Wilmington daily commercial., 1876-05-13


gathered only from the local enthusiasm,
but from the expression of delight on the
part of visitors, and from reports by mail
which now reach us from every section
The liberal policy towards the Press which
was determined on by the Commission is
seen to bear the best fruits. 1t showed
good judgment to invite newspaper men en-
nedsSe, for too much publicity cannot be
given the project, and no means can so
effectually answer the end desired as the
Press. The Centennial grounds are 80 ex
tensiye that even thousands OF compll-
mentary season admissions can make no
possible difference in comfort, while the
publicity thus assured is beyond computa-
tion. The Exposition is q law unto itself,
and not only so but must make laws as Ii
secs the way open. In this matter, Tor
instance, it was at first thought that grea
free list would be an infection now it is
seen to have been piece Of good business
management to authorize it. The newspa-
pers at first did not know what to make OF
liberality 30 far in advance of any
thing that had been anticipated,
but when it was learned that
such was to be the policy towards the
press everywhere it was acknowledged that
managers
command success Con nirmations of this
Judgment reach US by mail. Tho news
papers far and near arc filled with Centen-
nial news, to the exclusion of ordinary
reading matter, aud there are indications
that this interest will be maintained during
the whole summer Thus, thousands of
people will be induced to come to Philadel-
phia from distant parts.
LOCAL ADVANTAGE FROM THE EXPEDITION.
For itself, the city just begins to realize
the immensity of the benefit which the Ex
position will confer upon itasa community.
1t is national and International, but it is
held here In the utter bigness of the
thing we can pardon the Jealousy of New
York and Chicago. Something i'll the pro-
phetc souls of those ambitious cities told
| them of the unequalled opportunities of
every kind which this festival would confer
upon the locality chosen for it, and all tue
bitterness and disparagement of the past
may be easily forgiven. Phlladelphia's
chance is, indeed, such as no other city in
the world ever had, for self demonstration
and material advantage. As far as relates
to American cities this assertion needs no
word of support. Concerning worlds
fairs in other countries l think it
will still hold good, for two reasons-1st
| because London, Paris and Vienna had
| each placed themselves at the head OF the
| world of wealth and social power long be-
fore they werejso distinguished and needed
no ratification of their positions; and End
because each of the cities named was the
only place IN which an Exposition under
the auspices of the respective countries
could be held. London has no rival in
England, nor Paris in France, nor Vienna
in Austria. The conditions here are en-
tiT;ly dinere1S, and tho tpectacle of the
whole worldy turning to Philadelphia is an
altogether imposing one to dwellers in this
"burg."
AFTER THE OPENING.
The second and third days have finely
born out the prospect of the opening.
Yesterday, it was estimated 80, 600 persons
visited the grounds, and, to-day, about 25,
600, the difference being occasioned by q
rain-storm which set in early this after
noon. Some surprise is expressed at the
" estimates of returns, it having been an
nounced that every admission would be
electrically registered, and that the sum
of each days work would be known to q
unit this is explained by the fact that the
turnstile entrances are not yet all in order.
1t is also observed that our own people
have not yet gone to the grounds in any
great numbers. The visitors Cat least, yes
terday, and to-day,) have been manly
strangers in the city who had to improve
present opportunities. Philadelphlans hav
ing 80 lengthy season before them have
determined, for the most part, to defer the
study of the Exposition until it is in com
plete order, which it cannot be yet for sew
eral weeks.
SUNDAY ADMISSIONS AND EARLY HOURS.
: The feeling on the subject OF Sunday
. opening grows steadily, and it is the gener
} al belief that the commission will not be
: able to Withstand the all but unanimous sen
timent in favor of that course. The Tunel
newspaper of this city has not made many
mistakes in its career but it is to be credit
, ed with profound blunder in this matte r
the wind is all in the rails of the Press, an(
l Forney is making the most of it. pubic
meeting is to be held tomorrow evening Il
consider the subject, and it will doubtless
q convince the managers that the people witt
! have only one day to themselves have well
I grounded rights i'll the matter. Along Will
a Sunday opening there il an increasing feel
: ing that the Exposition grounds should b
i, opened earlier and closed later than TIL
n present regulations allow. There
no particular sense in refusing people al
mission before 8 o'clock i'll the morn
9 ing, or in giving the signal t
: yacate the buildings at O'Clock in the at
i ternoon. There are thousands of peopl
4 who would enjoy an early morning visit
: and other thousands who could Often 81
g out at O'Clock ia the afternoon. if the
/, might be assured Il two or three hours stro
4 after that hour. Tho subject of evening &C
missions would not like to pass upon s
present. Arrangements have bsen mad
Il Tor lighting somo of the buildings and
r may be the ultimate design to continue ope
l. in the evenings. but the danger from tn
,s must be thoroughly cons Tered aud guarae
~ against before this is dule
ls Faw slrrLFD THINGS.
If is impossible as yet to give dqeste
idea of the ExDosition, but few thing
4 seem already 70 be settled Thus, II
Oorliss Engino is perhaps the central ma
K to- OF interest in the EXsibJion. But th
!. Main Building, ss u Whole, outranka Ai
chnery Hall, or any of the other lepar
:. ments, in attractiveness Again, tha Al
Department. magnificent as it Is, is rathe
disappointment. Memorial Hall is nt
,r we'll fitted for the pupyse it has been Pr
q to. The light is poor; the galleries al
IL mostly insignificant sud choppy" I'll
Art annex is better, but there are no bss'
tiful vistas and ranges OF rooms or tn
4 more hereafter. Yet again, Il
u restaurant accommodations on IL
V ground are Insufficient, and the sea