Pragmatism vs Idealism

The fact that Chicago held the World's Fair to garner national pride and create a greater monument than the Eiffel Tower in only around three years clearly shows the idyllic American attitude of the times. Yet, from reusing people's skeletons to Louis Sullivan's belief that "Form follows function," Chicago in the 1890's was much more realistic: Chicago did not waste anything. This fact is the reason for Holmes's being able to sell his victims' bodies without any questions asked and for Olmsted's losing the Wooded Island. Is this pragmatic approach detrimental or beneficial for the fair, or is Chicago's combination just right?