New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-08-26
THE CENTENNTAL EXHIBITION.

UNpIrAsANT FACTS THAT OUGHT TO BE KNOWN
SNAIL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR SPACE IN
THE AMERICAN DEPARIMENT-LACK OF EARNEST
EFFORT To SECURE A FULL REPRESENTATION OF
AMERICAN ART.
Iron TIE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUSE.l
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21.-There are few
unpleasant ruths about the Centennial that ought to he
known it is late to remedy the defects
they reveal The fact is that there are not half as many
applications for space in the American Department as
there should Up this time the total number of a
phcatons has not reached $500 In the Paris EXPOSE
ton Of s67 there were nearly 10000 French exhibitors
Allowance being made for the difference between the
compact way in which Frenchmen display their wares
and the expansive style OF Americans, ana
also for the greater subdivision of manufactures
in France. which results in single establishments pro-
ducing a smaller variety of articles than is the rule here
there should still he at least 1000 applicants on the
American list to give assurance Of an exhibition
thoroughly crcditabe to TINS country. Every mali
brings accessOns TO these sls' IL Is ue' pu
they do not come half fast enough. Several states ana
Territories are yet wholly unrepesented ana there
are others that give promise OF making anything
approaching satisfactory exhibit of their industries ana
natural products No doubt there will be great rush of
applicants as soon day is fixed for closing the
books but that day cannot be much longer
postponed. In justice TO those who have already
filed applications the allotment of space must soon take
Mace to give time designing and making showcases
and for the preparation of the articles to be exhibited
Now applcants do not know whether they will be adj
ntted or not and if they have doubts on this score
they cannot tell much space will be assigned to
them and can therefore take steps To get their wares
ready All that been done thus far with American
applications has lie them and give Information
OF their receipt.
The lack OF any earnest effort to secure full repre-
sentation of American art gives ground for
The apprehension that the United States will not
do well in competition with other nations in
one of the principal departments Of the exhibition. The
Centennial authorities appear have the idea that cob
lection of paintings and statuary like of sewinSIna
chimes or patent chufns, will "get itself together
without trouble their part, and they have conse
queny given very little consideration to the profers OF
aid from committees and associations of artists very
different policy be pursued, or the beautiful
Art Hall will only to make the world think the
United states is nation without art and therefore lacks
the crown Of civilization Some competent person, with
enthusiasm for the work. ought to be commissioned 10
devote two three months to visiting the studios of art
lists and the galleries OF private collectors TO awaken in
terest and secure the best work Of every American
painter and collector.
Otherwise the exhibition is moving along in way that
"a highly gratifying. The buildings will he ready two
months before they will DO needed and the preparation
Of grounds the erection OF bridges the con
stcton special works, the opening OF street
approaches &c keeping with the more serious
work of completing the principal ediices