Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-05-09
Reading Matter on Every Page
Average Daily Circulation orer
15,OOO,-being more than three
times that of any other daily
DoDey in Washington.
0ar National Exhtbftfon.

The great Centennial exhibition In Phila-
delphia will be formally opened to the pub
lie with appropriate ceremonies to morrow,
end the indications are that an immense
c-rcourse will be present. The Centennial
authorities have been indefatigable in pre-
pairing for the occasion, and there Is every
reason to believe that the arrangements
made for opening and continuing the exhibit
tion will be as near perfect as possible. The
exhibition, which Is OF course regarded as
prolop ged celebration OF the ne-hundredth
am iversary of the life OF the republic, was
frst suggested In 1869. The suggestion met
with general favor, and during that year
several delegations from the states went 70
Philadelphia TO confer with the Centennial
committee which had already been appoint
ed by the city councils. The movement took
form when Congress In March, 1871, passed
law providing for an International exhibit
ton, the appointment OF Centennial
commission, SC. The International fea-
ture OF the exhibition was opposed by
many members OF Congress, and by
none more earnestly than Senator Sum-
ner, who urged that the exhibition should be
distinctively American, since its main OBJ
ject was the celebration of a great national
anniversary in which the monarchical gov
ernments of Europe had 10 sympathy and
should have no part. The last speech of his
public life, delivered In the United States
Senate, was an earnest protest against this
feature Of the bill. In 1872 Congress created
by law Centennial board OF finance, with
authority to raise subscriptions to the
amount Of $40 900 900, in shares of not more
than go each, for the purpose OF erecting
suitable buildings Pennsylvania, through
her legislature, contributed 81 900 900, and
he city of Philadelphia $500 900. Since then
NAw.NN -
northern and western states have been made
In aid OF the project, and the present Con-
gress appropriated 81 500 900 for the same
purpose.
II Is not matter for congratulation that
while the exhibits of foreign nations are
comparatively complete and quite in readi-
Z ess for inspection, the representation Of the
United States Ia behind hand. Foreign ma
lions took time by the forelock in the mat
ter, but many American exhibitors delayed
until the last moment before placing their
goods in the buildings. 1t is to be regretted
that the exhibition OF the interesting mate
rial Of the different executive departments
Of the government must necessarily be re-
stricted because OF the failure OF Congress to
grant the appropriation asked for In aid of
this representation. AS IL is, however, this
feature Of the exhibition will doubtless be an
interesting one to visitors.
The closing of the Exhibition grounds and
Buildings on Sundays Is meeting with gen.
eral protest. The Philadelphia Tines be-
lieves that the action OF the authorities will
be reconsidered, and urges not only that the
grounds and buildings be thrown open on
Sundays, but that the admission be free on
such days. This, ii thinks, involves no ab-
rogation OF the Christian Sabbath, while ii
would deal generous justice to the poorer
classes, who can spare neither a secular day
from labor, nor the necessary expense of ad-
mission for themselves and families. The
Press suggests that the grounds be opened
free Of charge on Sundays, and also the Art
Gallery and Horticultural Hail.
1t low remains to be seen whether the
people Of the Centennial city will fulfil
their promises in regard to moderate charges
for the accommodation Of visitors, or whether
they viii allow the latter to be made the
victims of the landlords and landladies. The
latter classes have an excellent opportunity
to make plenty Of money during the great
show by charging moderately for their &C
commodations, and 1t is to be hoped they will
zee the improperly Of practising an extortion
which will not only reflect on the good name
Of their city but keep away visitors, and In
the erd operate to their disadvantage Pecu-
niarily.