Mr. Rosewater said that the birth of most great men creates no
ripple of excitement except in the midst of their own family and friends.  So
some of the most momentous epochs in the history of the world have been ushered
in without attracting the attention of the world at large.  It had come under
his personal observation that even when the proclamation of emancipation was
issued by President Lincoln it excited no visible demonstration in the city
where it was promulgated. This was also true of the Transmississippi
Exposition.  The inception of the enterprise had attracted but little attention
in this community.  Even those who participated in its birth did not realize
what tall oaks from little acorns grew.  Three months after Omaha was selected
as the site of the exposition scarcely forty men met at the Commercial club to
start the subscription list.  The first man wanted to head the list for $100,
but over $10,000 was finally subscribed.  Even when we went before congress for
a $300,000 appropriation only $1,250 had been paid in.

"It was the greatest piece of adamantine gall I ever saw," continued the
speaker, "but we succeeded, not only in getting the original appropriation, but
$40,000 additional for the organization and maintenance of the Indian congress. 
It was not luck that brought this about, but hard labor.  While very few of our
people realize and many never will realize what has been done, they can see the
results since 2,600,000 people have passed through our gates.  Even some of our
best business men refused to co-operate in the enterprise and freely predicted
calamity and disaster.  Only five states legislatures made appropriations, but
we have twenty state creditably represented on the grounds through private
subscriptions."

In this connection Mr. Rosewater called attention to some of the municipal
jealousies that had handicapped the management in securing outside co-operation
in the early days of the enterprise and related one or two humorous incidents
that effectively illustrated the difficulties that had been encountered.

Speaking of the work of his own department Mr. Rosewater said that the labors
of the Department of Publicity had extended from Massachusetts to Oregon and
Washington.  They had involved daily and nightly attention and the
correspondence that had been carried on would fill many volumes.  "But", he
concluded, "I will not weary you with telling what we have done.  Here we have
the result, the most marvelous achievement that the pioneers of the west have
ever undertaken and accomplished.  We have found that what Omaha undertakes to
do she will complete and that Omaha can do as much as any other city to develop
the resources of the west.  Chicago received money enough from the general
government to build ten expositions.  Even then they had to postpone it a year,
while in spite of the war and in spite of the circumstances we opened our
exposition promptly on time and we will close it tonight with all the glory
than any one can wish."
_____________________

Within a few hours the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition will have
passed into history.  It is proper on this occasion to review briefly the
progress of this enterprise, and while the work of its promoters and the
results of their labors are more or less familiar to all the inhabitants of
this community, the efficient services rendered by a few of our citizens
without compensation for the public good, can only be fully appreciated when
the grand results attained and their importance to this city and the West are
fully understood.

In the fall of 1895, when this Exposition was first proposed, the business
interests of this community were at their lowest ebb.  To arouse the people of
this city and of the West from the stupor of discouragement and depression
which pervaded all our business interests and to enlist their financial aid and
cooperation in a great Exposition of the resources of the West, was a
stupendous undertaking.  No one can appreciate the discouragements encountered
except those who were actively engaged in the work.

On Jan. 8th, 1898, the corporation was organized and a board of eleven
directors elected.  For nearly a year these directors met weekly, and much of
the most important preliminary work was accomplished.  Resolutions from
commercial bodies, cities and states favoring the Exposition and requesting
national recognition and federal appropriation were secured in large numbers. 
Preliminary appropriations by the states of Iowa and Louisiana were made, and
finally through the efficient efforts of our representatives in congress,
government recognition was secured, pledging an appropriation of $200,000. for
a federal building and an exhibit.

This achievement was the turning point in the history of the enterprise and
settled in the minds of many who had been doubters before, that the Exposition
would be a reality.  Soliciting committees were organized and more than
$350,000. of stock subscriptions and donations were secured.

In deference to the wishes of the new contributors, the articles of association
were amended and an enlarged board of fifty directors was elected on Dec. 1st,
1896.  The work was then divided into seven departments, two of which were
afterwards consolidated.  The managers of these departments constitute the
Executive Committee.  For some months after this organization was perfected the
Executive Committee met twice a week, but for more than a year past this
committee has held daily sessions, and its members have devoted their valuable
time and business experience without compensation to the enormous details of
the organization.  The magnitude of the business done by this committee cannot
be appreciated by those not familiar with the details of the management of
great enterprises of this character.

