The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-05-09
Tho Centennial Exhibftfon-Ths Open
Ing T0-Morrow.

ing TO-MOrrOWe
Never, perhaps, since the workmen began
the Tower Of Babel has there been SO much
energy and enthusiasm as is now seen in
happy, nervous, expectant Philadelphia,
''all in q tremble." if we may use the phrase,
about her Centennial Exhibition which is to
open tomorrow. Although they have been
four years about it, where many things
are to be done much will be delayed until
the last moment The tendency to procras-
innate is so attractive that we feel its infiu-
ence in all undertakings of this magnitude
and character. Our correspondents inform
us that many of the departments are we'll adj
vanced and that the opening day will witness
much more complete display than was seen
in Vienna There is some comfort in this,
although we coald wish that many of our
Americans had been further ahead. They
have none of the excuses that are found
sometimes in distance, the danger of sea
travel and the difficulty of exciting the in
terest in foreign country. America should
have been nearly as bright and new as pin
a week before the opening day. As it
now stands we are in tumbled
up condition. Some of the exhibits are
behind and some ahead. Some of the
special displays are very fine, others have no
attractiveness. Some nre representations of
skill and taste and industry, others mere
catchpenny advertisements. The foreign
nations are generally rich and unique We
are glad to hear that the South American
countries arc doing so we'll. These nations.
with their most interesting civilization, who
represent an influence on this continent as
| important us our own, will make finer dis
| play in Philadelphia than in London, Paris
or Vienna. We wish that Mexico were fur
Their advanced, but before many days are
over we are in hopes our sister Republic will
show us something of the glory which gave
their nation splendor outdating that of the
Saxon North.
I Next to the United States the country
holding the most important place in the
Exhibition is Great Britain. The English
government has shown magnanimity and
generosity in this Centennial affair worthy
of special recognition. No one presumed
for moment that the English govern
ment would do anything that was
not sensible and hearty in an ex-
hibition Of an international character.
The interests of the two countries are too
varied and important to be sighted in behalf
OF any sentiment that might exist as to the
centennial year and the event it commemo-
rates. Speaking as Americans, we think we
may say that there is no memory of hundred
years but what brings with it respect for the
valor and persistence of England, and
especially for the stubborn, high-spirited and
conscientious King who perilled his crown
and kingdom to save his American empire
The English, so far from showing GOODNESS and
Indifference, have entered into our fair with
Us much zeal Us though it were under their
own and not an alien flag. If we note this
specially it is not in q spirit of wonder, but
of recognition. And why should England
not rejoice in the Centennial fair? In the
largest sense this is an English fair. AS our
correspondent expressed it the other day,
Mother England sits within the sunlit palace
fglass and iron, her brood Of colonies nestled
under her wings, her grandeur manifest to all
eyes, o living expression of the strength
Of an Empire upon which the sun never sets.
But there is none of her colonies or possess
sions-C Canada, with her fresh and sinewy
strength Australia, with her mountain of
gold, its value summed up to sixpence or
India, rich in gold and silk and gems-there
is none of them whose history speaks with
so much eloquence of the glory Of England
as the United States. For we owe what we
are as free Christian people to the lessons
we learned from the venerable Mother Land.
Her presence in the Centennial palace is q
most gratifying event. and we are proud to
think that in all the essentials of a worlds
fair her exhibition in point of variety and
extent, is second only to our own.
As we have said, never since the Tower of
Babel has there been so busy multitude as
the builders of the Centennial Exposition.
We are afraid, from what we hear in the
newspapers, that its experience will be like
that of Babel in the trouble which
came from the confusion of tongues.
We hear of clashing and trouble.
There are complaints, mutinies, dis
sents The government. of the Exposition
is three-headed, and the three heads are
General Hawley, General Goshorn and Mr..
Welsh. OF course where there are three
captains there is generally council Of quar-
relsome commanders and mutinous follow
ing So we have controversies about the
newspapers whose rights" are infringed.
about the selling Of liquor within the gates,
about Sunday and twenty other points. We
trust that rs the direction have done so well
thus far there will be no quarrels, no dis
sent. Let us have one celebration untainted
by scandal What everybody wants is good
Exhibition, and this would seem to be easy
even to three-headcd commission. AS to
the Journalists who complain about invaded