Business & Finance: Fair Business

Most uncertain of businesses is the show business. Most uncertain of show businesses are world's fairs because 1) they require huge investment, 2) they require huger ballyhoo, 3) their impresarios are generally businessmen, not trained showmen. Last week Chicago closed its second venture in this dangerous business—supposed to close Oct. 31 but prolonged through twelve chill and unprofitable November days—and began to take stock.

Like opera, world's fairs are not expected to be selfsupporting. Rich men make up opera deficits for the sake of social prestige or love of music. Mer chants make...