The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-05-10

was constituted, composed Of
two commissioners from each State and
Territory nominated by their respective
governors and appointed by the presi
dent.
The congress also created an auxiliar y
and associate corporation. the Centennial
Board of Finance, whose Unexpectedly
heavy burdens have been nobly borne
A remarkable and prolonged disturbance
of the finances and Industries of the coun
try has greatly magnifed the task, but We
hope for favorable judgment OF the de-
gree of euccess attained.
July 4th, 1873, this ground was dedi-
Gated to its present uses. Twenty-one
months ago this Memorial Hall was begun.
All the other lS0 buildings within the en-
closure have been erected within the last
II months, All the buildings embraced in
the plans of the commission itself are fin
ishel
The demands of applicants exceeded the
space and strenuous aud continuous efforts
have been made to get every exhibit
ready 10 time. BY general consent the
exhibition is appropriately held in the
City of Brotherly Love. Yonder,
almost within your view, stands the
venerated edifce wherein occurred the
event this work is designed to commem-
crate, and the hall in which the first con-
tinental congress assembled. Within the
present limits of this great park were the
homes OF eminent patriots of that era.
where Washington and his associates re-
celved generous hospitality and able
counsels
You have observed the surprising
beauty OF the situation placed at our dis
posal. In harmony with all tuis fitness is the
liberal support given the enterprise by the
state, the city and the people Individually.
La the name of the United States you
have extended respectful and cordial in
vitation to the governments of other na-
tiCns to be represented and to participate
in this exhibition, You kuow the very
acceptable terms in which they responded.
From even the most distant regions their
commissioners are here and you will soon
see with what energy and briliancy they
have entered upon this friendly competi-
ton in the arts of peace.
1t 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, burying all resentments, would
come up together to this birth place of our
liberties to study the evidences Of our re-
sources, to measure the progress of an
hundred years, and to examine, to 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 cen
tlry shall surpass the old in the
true glories Of civilization; ard that,
| furthermore, from the association here
OF welcome visitors from all nations there
may result, not alone great benefits to in
vention, manufactures, agriculture, trade
and commerce, but, also, stronger interna-
iional friendship and more lasting peace
Thus reporting to you, Mr.. President,
under the laws of the government and the
usages o! similar occasions, in the name OF
the United States Centennial Commission
| present to your view the internationa
exhibition of 1876.
Mr.. Hawley's speech was heartily ap
plauded.
President Grant then rose, amid deafen
ing and prolonged cheers. followed BY
three cheers and tiger, and being intro
duced by Gen. Hawley, read the folowin.
speech:
Address BY the President Of the UniteC
States, and Proclamation Of the opening
Of the international! Exhibition Of 1876
My countrymen: It has been though
appropriate, upon this centennial occasion
to bring together. in Philadelphia, 70
popular inspection, specimens of our at
tamments in the industrial and fine arts
and in literature, science and philosophy
as well as in the great business of agricuI
ture and of commerce, that we may th
more thoroughly appreciate the excel
lencies aud deficiencies of our achieve
ments, and also give emphatic expression
to our our earnest desire to cultivate tn
, friendship OF our fellow members of thi
, great family Of nations.
The enlightened AGRICULTURAL comm ercia
7 and manufacturing people OF the world hav
: been invited to send hither correspondent
specimens Of their skill to exhibit on equa
terms, 10 friendly competition to our own
To this invitation they have generousl
responded, and for 50 doing we rende
e them our hearty thanks,
The beauty and utility OF tn
contributions will this day be sui
0 mitted to your inspection by the mar
ayers of this exhibition. We are glad :
know that view Of specimens of the ski
of all nations will afford to you uualloye
pleasure as we'll as yield to you
valuable, practical knowledge of so many {
the remarkable results Of wonderful e1
stence in enlightened communities.
One hundred years ago our country wa
new and but partially settled. Our Decess
ties have compelled US to chiefly expend OF
means aud time in telliCg forest, subuuiu
prairies, building dwellings, factprie
ships, docks, warehouses, roads, canal
machinery ETC. etc. Most OF cur school
churches, libraries and asylums have bee
established within a hundred years.
Bardened by these great primal works
necessity, which could not be delay
ed, we yet have done what this exhibitiC
will show in the direction of rivalit
older aud more advanced nations in laS
medicine aud theology; 10 scienc
literature, philosophy and the fine art
Whilst proud of what we have dCne, v
regret that we have not done more o.
achievements have been great euoug
however, to make 1t easy for oCr people
acknowledge superior merit whenev
found.
And now, fellow citizens, ] hope a car
full examination of what is about to be e
hibited will not only nlyinspire you with pr
N found respect for the skin and taste of o.
D. friends from other nations, but also salts
lg you with the attainnents made by our oy
people during the las. hundred years
Invoke your generous cooperation wi
~ the worthy commissioners to secure
st brilliant success to this international e
he hibition aud to make the stay of our ft
IS elgn visitors, to VIII ,m we extend hear
l.