The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1875-12-20
Distinguished Visitors al the
Centennial Grounds,

PHILADELPHIA, December lS,-This
morning the guests Of the Centennial
Commission lett the Continental Hotel
for Fairmount Park. At Eighteenth and
Walnut streets President Grant Joined
the company, which arrived on the Cen
tennial grounds about 1l;SO. After a
drive OF over an hour the party entered
the Horticultural Hall, which was taste
fully decorated, Secretary Chandler es-
corting the President and G. w. Childs
Mrs. Grant. Secretaries Bristow and
Robeson followed. The beautiful hall
being inspected, the company entered the
BanQuettlng Hall, and, after prayer by
Bishop Simpson, partook Of delightful
dinner, made more enjoyable by the
music Of a fine orchestra, John Q, Bul-
lett presided, The report Of Mr., Bullett
explained the Dimensions Of the Centen-
niRl buildings. He said they would
cover more ground than those Of any ex-
hibition Of modern times. Already more
than One-half Of the space has been taken
by foreign governments, Speaking Of
the cost, he said il would DO $6,724,S60,
What Was needed 10 complete the work
was $l,537l40. The speaker urged on
tho representatives Of the Government
TO consider the Importance Of the exhibi-
ton and to afford the means necessary to
finish the work. Whatever prestige may
result from It's success will inurO 10 tho
credit OF the entire country,
ToAsTs IN HONOR OF THE OCCASION.
To the toast, "the President Of the
United States", President Grant bowed
his acknowledgements, Chief Justice
Waite responded 10 the toast, "the Sup
RENE Court Of United States" and thank
ed the people Of Philadelphia for their
handsome reception and trusted tho great
event would prove success. "The Sem
ate Of the United States" was responded
to by Senator Morton, who said that
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania had done
all they could, and he believed that the
other States would come forward. II the
exposition was Carried out and he had no
doubt but that II would be-, the generation
yet to come would cherish our memories
a. we do those Of our ancestors, Of one
hundred years ago. Hon. Hancock, OF
Texas, responded to the toast, "the House
OF Representatives." he said the differ
enCe Of opinion between the two sections
had passed away In great desire to help
the patriotic monument which would
take place next year. lie expressed his
astonishment at the great progress which
had been made on the buildings.
G. Bedle, Of N. j., responded to the toast,
"The governments Of the several States;"
he said the Government was right In
leaving the people To do the work at first,
but now 1t was time for Congress to take
part In the great Exposition. "Agricul-
ture, the basis OF the prosperity Of The
nation" was responded to by Hon. G,
Henry Harrison, Of Illinois, and he spoke
frequently in favor Of the great Exposi.
tion. Commerce, the handmade Of all
other industries In exchanging Commodi.
ties among our own people and with for
eign nations" was responded 10 by James
g. Blaine, who made a witty address,
closing with complimentary remarks 10
Pennsylvania, and what she had done
during the century now drawing 10 an
end. Coy. ITawley, Geo. Bancroft and
John Welsh made brief addresses, and
the reception was brought to u close.
In the evening Horticultural Hall was
illuminated. Most OF The gentlemen
from Washington returned in the even
Ing train. The President, however, with
other distinguished officials, remained
for the reception Of the Saturday night
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