Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-05-17
The Opening OF the Centennial.

On Wednesday Of last week, the 10th inst, oc-
CURED the formal opening Of the Centennial Tx
position at Philadelphia. The event served To
bring together an immense concourse OF people
from all sections Of this, and from foreign coun-
tries The day was suspicious in every particu-
lar, and in the words Of Bayard Taylor in the
Tribune, 1T was a superb, wonderful success
No such spectacle has ever before been witnessed
in Thu country-probably none grander in an the
essentials Of expressive show anywhere in the
world since the triumphs Of the Crsars rame TO
an end
In the first place, there was represented the gem
eral government in every department-the Presi-
dent and Cabinet Judges Of the Supreme Court
the Senators, with few exceptions; the House Of
Representatives en- mdsSe the officers Of the army
and navy were there The Diplomatic Corps
came also in full strength. A large number Of
the governors Of the several states (ncluding Gov
Peck, Of this state) filed the places assigned
them on the platform, and the official Representa-
tives of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia turned
out In full force The Emperor and Empress of
Brazil occupied conspicuous positions Many of
the distinguished guests were cheered rs they as
cended the platform Gen. Sheridan, ox-Speaker
Blaine, and Frederick Douglass were among those
thus honored The latter said to friend who
contrasted the condition Of the colored people in
this country with what it was a few years ago,
Yes, it is wonderful change to me; this is not
the same earth and the same sun | used To see d"
There were hardly less than four thousand peo-
pie on the PLATFORM and in the words Of Bayard
Taylor, "A company at once so distinguished and
30 picturesque has never before been seen in this
country They came with an iuegulaiity far
more quaint than any Intentional contrasts could
have been-Spanish and French officers, japanese
in cooked hats, Congressman and Senators in full
dress and the most nonohalant reverse, diplo-
matte uniforms Egyptians Morse, Chinese, ladies
with lifted parasols, soldiers and even broad
brimmed Quakers
The ceremonies began with the performance by
the orchestra, under the lead OF Theodore Thomas.
of the national airs Of different countries conclud-
ing with Hail Columbia" Then came the March.
written for the occasion by the great German
composer Wagner, On the highest musical au-
thority this may be pronounced one Of the grand
est productions Of its celebrated author. Its fame
VIII no doubt be permanent, especially in this
country, where twill be adopted as a national air.
Bishop Simpson then offered most impressive
and appropriate prayer of thanksgiving and sup
plication. lie thanked God for the providence
revealed in the character of the fathers; in the
founding of the republic, and in its wonderful
development and growth; for social and national
prosperity and progress for valuable discoveries
and multiplied inventions; for labor-saving ma
chinery relieving the tong masses for Schools,
free as the morning light, for the rising genera
ton for books and periodicals, scattered like
leaves OF autumn over the land" for art and
science, for freedom to worship God according TO
the dictates Of conscience; for church unfettered
by trmmels Of state" lie besought the Divine
blessing upon those in authority; upon our ma.
tional guests, our visitors from distant lands:
upon the celebration itself, that lis influence
might he to draw the nations of the earth into a
happy unity 50 that war; might forever cease
from among the sons Of men; upon the new con
tury, that il might be better than the past, more
radiant with the light Of true philosophy, warmer
with tho carnations of a worldwide sympathy.
and that 1t might see capital, genius and labor
freed from all antagonlsm by the establishment
and application Of such principles Of justice and
equity as shall reconcile diversified interests and
bind in imperishablc bands all parts Of society.
And finally, he besought the Lord that &" our be-
loved republic may be strengthened In every ele-
ment Of true greatness until her mission il accom-
pliShed by presenting to the world an illustration
OF the happiness of n free people with a free
church in free state, under laws OF their own
enactment, and under rulers Of their own selec-
ton, acknowledging supreme allegiance only to
the King Of kings and Lord Of lords"
Next in order was Whittors Centennial flynn,
as published in our last
Mr.. John Welch. President Of the Centennial
Board Of finance In brief speech, presented tho
buildings to the United States Centennial Com
mission, formally appropratlng them to their sew
eral uses as part Of the grand Exhibition Gen,
ilawley, ON behalf Of the Commission, accepted
the trust
Gen IIawley, in ielicltous address to the Pres