New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-10-02

| our Centennial il the world is invited to it
in good faith as a National Governmental Celebra-
ton Because Russia refused with emphasis our
urgent request that she would send representatives.
to private corporation whose pretenses to nation
atty we distinctly dsavowed, it does not follow
that Russia would still declne-presuming the
cOrdiality of our relations To be undimin-
ished-to honor with imperial magniicence
national celebration under commission
representing the Government of the Republic.
Because Italy has suggested want of funds az her
apology for declining 10 assist az what she also mas
probably been assured was only private corporation,
it does not follow that she would refuse TO come to
national festival of the American Republic. The time
is scarcely past since the fate of this nation of
historic people" as Dr. Lieber called hem aroused in
New-York an interest bordering on enthusiasm at
the completion of national unity throughout Italy,
and King Victor Emanuel telegraphed his thanks.
VIII that Government now hesitate for a few
thousands of livres to LET the land of Columbus be
represented Mt our Centennial; to let the American
people greet on their own soil the countrymen OF
Virgil and Cicero and Dante and Michael Angelo; in
our own day of Cavour; OF will it deprive them of
the opportunity Of marking with wonder and admi-
ration the treasures of art and beauty which lent 50
much of spendOr 10 the Prater, and which would re-
call to them the familiar names of Genoa and Flor
ence, Bologna and Venice, of Rome and Naples
Would Greece with its rccOectiOns of American
sympathy and the inspiration of its classic mem-
cries fail TO follow the example of Italy III with
drawing her refusal' or would Nassr-ed-Din, the
Shah OF Persia. Who in the reception of diplomats
at Vienna, recalled the name of Washington and
spoke cordially of Cen Grant, and who has returned
home with new ideas gathered in the European cap
itals-would he refuse to let the oldest kingdom in
the world appear az the Centennial Of our young
Repubc9 The country has not yet been advised
how the Shah was asked whether by an agent of our
own, or through one OF his ambassador ut London
or Paris, nor what was his answer 10 our invitation.
The Centennial Commission. from their knowledge
of the intelligence and culture of our people
throughout every state and Territory OF the Union,
can easily appreciate the depth of their dsappOmt-
mcn IL I'm the gathering of the nations AT Pliadel-
phia the three remaining Powers which represent the
classic memories OF the past and the ancient story Of
Oriental romance shall all be absent. The practical
life imposed up0n orr cOuntrymen by the task OF
subduing a continent has not eXtlngulshed those
traits of the Imagination which invest with tascna-
ton the past and the distant, and attach an interest
Of which they are themselves hardly conscious to
the memories of their schO0l-boy studies, when
those memories revived in later years separated
az is our Western life from that of the Orient,
the absence of Persia would be more Iegiettable at
Philadelphia than 1t would have bern at lrhna'
The Persian Department would recall 70 the Amer
can the Kings OF Persia mentioned by Ezekiel ana
/ Daniel. the Empire founded by Cyrus in the dim
dawn OF history; AefNcS anu the expedition d-i4Ilao
Greece with 100000 men and LOO ships as
told by HerodOus: the defeat az salamis Keno
phon and the retreat OF the Ten Thousand; and the
I overthrow of the Emuire by Alexander. Other meH-
cries come with IT, later subsection 10 the Arabs and
id adoption of their religion and literature OF tho
golden days of the Calls and the Arabian Nights
vague and misty perhaps but sufficient 70 give a
real interest in seeing the representation ana the
productions of those lands that seem SCI ancient and
So remote. and IN hearing spoken on our own SOL the
tongues of Italy, Greece, and Persia. JOHN JAY
NelCyort, i. J., Aug. ~, 1870.