The Portland daily press., 1874-01-17
M. G., M. A, Lecture.

The eighth lecture of the NJ. c. NJ. A. course
was delivered last evening by G. P. Kimball,
esq. The subject of his lecture the Declare
tson of Independence and the Centennial Expo
tion The hall of the Association was packed
by the people anxious to hear of the great ma
tional celebration to be holden in Philadelphia
in 1876. The listeners were evidently very
much pleased with the lecture, and were gener-
GUS in their applause.
Mir. Kimball began by giving graphic ac
count of the events which preceded and led up
to the Declaration of Independence, and of tina
chief events CT the war of the Revolution. The
fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration was al
luded to as solemnly marked by the deaths of
two of the founders, Adams and Jefferson.
The lecturer then took up the subject of the
contemplated National Centennial Exposition
at Philadelphia in 1876. The first practical
suggestion in regard to such cOmmemoration
was made by Mr.. Bigelow in letter to the
New York Tribune. published in 1869. Then.
the matter was taken up by the Franklin In
stitute of Philadelphia, and finally the Centen-
NAL Commission was authorized by Congress.
This commission has held four sessions since
its organization. Fairmount Park, than which
better place could not be selected, will be the
site of the exposition buildings; nearly 60 acres
of land will be required. The Exposition, if
carried out as suggested, will be the grandest
event of its kind ever known, for it will repre-
sent the arts, manufactures and products of our
rapidly growing country, but a century old.
To render success sure land failure would be
national disgrace) each State mnst be<horough-
ly represented in the Exposition. State Boards
have been appointed with this end in view. In
New York Governor Dix recommends an ap-
preparation ofS7OOO or 5000 year for clerk-hire,
&C., which will greatly increase the efficiency
of the Board. Many other Governors have
done the same. 1t becomes Maine to wake up
to the occasion and the opportunity, and to
take her part in the organized symbol of the
| dignity of labor. AS nation we are committed
| to the Exposition and other nations will make
| it the measure of our success, power, resources
and character. Maine will. have her proper
place assigned her, and it should be filled with
| the products of her soil, her mines and her
manufactures. With the citizens of the State
rests the responsibility of an adequate repre-
| sentation. tste
A report of the lecture has not been attempt
ed, it being the purpose only to give its general
| drift 1t was strong appeal to the citizens of
Maine to take hold and do their part toward
making the Exposition success. II is lect-
ure which ought to oe delivered in every city in
Maine The audience last evening received it
with much favor, and were alike delighted with
its substance and with Mr. Kimballs felici
tous way of putting it. .
Mr. Kimball has received a number of invi
tations to deliver the lecture in various parts
of the State. As one of the Comm ssioners of
the Exposition, he is ready to placs the subject
before the people, and will deliver the lecture
when requested ON payment of his necessary
expenses only. -.ar-