New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-08-14
TIE CENTENNIAL COMMUNICATION.

TIE CENTENNIAL CONFEDERATION
More than two years ago we printed an adj
mirable letter from the Hon. John Bigelow,
setting forth q comprehensive plan for such
commemoratiOn of the hundredth anniversary
of our national independence as should serve
as an enduring monument Of our century of
progress under the workings of Republican
institutions. This plan required wide range
of cooperation from intelligent men, but at
the same time contained nothing extravaganza
or impracticable. Its prime object was to
present to our own people and the world an
exact and accurate view of what has been ac-
complshed in this country during hundred
years, in every department of human activity.
Thefrst poets, artists men of science, statesmen,
instructors, men of letters, men of eminence
in every branch of intellectual labor, were to
be called upon to assist in preparing this i'm
mense balance-sheet The machinery was to
be of the simplest possible character A Gov
eminent Commission, appointed by the Pres-
dent or by Congress, was to constitute sub
ordinate sections, who should distribute the
work in every direction. There would have
been very little expense, very little parade
and no opportunity whatever for corruption
or waste. When the work was finished it
would be permanent and invaluable addition
to the political, social, and moral history of
the world. As accessories to this principal
work, Mr.. Bigelow suggested appropriate COM
memorative exercises throughout the country,
andl the foundation of National Museum,
in which all the results of the labors
we have referred to should form the nucleus
of collection similar to those which give
such value to similar national institutions in
other countries. 1t may be that the sugges-
tons of Mr. Bigelow were too simple and
sensible to strike the Imagination of many.
1t may be also that the evident fact of the
trifling expense and the impossibility OF pecu-
lation prevented certain class OF active
minds from taking any interest in the matter
The plan was not adopted either by the Gov
eminent or by the managers of the Industrial
Exhibition for 1875 in Philadelphia.
We print to-day another letter from the
same forcible pen, giving the reasons why the
Philadelphia Exhibition should not be re-
earded or treated as National COmmemora-
ton of the centennial anniversary Of our indie
pendence. There is nothing in the letter
winch Is DOJ buBBcStNo anu Soh"iO' ""NiN
is little to which we cannot all heartily sub
scribe. But the practical results of the con-
siderations so skilfully set forth it is more
difficult to perceive. The Philadelphia Ex-
bibition will be held. 1t will derive great adj
ditiopal interest from its occurrence upon this
historic date. 1t will whether worthily or
not, celebrate the event Of a hundred years
ago. The act of the President has already
given it an international character. 1t has
taken fixed direction which it is now too
late to change, even if it were advisable 1t
is to our interest and should be our pride to
see that it be made as perfect in itself,
and as benefeent in its results, as is con-
istent with the difficulties in the way
and with the inherent weaknesses of human
nature. Yet it is with the greatest reluctance
that we should renOunce the prospect of max
ing the event 80 truly memorable as the plan
of Mr.. Bigelow would have done. So much
valuable time has been already lost that it is
now impossible to give that admirable scheme
the full development of which it was capable.
But much might still be done in that way
during the coming three years. either indie
pendently of the Philadelphia Commission or
in association with it, to construct an intel
lectual monument in honor of hundred years
of progress under democracy which shall en-
dure as long as society and history.
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