The sessions of the committee have not always been harmonious, but differences
have been adjusted, and in nearly every instance measures have passed by
unanimous vote.  The splendid business management of this Exposition is largely
due to the careful attention to all important matters by the entire committee. 
Every dollar of the funds of the Exposition has been expended under authority
voted by this committee, and while the plan of organization has been criticized
by some, the results attained speak volumes in its praise.  No single
individual could have given the attention to the affairs of the enterprise that
they have received by the department managers.

Something of the details of the Ways and Means, Publicity and Promotion and
Transportation Departments has been given by their respective managers who have
already addressed you today.  Of the work done by the other departments I shall
speak briefly.

One of the greatest achievements of this Exposition has been the beauty and
convenience of the grounds and buildings.  The manager of this department
brought into practical service his successful business training, and to his
capacity for details much of the success of his department is due.  He knew no
business hours, but at all times both day and night for weeks and months he
devoted himself to the work at hand.  One of the first recommendations made by
this department was the change of location from Miller Park to the present
site.  The wisdom of this change is conceded by all.  To the convenience and
accessibility of the present locations much of the beauty of the Exposition and
its financial success is due.

In the selection of the great artists who architecture, landscaping and
electrical effects have been the admiration of all visitors the manager of this
department displayed great wisdom.  It is conceded by all that to the
architects-in-chief we are indebted for more words of praise of our Exposition
than to any other source.  Their beautiful groupings and splendid designs of
buildings and grounds have won for them a world-wide and lasting fame.  The
work of all the other architects who planned the buildings was of the highest
order, and each design is a masterpiece.  The landscape-gardening has been a
surprise and pleasure to all.  The trees, the flowers and even the grass seemed
to grow under the supervision of the architect as by magic.  The arrangement of
the vines and plants, the walks and drives, have made the grounds a veritable
garden of beauty.  No words of praise can repay the pleasure that this great
artist has given to hundreds of thousands who have admired his beautiful
design.

One of the crowning features of this Exposition, and one which has excelled all
other expositions in the world's history, has been its electrical effects.  To
the designer and his able assistant, the Superintendent of Electricity, the
Exposition is indebted for the wonderment and surprise expressed by all who
have witnessed the magnificent spectacle of the Grand Court at night.  The
buildings and exhibits will fade in memory, but who can ever forget the
inspirations and impressions produced by the illuminations which at night
glorified each turret, spire and dome.

But the work of these great men would have gone for naught but for the careful
attention and business sagacity displayed in minor details.  Leases from
hundreds of owners of these grounds were secured, contracts for buildings and
improvements were made, and only those who witnessed the chaos that existed
here as late as April 1897, can appreciate the magnitude of the work
accomplished by this department.  The first ground was broken April 27th, 1897,
a little more than a year before the gates were opened to an admiring world. 
The contract for the first building was awarded on July 19th, 1897, but between
that time and the completion of construction no less than 110 buildings and
structures large and small were erected by this department at a total cost of
$565,034., and the total expenditure up to date by this department has been
$1,053,064.34.

A fire and police department was organized, which, under the able direction of
our city chief, has saved from destruction this beautiful white city on several
occasions.  A medical department was provided which has served no less than
1,973 patients during the Exposition.  A sanitary department was established
whose efficient service has been attested by the cleanliness of the grounds and
buildings.  But I must not dwell longer on the work of this important
department and the efficient services rendered by its manager and his
assistants.

The Exhibit Department had a stupendous responsibility to gather from the
states of the west and all parts of the world the products of soil and mine and
factory to fill these beautiful buildings when completed.  The manager of this
department had many obstacles to overcome, as it was early decided that owing
to the necessity of financial aid a space charge from all exhibits would be
made.  But for the tact and ability of the manager and his able superintendent,
the splendid financial showing of the Exposition could not be made today.  No
less than $190,716 has been collected and conveyed to the treasury for exhibit
space by this department.  Something of the magnitude of the work performed can
be conceived when I say that 4,062 separate exhibits were made and forty states
and ten foreign countries were represented.  

