From the book: CHRONICLE OF THE 20th CENTURY.(page10) . the lead
article
for 1900 begins with the headline: 20th Century Begins Optimistically
Jan. 1. New York entered the 20th Century with a sense of euphoria and
self-satisfaction. Wall Street was said to be undergoing a "prosperity
panic: And banker James T. Woodward declared that America was "the envy
of the world."
London reported that 1899 was a year of progress everywhere. Even
the Boer War had a silver lining: the longer it lasted the more trade it
would promote for America.
In Europe, only Emperor William of Germany sounded a belligerent
note. He vowed his navy would become as strong as his army.
Socially, the beginning of the century was fairly dull in New York,
but in Washington, 2,000 stood in line to shake hands with President and
Mrs. McKinley at a reception at the White House.
Holiday dinners were served in prisons and other institutions to
those who had no other reason to celebrate. In India, hundreds of
thousands are dying of famine.
Amid California's bountiful farmlands, 50,000 turned out for
Pasadena's 11th annual Tournament of Roses. Every train and electric
car was jammed. Those seeking stimulation for the occasion could buy a
bottle of Plantation Whiskey for 75 cents.
Havana staged a torchlight procession, in which almost the only
tune heard was the "Cuban National Hymn." Cuba, formerly ruled by
Spain, was agitating for freedom.
marge
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