M. Alphadn's Project

M. Alphand, director general of the work of the universal exposition to be held in Paris in 1889, is another old young man, like De Lesseps, Gladstone and the late Henry Ward Beecher. He is enjoying a youthful and robust old age which does not in the least show any weakness under the fatigues of his new and gigantic enterprise. To the work of preparing for the exposition he brings, says L'Illustration, "a fecundity of spirit and resources and a truly extraordinary activity." It may be said that the exposition was his conception. It was, at least, in the important features which will distinguish it, especially inspired by the eminent man who directed for so long the works of the city of Paris. VVhen be first discussed the project of the exposition with his associates in the work he said, 'I should like it to he full of ]ife and cheer." And to his mind nothing was so certain to 'jontribute toctaeerfulness and mirtli as the proxiraity of venlure and flowers. JA. Forringe will have charge of the construction ot the gallery of fine arta; M. Bouvard toe arrangement, necessarily ingenious and delicate, of the various industries; ál. Dulert the magniflcent hall of machinery, while M. Alphand himself will furnish the garden, whieh will beautify and enhanee all the other features. To M. Alphand is due the credit of the plan for the buildings and grounds, whieh resemble somewhat the chateau of Versailles, a central building witu two wings, surrounded by an immense space to convert into a garden, which shall harmonize with that of Trocadero, situated on the other side of the Seine. The terrece of the park of the city will be removed, permitting the eye of the spectator coming across the river to rest upon the luxunant perspective of a vast garden, beautified by the play of color given by cascades and lakes of water, and by a multitude of picturesque constructions. To the right and lef t will be the palace of fine arts and the liberal arts, with their polychromatic domes, which are the dream of M. Forringe. Below, the facade of the sections of tries, divided by a monumental door, which opens into a large hall conducting to the gallery of machinery. The most conspieuous feature will be the Eiffel tower, which has already been nearly as mueh talked about as the tower of BabeL ' It will have a place at the head of the exposition in front of the garden. This projected tower has been the jectot mueh wrath and ridicule. lts adversaries have been numerous and powerful Architects, artists, critics of art and otbers attacked it. Araong other unflattering names it was called "the cloud of the exposition." Still, the ridicule which usually kills both people and projects in Paris with equal ease has not been able to destroy it. The reason given by L'Hlustration is that the people are saturated with exhibitions of industrial producís, and that it is necessary to flnd something new to awaken their interest and connuand their attention. This novelty bas been found in the tower of Eiffel. so called because it is the design and work of M. Eiffel. The many countries which will be represented at the exposition will give to the scène a picturesque and peculiar interest. The Chinese will be there with their pagodas, the Algerian with his mosques, etc. Nor must we omit that M. Alphand, faithful to his idea of making it a place of loveliness and good cheer, has determined to have a theatra Eiffel's tower.