To gather these exhibits and install them to the satisfaction of all interested
parties was a task which could not have been performed by any one of less
ability than the able manager of this department.  In many instances these
exhibits have excelled all others at previous expositions.  The livestock show
was conceded by all to be the finest collection of animals ever exhibited. 
There were 2,692 entries, while at the World's Fair there were but 1,842.  The
agricultural exhibit is pronounced the best that has ever been made, while the
mineral exhibit excels any other of the mineral products of the territory
represented.  The government exhibit here is also the best this Nation has ever
displayed, and it has been admired and praised by all.

The space at the disposal of this department did not permit of exhibits that
would compare in magnitude and number to the World's Fair at Chicago, but in
point of excellence, variety and careful selection, the exhibits of this
Exposition have never been excelled.  The enormous details in the allotment of
space, the adjustment of conflicting interests, the selections of juries of
award, and in gathering from the Art Galleries of the world the choice
specimens which make up the splendid exhibit of the Fine Arts Building, has
engaged the time, energy and ability of the able manager of this department.

The Manager of the Concessions Department has performed duties with single
ability, tact and discretion.  He has had to deal with a class of professional
showmen, who have ever been on the alert to secure all the advantages possible
for the least compensation they could induce him to accept.  Many difficulties
and vexatious problems have arisen which have taxed his splendid business
ability to the utmost.  No higher praise could be given to any man than is
accorded to him in the acknowledged fact that in every instance he has
protected the interests of the Exposition in exacting from concessionaires the
full value of the privilege granted, and has collected from them nearly every
dollar they agreed to pay.  Both he and his worthy superintendent have ever
been on the alert to protect the interests of the Exposition, and the
efficiency of the work of this department is shown by the financial results
attained.  No less than $276,112. has been received from concessions, which
compared with like receipts from other expositions proves that fewer mistakes
have been made and better results attained than at any other Exposition ever
held in this country.  245 concessions were awarded by this department, and the
Midway at this Exposition has excelled the amusement features of all other
smaller expositions and has almost been equal in point of excellence to that of
the great World's Fair.  The orderly manner in which concessions have been
conducted, the small number of cases of litigation and the general satisfaction
to the public this feature of our Exposition has given, commends the wisdom in
the selection of the manager who has attained these results.

Serious problems of finance have engaged the ability and ingenuity of the Ways
and Means Department.  Under this department the general finances of the
Exposition have been conducted.  I cannot pass this opportunity to express
appreciation of the most valuable services of the General Secretary.  While he
has received a moderate salary for his services, he has known no hours of
recreation or rest.  On many occasions I have found him at work at midnight,
and to his great watchfulness on all occasions is due much of our success.  The
manager of this department has organized and conducted the Bureau of Gates and
Admissions, the Bureau of Music and Special Attractions, and to his efficient
work the public is indebted for many of the high class musical and spectacular
features which have been an important element in the entertainment of all.

The manager of the Publicity and Promotion Department has detailed in his
address the enormous work accomplished in advertising the Exposition and
promoting all of its departments throughout the country.  While the war
seriously impeded the work of this department for a time, no one well informed
denies that Omaha and the Exposition are now known throughout the entire
Nation.

To the Transportation Department we are indebted for the low rates secured for
exhibits and excursions.  Its manager, by his experience in transportation
affairs, has always been able to properly present the wishes of the Exposition
to the railway officials, on whose generosity we from the start relied for much
of our patronage, and while the rates secured have not always been
satisfactory, I doubt if the results could have been as great in the hands of a
less experienced and able man.

To one and all of these managers who have served from the beginning without
compensation, this community owes a debt which can never be paid, and while it
is usual for the credit of a great battle to be given to the general of the
war, in many instances, as with this Exposition, this credit is equally due to
the efficient services of his assistants and to the common soldiers, which
includes nearly every representative citizen in this community, for all have
worked with one purpose to build up this enterprise and bring to it the large
measure of success it has attained.  This Exposition has been an object lesson
of great value to this community.  It has illustrated what can be accomplished
by standing together as one man in all matters of common interest.  Too much
time and energy has been spent in the past in seeking to destroy the influence
of men who were willing to work for the public good, and the result of this
great achievement should bring into closer union the business men of this city
in the upbuilding of what in the next few years must be one of the great
commercial centers of the world.

