The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-05-17

honor the memories of those who brought
our nation into being. This commemoration
OF the events of 1776 exeites our present
gratitude. The semblage here to-day of
so many foreign representations uniting
with us on this reverential tribute Is our
reward. We congratulate you on the oc-
currences of this day. Many of
the nations have gathered here in
peaceful competition. Each may
profit by the association. This
exhibition is but school; the more thor
oughly its lessons are learned the greater
will be the gain, aud when It shall have
closed, If by that study the nations en-
gagged in il shall have learned respect FOR
each other, then 1t may be hoped that
veneration for Him who rules on high
will become universal, and the angels
song once more Zoe heard, "Glofy to God
in the highest sld on earth peace, good
will towards men,"
Next followed the singing of Sidney
Lanier5s cauteta by g full chorus, accom-
panied by tbe'orchestrs. The applause of
the vast crowd was enthusiastic, and por-
tions of the music were enc0red, especially
the basso solo sung by Mr.. ". M. Whit
ney, of Boston. The presentation of the
exhibition to the president OF the United
States by Joseph J. Hswley. president OF
the Centennial commission, was then
made. The following is full report Of
PRESIDENT HAwLEY'S SPEECH.
Mr.. PRESIDENT: Five years ago the
president of the United States declared it
fitting that the completion of the first
century of our national existence should
be commemorated by an exhibition of the
natural resources OF the country and their
development, and of its progress in the
arts which benefit mankind, and he ordered
that an exhibition of American and TOR
eign arts, products and manu-
fsctures should be held under the
auspices of the government of the
United States in this city OF
Philadelphia in the year 1876. To put into
effect the several laws relating to the ex-
hibition the United States Centennial Com
mission was consequently composed of
two commissioners from each state and
territory nominated by their respective
governors and appointed by the presi
dent. Congress also created our auxil-
larry and associate corporation, the Cen
tennisl board of finance, whose unexpect-
eddy heavy burden has been nobly borne.
The remarkable aud prolonged disturb
spce of the finances and industries of the
country has greatly msgni6ed the task,
but we hope for q favorable Judgment OF
the degree of success we have at aimed
On July A, 1878, this ground was dedicated
to its present use. Twenty-one months
ago this Memorial Hall was begun. All
the other one hundred aud eighty
buildings within the enclosure have been
erected within the past twelve months.
All the buildings embraced in the plans
of the commissioners are finished. The
demands of applicants have exceeded our
space, Strenuous and continuous etf1Its
have been made to get every exhibit ready
in time. By general consent the exhibit
ton is appropriately located in the City
of Brotherly Love. Under, almost
within your view, stands the venereted
edifce wherein occurred the event
this work is designed to commemorate
and the hall in which the first Continental
Congress assembled. Within the present
limits of this great park were the homes
of the eminent patriots of that era where
Washington and his associates received
generous hospitality and able counsel.
You have observed
THE SURPRISING BEAUTY OF THE SITUATION
placed at our disposal. In harmony with
all this fitness is the liberal import given
the enterprise by the state, the city and
the people individually. In the name of
the United States you extended e
respectful and cordial invitation to
other governments and other ma
tons to be represented and 10 par
ticipste in this exhibition. You know
the generous and acceptably manner in
which they have responded from even the
most distant regions. Their commission
ers are here. and you will soon see with
what energy and brilliancy they have en-
tered upon this friendl y competition in I'll 9
arts OF peace. 1t has been the fervent hope
of the commission that during this festi
val year the people from all states and
sections, of all creeds and churches, all par
ties and classes, burying all resentmeDts,
would come up together to this birthplace
of our liberties to study the evidence of
our resources; to measure the progress of
an hundred years, and to examine, to our
profit, the wonderful products or other
lands, but especially 70 join hands in per-
feet fraternity, and promise the God OF our
fathers that the new century shall surpsss
the old in the true glories of civilization;
and, furthermore, that from the association
here of welcome visitors from all nations
there may result not alone great benefits
to invention, manufactures, agriculture,
trade and commerce, but also stronger in
ternational friendships and more lasting
peace. Thus reporting to you, Mr.. Presi-
dent, under the laws OF government and
usage of similar occasions, in the maine of
the United States Centennial Commission,
present To your view the International
Exhibition or 1876.
When President Grant rose to respond,
he was greeGed with enthusiastic and long
continued applause, followed by three
cheers and a tiger, led by General
Hswley. President Grant then read his
response to the presentation address as
follows:
- PRESIDENT GRANTS SPEECH.
My countrymen, it has been thought
appropriate upon this Centennial occasion
to bring together in Philadelphia, for pop
ulsr inspection, specimens OF our attain
ments in the industrial and fine arts, and
in literature, science and philosophy, as
we'll as in the great business of agriculture
and of commerce, that we may the more
thoroughly appreciate the excellencies and
deficiencies OF our achievements. and also
TO give more emphatic expression to our
earnest desire to cultivate the friendship
of our fellow members of this great family
of nations. The enlightened agricultural,
commercial and manufacturing peo-