A Sportsman 175 



pealed to him to have their various places assigned. 

 Time was rapidly passing, and the exposition was 

 soon to be opened, while the American department 

 was dormant and lifeless, and would apparently be 

 behind all others. Several meetings of the exhibitors 

 were held and special committees were appointed 

 to confer with Mr. Beckwith. He promised to act, 

 and, visiting the space assigned to the United States, 

 would mull over it day after day, seemingly con- 

 fused by the earnest solicitations of the exhibitors. 

 The more he was implored the more he was con- 

 fused, and finally lapsed into a most incomprehen- 

 sible stupor when he was approached. Day by day 

 passed away and no decision. In fact, he had been 

 so long in idle life, and without cause for action, that 

 he seemed approaching imbecility. He was, how- 

 ever, sensitive and irritable if the slightest reflection 

 was intimated as to his action. The committee 

 received no satisfaction, excepting in promises which 

 were empty. He had failed to select officers to pass 

 upon the assignments until the crowding applications 

 completely overwhelmed him. I was finally appointed 

 upon a committee to urge his action, and straightway 

 made my appearance before him with my associates. 

 We found him pleasant and affable, and quietly stated 

 our mission. This seemed to throw him into a stupor 

 of indecision, and, clasping his hands on each side of his 

 head, with elbows on the table, he fairly groaned with 

 perplexity. Finally he said, "I will attend to it." I 

 pitied him, but the necessity was urgent. I then said : 

 "General Beckwith, if the exhibitors' positions are 

 not assigned within twenty-four hours, I shall move 

 for the exhibitors to act in sending a cable to the 



