Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1853-07-21
The CRYSTAL Palace.

On Thursday the grand exhibition Of the IN
dustry and mechanical genius of the United
States, and Of such of the countries Of Europe
as have sent their products hther, was inaugu-
rated in New-York With appropriate ceremonies.
The Courier aud Enquirer says that " The APP
pearance of the ground floor Just before the ap-
pearance of the President, was extremely beau
ulul and interesting, from any point command
ing view OF the whole scene. In the centre
was the scaffold for the speakers, surrounded by
dense crowd of eager observers. The regu
LAT row of the military guard, the brilliant uni
form of the staff officers the variegated dresses
Of the ladies and the futtering fans, gave life
and vivacity Of appearance to the expectant
crowd. The wings and naves of the first floor
were comparatively deserted; few strolling
observers, or an active watchful policemen, might
occasionally be seen moving down or across
the long vistas stretching away to tho far ends
of the building. Heavy boxes, carriages, ma
chinery, and other large objects, gave lumber
ing appearance to the naves, slngnlarly con-
trastng with the wayerlng mass of life collected
into the centre. The second floor was also
dcnsely crowded-thc ratings around the sepa
rate naves were thronged with gary dressed
ladies and gentlemen, sitting standing or loung
ing, wherever a spot was found giving the
smallest promise OF an opportunity to see or hear
what was to pass below. On the cast side, be-
tween the north aud south naves, was situated
the gallery, rising gradually upwards, with
seats arranged for the choir who were to Join in
the opening ceremonies. In the rear of the
choir was handsome organ. Generally speak
ing. the exhibitors had made more progress in
arranging their goods ugon the second floor
than upon the FIRST, and portions OF the upper
naves presented very finished and beautiful
appearance
The exercises were commenced By prayer
by Rev. DR.. Wainwright. when Hon. Theodore
Sedgwck delivered the inau .uraton address, IN
which he eloquently referred TO Mr. Webster, to
which President Pierce made the following re-
lply:
Sir, return YOU on behalf Of my constitutions
al advisers who arc with me, and on my own
account, my warm and cordial thanks for the
reception you have been pleased to extend 10 us.
have come. sir to testify the intercs, feel in,
and the respect entertain for. this great indus
trial eXhbtion-designed and calculated TO
promote all that belongs to the interest OF our
country. Non, SIR, and the gentlemen who have
been and are associated with you, have imposed
upon all ofus deep debt of gratitude for your
energy and perseverance IN this great enter
prise. Whatever the shortcomings Of which
you have spoken may be, | can only remark that
they do not appear here ; and so far as have
been able to perceive, they are lost IN your com
pctc and transcondant success. Loud and
continued appluuse.l Everything around us re-
minds that we live in a ulili,atian age, where
science, instead of being locked up for the ad-
miraton of the world has become tributary to
the arts. manufactures, agriculture, aud all that
goes 70 promote our dones'ic comforts and our
universal prosperity. Sir, # YOU had achieved
no other good, but that winch YOU have in bring
ing together in tins metropolis citizens from all
parts OF the Union, you would have fulfilled
perhaps one Of The most important missions
that Of Strengthening and perpeiuating that bes
sed Union. Great applause. But YOU have
done more, and YOU have nobiy alluded to 1t. -
Your exhibition has been the means of bringing
here, from all the civilized countries on the face
of the globe, men most eminent in all the walks
of life and thus YOU have done more than could
be done in almost any other manner TO promote
that great object dear TO Won dear to me. md
dear to my venerable friend near me, Bishop
Wainwright. pence and good will among men.
| App'ause.l have not the voice at this time
to address you at any greater length, and CON
clude by again returning 10 you my thanks for
your generous reception. and rendering my
hearts best wishes for the success Of your
enterprise. Applause.
No further addresses we're made and the cere-
monies closed