Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-05-31
THE INDUSTRIAL EXPOSITION.
The Opening and welcome Address.

JllO lhuuSllltt VIZ NSANOhAN NNNiN'7'
by A. ]. Kicks, Esq, of the CHRONICLE,
was made. 'L.A '.a
On being introduced by Mr.. Charlton,
Mr. Kicks spoke about fifteen minutes.
We give few passages from his address |;
Mr.. President, Ladies and Gentlemen.
1t seems to me to be eminently proper
that an association of this character should
open it's exhibition by an address 1 have
been honored by an invitation to make IL,
but do not know as apprehend correctly
the character and scope of the remarks ex-
pected. The distinguished gentleman APP
pointed TO deliver the address of the occa-
sion will doubtless fully and exclusively
review the whole field of thought which
the circumstances make appropriate. As
anything L can say will not trench upon
the fuller and more interesting views
which his experience and ability will
readily suggest and present, 1 will venture
to say what seems to me appropriate at this
time.
And first, Mr.. President, Board of Di-
rectors and you, Mr.. Secretary, allow me
to congratulate you upon the very auspi-
cious circumstances under which this first
annual exposition opens. To one familiar
with the innumerable difficulties to be
overcome, the want of thorough organiza-
ton and mutual support-always insepe-
enterprise - the evidences of success
which L see already, are sufficient
grounds for the congratulation L ex-
tend. There are always those ready
to discourage with their doubts and fears,
with indifference or absolute opposition,
such enterprises as this. The first effort
in the direction of Annual Expositions of
this kind is particularly sensitive to such
demonstrations, and to have met and over
come them at the very outset, augurs ex-
ceedingiy well for your Association, and
leaves no doubt as to your future success.
Assured of this, it is peculiar pleasure
to me to extend to the exhibitors, specta-
tors and friends now assembled on this
opening day, the hearty welcome of the
Association.
We have gathered here for no COM
mon purpose. The occasion Is not one of
but ordinary interest to this city or section
of the State. We are not assembled as
members of political organization TO de-
liberate upon the interests of party or the
welfare of the natiou; we are not gather
ed as members of any sect to discuss ques-
tons of theology ; we are not met as
friends of any private enterprise, which
has for its object the benefit of the few to
the prejudice of the many; we are not met
as citizens of Knoxville to further our own
local interests; but we are assembled
as citizens of East Tennessee to honor
and dignity labor by exhibiting for
public approval and as proof
of our rapidly increasing prosperity and
true wealth, the products of our own in
dustry. This is an exposition of the fruits
of mechanical skill-of the products, to a
considerable extent, of our own labor and
our own resources. This is an exhibition
dedicated by its objects, as understand it,
nobling of labor and the laboring man.
The occasion, it therefore seems to me, is
one of peculiar interest and significance to
us as people. In this view of our object,
am Commissioned by the officers and
members of this association to extend the
right hand of fellowship and pledge their
future cooperation to the industries which
and here ratify, for all time to come, q
treaty, offensive and defensive, between
the capital and labor. of East Tennessee
the two agencies which alone can give US
the influence, wealth and power which
nature designed for US.
Just in proportion as we realize and APP
preciate the value and influences upon our
progress in civilization, of machinery, just
la that proportion will We honor and dig
Nifty the machinist, whose ingenuity and
patient labors conceived and made il.
And what higher service can be rendered
to society than is contributed by the ma
chanic who invents and builds machin-
cry that relieves labor OF its drudgery, and
opens for it new channels for profit and
usefulness. Put side by side, before this
a sewing machine and its inven-
tor, or improver, and the author Of foolish
novels, that consume the time and brains
of thousands of our young girls and boys,
and let the assembled throng say which
has done for society the greater good.
Then put side by side again, the honest,
intelligent mechanic, whose skill and la
Dor shapes yonder powerful engine, that
carries US with tightening speed from place
to place, with the idle, fashionable young
man, whose ambition in life seems to be |
to wear fine cloths and jewelry, and grace
the shady lounging places on our streets
through the day, and the saloon and dance
room by night, and let this people say
which one contributes most to the happi- !
ness and prosperity Of mankind.
Labor is capital contributed to society |
for its permanent advancement. Every |
man, of ordinary diligence, |
in the course of a year from |
six TO ten hundred dollars worth of la |
Dor to the community in which he lives. |
The average number of years devoted to |
labor may number, say twenty. Every |
skilled laborer in this community is there |
fore worth TO it, in actual capital, from |
twenty TO thirty thousand dollars. He is |
worth this, because all he pro-
duces is created, brought from nature |
rough, in it's crude state, and of little val |
ne. Take hundred such skilled laborers, |
combine their labor, intelligence, energy, |
and what formidable combination Ii |