Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-11-26
MAINE Nv THE CENTENNIAL.

| MAINE ~ THE CEN1ENNI4L.
The commissioners and directors ap-
pointed by the President and the Cover
nor to supervise and care for the interests
of Maine in the Centennial Exposition at
Philadelphia, give to the public few sug-
gestions, as pertinent to the subject c. z.
Kimball, and Joshua Nye, Esqs., are the
United States Commissioners. Messrs. j.
II. Mcmillan of Bddeford, T. E. Shaw of
Portland, E. A. Sprague of Rockland, c.
w. Roberts of Bangor and w. II. Simp-
son of Belfast, are the Maine directors.
The Secretary is Enoch Knight, Portland.
Their circular reads:
"In eighteen hundred and seventy six,
hundred years will have passed since the first
Congress gave official utterance to that i'm
mortal resolution that "that these United
Colonies are, and of right ought to be,
free and independent States" An act which
by its boldness and temerity astounded the
world, was through Gods providence crowned
with complete success. We can never know
as they knew the emotions which agitated the
bosoms of those whose deeds it is our priv-
lege to admire and commemorate. The in
dgnant resentment which tlaZed with the
musketry of Lexington and Bunker Hil-,he
thrill of JOY and exultation which came from
Bennington and Saratoga-the depression and
misery of Valley Forge-the triumphant rap
ture of Yorktown-these we but family i'm
agine. But our hearts mast swell as we re.
member that such scenes were, and they car
ried with them not only the fortunes of the i'm
mediatesactors, but of their posterity for all
time. 1t becomes us to give these men and
their great deeds all the recognition and honor
that lies in our power. Theirs the task to
plant in doubt, in sorrow and privation--ours
the privilege to harvest in confidence, in glad
ness and aftuence. In the lapse of time the
work began by our sires has been reared by
the sons to structure surprising the widest
dreams of the men of '7G. TO the conquest
OF arms has been added the acquisition of new
territory. and the subjugation of the domin-
ion of nature-State has been added to State
and ocean linked with ocean. until we stand
before the world respected and feared by the
mightlest OF its powers. Can we who are
permitted to enjoy the blessed fruit of the
tolls of the revolutionary fathers, who claim
from them the lineage of blood and the heri-
tage of fame. contemplate all this without a
glow of patriotism and thrill of honest pride
Clearly, we ought not to permit the year 1876
to pass without a recognition which shall tel,
|
and appreciate our birthright.
| The location of the celebration will be at
the city Of Philadelphia, where still stands In.
dependence Hall, containing the bell that
pealed The notes of freedom to the land, and
where were initiated the stirring scenes of the
the revolution. The State of Pennsylvania
and the city of Philadelphia have made most
liberal appropriations in aid of the celebra-
ton. In the magnificent Fairmount Park will
be erected the buildings of the Centennial, in
GLIDING superior accommodations for every
department of the exhibition. These build
ings will cover forty acres of ground, will be
elegant in architectural design, and combine
the best fruits of the experience of the mana
gers of similar expositions in this country
and Europe. In this immense space will be
displayed the products of all the nations of
tue earth. Every State Of our Union will
contribute the best and most attractive results
that its Industries afford, and their sons and
daughters will meet face to face with the
greeting of common nationality.
Next to the grandeur of the occasion, the
magnitude of the undertaking and its now as
sured success challenge our admiration. The
spirited and friendly rivalry of the States of
our Union will be called forth to make the
occasion for each worthy of itself. All the
disersities of our varied climate will be shown
mechanical skill, of cunning handiwork, of
patient industry, of valuable invention,-all
that makes elegant our homes, that contrib
utes to comfort, that mitigates climatic ex-
tremes, that increases wealth, that lightens
labor or recompense toil-will each have its
part.
The occasion will be not only national but
inter national. All the countries of the world
have been invited to participate, and a very
large number have already signed their ac-
ceptancc. Wares from the toeming work
shops of the Old World will be there dis
played. England, France, Germany, Bel
GUM, Russia, Italy, and all European coun-
tries will be represented, as well as Asia with
its famous fabrics; South America, Japan,
the islands of the Pacific, and far Australia.
In this grand celebration the people of the
State of Maine are invited and expected to
have their part As one of the sis,erhood of
States that form the glorious Union, we ought
not to permit the occasion to draw near with
out preparations for Its proper recognition.
We have an int lligent, active and inventive
populations we have manufactures that would
do credit to any country in the world; we
have uncounted resources of soil, mine and
forest. 1t needs only resolve on the part of
| those who control these-a resolution which
shall declare that Maine must be worthy of
herself on this occasion-to make an exhibit
of which every son aud daughter shall be
proud. We hope our people will take this
matter into serious consideration, and make
preparation in the coming season for their
contributions to Names department in the
exhibition.
At a future day, directions will be given in
relation to bringing contributions to the no
tice Of the Maine Commissioners"
The sufferers by the Tuscumbia Desc
lating tornado are many and their needs