Attendance, 22,539. This celebration by the citizens of Kansas was in charge of the Kansas Commission as all state day celebrations were planned by their respective commissions. The exercises were held in the Auditorium at 11 o'clock A.M., and consisted of Music . . By the Band. Prayer . . . By Bishop Frank R. Millspaugh, of Kansas. Music . . . By the McPherson Quartette. Address of Welcome . By Gov. Holcomb of Nebraska. Response . . . By Ex-Governor Glick of Kansas. Music . . By the Quartette. after which an address was delivered by President Wattles, as follows:"At the dedication of the Kansas Building on these grounds, it was my pleasure to speak briefly of the material resources, wealth and magnificent proportions and fertility of the state. I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without reviewing those historic events which for many years made Kansas the battle-ground of public opinion, and which finally culminated in the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the development of an independent progressive civilization.
In seven years Kansas had had seven territorial governors, had framed four state constitutions and had attracted the attention of the world to the great issue of human slavery. The remaining scenes in the drama were transferred to the halls of Congress, to the political organizations of the nation and finally to the battle fields of the civil war, and the people of Kansas, after years of agitation and excitement, settled down to the more serious business of providing homes and bread for a rapidly increasing population, but their troubles were not to end. 1860 will forever be remembered as the year of drouth and famine. The records show that from June 1859 to November 1860 there was not a shower of rain at any time sufficient to wet the earth two inches in depth. Throughout the entire state and many other states of the south the blasting blight of famine and want was felt. The word went out throughout the land that men and women were starving and would suffer from cold and hunger without the aid of other states. The great heart of the nation was aroused by these appeals, and from every quarter of the country came the response in aid of suffering humanity. The limited means of transportation were taxed to their utmost to carry the gifts of the nation to the inhabitants of a suffering state. One third of the population of the state returned to eastern friends and homes, and for many years the evil effects and exaggerated reports of this great drouth retarded the growth of this rich state.
Notwithstanding this great calamity those pioneers who remained on their farms were richly rewarded by abundant crops and a period of prosperity which enabled them to repay their debt to the nation by furnishing more troops in proportion to population for the suppression of the rebellion than any other state in the union.
The conflicting elements of the early pioneers became united by the marriage of their sons and daughters. The question of slavery ceased to be an issue, and its final solution by the Emancipation Proclamation cemented all conflicting elements,leaving only the enthusiasm the originality and the independence of thought and action which at all times has characterized the inhabitants of this state.
Great men in state and national affairs, willing and able to assert and maintain original and progressive principles in philosophy, morals and politics, stand out in the history of the nation, forever placing Kansas in the front rank of reform. Kansas was one of the first states to declare for prohibition, to grant the mothers and sisters rights of property and franchise, to protest against the combinations of capital and greed of corporations. The names of Lane, Plum and Ingalls have honored the state in the halls of Congress, while Glick, Martin and Leedy are known throughout the land as men of original ideas with the courage to enforce their convictions. Mrs. Lease and Jerry Simpson are types of the original, aggressive and progressive elements which abound in this state. We may denounce their theories, but we must admit their sincerity.
With such a population, supplemented with a land of sunshine and rich soil unsurpassed in fertility by any other state in the Union, Kansas will always be found in the front rank in all progressive enterprises among the people of the west. The state is always represented at conventions for the promotion of western interests. At this Exposition which illustrates in such magnificence the wealth, progress and prosperity of the great west, Kansas takes her place with no apologies, from beets in greater quantities than can be extracted from the cane which grows in Hawaii and Cuba. Whether the energies of our people should be diverted to the conquest of foreign, uncivilized subjects, or be expended in developing and building up the untold resources of our present domain, is a question worthy of the most serious consideration.
This occasion is neither proper nor opportune for the discussion of serious subjects of policy or politics. I congratulate the people of Kansas on the magnificent opportunities this state offers to home seekers and investors. I congratulate the state on the enterprise and energy of its citizens, displayed in the beautiful building and splendid exhibit at this Exposition. I congratulate the governor of the state, the commissioners and all of its citizens here today on the success of Kansas Day, and wish for them one and all such prosperity as the fortitude of their pioneers and the enthusiasm and enterprise of their citizens deserve.
Address . . . President Thomas E. Wills, of the Agricultural College of Kansas. Music . . By the Band. Address . . . C.B. Hoffman, Regent State Agricultural College. Address . . . Thomas Ware of Topeka. Music. [SR] ________________________
