The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1876-05-10
International Expositions.

This tenth day Of May our Centennial
year witnesses the opening of the great
International Exposition. The Presi-
dent OF the United States pronounces the
opening address, surrounded by his
Cabinet and the Congress. 1t is an oc-
casion we'll worthy of the attendance of
the highest Of human dignitaries.
International Industrial Expositions
are of but recent date. Fairs have been
instituted in India, in Mexico, and in
Asiatic Russia, and continued from time
immemorial. But these were instituted
more as o means for commercial ex-
change, than as an arrangement for the
exchange OF ideas, by exhibiting the
more excellent specimens of human in
vention and handiwork. The great an
nual fairs of Agra in the south and of
Novogorod in the north Of Asia are still
visited by hundreds of thousands OF
merchants seeking to buy and sell and
get gain. But our modern Industrial
Expositions are nstitated for quite am
other purpose, and are conducted on en-.
tirely different principles. 1t is no
mercenary motive that prompts one ma
tion to make itself host and spread an
entertainment to which 1T invites all
other natfUrse of the earth to become its
guests. .
The first of these International Expo
sitions was held In Paris in 1884, The
Idea had gradually grown out of the
great exposition of French art and
skilled industry held in 179S; and again
In 1902, under the Consulate of Napo
leon. These merely national fairs are
Btin held In France; and in 1S49, the
grandest of all preceding it was held
But this idea had become ampliied 81
thatin 1874 France made her exposition
International, and invited competitiv,
exhibitions from other nations.
From this Initiative step sprang thu
Idea Of the "W orid's Fair" Held at Lon
don in 1851. England, like France, hac
long had her own national and loca
fairs, both for exhibition and CONNER
cial exchange. But she was stimulated
by the example of France in 1914 to in
Btitute the International Exposition
known as the "World,s Fair' of 1861
Its enlarged character was well set fortl
by Prince Albert, the consort of th'
Queen, then in life, in the public an
nouncement that it was 'snot merely
national, in its scope and bene
fts, but comprehensive of the whol'
worId.' A Royal Commission was ap.
pointed to superintend the scheme, anc
the Queen herself donated $1,000 70 iti
purposes. a. building was constructed
known as the "Crystal Palace" bull
entirely Of iron and glass except tn
Joists and floors. 1t was situated il
Hyde Park, and comprised an area 0
nineteen acres. Its cost was SSS0, 900
This Exposition was opened by thu
Queen in person, on the 1st OF May, 1851
and continued tin the 11th OF October
following. ai. II,
This "Wor]d's Fair had 1900 exhib
Itors. The total number of visitors re
ceived during the five months Of Its con
tinuance was 6.170,0OO; an average o
$500 daily; and the greatest numbe
near its close, on October 7, when n,
less than 1O9915 visited the Exposition
The total cost Of this great Internationa
Exposition was $1,e5o,oo0; tile total re
ceipts amounted to $3.50, 900. 1t was 8
financial success. This "Crystal Pal
aceo was sold to private company, re,
moved and re-erected at sydenham OF
an enlarged plan. n f y
The next Of these international Expo
sitions was held in this country, in 1853
mt New York. 1t originated with pri
Tate company, but assumed national
proportions. Itwas opened July IA, b.
Gepefal PIERCE, then President of thu
United States. 1t continued 1l9 days
having 4,SOo exhibitors, over one-hal
pf whom were foreigners. 1t was con
BeqnentIy not very creditable to ou
own country The amount expende,
was $4,000, aud the receipts amouute,
TO but $4,000, leaving q deficiency o
100000 TOR the company to pocket
The buildings erected for this Expos