, 1853-09-03

The New York Crystal Palace for the
Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations
was innuguraicd last Thursday, and opened
10 the public on Friday. The ceremonies
were interesting, and were attended by a
large number Of persons from various parts
ofihe country. The presence Of the Presi-
dent added much to the interest Of the oc-
casion.
President Pierce, accompanied by Mr..
Guthrie, Secretary Of the Treasury Mr..
Davis, Secretary Of War, and Mr.. Gushing,
Attorney General, arrived in New York on
Thursday incoming, the day of the inaugu-
Faiion, and were received by the civil au-
thoriIies and the entire military OF the city.
The cheering as the President made his ap-
peannce was truly enthusiastic, and it
seemed 10 touch a responsive chord in the
heart Of the distinguished guest. His coun-
isuanee showed that he felt deep pleasure
at The hearty manner in which he was
greeted. He looked much better than from
The accounts published we expected to see
him. Still, be showed signs Of fatigue, as
be responded TO the Mayor. His reply was
received with much enthusiasm, and was
appropriate to the occasion. He said:
al thank you for the kind and patriotic
expressions with which you have received
me. For the first time | address, within
their own borders, the citizens Of the En-
Pre City, now, beyond all controversy, the
commercial metropolis Of our blessed Union.
The rapidhy, sir, with which New York
has arisen to so commanding a position, as
one Of the most important cities upon the
globe. has no parallel in history. Already
The enterprise of your merchants, the genius
OF your ship-builders, the daring spirit Of
your vast trading mariue, are beginning to
make you first in the markets Of the world.
Here, my countrymen-here in New York
will the ledger Of commerce keep the ac-
counts Of the nations of the earth. Near
the spot on which we stand there arc stri-
King points which mark the amazing rapid
ny ofyour growth as a city.
On the opposite side of Bowling Green,
am not mistaken, stands one Of the
comparatively few edifces erected prior 10
mo. II is, l believe, the only one remain
ing, originally built Of German brick. Its
afevered relic Of past age. How sur
P1sed, possibly, even the young men of the
PRESENT day would be, if they. were fully tC
Tsslize that six years after its erection the
waters Of the North river flowed almost tc
hs foundations; and that, far north OIL
where three great streets now TEEN with
!lsliSity and enterprise, was the sandy land
l0gof boats upon that then free and uncir-
eumscFibed river. .r
How difficult it is at this period 10 real
ne that The limits Of the city at that date
'1tsndednot beyond Murray, and that there
were eeEen within that boundary many va
can't lots,- and that The population hardly
exceeded twenty thousand. Shall we speak
o. the future How can We, when we re-
rFt 10 The calculations Of really wise men
'@ ne past, who, if am not misinformed
Snatlhe north wall Of the City Hall of brick
because, as it was to be presented alone tc
ae unsettled district, the exterior aspect on
mat SIDE was of slight consequence How
hr n II at this moment south of the centre
. population, wealth and enterprise ? In
IoS6 your city hardly exceeded 40,0OO
nov you number more than half million
Of souls.
IN that year remember to have heard
ny father, on his return from New York