Part 1, The Trouble Has Just Begun Summary

It is Monday, February 24, 1890. People are standing outside each of Chicago's major newspapers awaiting the news, waiting to find out if Chicago has won the congressional vote to host the next World's Fair. They wait all day until the first bulletin is posted. Chicago is in the lead, with New York second. All are hoping to win the vote and have the opportunity to show the world that Chicago is not just a "greedy, hog-butchering backwater" city. The crowds grow as night falls, and the offices and business close for the day. The tension is high. When Congress considers adjourning for the night, the crowd boos and makes statements that New York is just trying to gain votes. Eventually, Congress announces it will stay until the decision is made.

The crowd grew. Men...