The Russellville Democrat., 1876-05-18

l gain, and when it shall have clos ed, if by that study the nations engaged in it shall have learned respect for each other, then il may be hoped that veneration for Him who rules on high will become universal, and the angel s song once more be heard--'Glory to God.i in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men.
 Joseph J. Hawley, president of the centennial commission, then presented the exhibition to the president of the United States.
 ADDRESS OF GEN. HAwLEY.
 "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 commemoratcd Ivy the natural re- sources of the country and their development, and of it's progress in those arts which benefit man kind, and ordered that an eXhibi- tion of American and foreign arts, products and manufactures should be held, under the auspices of the government of the United States. in the city of Philadelphia, in the year 1876. To put into effect the general laws relating to the exhibition, the United States centennial commission was organ lzed, composed of two commission CTS from each state and territory, nominated by their respective gov ernors and appointed by the pres ident. Congress also created an auxiliary and associate corpora tion the centennial board of ti- nance-whose uneXpectedlyheay burden has been noble borne, and the remarkably and prolonged disturbance ol the finances and industries of the country has greatly magnified their task. But we hope fer favorable judg ment of the degree of sue cess attained On July 1, 1873, this ground was dedicated to its present use; twenty-one months ago this Memorial Hall was be- gun; all the other-one hundred and cighty-buildings within the enclosure have been erected with in the past twelve months. All the buildings embraced in the plans of the commission itself arc finished. The ,.emands of appli- cants exceeded the space, and strenuous and continuous efforts have been made to get every cN- hibit ready in time. By general consent the exhibition is appro- priatcly held in the city of Broth erly Love. Under almost within your view stands the venerated editice wherein occurred the event this work is designed to comment crate, and the hall in winch the first continental congress assem- bled. Within the present limits of this great park were the homes ofthe eminent patriots of that era, where Washington and his asso- ciates received generous hospl- tality and able counsel. You have observed the -surpassing beauty of the situation placed at our disposal. In harmony with all this fitness is the liberal sup port given to the enterprise by the state, city and people. Bur thened by these great private works of necessity, which could not be delayed, we yet have done what this exhibition will show in the direction of rivaling older and more advanced nations in law, medicine and theology-in sci cnce, literature, philosophy and the fine arts. While proud of what we have done, we regret we have not done more. Our achieve ments have been great enough, however, to make it easy for our people to acknowledge superior merit wherever found. And now, fellow citizens, 1 hope a careful examination of what is about to be exhibited to you will not only inspire you with profound respect, for the skill and taste of our friends from other nations, brt also satisfy you with the attain ments made by our people during the last hundred years, l invoke your generous cooperation with the worthy commissioners to se- cure a brilliant success to this international exhibition, and to make the stay of our foreign wis itors, to whom we extend q hear tv welcome, both profitable and pleasant to them. l declare the international exhibition ROW open"
 When president Grant rose and responded he was greeted with enthusiastic and long gcontinued applause, followed by three cheers and a tiger led by Gen. Hawley, The president then read his re- sponsc to the presentation ad- dress.
 PRESIDENT GRANTS RESPONSE.
 "My Countrymen: It has been thought appropriate upon this centennial occasion to bring