New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-20
PHILADELPHIA'S GUESTS.
THE FAIR OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED. r.

COMPANY oP 800 IN A QUAINT BANQUET ROOM
FLOWERS AND OvERCoATS--u0w- THE TOAST TO
THE PRESIDENT WAS RECEIvRD-MR. BLAINE
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES FACTS AND FIGURES.
lFRos THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE.l
PHIL,DFLPHA, Dec. 19.-The army Of national
officials and Legislators who came here from Wash
ngton on Friday evening as the guests of the mcr-
chants Of the city, shown the Exhibition build
ings and grounds yesterday, and entertained in su-
perb style at banquet in Horticultural Hail.
Never before has the quietod Quaker metropolis had
80 many distinguished visitors within her borders
at one time. Her hospitality was than equal to
the OCCASION Every of the four hundred and
odd persons who accepted the invitation of the cit
zens' committee was comfortably lodged provided
with everything he could desire in the way of food
and drink, shown the sights he came to see and
or will be transported back to his home without hay
Ing had occasion to put his hand on his purse. BY
thoughtful courtesy during the visit 10 the Park a
member of the committee accompanied each carriage
To play the part of host and explain the objects of in
tcrest. The city wore holiday look, and the dis
play of flags and streamers was expressive, though
inadequate, Of the rejoicing Of the people They
took TIC visit OF Congress and the President RI a
certain sign that the National Government had at
last been reused to conviction that il has duty
10 perform in connection with the Centennial,
aud that the credit and best interests of the whole
country demand that the complete success OF
the Worlds Fair Of 1876 should be promptly aid
fully assured. An enterprise which Philadelphlans
have near at heart, and for which they have made
extraordinary Efforts had at last received national
recognition OF the most marked character. The
President the Cabinet, the Supreme Court aud both
Houses Of Congress had left the capital in body
for the first time in the history of the Government,
nd al tn QiV hair or anbp ut.Da meat IN
the undertaking. No wonder that Philadelphia was
oyerjoyed.
At half-past nine in the neutrality-suspicious. bright,
but cold as 4 cutting Arctic wind could make it
the guests assembled at the Continental Hotel, and
the operation of assigning them to carriages dis
patched as rapidly as was possible with so large u
crowd. There were 200 vehicles IN line when
the procession formed. At about eleven the head
of the long line reached the east portal OF the main
Exhibition building. The inspection of this and
the other principal buildings occupied the
lime of the party until half-past twelve,
when the carriages were again taken for
drive Ia Georges Hill, from which elevation there
is a striking view of the score of structures Of all
sizes, from the quaint cottages OF the English Com
ission the huge bulk OF the two front halls that
occupy the plateau below.
Returning TO Horticultural Hall, the guests and
building is a large conservatory covering an acre
and nalf, of ground It's graceful Moorish
architecture, the Oriental richness and warmth
of color in los decoration, the profusion of
floral ornaments Oh the tables, and the masses OF
foliage and bloom ia the lo;-houses separated from
the banqHeting hail by glass partitions, made the
place ike bit of the tropics. For the fresl-
dent, the Supreme Court Judges, tine Cabinet Min
istcrs, and few Others of the most distinguished
guests a table placed upon "a high plat
form at tine side of tho room. The other
tables, thirteen in number, stood at right
angles 20 this high Official board, that
those seated at them coulL look upon the head of
the nation without much danger OF disocating their
necks. Or the dinner, it may be said that it was
better than the bill OF fare, which was printed in
the most shockingly bad French. The service was
deficient, but that b. be expected with 500 pc0-
pie to he served; the wine good, and the dishes
more Chan fulfilled the promise OF their mangled
French names. As the kitchens Of Mr..
proskaner, the rcstaurateur, were half a
mile away, hot dishes were naturally scarce.
The hall seemed comfortably warm at first, in con-
trAst to the billing outside, but after sitting an
hour or at table, people began to draw on their
oyercOats The President put on Lis lat, and most
OF the guests followed his prudent example. The
few ladies present there oug either to have been
more OF none 81 all resumed their clOaks and furs.
Til, reaf;er tie affair had a euTIously incongruOus
look. There were the flowers and decorations OF Il
grand banquet but instead Of guests full toilet,
the company looked like many travellers at a raii-
way restaurant.
Joan G. Bullitt presided, aud delivered an inter-
esting address the magnitude, cost and condition
of tine Exhibition enterprise. Comparing the work
witn the great Worlds Fairs which have preceded IT.,
me read the following statement: