By Water to the Columbian Exposition by Johanna S. Wisthaler
page 80 of 125 (64%)
page 80 of 125 (64%)
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and fac-similes of mummies, we entered the _Algerian and Tunisian
Village_. Besides a theater, it contained a great number of booths or bazaars in which a choice selection of goods of all kinds--peculiar to Algiers--was for sale. Proceeding southward through the frequented avenue, we saw--in succession--the _Kilauea Panorama_, a vivid picture of the great volcano of _Hawaii_, with all the surrounding scenery--an _American Indian Village_, showing the remnants of some of the greatest North American Indian tribes, and their manner of living--and a _Chinese Village_ including a theater, a joss house, and a bazaar. The most southwestern portion of the Midway Plaisance was occupied by the "Wild East Show" where performances were given by Bedouin Arabs. With their short Turkish swords--the cimeters--they accomplished feats of such intrepidity and daring as to cause the spectators' blood to coagulate in their veins. Bending our steps westward again, our attention was fixed upon the attractions on the north; _id est_ on our right hand side. Very striking to our eyes were two exhibits the comparison of which established the fact that they were as unlike each other as could be fancied. Not only that the two villages contrasted greatly by their external appearance; but the scenes and inhabitants that they encompassed, were in direct opposition. Reader, can you realize that here from the North Pole to the Equator there was but one step? _Laplanders_, from the Arctic region in Europe, the next-door neighbors of barbarians from the Torrid Zone in Africa? Although both low in the scale of humanity, the fierce and savage _Natives of Dahomey_ with their repulsive habits |
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