It is generally conceded that the essential lesson of the Exposition is
the lesson of art. However strongly the industrial element may have
asserted itself in the many interesting exhibits, no matter how
extensive the appeal of the applied sciences may be, the final and
lasting effect will be found in the great and enduring lesson of beauty
which the Exposition so unforgetably teaches.

The visitor is at once stirred by the many manifestations of art,
presented so harmoniously by the architect, the sculptor, the landscape
architect, and the painter-decorator, and his attention is kept
throughout by artistic appeals at every turn. It must be said in the
very start that few will realize what is the simple truth - that
artistically this is probably the most successful exposition ever
created. It may indeed prove the last. Large international expositions
are becoming a thing of the past on account of the tremendous cost for
relatively temporary purposes.

There is still much of the popular conception abroad that the West has
only very recently emerged from a state of semi-civilization inimical to
the finer things of life, and to art in particular. But we may rest
assured that the fortunate outsider who allows himself the luxury of
travel will proclaim that the gospel of beauty has been preached most
eloquently through the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.

The critic who prefers to condemn things will find small opportunity
here, no matter how seriously he may take himself.