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

ident OF the United states, turned over the hNn'
biton buildings to him as the representative Of the
nation. In conclusion, after brief history OF the
origin and progress of the enterprise, he said
" II has been the fcrvont hope u the Commission
that during this festival year, the people from all
states and sections Of all crecds and churches all
parties and classes, huying all resenimcnis, would
come up together 10 this birthplace Of our liher-
ties TO study the evidence Of our resources to
measure the progress Of hundred years and to
examine 20 our profit the wonderful products OF
other lands but especially to join hands in per
feet fraternity, and promise the God Of our fathers
that the new century shall surpass 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 bene
fits to invention, manufactures, agriculture and
commerce. but also stronger international friend
ships and more lasting peace
The President accepted the trust in the follow
ing address
4" M CouatrgHea.--lt has been thought APP
propriate, upon this Centennial OCCASION to bring
together in Philadelphia, for popular inspection,
specimens of our attainmonts in the industrial and
fine arts and in literature, science and philosophy,
as well as in the great business Of agriculture and
commerce. That we may the more thoroughly
appreciate the excellencics and deficiencies Of our
own achievements, aud also give emphatic express
sion TO our earnest desire to cultivate the friend
ship Of our iclow-mcmhcrs Of this great family Of
nations, the enlightened agricultural, commercial
and manufacturing people Of the world have been
invited TO send hither corresponding specimens Of
their skill to exhibit on equal terms in friendly
QUfUUgfiftVu "A fl a., fltta tutffuftDrl
they have generously responded Tor 30 doing we
tender them ON hearty thanks The beauty and
utility OF the contributions will this day be sub
mitted 10 your Inspection by the managers Of the
Exhibition We are glad to know that view Of
specimens Of the skin Of all nations will afford
You nnalloyed pleasure. as well ~ yield TO You
valuable practical knowledge OF 50 many OF the
remarkable results of the wonderful skill exist
ing in enlightened communities one hundred
years ago our country was new and hut par
tally settled Our necessities have compelled
~ 10 chiefly eypend our means and time in fell
ing forests, subdung prairies building dwell
tngs, factories, ships docks, warehouses,
roads, canals machinery etc. Most ut our
schools churches, libraries, and asylums have
been established within n hundred years. Bur
dened by these great primal works Of necessity
which could not be delayed, we yet have done
what this Exhibition will show in the direction Of
riyaling older and more advanced nations in law
medicine and theology in science, literature,
philosophy and the fine arts. While proud Of
what we have done, We regret that we have not
done more. achievements have been great
enough, howe, to make it easy for our people
to acknowledge superior merit wherever found.
AMI now, fellow-citzens, ! hope careful OK
animation oi what il about 20 be exhibited 10 You
will not only inspire son with profound respect
for the skin and taste Of friends from other ma
TONS but also satisfy son with the attachments
made By our own people during the past one hun
drcd years invoke your generous cooperation
with the worthy commissioners to secure a bril-
liant success Ia this International Exhibition and
to make tn stay Of our foreign yistors-to whom
we extend hearty welcome-both profitable and
pleasant to them. declare the International TX
hihition now open
At the close OF the Presidents address at % sig.
nal from Gen Hawiey, the American flag was I'M
furled from the Main Building, the Hallelujah
Chorus was rendered with orchestral and organ
accompaniment and a salute Of one hundred gun.
was fred from Georges Ilill, together with tho
ringing OF chimes from different parts of the
ground During the performance Of the chime.
the Foreign Commissioners passed from the plat
form into the Main Building and took place. IN
the general aisle before their respective apart
monts; after which President Grant accompanied
by Director-General Go-hom, followed hy the
guests Of the day, also passed into the Main Build
ing and thence TO Machinery Hall, and from Their,
TO the Judges quarters, where reception by the
President was held The procession, headed los
the President, after passing through the Main Ex
hbtion Building, passed TO Machinery Hall, wher,
the President, assisted by Dom Pedro at twenty
two minutes past one o'clock, r NJ, put In mo
/ ton the great engine, thus starting all the ma
/ chiuery in that building The Emperor and En-
press Of Brazil Mrs President Grant, and NIrs
| +. d. Gillespie Chairman Of the Womens Cen
tennial Committee, proceeded to the Woman
Department Building, which had not Yet beer
/ opened to the public The party were met at tn,
I door by the ladies Of the Executive Committee
/ The distinguished ladies then visited the dfferen
portions of the room and examined the specimen
Of handiwork which had been made by women
and concluded by passing 70 the northeastern sec
ton, whore there are two handsome looms for tn,
manufacture Of slkcn articles and shnwl. A col
den cord connecting with the machinery wa
! placed in the hands Of the Empress, and At sig
nal she gave forcible pull, which set the loom,
/ in motion, and the department was declared for
/ mally opened