The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-02-25
L OCAL MATTERS

FIRST EXHIBITION OF THE MsTRopoLIrAN Mr..
cHANIcs' INsTlTuTE.-This Institute was founded
on the thirty-frst day of August, 1852, and one
of it's first acts was the passage of resolution and
the appointment of a committee, having in view
the promotion and encouragement OF manufac
lures, commerce, and the mechanic and useful
arts by public exhibition. The encouraging
congratulations of similar associations throughout
the country stimulated the membership in their
laudable object, and from that period to the pre-.
sent their efforts have been untiring. OF the re-
suits OF their industry, ZEAL enterprise, and per-
severance, the public now have an opportunity to
see for themselves.
Our citizens have regarded all the incipient
movements of the Institute with deep interest,
and We have no doubt they will appreciate it more
! highly its means for usefulness shall continue
| to increase.
The revenues of the Institute are to be employed
on the following Objects
First. In the formation of library and reading
room, cabinet of minerals and models, and phi.
losophcal and mechanical apparatus. 75
Second. In the formation OF school of design,
adapted to mechanical, manufacturing, and scien.
ti6c purposes. s
Third. In the establishment of practical lectures
on subjects connected with manufactures, me-
chanics, and the collateral sciences.
Fourth. In the formation of a school of physics
and Of practical and applied chemistry.
Fyb In providing an exhibition, annual or
otherwise, OF the productions of American skill
and industry, to be held in the city of Washing
ton-the said exhibition to be open to competitors
from all parts of the Union.
Sirfh In afording to such inventors as may APP
ply 10 the board every reasonable facility for the
trial and examination of their inventions by COM
petent and impartial persons.
Secenth. In the publication, from time to time,
OF the proceedings and transactions of the associa
ton, and of such other matters as the Institute
may direct.
No one doubt that the money thus expended
must result in much benefit to every class of the
community, and especially to those whose ambi
ton impels them to the acquisition of useful
knowledge, and with comparatively but little cost.
Fortunate in obtaining the use of the east wing
of the Patent Office, the Institute at once opened
their proposed exhibition to competitors from all
parts of the Union. The invitation has been re-
sponded to By between fifteen hundred and two
thousand depositors. The hall is perhaps one of
the most magnificent in the United States, being
two hundred and seventy-five feet in length, and
seventy in width, with elegantly arched ceiling
supported by twenty five marble pillars, resting
upon beautiful tessellated marble floor.
The various articles on exhibition are arranged
with taste and to the beat advantage; presenting at
once scene rich, novel, and gratifying. Here are
seen, at glance, the useful and ornamental pro
auctions of the mechanic arts, the chaste and deli
Gale Celebrations OF the artist and the bright and
beautiful evidences of the industry of the gentler
sex. The excitement attendant the opening of
the exhibition, and want of time, merely allow
passing allusion to the interesting display. And
here a congratulation must be expressed that the
city of Washington is ably represented among the
objects most to be admired.
The doors were opened at noon yesterday, when
a large number of ladies and gentlemen entered to
enjoy the exhibition. In the evening the concourse
was exceedingly dense, and it was with difficulty
thata promenade throughout the hall was effected
Gas light added to the brilliancy of the scene; and
happy faces and expressions of delight everywhere
prevailed.
AT half past seven O'Clock entered the superin-
tendent of the exhibition, the orator, reception
committee, cergymen, officers of the Institute, and
invited guests, and seated themselves in front of
the platform; the Marine Band playing meantime
from their elevated location, (called 'sHarmony
Hail. the soul inspiring air of the star-spangled
Banner"
The President of the Institute president Hepry)
having called to order,
The Rev. James Gallagher delivered a prayer,
when
The President briefly stated the objects of the
Institute, such have above given. He said that
the number of members is thousand, and that
the origin of the association is due to c. F. STAINS
bury, esq., gentleman possessing qualifca-
tons necessary to an enterprise of this kind; and
that the first patron was w. W. Corcoran, esq.,.
who presented one thousand dollars for promoting
the objects in view.
An 'sODE TO Art" was next sung by Mrs. C. s.
Lemon in manner that elected the admiration of
her listeners, and she was accompanied by Pro-
fessor scheel on the piano-forte.
The Hon. Joseph R. Chandler, the orator cho
sen for the occasion, then addressed the audience
for upwards of hour; and, in the course of his
eloquent address, he referred to the proofs around
him of the ability to multiply the comforts of life
and diminish the demand upon physical power,
and showed the effects of Iabor-saving machines
on social, domestic, and political life. In whatever
respect the great genius of American skill appears
to those who stand apart from the labor of produc
ton, it appeals not only to our pride as citizens
but to our dignity men.
He demonstrated that where the greatest mass
Of machinery extends, there the greatest demand
exists for human labor, and in this connection in
stanced railroads, the cotton gin, and the steam
printing machine, and likewise showed the ele-
waiting influences of machinery upon the condition
of woman, and upon the prosperity generally of
all branches of trade.
On the conclusion of the address there were de-
monstrations of applause.
The audience were then favored with a glee by
MIR. and Mrs, c. S. Lemon, and Professor M S.
Johnson, of Massachusetts, accompanied by Pro-
fessor ScheeI on the piano forte. sisf
The company in front of the platform then Sc
parated.
Music was discoursed by the Marine Band, and
was continued up to the hour Of closing
We learn that than thousand season
tickets have already been sold, and that the demand
continues. st.
The arrangements generally appear to have
been we'll matured, judging from the admirable
manner of their execution, and the satisfaction
which they afford.
The hall is to be open daily from ten a.. m, to
ten p. m. except Thursdays and Saturdays, when,
for the accommodation of the Judges, it will not
be opened until one O'Clock in the afternoon. No
money ia to be received at the doors; and no per-
son leaving the hall can return without second
payment No smoking will be allowed in any part
of the building. eve wish it were possible to pre-