The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-10-21
CENTENNIAL.
ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE.
COMPLETE STATEMENT OF FACTS.

COMPLETE STATEMENT OF FACTS.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE MOVEMENT
INDIANA's INTEREST In THE ENTERPRISE
METHODS OF oPERATIoN-FULL LISTS OF
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES.
To the People OF Indiana:
In the year 1856 citizen Of Indiana, Prof.
Jno. L. Campbell, since honored in the ap-
pointment as secretary Of the Centennial
Commission, suggested through the public
press that the approaching Tooth anniversary
of the American independence should be
celebrated by an international exhibition, at
which the United States should exhibit the
progress of century, and compare results
in the realms OF art, science, education, in =
vention, manufactures, agriculture and
natural resources with the older nations
of the earth. The suggestion was endorsed
heartily by the Indiana press, in common
with that of the entire country, and in 1871
the public sentiment crystaliZed in an act of
congress authorizing such an exposition. A
commission to be known as the United
States Centennial Commission was appointed
under this act composed of one commits
sioner and an alternate from each
state. This commission met at Phil
adelphia, and at the session of 1S72-73
they presented their report to congress, rec
ommsnding the appointment OF a Board OF
Finance, the same To be incorporated with
authority to issue one million shares OF
stock, each OF the par value of ten dollars, to
provide the required capital for the conduct
of the exhibition. Tue report was accepted
and adopted. For obvious reasons the sale
of this stock so far in advance OF the holding
OF the exhibition was a tedious process,
yielding unsatisfactory results. With
commendable Iiberality and public spirit,
the city of Philadelphia and the state of
ylxo nfQ Gfa To w
state, city aud individual appropriations
and contributions, amounting TO nearly
one-half the entire sum required for the
construction of the buildings, etc. The
contracts were made in due time, and the
buildings are already approaching compile
ton and will be ready by the agreed date.
The president, by authority OF congress,
extended an invitation to the
NATIONS OF THE EARTH
TO participate in this our Centennial Jubilee,
and, with three exceptions, all have accepted
the invitations. Their preparations, now
complete, are on the most magnificent scale
yond the capacity of the enormous buildings
constructed that several of them are srrsng-
ing to erect additional buildings
for their oWa accommodation. 1t
will be seen, therefore, that the exhibition
are now presented to our citizens with pc
culisr force. How shall the State OF In
diana be repressntod at this great worlds
exhibition? VIII she permit this, her great
opportunity To present her wonderful re-
sources to the attention of the world, to
pass unheeded in whole or in part? And
further, will she permit other states to bear
the burden OF expenditure alone in behalf
of this great enterprise, which originated
within her borders? THESE are important
questions and demand immediate
Spouse from ths people OF this state.
Our legislature has appropriated the sum OF
$4,000, an amount altogether inadequate 70
the requirements OF the occasion, for state
display, and whatever Is provided beyond
this must depend upon individual aud COM
munity effort on the part of the people
themselves. IL may be stated here that
something mas already been done toward Sc
curing an expression of public opinion. In
accordance with the act OF congress a state
board of managers, composed of five mem
bers, was appointed by the governor
of the state. This commission considering
itself too limited in number TO be- fairly
representative tor the state, has made the
appointments OF larger committee TO be
known as the
STATE CENTENNIAL FINANCE COMMITTEE
and composed of two members from each
OF the thirteen congressional districts and
chosen as gentlemen of recognized integrity
and of high standing in their respective
communities, and to them is confided the
control of all moneys which may be raised
for state purposes in any manner, and all
parties throughout the state who have col
lected or may collect such moneys, ara re-.
quested to- remit the same immedi-
a ely to the treasurer, j. NJ. Riden
our, 81 Indianapolis, who will re-
turn 2 receipt therefor. They will
and are especially held responsible that not
n penny Contributed by the people OF the
state shall oe misapphed Their personal
services are wholly gratuitous, no member
or officer receiving one dollar OF compeusa-
ton for the performance OF the duties
signed. The said finance committee met AZ
Indianapolis on the 29th and Both of Sep
TENDER, and organized, by the election
OF Lieut.. Gov. L. Sexton, OF Nashville,
as president, John ID. Thayer, OF
Wa saw, aud Samuel II. Taylor,
of Washington, vice presidents, and j. nj.
Ridenour, of Indianapolis. treasurer. BY
authority from the committee the president
appointed @. 5. Denny, of indianapolis,
secretary. After a careful canvass OF the
subject the committee decided that in adj
dition to the legislative appropriation a sum
not less than $25 900 would be- required to
make q creditabie display of the educational
and material advantages aud re-
sources of the state. They would
suggest that this money be raised
by system of pu olic entertainments, school
exhibitions, etc., whereby each individual In
the community may be permitted to con-
| tribute his or her mite, at the same time re-
ceiving profit aud pleasure. Such course,
TOO, will serve to inform the people, es-
pecially the youth of the state, in reference