The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-05-24

Now, even the least sanguine of Phila-
delphians had expected and predicted
much larger attendance than this. Yet
the average for the FIRST week gains much
by the extraordinary attractions of the
opening day, and, doubtless. exceeds the
figures of the weeks TO come.
Leaving out of the calculation the open
ing day, and adding Wednesday OF the
second week, when the number OF cash adj
missions was Il, 1l3, we find that the aver
age daily attendance for the six days was
II, 2G9. aud the average daily receipts S,635.
Will the daily averages for the one hun
dred and fifty-nine days of the show ex-
coed these figures? There undoubtedly
will be period OF several weeks during
the summer when the attendance will be
much larger; but there will also be weeks
and weeks toward the close OF the Exhibit
ton when the show will no longer DO
novelty, when exhibitors will have begun
to remove their goods, and when most pa
triots will have wearied of the Centennial
aud even of Philadelphia. We think II
fair to take the opening week as n basis
for estimating the attendance throughout,
quite general desire to take advantage of
against the present incompleteness of the
Exhibition, and any other adversely oper-
alng circumstances.
Philadelphia people will be likely to visit
the Exhibition while 1t is now. in order to
give undivided attention during the re-
mainder OF the season TO the entertain
ment of strangers and their protection
from discomfort or extorton.
We have already shown that in order 10
clear $1,000, 900, tho amount in round flg-
ures which the country has invested III this
show, the Exhibition must net on an aver
age SJ00OO daily. The indications are now
that the gross receipts will not average
more than one-tenth OF this sum. Ii
is even doubtful whether the receipts
will suffice to pay the running expenses.
We have no data for an estimate of the
latter, but have heard them placed us high
us IS. 900 daily.
The great number OF complimentary
tickets, foolishly issued by the managers.
has made the financial situation more I'M
satisfactory than IL would otherwise be.
| The number OF exhibitors and employees
necessarily admitted free does not exceed
six thousand; yet, thirty thousand dead
heads participated in the exercises of the
opening day.
The IS, CO. 900 which constitutes the capt.
tai OF the enterprise has been furnished by
Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, by Con-
gressonal appropriation, and by the stock
subscriptions of private individuals. Penn
sylvania and Philadelphia are sure OF an
abundant return for their investments,
not only indirectly, but in the fine Memo
rial and Horticultural Halls which Will re-
main after the Centennial has vanished.
But the stockholders--whatp prospect have
they of getting back even percentage OF
| their Investments? And the Government,
which, by a not creditable trick, is placed
last of all in its claim for share of possible
proceeds-where is Its 81 500 900 loan2
We have observed, since the first week,
a dispositoIfHbn the part of tho Philadel-
| phia papers to withhold the official reports
Of attendance. Ifths augurs waning faith
in the great enterprise, Philadelphia has
our sincere sympathy. We, too, as tax
| payers, are interested in the outcome of
| tho Government Investment. II that is
swamped, we shall summon philosophy to
the support Of patriotism, and endeavor to
pocket our loss with fortitude.
The Cleveland pldtndedler and there