Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-05-30

aud Boston, and receipt for payment for the
Industrial ExhIbition-American Division.
From Mr. Riddle, Agent of the american Commission,
TO Mr.. Kennedy, the Secretary.
U. S. COMMISSION INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION,
London April 25 1851.
Sir have accomplished all l had planned for
the week that has passed since my last letter. Every
day gangs of men whom | have hired, distributed
throughout various compartments, and each SUI
perintended by some American contributor who feels
pride in urging forward preparations, have work
ed early and late at the thousand details that enter
into my idea of completeness, until now | am ahead
Of any foreign nation here in readiness for the open
ing of the exhibition The ten thousand notions of
exhibitors to the manner in which their goods
should be displayed and the places they should occu-
by, hinder me more than everything else. Each one
supposes processes to suppose that the article he
brings is the most important Offering upon the alter
of industry and to oppose his views wishes in
gard to the most minute details of the oblation is like
sacrilege in the house of his idol. There is tit
ness in everything and above all else, fitness in
the arrangement of classes of goods in such ex-
hibition this is most essential.
1t il with much satisfaction that inform you of
the accession of that chef dgurre of dvis
ion-Powers first statue of the Greek Slave. Hearing
from Mr.. Lawrence that this statue was owened in
London, applied to Mr. Grant, whose studioit has
long adorned for permission to exhibit it as work
of American art in the industrial Exhibition He has
not only assented to this, but has kindly taken the
whole detail of building the plinth. the PEDESTAL the
railing and all the other accessories into his own
hands, and seems as much in earnest in making it
tell in behalf of the United States if he
fellow countryman | may well say, in this con-
nexion, that the estimate put upon the Greek Slave
in Europe is far above what is supposed in the Uni
ted States To say that it is glorious work of
master is saying altogether too little. By universal
agreement among the most fastidious connoisseurs
and amateurs of Eng gland, it is the first work of al
of the age and though its original cost was five
thousand pounds sterling to Mr.. Grant, his royal
highness, Prince Albert has twice offered him three
times that amount to part with it. Its conception
and execution coming from an American, there is
all fitness and appropriateness in its gracing the
United States division of the Industrial Exhibition
and elevated upon proper PEDESTAL standing In the
great central avenue, heading more than hundred
works of the chisel and fronting the main east en-
trance of the Crystal Palace the first object to greet
the incoming spectator, the last of all to pass from
his sight as he leaves the glorious nave the Greek
Slave will be appreciated, and enjoyed, as 1t
never has been before.
1t is at last concluded by the royal commissioners
that the holders of season tickets shall be admitted
to the State opening of the exhibition. Many OF
the foreign divisions cannot be in readiness. The
French are still month behind with all their power
of making the most splendid show the world
saw If we are in readiness, as fully believe we
shall be. three days before the 1st of May, shall Of
fer the services of my corps of the commission to help
them forward Between and every foreign nation as
between us and the British, there is the utmost har
mony, and have reason to believe that PROPOSE
ton of this kind would be most gladly received
The ceremony of opening the exhibit
ton is to be grand beyond precedent. The program
it was issued this morning. shows it to be the
intention of the royal commissioners to make the
scence worthy of the occasion The chair of State
will be pacedupon elevated platform beneath the
arch of the transept Advancing with all her reinue
into the building, while all the organs play the
national air. the Queen. surrounded by the great OF
cers of State, the royal commissioners the foreign
ambassadors the ministers and the arch bishops and
bishops of the realm, will open the great exposition
with imposing ceremony
Now that we are so near the completion of this
long preparation, you, who have taken so great an
interest in part of the exhibition will naturally
ask how we are likely to appear. answer, a0eH-
We have not fairly represented our country. and we
could not do it. We have not done it as we'll as we
might. Even considering the three thousand miles
of distance, have not done ourselves the justice
that ought We have not equalled the ex-
pectations that had been formed of US. And yet we
shall appear areU. Our contributions national,
characteristic, and unique. They are abundant
enough to give some idea of our resources ingenious
enough to show skill and superior enough in
quality to prove capabilities We have a better
machine--any mechanic being the judge-than
stands within the building We have clearer con-
ception of the graceful in vehicles than any other
nation here. We greatly beyond even England
in agricultural implements. We can lay sam
pie of cutlery by the side of Shefelds thousand
specimens, and carry off the palm. France has not
sent chandelier Norway and Sweden have not
contributed bushel of wheat; the Indies have not
furnished barrel of rice. London has not display
ed paper hangn chemicals or specimens of
book bindery, or dentists work, hats. needle
work or harness. that will compare with those we
display upon our counters. Our pianos will be I'M
surpassed We have scores of barrels of flour alto
gether unequalled We have carpenters tools in
abundant variety, far before other nations. And in
the products of soil-in Indian corn, and cotton,
and tobacco, and all the finest grains-we stand
where we ought. Though might have done far
more at this exposition of the worlds industry than
we have done-though we ought to have surpassed
in many things where we have fallen short and in
= all things where we have only equalled--we have
nevertheless done well and thus the event will
prove.
have not yet made any appointment of jurors
from the United States though repeatedly solicited
to do by the executive committee prefer to leave
this matter in the hands of our exhibitors who are
here. and with Mr.. Lawrence. France has sent her
most distinguished to represent her upon
these uries and feel very DESTROYS to delay the ap
pointment of our proportion until of scien
tifc men shall arrive.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDW'D RIDDLE.
Hon. J. c. G. KENNEDY. Secretary, sc.
LERow AND BLoDGETT's SEWING MACHINE.-Last
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