The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-06-17

So we have seen the Centennial, but will
not attempt description Of it, for words
would be inadequate. 1t must be seen to
be appreciated 1t is too vast, too grand,
too beautiful, for description. All that we
had read had fallen UNNECESSARILY short Of
the reality. Our first impressions, when
we entered the grounds, were those of
establishment and delight. The descrip-
tions one reads in the newspapers give very
faint ideas Of the exhibition. The cuts
with which the newspapers have attempted
to illustrate the subject are very imperfect
representations Of the grace and beauty of
the buildings, all Of which are light, airy,
graceful and beautiful. The grounds are
laid out with great taste, and the avenues
between the buildings are paved with
asphaltum, making a pleasant promenade
in all parts Of the enclosure. The trees,
shrubbery, and flowers, are all dressed in
their most beautiful aspects, and add the
charms Of nature to those Of art. The
whole tout ensemble is more like fairy
scene, or scene Of enchantment, than one
Of sober reality. Everything is arranged
with so much skill and so much beauty
and loyeliness, that every sense is appealed
to with irresistible force. One feels a
national pride and selfgratulation at the
success which has attended this first in
ternational exhibition Of his country, and
he cannot repress the expression Of his
feelings when he has seen it, and when he
is assured by those who have witnessed all
the international exhibitions Of the world,
that this one transcends them all. No one
who can possibly spare the time and the
money, should fail to visit it, and when
once they have seen it, they will want to
see it again and again. We hesitate not
to say that it is the most beautiful sight
we have ever beheld. Nothing has been
omitted to add to the delight and comfort
Of visitors. 1t lisa monument of the taste,
skill, and public spirit of the American
people, and ought to be kept untouched by
the hand Of the spoiler, after the exposi
,ion has been closed. If possible, it ought
20 PASS into the possession Of the city and
to be perpetuated, for it is a pity that SO
much architectural and natural beauty
should be despoiled, or be suffered to fall
into neglect or decay.
The first thing we did, on reaching the
exposition, was to take a seat in the rail
road cars and make the circuit Of the
entire grounds, distance of three miles
for the very small outlay of cents. The
heat was tempered by the clouds, and by
refreshing breeze which sent the thrill
Of pleasure and enjoyment through every
nerve and fibre Of the system. Then we
entered the main building, and took
rapid survey Of the many beautiful arti-
clcs on exhibition there, reserving a closer
inspection Of them for subsequent visit.
Then we went into Memorial Hall and the
Art Gallery, horticultural Hall, and Ma
chinery Hall, and were delighted in all.
A week might be spent in each, and some
thing new would present itself to our
admiring gaze at every step. The great
organ, the corliss Engine, and the chime Of
bells, are objects Of much interest and
delight the eye and the ear Of every visi.
Tor. Let no one fail to see this beautiful
exhibition who possibly csai do 50 before
its close in November next.