FIFTH SECTION. Under Superintendent S. A. Hart. Banner, 1796 to 1896. Development of U. S. Mail. FOURTH DIVISION. Great Eastern Band, Fred Kaufhaulz, commanding, and staff. In the evening a concert was given on the Public square by Faetkenheuer's Centennial Band and was enjoyed by a large audience. CHAPTER XIII. CENTENNIAL YACHT REGATTA. AUGUST 11-13. A notable event in the exercises of the city's anniversary was the Centennial Yacht Regatta, held on August 11th, 12th and 13th. To the lovers of yachting this was the star attraction of the summer. The regatta was conducted under the auspices of the Centennial Commission and the Cleveland Yacht Club. Owing to the Inter-Lake Regatta at Put-in-Bay and the approaching International Regatta at Toledo, no difficulty was experienced in getting a large number of entries and in bringing off several interesting if not exciting contests of speed. No more popular pastime than yachting existed in the cities on the lakes, and nowhere was it in higher favor than in Cleveland. The regatta accordingly attracted many patrons of the sport from other cities and brought an admirable fleet of white-winged racers to the Cleveland course. They came from the East and the West-cup defenders, veteran sailors and novices, and dropped anchor within the harbor as Cleveland's guests. Upon their arrival many of the parties on board left their vessels to view the sights of the city, youths and maidens in natty sailor outfits being frequently seen upon the streets. Some of the vachts were delayed in arriving on account of the bad weather, but nearly all were at anchor on the morning of August 10th. A review had been announced for that morning, and a good-sized crowd lined the banks at Lake View Park, anxious to witness the yachts on dress parade. The conditions, however, were not favorable and the review was not held. A few of the vessels sailed over the course, nevertheless, during the afternoon and were inspected by those on shore with marine and opera glasses. The cup defender l'encedor executed numerous practice movements, doing some novel work outside of the breakwater. One of the smaller yachts, the Corsair, showing all her flags, cavorted near the shore, making several quick and sharp turns, eliciting hearty applause. The Say When, a Cleveland yacht, steamed up to the club house at the foot of Erie street and was met by a salute by her owner, Hon. W. J. White. She responded immediately, sending a volley out over the water. Other vessels were likewise saluted and promptly responded. Photographers were on hand to take pictures of the yachts, among others being representatives of several New York weekly publications, which produced illustrated articles on the regatta. The visiting yachtsmen were pleasantly entertained at the headquarters of the Cleveland Yacht Club, where the yachts were registered a and preparations made for the races. Among the visitors were number from Canada, whose companionship the Clevelanders greatly enjoyed. The morning of August 11th promised well for the first day's racing. The sky was clear and a brisk wind blew from the west. In a few hours, however, the breeze diminished to a zephyr insufficient to take the yachts over the course in the time allowed. The day was therefore spent by the yachtsmen in social enjoyment. Open house was kept at the club house in the evening. It was estimated that a thousand people called to pay their respects to the yachtsmen. The members of the Centennial Commission were present by special invitation. Refreshments were served and orchestral music enlivened the occasion. Wednesday was a better day for speed and brought out large crowds of spectators. An exciting feature of the programme was a race between the steam yacht Say When and the Enquirer, of Buffalo, from Fairport to Cleveland. It was a close contest, but was finally won by the Enquirer. Thursday was also a fair day. The various classes of the regatta raced as follows: August 12, 25, 40 and 36-foot classes. August 13, 30, 35, 55-foot and first classes. The entries and winners in the regatta, according to official returns, were as follows: 25 Foot Class.-Sybil, of Buffalo, first, time 2:38:37: 11 him, of Cleveland, second; Volant, of Toledo, third; Sprite, of Toledo, fourth; Pearl, of Toledo; Test, of Sandusky. Thirty Foot Class.-Hiawatha, of Hamilton, first, time 2:48:41: Myrna, of Hamilton, second; Vor, of Rochester, third; Viking, of Toledo, fourth. Thirty-five Foot Class.-Eva, of Hamilton, first, time, 3:48:43; Shamrock, of Cleveland, second; Mona, of Cleveland, third; Nadia, of Hamilton, fourth; Alborak, of Windsor: Corsair, of Cleveland; Cynthia, of Sandusky; Dawn, of Sandusky; Alert, of Cleveland: Meteor, of Cleveland: Miriam, of Erie. Forty Foot Class.-Vivia, of Toronto, first; time, 2:40:02; Dinah, of Hamilton, second; Sultana, of Toledo, third; Puritana, of Toledo (carried away her topmast). Forty-six Foot Class.-Canada, of Toronto, first; time, 2:35:0; Zelma, of Hamilton, second; Surprise, of Detroit, third; Czarina, of Toledo. Fifty-five Foot Class.-Vencedor, of Chicago, first: time, 2:48:09; Vreda, of Toronto, second; Vanenna, of Chicago; Neva, of Cleveland. First Class.