An important work has been done by the women of this state in the Bureau of
Education.  No less than 64 meetings, many of them of national importance, have
been held here under the auspices of their organization.  Men and women of
world-wide reputation have been brought here to discuss the great social,
political, economic and religious topics of the day, and future history will
record many of the able discussions on these subjects.  The Bureau of
Entertainment was well conducted by the ladies of this city and has been a
feature of the Exposition that has pleased thousands of visitors who have
partaken of the hospitality of the well-ordered rooms provided for its
functions.

But I cannot enumerate the faithful services of all those deserving praise for
their work.

When the Exposition was completed and our gates were opened, special days and
special programs were found necessary to interest all classes.  No less than
143 special days were arranged, all of greater or less importance, each one
bringing its quota of visitors who might not have come but for the special
features of their day.  Public ceremonies bringing into service many of the
best orators of the land were arranged.  The culminating event of the year, the
"Peace Jubilee" week, alone witnessed six successful celebrations in which the
most distinguished men of the Nation participated.  It has been my humble duty
since the opening of the Exposition to arrange these special days, to meet and
entertain the thousands of prominent guests who have been present and to
satisfy, as well as my abilities would permit, the exacting requirements of
visitors and of the thousands connected in every capacity with the affairs of
the Exposition.  In these duties I have been assisted by the General Manager,
who by his special fitness for the work has made many friends for the
Exposition.

In my work I claim no special credit.  As a citizen of this community I have
simply discharged my duty.  From the start I saw a great opportunity to promote
the welfare of all the people of this city and the entire west.  My every
expectation has been realized, and I shall retire from the office, with which
the stockholders and directors of this Exposition have honored me, with the
consciousness that my every act has been inspired by pure motives, and that my
best efforts have been given at all times during evil and good report for the
success of the enterprise and for the greatest good that could be brought out
of it for the community, the state and the country it has advertised in a
manner as never before to the world.

To this city this Exposition has been like a rain in a drouth.  It has put new
life and energy in all our business interests, in the clearings of our banks,
in the business of our merchants; to the values of our real estate, to the
fabrics of our factories, it has brought a new and life-giving influence.  Our
people have forgotten the evils of panic and depression in the enjoyment of the
beauties and pleasures so abundant on these grounds.  To the state and to the
entire West it has given a new standing among the people of the East and far
away countries, which will influence immigration and investment in all future
years.  The greatest benefits are still to come, when visitors from less
favored climes have time to think of, and publish the good impressions they
have received of the country represented here.  The future historians of the
West will record great impetus given in the development of all departments of
its industries by this Exposition. 

We celebrate today its closing scene.  The Trans-Mississippi and International
Exposition can never be repeated, and while I bid Godspeed to any new company
of enterprising men who under some other name or title may bring new features
here next year.  I sincerely hope that the lustre of our assured success will
not be dimmed by any less important and successful subsequent event.

But I must pass on and speak of the financial condition of this corporation in
which more than 6,500 of our enterprising citizens are interested.  No
subscriber or donor, large or small, expected to receive back much if any, of
his contribution in dollars and cents.  The money necessary to promote this
enterprise was largely subscribed by residents or corporations directly
interested in Omaha.  It was given from the purses of the poor as well as the
rich, and when once placed in the treasury of this corporation it became to me
a sacred fund, and in its use the members of the Executive Committee have
guarded it with jealous care.  Since it became evident that a surplus would be
left after the gates were finally closed, numerous propositions have been made
and various agencies and individuals have endeavored to divert this surplus to
other public enterprises, foreign to the objects of the corporation to which it
belongs.  A horde of clamoring claimants seek to divide the spoils, but to one
and all a deaf ear has been turned, and whatever is left after the debts and
obligations are discharged, will be sacredly returned to the men and women who
contributed to the enterprise in its time of need.

