Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1850-12-27
RICHMOND ENQUIRER.
rur woRIn,s FA1R-ITs IMPORTANCE.
FRIDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 81, 1850

The subject of the great Worlds Fair and Industrial Elk
hibon which is TO be held in London in the month of May
next received the consideration Of committee OF the House
of Delegates which reported several days since In favor Of
the State Of Tirginas appropating the sngulay sma
sum of fire hundred dollars towards scheme from which
we believe intellectually good results may be anticipated
Virginia pursues the recommended by the Governor
in his recent admirable message to the two Houses Of the
Legislature Inudcious parsmony and false economy are
in some injurious than reckless
The truth Of this have illustrated in the report OF the
committee We are not sorry that this small pittance war
voted down. for il would be infinitely better for Virginia 10
pye nothing towards this exhibition than to appropriate hve
hundred dollars for the collection of materials, anu then
without an agent without commissioners 10 explain ano
attend Them cast them forth TO the mercy OF commission
merchants and poers If Virginia intends ener at THIS
most exhibition into competition vain onef
sovereign States she should do it in manner becoming he
position resources and mo Other States OF the onon
with population and wealth greatly inferior 10 virginia.
have met this proposition in the liberal spirit IN which OIL
pnated with the British Government From every quarter
of being made for the appointment oy
the Executives Of the several States Of Intelligent commits
sioners 10 attend the Fair and furnish appropriate inor
NATION concerning the products of their States their manu-
features and their If the exhibition is to consist
of mere show Of dead nanimas predue without agents
10 explain and furnish information respecting them to
then the sum Of FIVE hundred dollars would Dc
thrown away.
But if we understand the character OF the proposed air
aims at something vastly higher than an idle exhibition II
is intended make the people Of one country PraceaJa
qnar with the products ofanohe and to excite generous
rivalry among the aborers In the world Of mechanical
science and agriculture II is intended TO furnish nfor
NATION 10 the man of science to the capitalist 10
the mechanic, 10 the emigrant relative TO all that
is useful in trade and in The desired OBJECT can
be only effected by the union Of the exhibition OF the ar-
ces made State and It's mineral and agricultural pro-
ducts with the explanations of dsinresed commissioners
appointed for the purpose of giving the desired
Amid the glare and spendo of that fair presenting piano.
rama Of the great world Of laborthe unoscnta,ious yet
immensely valuable products Of Virginia would unheod
ded if they stuck in Obscure corner with no
authorized agents mpa those seeking it, information
concerning them II the other States Of the Union send
specimens this fair and efficient receive and to
part information the position of Virginia, Nth her products
unattended and unprotected oould 5essry huniliang TO our
feelings of State pride. 1t is time that the world should
learn something respecting the great elements Of wealth
that lie both above and below the soil of the Old
Dominion. Awakening she is TO sense OF her
nndevelopsd wealth, she should desire 10 call the
attention of the world to her almost inexhaustble
beds Of COAL ron and various other mineral and meta
lie products The pan for very eeetualy doing this q.
very small expense recommended the Legislature BY the
Central Committee, and endorsed by the Governor we re-
gard as well worthy of Its attention II to appoint
four commissioners from each of the grand divisions OF
the State attend and have prepared for the Fair well
executed map of Virginia, setting forth her lines of railroads
and canals completed in progress and projected and va
rous other things relating TO her progressalso statement
of everything calculated TO afford correct information, res
pccng the agricultural products OF the Stateher mineral
and metallic resources and many other matters of useful
hpia
has pursued by many other States and whilst would
ea,endcd with comparatively ing expense it would not
only be- sincerely believe productive of great good but
it would give Virginia something like respectable and
dgnhed position the Worlds Fair and place her al least
upon an equality with her sister States of the Union Un
she occupy such position it would be best for her
occupy all the Exhibition. Unless the Legs
!aiure do something towards this great and noble
scheme than appropriate the paltry of ue hundred dol
would be infinitely best for the credit of the State
that the matter should be permitted quietly drop We
think that II tho enlightened and patriotic members of the
Legislature will take this subject into consideration they
will the propriety of our respectful suggestions.