Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1876-05-19
OUR WORLDS FAIR.

the formal opening Of the l-terna-
tional Exhibition at Philadelphia
All accounts agree that it was a grand
demonstration of which we have no
reason to be ashamed as a commemo-
ration of our one hundredth year OF
national life. The ceremonies were
witnessed by at least two hundred
thousand people. The President was
there. So were Doth houses of Con-
gress, the Judges of the supreme
Court and all other distinguished Of
fcers of the army and navy. The
Governors of Maryland, Pennsylva.
MIA, Massachusetts, New Jersey and
several other States were present.
The Presidential candidates of each
party were not the least conspicuous
in the great throng, even the great
unknown was probably hanging
around. There was however, but
one royal representative, the Empe-
ror of Brazil, and he in plain citizens
clothes. But there was no lack IN
distinguished foreign ambassadors
from the various courts of Europe.
TO Philadelphia it was a grand gala
day. Public buildings and private
dwellings were magniicently dec
grated with flags of all nations, and
citizens and strangers alike gave
themselves up to the wild joyous feel
ing which the occasion inspired.
New York, Baltimore and other cities
and towns also felt the magnetism Of
the event and there was a general
display of the national colors through
out the country. Properly speaking
the Fourth of July is the true cen
tennial anniversary-day, but the
opening Of the great exhibition af-
forded the first opportunity Tor a
hearty gush of our national enth"-
siasm. 1t may be taken as premon-
tory of what the pent-up feeling OF
the country will reveal in wild mani
festations on Independence Day.
The inauguration exercises was
opened with stirring national music by
the celebrated orchestra Of one hun
bred performers led by Theodore
Thomas, PRAYER was then offered by
Bishop Simpson, of the Methodist
church. The Centennial Hymn, writ
ten for the occasion by John G. Whit
tier, was next sung with organ and
orchestral accompaniment, with pow
erful effect. Mr.. John Welsh, the
President of the Board of Finance
then formally presented the buildings
to Cen Hawley, President of the
Commission, who in turn presented
them to the President Of the United
States. A brief speech was read from
manuscript by Gen. Grant, the con-
clusion of which is as follows:
Zone hundred years ago our coun-
try was new and but partially set
tied. Our necessities have compelled
us to chiefly expend our means and
time in telling forests, subdulng pral-
ries, building dwellings, factories,
ships, docks, warehouses, roads, canals,
machiney, etc, etc. Most OF our
schools, churches, libraries, and asy-
lums have been established within a
hundred years. Burdened by these
great primal 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, medl-
cine, theology; in science, literal ure,
philosophy and the fine arts. While
proud of what we have done, we re-
gret that we have not done more
Our achievements have been great
enough, however, to make it easy for
our peonle to acknowledge superior
merit wherever found.
And now, fellow citizens, I 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 ether nations, but also satisfy
YOU with the attainments made by our
own people during the past one hun
dred years. l Invoke your generous
corporations with the worthy Com
missioners to secure brilliant sue
cess to this International Exhibition,
and to make the stay Of our foreign
yisitors--to whom we extend hearty
, lo4l, proEta h1o and ,,laaco n