Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1876-02-09
An Appeal to the Women of Ver-
mont for the Centennial
Exhibition.

redth anniversary of our nations birth
hot by a military display, with the
pomp and insignia of war, but by an
exhibition of the industries of the
world the fruits Of Heavenly peace.
The North and the South, no longer
divided, will then meet with common
interests and aims, united in mag
unanimous Christian brotherhood. The
people of foreign countries, their no.
bility and royalty, will join in our
great jubilee, and while we look with
admiration upon their contributions
and acknowledge the perfection which
age confers in the useful and fine arts,
they may perchance receive from US
more correct views of the vlgor Of
Republic and the power of a people
for sclfgovernment.
The women Of all Countries are in
vited to participate in this Celebration,
not merely as ornaments and guests.
but as contributors and managers. To
give them position Of proper dignity
and independence, it vas proposed in
June last, by the Chairman OF the
Building Committee, that the ladies
of the United States should raise thir-
ty thousand dollars and erect 4 pa
vilion in which the industry and skill
of women from all parts of the world
could be displayed. In less than four
months ninety five thousand dollars
was raised. the building is complete,
and about seventy Thousand dollars
remains in the treasury to finish the
decorations and add to the general
fund.
TIE Executive Committee cordially
invite the ladies Of Vermont to join in
this national enterprise, to contribute
of their handiwork or brain-work to
the Exhibition. and to grace the scene
by their presence.
Great enthusiasm prevails upon this
subject. 1t is stated that accommo-
dations for more than three millions
of visitors have been already engaged
and some of tie European dlgnitaries
are erecting costly cditices for their
private use Many Of the States OF
our confederacy are generous contrib
utors, and shall Vermont be unrepre-
scented Baron Bismarck, the great,
est statesman of the age, once remark
ed, that ''the State of Vermont is
probably the most perfect democracy
in the world.' Let it not be said
that such a government tends to make
people narrow, ill-liberal and parsi-
monious, when a lite effort and sac
rfce will enable us 20 maintain the
dignity of the State and leave for her
noble heritage and self-respect and
honor.
Do you ask, "What can be done by
women ?"
First Specimens of women's skill
or talent can be sent to the exhibition.
anything now on hand or to be pre-
pared tor the purpose. The articles
will not be gifts, but loans to be re-
turned or sold, at the option of the
contributor after the exhibition is
over
To accomplish the second object, the
raising of money to meet necessary
expenses, the transportation OF eAhib-
its to Philadelphia, their arrangement
in the Pavilion, their care and safety
while on exhibition and proper pack
ing and return to the owners, also to
add to the general fund if possible, it
. proposed that social entertainments
should be given. Women are partic
ularly adapted to plan and execute
such recreations, thereby strengthen
ing and developing their own inven-
ton and energy, making young chl-
dren happy, and dispelling the clouds
of care and vexation which must i'll
evitably overshadow those upon
whom devolve the sterner duties Of
life.
To facilitate our effort it is intended
to perfect as soon as possible a thor
ough State organization by the ap-
pointment of manager in each Coun-
ty who shall appoint subcommittee
in each town, all to be ladies of ener-
gy, execution, ability and sufficient
leisure to ensure success, who will
stimulate the industry and superintend
the entertainments, each in their own
particular sphere.
The avails in money will be sent
from each town to the County Mana
ger and from thence to the State Man
ager, who will place it in the hands Of
a resnonsible Treasurer The exhibits