Then, too, the men of Chicago, trained in intense commercial activity, had learned the lesson that great success cannot be attained unless the special work in hand shall be entrusted to those best fitted to undertake it. It had become the habit of our business men to select some one to take the responsibility in every important enterprise; and to give to that person earnest, loyal, and steadfast support. Thus the design and arrangement of the buildings of the World’s Columbian Exposition, which have never been surpassed, were due primarily to the feeling of loyalty to the city and to its undertakings; and secondly, to the habit of entrusting great works to men trained in the practice of such undertakings.[1] [Illustration: V. THE WORLD’S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION GROUNDS IN JACKSON PARK. Plan showing the harmonious arrangement of buildings. MAP OF THE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS OF THE WORLDS COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION AT JACKSON PARK AND THE MIDWAY PLAISANCE. CHICAGO ILL U.S.A. MARCH 1893. ISSUED BY CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT D. H. Burnham Director of Works] The results of the World’s Fair of 1893 were many and far-reaching. To the people of Chicago the dignity, beauty, and convenience of the transitory city in Jackson Park seemed to call for the improvement of the water front of the city. With this idea in mind, the South Park Commissioners, during the year following the Fair, proposed the improvement of the Lake front from Jackson Park to Grant Park. Following out this suggestion, a plan for a connection between the two parks was drawn to a large scale, and the project was presented at a meeting of the West and South Park Commissioners. Later this design was exhibited at a dinner given by the Commercial Club; and many business men were emphatic in expressing their conviction that the proposed scheme would be of enormous value to Chicago, and that it should be adopted and carried into execution. This was the inception of the project for a park out in the Lake, having a lagoon between it and the shore. [Illustration: VI. THE LAKE FRONT PARK, EXTENDING FROM JACKSON PARK TO GRANT PARK, ALONG THE SOUTH SHORE OF LAKE MICHIGAN. Original plan, 1896. THE SOUTH SHORE DRIVE D. H. BURNHAM DESIGNER. 1896 ] During the next three or four years more careful studies of the Lake front scheme were made, and very large drawings were prepared for a meeting at the Women’s Club and the Art Institute, and for a Merchants Club dinner at the Auditorium. The newspapers and magazines, both at home and throughout the country, united in commenting on and commending the undertaking; and during the decade that has elapsed since the plans were first presented, the proposed improvement has never been forgotten, but has ever been looked upon as something sure to be accomplished. This was the beginning of a general plan for the city.