New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-19
TIE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

SECRETARY FisH,s REFUSAL OFFICIALLY 10 RECoC-
ME The NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. ASKED TO IS
SIZE INVITATIONS TO FOREIGN POWERs-TTrE
FINANCIAL PROSPECTS OF TIE EXHIBITION DIS
Observation-Disclosures THAT CONGRESS WILL
BE ASKED FOR DIRECT APPROPRIATIONS.
IpY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUSEJ
WASHINGTON. Jan. 1s-Ihe announcement was
made a few days ago that bill would soon be N
PRODUCED in the House providing that an invitation
bo extended 70 the Governments OF all NATIONS with
which we have diplomatic relations TO participate in
the Centennial Exhibition, to be held in PhIladel-
IEia m 1916. This action is made necessary by the
course pursued by the State Department. 1t being
understood that Secretary Fish holds That the
United States Government is in 10 way responsible
foT the Exhibition aud that communications III re-
gard to il cannot officially pass between other Gov
ernmmts and CGr own through cur diplO-
matte representatives abroad. The Centen-
nal Commission think that the Govern
ment of the United States, by the act
of March 8. 1871, and byother acts, rs well 10y
the proclamation Of the President, issued the 4th
Of July last and by the Secretary Of State officially
communicated TO Oh the diplomatic representatives
of foreign governments In tins county, has already
committed itself 10 the support Of the Exhibition
aud extended a universal invitation 10 participate
The Commission believe that the only way to make
all Exhibition that shall be international in is char
acter. is by the efforts Of our government with the
governments OF foreign countries Exhibitors
abroad Will not send their goods across the ocean
unless they can send them in the care Of Commits
noners appointed 10y the authorities Of their own
countries and unless they have also the assurance
that the Exhibition is to be under the Supervision OF
the United States.
The Commission think that il the Secretary per-
sists in refusing official sanction 20 the Centennial
by falling to open diplomatic correspondence with
other nations the subject. and if Congress takes
no action in the matter. there is danger that the en-
terpTise viii be partial failure. The financial
prospects of the undertaking are somewhat discour-
aging. Very little money has been raised by the
tae OF stock certificates under the act Of Congress.
Of last Winter, the financial crisis seriously inter
ferng with the sales Of stock Ii is estimated that
SoOOOOO viii be required carry out the plans Of
she Commissioners, which is very nearly the amount
spent by the Austrian Government upon the Vienna
EAmDllOn Oi this sum only about S2OOOOOO have
peen raised-ln Pennsylvania, by the action Of the
state Government and of the City Of Pbiladelnbia
and by private subscriptions 1t is already inti
mated that Congress viii be called upon 10 make q
dlTect appropriation 70 supply the deficiency. If
tne commissioners have this intention, they will
probably be wise enough TO delay their appeal until
next winter. when the Treasury will he in better
0OhOltlOu ana the Congressional elections over Bv
Sha' TIME the economic mania will have measnrablv
absted and there will Ice some chance M s.c,rio
the desired and.