-Priscilla, of Cleveland, first; time, 2:45:28; Crusader, of Chicago, * second. The following committees and officers performed the honors for the Cleveland Yacht Club during the regatta: Reception Committee.-W. R. Huntington, Chairman. George W. Gardner, W. S. Root, R. S. Huntington, Luther Allen, Horace Foote, William L. Otis, P. W. Rice, E. W. Radder, B. L. Rouse, P. P. Wright, J. R. Miller, George J. Johnson, A. C. Hord, John Barth, F. A. Beckwith, G. H. Gardner, F. G. Overbeke, Burton D. Munhall. Finance Committee.-E. W. Radder, Chairman. Captain George F. McConnell, George W. Cleveland, Captain D. H. Pond, Charles H. Ault, Richard Carleton, F. A. Brobst, Dr. C. C. Arms, J. J. Mayer, J. S. Dickle, T. F. Newman. man. Fleet Captain.-W. R. Huntington. Centennial Regatta Committee.-Commodore George H. Worthington, ChairGeorge W. Gardner, E. E. Beeman, P. W. Rice, E. W. Radder, John Barth, E. A. Overbeke, J. N. Richardson, B. D. Munhall, W. R. Huntington, Thomas Robinson, R. S. Aikenhead, W. P. Francis, G. W. Luetkemeyer, G. H. Gardner, Phil. P. Wright. Commodore.-George H. Worthington. Race Committee.-Phil. P. Wright, Chairman; G. H. Gardner, E. A. Overbeke, W. R. Huntington, J. N. Richardson, John Barth. Executive Committee.-P. W. Rice, Chairman; Phil. P. Wright, R. S. Aikenhead, W. R. Huntington, E. W. Radder, E. E. Beeman. Refreshment Committee.-R. S. Aikenhead, Chairman; W. J. Akers, Wm. Meyer, F. A. Beckwith, George W. Cady. Entertainment Committee.-E. E. Beeman, Chairman; John A. Zangerle, L. A. Cobb, H. W. White, Thomas Robinson, James T. Sargent, W. H. Becker, Com. F. B. Hower, J. A. Beidler, F. B. Skeels, G. W. Luetkemeyer, H. H. Burgess, A. Odell, O. D. Myer, R. D. Bokum, W. P. Rice, Frederick Green, John M. Mulrooney, C. E. Cowan, A. Van Tuyl, R. C. Moody, M. A. Bradley, C. W. Pratt, Jr., James Corrigan, H. M. Claflen, M. Rohrheimer, Horace Foote, P. W. Ditto, Charles Wesley, C. E. Burke, D. F. Reynolds, Jr., John C. Hutchins, Eugene Grasselli. The regular officers of the club for 1896 were George H. Worthington, commodore; Perey W. Rice, vice-commodore; P. P. Wright, rear commodore, and Burton D. Munhall, secretary and treasurer. CHAPTER XIV. CENTENNIAL FLOWER SHOW. AUGUST 18-21. An excellent opportunity for the study of the beautiful was afforded to Centennial visitors by the grand Floral Exposition held during "Floral Week," in connection with the twelfth annual convention of the Society of American Florists. This exhibition was opened on Tuesday afternoon, August 18th, in the Central Armory. An extensive and varied botanical display was set forth in the main auditorium, plants and flowers having been brought from all parts of the country to compete for prizes. It was the largest exhibition ever given in Cleveland. The Armory was transformed into a conservatory in which floral beauties from the North, East, South and West vied with each other for honors. There were palms and ferns and mosses and shrubs in terraces and groups, lilies in cluster, roses, violets-flowers of every class and kind. The exhibition was divided into two departments, one being the main display under the auspicies of the Cleveland Floral Society, and the other being a trade exhibit for which a large section of the hall was reserved. The convention headquarters were in Army and Navy Hall, in front of which was displayed the national flag of the society. The hall was elaborately decorated. Garlands of evergreen hung from the ceiling, banks of palms arose in the corners and windows, and the platform was almost hidden in a profusion of plants and cut flowers. The first session of the convention was held at ro o'clock on August 18th. Delegates and their families to the number of 500 filled the hall, nearly all the neighboring States being represented. Mayor McKisson welcomed the visitors in a brief speech, saying in part: The people of Cleveland have been anticipating with great interest and delight the opening of this convention, and as their spokesman, I take pleasure in extending to you, on behalf of the city, a most hearty and cordial welcome. You have all heard, I presume, that Cleveland is now a hundred years old, and it is natural that, being florists, you should want to come and see our century plant. Since the seed of this plant was sown by General Moses Cleaveland, on the edge of Lake Erie, it has grown and spread, until now it covers thirty-two square miles, and is one of the biggest century plants, I imagine, that is to be found anywhere in the land. You can see it in full bloom; we want you to examine it while you are here, and to tell us if you do not think it deserves the first premium for its beauty and its general merit. Those who have seen it before have joined with us in saying that-in the language of the flowers-it is certainly a daisy. We are glad to welcome you to Cleveland because you bring with you so much of the beautiful. Many of you have brought your wives, perhaps, but what I meant more especially was your flowers. The city is fortunate in having this attraction for its centennial year. Your exhibition promises to be one of the best features of the whole celebration. In response to the mayor's address, a speech was made by J. D. Carmody, of Evansville, Ind., who in the course of his remarks said: |