The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-04-14
THE NATIONAL FAIR.
(CIRCULAR)

y
Or THE COMMITTEE OF SUPERINTEND-
ENcE OF THE NATIONAL EXHIBITION OF
AMERICAN MANUFACTURES AND PRO-
DUCTS OF MECHANICAL ART, AT THE CT
TY OF WAsHINGToS, IN MAY NEXT.
Many persons friendly to the perma-
nency of the present protective system,
and others, who, without being commit
ted TO its support, desire information in
reference TO It's effects, have suggested the
importance of procuring an exhibition of
American Manufacturing and Mechanical
Products to be made at the seat of Gov
ernment at as early period, during the
present Spring, as the opportunities for
accomplishing such project might allow.
1t is believed that an exhibition, embra-
cling specimens of every kind of handi-
craft or manufacturing skill employed In
the nation, or at least all such specimens
as may be conveniently procured for the
occasion, together with the prices at which
they may be purchased, and the names OF
those by whom they are fabricated, would
embody, in an impressive form. mass
of useful facts which could not fail TO be
appreciated as they deserve by the pub
lie authorities upon whom rests the re-
sponsibility of sustaining the prosperity
of the great interests connected with this
subject; and that such facts collected from
the daily transactions Of the people, au-
thenticatad by the personal examinations
of all who choose to inspect them, would
furnish incontrovertable arguments in fa-
vor of that industry which SO greatly
honors as well as enriches the mechanics
of America.
A recommendation of similar exhi-
btion by the National institute two years
| ago met with high degree of favor from
the public OF that period; and the success
of such an effort now may, it is hoped,
lead TO It's regular adoption hereafter, as a
means Of presenting at suitable intervals a
Wis lble demonstration of the advance of
the country in those arts upon which It's
prosperity so greatly depends.
Alta consultation recently htl by man.
members of the pre- ent Co ,gress-
gentlemen of bot political part;es-thc
proposition of inviting such an exhibition
as we have referred to was considered
and adopted, as an enterprise of eminent
utility at this time, and with confidence
that it would find hearty assent from
the friends of national industry through
out the whole Union. To gve efficacy
to this proposition they have nominated
the undersigned as general committee OF
superintendent, and have charged them
withthc duty frresenting the subject to the
coun try at large, of inviting the aid of the
friends Of national industry TO the scheme,
and of making such preparations as may
be necessary to render the exhibition as
| full and as effective as the time allowed
viii permit.
| Thus summoned 10 this labor from I
source so amply entitled TO the respect
and confidence of the nation, and fully
concurring in the importance attached to
the subject, the undersigned have not hes
itated to comply with the wishes of those
by whom they have been put in requisi-
ton, and promptly to enter upon the du-
ties consigned TO them. In the perform
ance of these duties they invoke the ear
nest cooperation OF all who may have any
thing to contribute to the proposed exhi-
bition, hoping that this invitation will be
answered il such manner as shall ena-
bic the committee to present such dis
play of the work of our artisans as shall
adequately attest the great skill and perfec-
ton to which cur country has attained in
manufacturing and mechanical art.
The committee propose that the exhi-
ton shall be opened at Washington on
the Goth day of May next, previous to
which date ample provision viii be made
for the reception, security, and suitable
disposition of all specimens which may
be sent TO their care.
They invite the Transmission Of speci-
mems of every kind of manufacture and
handicraft known TO the artisans Of the
United States, and desire that the price,
as well as the makers name, be furnished
with each article intended for exhibition.
Committees will be appointed for the SUI
perintendence and arrangement and pre-
servation of all parcels sent to the exhibit
ton rooms.
The rooms will be ready to receive ar
ticles for exhibition from and after the
first day of Nav. The exhibition will
be kept open not less than two weeks.
| Owners of parcels exhibited during the
exhibition will. unless directions to the
contrary be given, be kexpected 10 allow
the sale of such parcels at the prices
marked, to be delivered at the close of
exhibition.
| All goods intended for exhibition can
be directed 10 Mr.. David A. Hall, secre-
tary OF the committee, who viii see TO
their safe keeping, and attend TO their
being repacked after the exhibition.
In case of sale of them, the money