governmental business in Washington, fomented by the
international disarmament and economic negotiations in which President
Roosevelt is taking a leading part, has forced ranking federal officials
to cancel plans to participate in the world's fair opening.
The president last night sent his regrets to Rufus C. Dawes, head
of the fair organization, after responses to the Roosevelt demand for
world peace made it clear that there would be much activity in
Washington as this month rolls toward its end.
Garner Can't Attend.
Today Vice-President John N. Garner, whom the president had asked
to be here in his stead, consulted party leaders in the senate and
decided that the jam of legislative business there would be too great to
assure a visit to Chicago.
Speaker John T. Rainey of Illinois, also visited, expressed doubt
that it would be possible for him to be absent from the national capital
on the opening day of the Century of Progress exposition.
Al Smith May Act.
As a result of the situation at Washington the president may ask
Former Governor Alfred E. Smith to be his personal representative at the
fair opening, according to later dispatches from the capital, based on
White House speculation.
Mr. Dawes, the exposition president, informed of Vice-President
Garner's decision, said:
"We have every confidence and firmly believe that President
Roosevelt will delegate some representative to come here May 27 and in
his stead formally open A Century of Progress."
And it was said at exposition headquarters that the world's fair
will open May 27 at 10 o'clock in the morning no matter who comes from
Washington or whether any one comes.
Fair officials are still hopeful that Mrs. Roosevelt will be able
to accept her invitation to the fair opening.
Despite the president's inability to appear, the decision to open
the fair May 27, five days before the previously scheduled opening,
still stands, Mr. Dawes said.
"Likewise, the ceremonies arranged for that occasion will be
carried out."
The formal dedication of the Illinois waterway, which was planned
to take place during the president's visit in Chicago, may be postponed,
however. Congressman Frank R. Reid of Aurora, who had been designated to
arrange the ceremonies, said he would recommend that the dedication be
put off until congress had adjourned.
Message from Roosevelt.
The president sent the following message to Mr. Dawes:
"It is with extreme regret that I find it necessary to cancel
my tentative engagement to open A Century of Progress exposition. I am
particularly sorry because I wanted to see for myself what has been
accomplished, and to pay tribute to the imaginative and creative ability
of a people who celebrate a centenary by evidencing the achievements and
cultural advancement of our modern world."
[End of news article]
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Page compiled: 29 December 2005
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