To me, and I am sure to each member of the Executive Committee, it will be the
proudest moment in our lives when we can pay back, as we hope to do, every
dollar subscribed to the stock of this Exposition.  No fears need be
entertained by those who have entrusted us with this sacred fund, that it will
not be honestly handled in the future as it has been in the past.  Not one
dollar can be donated to the men whose efforts could not be compensated with
money, and who have guarded the interests of this Exposition since its
conception.  Not one dollar will be diverted to any other purpose foreign to
this organization.  I favor the publication of a true history of this great
achievement, and have appointed a committee of honorable men, whose capacity
and integrity cannot be questioned, to prepare and publish this proud record,
which is not the achievement of any individual or set of men, but is the
culmination of the efforts and sacrifices, and of the energy and enterprise of
all who have participated in its conception or triumphal progress.  But the
publication of this history may not eventually cost the Exposition a dollar. 
The first edition of the history of the Tennessee Centennial, a respectable
volume of 500 pages, cost $4,000. and was sold in advance of publication at a
profit of $1,000.  A fund has been set aside for the payment of a history of
this Exposition, but this money will not be wasted, and in my opinion the
larger part will be returned to the treasury when the work has been published
and sold.

I have carefully compiled a statement of the present financial condition of
this corporation, but bare figures are generally uninteresting, and I will
summarize as follows:

The total amount of stock subscriptions collected and 
paid into the treasury on Oct. 28th was................... $291,909.04

The total donations collected on that day was.............  163,070.20

The total earnings of the corporation to that date was....1,306,384.94


Making the grand total of cash receipts from all 
sources of...............................................$1,761,364.18


Of this sum there remained in the hands of the Secretary and
treasurer on Oct. 28th,................................... $360,496.48

Add to this amount the known and estimated 
earnings and collections since,...........................   53,000.

The good notes and accounts due, not including
unpaid stock subscriptions,...............................    7,500.

Would make available at close of business tonight,         $420,996.48

Deduct from this, contract balances still due.............  $21,985.02

Estimated monthly and weekly pay rolls due Nov. 1st. .....   23,000.

Estimated unpaid bills & accounts.........................   20,000.
$64,985.02

Would still leave available............................... $956,011.46

I estimate that the salvage and earnings from gates and concessions will pay
expenses of cleaning the grounds and closing the business after Nov. 1st.

It is estimated that of the $291,909.04 paid on account of stock subscriptions,
$20,000. represents partial payments, leaving at this date about $271,909.04
paid up stock.  What will be done for those stock subscribers who have not paid
up in full is a matter for future determination.  In any event the collectible
subscriptions will more than pay any sum that may be found due them.

Deducting estimated paid up stock.........................$271.909.04
from available assets would leave for
contingent liabilities,...................................  84,102.42

which it would seem was sufficient to cover all possible claims of every
character.

If these estimates are correct, it will be seen that we will be able to pay our
stockholders in full, and this is what we hope to do.  But in order to protect
the corporation from all possible liabilities, I shall recommend to the
directors that an immediate dividend of fifty percent be declared and paid
without delay to the stockholders of record on this day.

I trust this showing may be as satisfactory to the stockholders and patrons of
this Exposition as it is to those who have been entrusted with its management.

I desire to express my sincere appreciation of the hearty cooperation I have
received from the private citizens of this community, from all who have
participated in the Exposition from other states, and especially from the board
of fifty directors who have honored and assisted me in a manner unusual in
public enterprises.  By this cooperation and by the efficient services of the
managers of the departments a grand result has been achieved, which will stand
out in the history of the West as the crowning feature in its fifty years of
growth and development."
____________________________

After the exercises a banquet was served in the Cafe to the officers of the
Exposition, city and county officials, members of the board of education, the
executive committee of the Commercial Club, the board of governors of the
Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, and many other prominent citizens of Omaha who had one
and all lent their aid to the now assured success of the Exposition.  Many
toasts were responded to by the guests of the officers of the Exposition.  Many
words of praise were spoken of their efforts and many regrets were expressed
that the beautiful White City with all its enchantment was so soon to be a
thing of the past.

In the evening grand spectacular fireworks were witnessed by many thousands,
after which a Grand Carnival on the streets of the Midway was held, and not
until 12 o'clock, when the lights for the last time went out on the
Transmississippi and International Exposition, did the crowds disperse.
________________________

F-I-N-I-S.