The daily republic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1853-1853, 1853-07-18
The Presidents Tour-Crystal Palace

New YORK, July l6, 1853.
Sudden illness must be the apology for my long
silence; except for physical prostration, should
have kept you advised of the incidents
attending the Presidents trip to this great and
busy city, rs promised
This has been busy week to the President and
his travelling Cabinet You already know the
principal events of their tour-how many speech
es they have made, and where; and enterprisng
reporters have given to the world the sentiments
uttered by each in the language with which they
clothed them. need not therefore, say aught
on that score What shall say, Them In truth
there is little to be sad save that the President
seems to have stood the fatigues Of the trip re-
niarkably well, and left us this morning appa-
rently much improved in health from his relaxa-
ton--if fourteen speeches day, and thousand
and one shakes of the dexter hand by vigorous
Democracy, can be called relaxation.
This Empire City gave the illnstrious guests
brilliant reception. A finer display of military
than escorted them from Castle Garden to the
Crystal Palace the Union cannot afford. The
streets were densely thronged for distance of
three or four miles, notwithstanding very heavy
shower, which lasted thirty or forty minutes,
abandon the unsheltered standpoint they had Sc
cured on the sidewalks and the front steps and
balconies of the numerous houses. Every win
dow on the long route of procession wns thronged
with the fair SEX their eyes beaming brightly with
anticipation and pleasure, until the coming of the
President set in motion perfect clouds Of snowy
cambria waving him right hearty welcome.
General Pierce looks remarkably well on horse
back and rides gracefully AS he rode, his head
uncovered, between the surging tide Of popula-
ton which opened on either hand, he was greeted
with enthusiastic applause. With his speech at
the Crystal Palace there was much disappoint
ment. The people had expected something pre-
pared for and appropriate to the occasion. The
ceremony of dedication they expected would find
its great impressive point in the address of the
Chief Magistrate of the land. The President very
briefly returned his thanks for the kindness OK
pressed towards him, complmented the enterprise
which had suggested and executed the plan Of
this great Industrial Exhibition, and resumed hi.
seat. 1t should be remembered, however, that he
had just ridden through drenching rain, having re-
fused to dsmount from his horse during the shower
These certainly were not circumstances calculated
to inspire man with abundant eloquence or SEN
timent, or any train Of thought except upon the
probable length of time which might elapsc ere
he could take refuge in dry linen and well-aired
broad-cloth.
The Crystal Palace certainly is a triumph.
The building itself is worth journey to see. 1t
is unlike anything ever erected in this country;
and ! know not how to convey an idea of its exte-
ror, except by saying that it bears some general
| Ia n 1y;cl,
Mosque. The effect produced by the contrast OF
its immense size, with the comparatively light and
delicate iron frame set with fragile material as
glass, is exceedingly fine. The interior is grand
rich, neat, and indescribably beautiful in design,
arrangement, and finish. The great dome over
the centre is the most magnificent ever saw
far surprising that of the Capitol in size and
splendid beauty of finish.
| Already there are abundant evidences that the
Exhibition will be highly creditable affair. Not
one-fourth of the goods entered arc yet arranged
yet day may be proftably expended in examin-
ing objects well worth the interest they command
| There is, it is true, much to condemn as well as
much to praise-I mean in the articles exhibited
France, for instance, contributes statue Of Web
| ster, which would disgrace the veriest novice in
plaster casting. The French artist would seem
to have been quite unable to imagine head big
enough to hold Websters massive brain, so he
cut sort of protuberance on the forehead, which
looks like great fattened wen. The whole face,
too, is tame and powerless. There is nothing
to indicate will, mind, or sentiment of any kind
The whole affair is caricature-or, worse than
that, it is meaningless, not even displaying the
caricaturist's skill in presenting prominent trait
with more than natural boldness.
Italy, however, besides some inferior specimens
of art, presents not few magnificent pieces of
statuary, into which the very soul of life would
seem to breathe and beat. She has also contri-
buted fine paintings, and curiously perfect speci-
mems of picturing in inlaid woodwork
| A New York and Dublin manufacturing and
importing house contributes rich and exquisite
| specimens of needle-work as ever fell from tiny
French fingers. Among the specimens they ex-
hbit is superb handkerchief, designed and work
cd with view to its presentation to the lady of
President Pierce. The chief figures in the design
are the arms of the United States, the American
flag in many waving fold, ships in full sail,
steamers, and various other emble1ns of our ma
tional happiness, progress, industry and prosper
ity. 1t is certainly most beautiful and appro-
pirate present for the wife of an American Pres-
dent.
But must close this lengthening cpistle And
IN doing so let me suggest that my expression of
opinion, that every one who can should visit the
Crystal Palace Exhibition, is in nowise influenced
or perverted by good feeling towards the directors
tor favors shown. paid my fifty cents adnis-
sion, as did some other members of the press for
whom rather unfortunate management had
made no provision. | don't complain IT was
| really pleasant sensation which came over me
when ] entered the palace, feeling that havi.,g
Been allowed an independent entrance on the
same footing with all outsiders l could speak and
| write iudcnnpd o,,tIxz