Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1875-04-24
2DSTOWN COUNTY, SATURDAY APRIL a. 1875
lied and the purposes TO which they

are applied
Whilst all the States are interested
in being properly represented in their
products at the sCentennial" none are
more so than West Virginia for, as
those departments of the Exhibition
which will contain displays of the min
erals, woods and other natural products
from different parts of our country, will
be critically examined by all who may
be concerned in the problems of immi-
grafton and the investment of capital
our own State surely cannot afford to
neglect such an opportunity to make
known to the world the extent and va
riety Of those unwrought resources with
which she is so richly endowed and
upon the development OF which her
prosperity depends.
International Exhibitions being now
SO universally recognized by the common
sense OF the 10th century as among the
most effective means for promoting the
substantial interests OF those countries
where they are held, that it was conf
dently expected some provision for a
suitable display of the States resources
and industries at the approaching Ex-
hibitiou would have been made by our
last Legislature. The Governor brought
the subject to the attention of its mem
bers in his annual message and, subse-
quently, in special communication;
but no definite action was had by them
in regard to it; and you are aware that
the time and attention of the present
Legislature was too much engrossed, at
its recent session, by other and more
exciting matters to admit of its consid-
Grafton. Of course it will not do to
wait, with folded hands, for the re-as-
sembling of the Legislature in Novem-
ber next and then incur the risk of an
other disappointment.
So, in this emergency, the uudersign
ed, United States Centennial Commissi-
oners for West Virginia, appreciating
the responsibilities which rest upon
them and feeling that failure on the
part of our State, to secure proper
representation of its natural and artitici-
al productions in time for the Exhibit
ton, will be source of lasting mortii
cation and regret to every intelligent
well-wisher Of West Virginia, most res
pecttully and earnestly appeal to you,
our fellow citizens throughout the
State, to give US the benefit of your
counsel and cooperation. We have
done and will continue todo everything
in our power TO meet the requirements
of the onerous duties we have assumed,
but it must be apparent to you all that
our individual efforts connot accomplish
what Is essential to be done without
the active aid of our fellow citizens.
Therefore, We take the liberty of sug-
gesting that meetings be held in June
next Zone in each Congressional Dis
trict of the State, at Charleston, Wheel
ing and Martinsburg) for the purpose
of carrying into effect the subjoined
plan for estate Organizations" and to
adopt such other measures as may be
deemed necessary to insure a suitable
representation of the material interests
of West Virginia at the Centennial Ex-
hibition.
Trusting that this suggestion will be
favorably received by the Press and
People of our State, and that the pro-
posed meetings will fully reflect the
wishes Of all who desire to promote its
interests, We are,
Most Respectfully, &c.
ALEXANDER II. BOTELER,
ANDREW J. SWEENEY,
Commissioners, sc.
April 20, 1875.