New-York tribune., 1872-12-09
TIE COMMISSIONS WoRK LAST WEEK.


Verify the prospects for the Centennial Ex-
position are black enough, if the reports made
by the different States to tho Commission now
sitting in Philadelphia be taken as an index
of its probable success. Sixteen of the States
turned their backs and made no reply what
ever to the demand upon them for subscrp-
tions. among which were the newest Western
and oldest Southern States Half dozen
pleaded poverty, in which dOlOrOus company
we confess VIC were surprised to find Texas.
Ohio promised to come up to her duty, but
meant to take her time to it. Vermont Win
the quiet dignity becoming respectable per-
son of family, assures US that she has ample
means and intends to use them; little Rhode
Island asserted herself rich enough and will
ing enough, but ignorant of tho whole matter;
Connecticut, ditto; California was not only
ignorant but indifferent Maine would accept
her full share; so would Michigan, if her
wealthy citizens had time given to tnem.
Virginia felt herself patriotic in spirit but
poor in pocket; West Virginia gailantly sent
answer that she wOnld do her best. Iowa was
ready 70 come up to the mark, provided she
could DO it in corn. But the true Old reyolu-
tionary ring, oddly enough, came from Oregon,
who "wOuld not only take her share and pay
"for it in COIN" but "scornCd compensation
"for her agents, in such a matter" While on
the other side, New-JeTsey might perhaps be
brought to the starting point Tor the race IL
well cOaxed and patted. Pennsylvania finally
throws herself into the breach with an offer to
"talIe NIL the stock assigned to her ana all
"that may remain unsubscribed at the end OF
"a hundred days." This chiyalric determina-
ton of the old Keystone, to make herself not
only keystone but base and summit OF the
whole arch, would throw the other States into
q shameful background if the reason for their
lukewarmness was not apparent in the reply
of New-York, who, with characteristic frank
ness. declared her intention Of showing the
weight of the undertaking where it belonged
On TO the shoulders of the General Govern
ment.
This Exposition will be, or ought to be. but
n small part of the celebration OF the Cente-
nary; and it Is the feeling throughout the
country that the risk of pecuniary loss in its
inception and management, il there be any,
should be borne by the General Government,
and not by individuals, which has made the
response to the appeal for subscriptions
so far so cold and feeble. We have no
doubt that in after expenditure or efficient
effort to make its Centennial birthday worthy
of the place it holds among other peoples, the
nation will show itself hearty and patriotic.
The heir, at his coming of age, will be quito
willing to display, and brag little, too, OF his
Inheritance. The country is neither cold nor
penurious: some good reason must exist for
its supinencss in the matter, and we fancy it
is this
AS for Pennsylvania, whether her offer be
accepted or NOT, she deserves credit no less
for her promptness and spirit in making it.
1t is true that she alone of the States will be
q pecuniary gamer by the Exposition; but
assuredly by her offer of Saturday, if she
fulflls it, to take the expenses on her shOul-
ders, she is sure to lose. We hope the Gov
ernment will not suffer the burden to fall thus
upon any one State, not only because OF the
manifest injustice of such course, but
because by so localizing the Exposition, and
placing its control into the hands of a few
individuals, the aim for which it was proposed
will be totally defeated, and the interest of
the whole people in it chilled if not altogether
destroyed.