Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-05-19
THE CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION.
THE OPENING CEREMONIES BRILLIANT
sPECTACLE-PRAYER ny bishop sIMP-
soN-ADDREss BY PRESIDENT GRANT.

All accounts agree that the ceremonies
which marked the formal opening Of the
great international exhibition at Philadel-
phia on "Wednesday Of last week, were in
every way appropriate TO the magnitude Of
tue occasion, and that the programme was
very successfully carried out. The day
having been made lessl holiday in Penn
sylvania, all the places Of business in Phil
adelphia were closed, and bunting was dis
played in profusion on all the thorough
fares. Tine gales of the exhibition were
promptly opened at 0 O'Clock in the morn
ing, and from that time there was a contin-
uous Jam at all the entrances. The clouds
which had up to a. NJ. been very threat
eniug, entirely disappeared early in the
forenoon, giving promise of favorable
weather. The platform Of the grand stand
presented fine appearance on account of
the presence of large number of diplo-
matte officers and attaches in full uniform,
as well as military men from all parts of
the country. At precisely 10 minutes past
10 Gen. Joseph II. lawley, president of the
centennial commission, waved his hand
kerchef as the signal Tor The commence
iDtDl VI tut IdAlOuul AN ~ iilluhASo
past 10 the Emperor of Brazil and his par
ty came to the platform and were loudly
cheered. The orchestra played the Brazil
ian national hymn as he mounted the steps
and was greeted by Gen. Hawley and otl
ers of the commissioners. The Emperor
was in citizens dress and only wore a sin
gle small decoration on the lapel Of his
In Ct ag In national ai finigh.
cd the President of the United States ar
rived and was loudly cheered. Gen. Grant
came forward at once to the front of the
platform, having entered from the south
front of the Memorial Hall. lie was seat
ed for few moments, after which Secrela-
ry Fish arrived and at once presented the
Emperor of Brazil TO the President. The
Emperor, who, not deiguing TO use the
privilege Of royal personages, had doiTed
his bat wien Gen. Grant arrived, entered
at once into the conversation, and the two
stood together for some time with tue tens
of thousands gazing upon them. The Gov
ernors OF Maine and New Hampshire, of
Vermont, Massachusetts, and from many
OF the Middle and Western States, were on
the platform. Ai,er tie arrival Of the
President the grand orchestra played the
"Centennial Inauguration March," com
posed for tue occasion by Richard Wagner.
AT little before IL o'clock General Haw-
ley called the throngs to attention, en.reat-
ing them TO he patient under the heat and
pressure, and TO manifest the "ordinary
good nature Of American crowds" He
then announced the Rt. Rev. Bishop Simp-
son, who delivered an eloquent dedication
prayer, the closing portion of which was as
follows:
"Let Thy blessing rest richly on this CEN
tennial celebration; may the lives and
health of all interested he precious in Thy
sight. Preside in all its assemblies. Grant
that this association in effort may bind
more closely together every part OF our
great republic so that our Union may be
perpetual and indissoluble. Let its influ-
ence draw the nations of The earth into
happier unity. Hereafter, we pray Thee,
may all disputes be settled by arbitration,
and not by the sword, aud may wars forev
er cease from among the sons of men. May
the new century be better than the past
more radiant with the light of true philos
ophy, and warmer with the emanations of
a worldwide sympathy. May capital, gen.
ius and labor be freed from all antagonism
by the establishment and application of
such principles of justice and equality as
shall reconcile diversified interests, an d
bind in imperishable bonds all parts of So
ciety.
"And as Thou didst give to one of its il
lustrious sons first to draw eNperimentally
the electric spark fIom heaven which has
since girdled the globe in its celestial whis-
pers of "Glory 10 God in the highest, peace
on earth and good will TO men," so to latest
time may the mission of America. under
divine inspiration, he one of affection,
brotherhood and love for all our race, and
may the coming centuries I've filled with
the glory of our Christian civilization. And
unto Thee, our Father, through Hin whose
life is the light of men, will we ascribe glo-
ry and praise now and forever. Amen"
The prayer was followed by the singing
of the centennial hymn written by John G.
Whittier, and set TO music by John X.
Paine of Boston, with grand orchestral
and organ accompaniment. The preseuta-
tion Of the buildings TO the United States
centennial commission in an excellent ad-
dress by John Welsh, president of the CEN
teunial board of finance, then took place.
Three cheers were given for Mr.. Welsh,
and General Hawley stepping forward,
briefly said that as president of the cen
tennial commission, he accepted the great
trust contided TO them. 1.-THE Centennial
Meditation of Columbia" Sidney Lanier's
cantata, the music of which was composed
by Dudley Buck, was next sung by the
chorus. The event of this performance
was the bass solo by Myron w. Whitney
of Boston. He sang in grand style, icing
heard all over the crowd, who broke in up
on the regular programme aud gave him
an imperative encore. Gen. Hawley then
rose and delivered an address, presenting
the exhibition to the President of the Unit
ed States. He closed in the following
words:
at has been the fervent hope of the COM
mission that during this festival year the
people from all States and sections, of all
creeds and churches, all parties and classes,
buryiug all resentments, would come up
together 10 this birthplace of our liberties,
to study The evidence of our resources, 10
measure the progress of an hundred years,
and TO examine 10 our profit the wonderful
products Of other lands, but especially to
Join hands in perfect fraternity and prom
ise the God of our fathers that The new CEN
tury shall surpass the old in the true glo-
ries of civilization, and furthermore that
from the association here of welcome visit
Ors from all nations, there may result not
alone great benefits to invention, manuiac-
lures, agriculture, trade and commerce,
but also stronger international friendships
and more lasting peace. Thus reporting to
you, Mr.. President under the laws of the
government and the usage of similar occa-
sions, in the name of the United States
centennial commission, present to your
view the International exhibition of 1876"
General Hawley was applauded during
his speech, and when, after the presentation
of the buildings, Gen. Grant came forward
and, taking paper out Of his pocket, pre-
nnred 10 read his address the hnildlnps