New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-01-17
The CENTENNIAL,

| y
|
The CENTENNIAL.
On every hand there are evidences O.
elaborate preparation for the celebration
OF the one hundredth anniversary of oul
national existence. which is to transpire
a little more than year hence. Phila.
delphia, with its historic associations con.
| nected with the beginning of our national
life. is to be the Mecca of all who desire
to unite in the proper commemoration OF
such notable period in the history OF
our country.
Preparations on magnificent scale are
being made by the people of that city for
the expected visitation of the hundreds
Of thousands who it is anticipated will
come to visit and witness nation cele.
brate its centennial. In 1871, through
the action Of the American Institute. of
New York, in connection with the Frank.
lin Institute. the council of PHILADELPHIA
and the Legislature Of Pennsylvania, the
subject was brought to the attention Of
Congress. By that body it was decided
that the movement for this celebration was
proper one and commended to the peo-
pie of this Union with its appreciation of
the place where it was proposed to be held.
No direct appropriation was made for the
carrying OFT Of this great patriotic measure.
but it was suggested that the management
OF this celebration should be intrusted to
commissioners, 20 be chosea f:ons tie
several States and Territories, and pro.
yided that the leading features of the
ceremonies should be a national ard in.
ternational exhibition O: arts. 1aanufac.
lures and thu products Of the soil and
mine. ito te conducted Under the aus.
pieces OF tie government o: :hs United
States"
With the characteristic patriotism. of
the people o: tn. city where this centen-
mia! is to &c held. there was presented
to the commissioners appointed 70
take charge Of this great work a
deed Of four hundred and fifty acres of
ground in Paramount Park for the uses
andpurposes of The Centennial Exhibition.
Toward the expenses COR the erection Of
building upon the proposed site
the city Of Philadelphia and the State Of
Pennsylvania have appropriated the sum
Of S1.5O0.00o. 4 centennial board of
finance was created by Congress. clothed
with the right to raise capital not to ex-
iced $50. 100000. in shares Of $40 each,
he proceeds to be used in the erection of
suitable buildings. with their appropriate
ixtnres and appurtenances. for the carry.
ag out Of the objects Of this great exhibit !
ion and celebration. 4 large amount Of |
his stock has been subscribed. and the |
work of building and preparation is rap. !
dly progressing. The main exhibition |
building will cover the space of about !
wenty acres. and is to be constructed |
mainly of iron and glass, the material for
Which is being produced at the mills and
actories principally in the State Of Penu-
ylvania. An art gallery. covering . space
t about one acre and three-cuarters. the
Material Of which is to be brick. granite.
ON and glass. and will be perfectly fire.
roof Attached to the main building are
ne machinery hall. covering abou. twelve
cres; agricultural department Of about
x acres. and conservatory of about two
nd half acres. all of which will be I'm.
er contract by the first Of January, 1875. !
he funds for the machinery hall and con-
srvatory are furnished by the city of
l.
Invitations have been extended by this
oyernment. through the President, to all |
yilized foreign nations to unite with our |
eople in this exhibition, which. it is be. ,
aved. will be grander in the display Of ,
'etul machinery, manufactures and natu.
! productions than any thing Of the kind {
'er before witnessed. Il
The indications are tina. all these civil ,
ed nations, to whom invitations have ,
zen sent, will cordially accept. It is $
lown that the following have SO done. I
be German Empire, France. England, I
'ain, Sweden and Norway, switzer- {
nd, Canada. Australia. New Zea- {
nd. Tasmania. Austria, Belgium. the b
Peru, Brazil, Chill. s
Ecuador. Mexico, Qua. '
mala, United States of Colon .,
4. Nicaragua. Salvador. Honduras. -
1yti, Siberia, Sandwich Islands, Japan =
d China will be present through prop. a,
y accredited commissioners. bringing 6,
tn them from their several countries b
oper objects of exhibition suited to the II
Eat occasion. =,
This exhibition will afford an oppor- g,
1ity for the several nations uniting in it ~
display their progress in the civil arts, n,