The Morning herald., 1876-05-11
CENTENNIAL.
THE OPENING Yesterday.
PhilaAelphia's Bustle and Excite
nens-Nearly Million People
Present-Speeches OF Presi-
dent Grant and Gen. Hawley
Tho Buildings and
Grounds - Phiiadel-
phia Last Night.

-l00 nUAluaw80 ohA0
Grounds - Phitadel-
phia Last Night.
PHILADELPHIA, May 10.
sssunshine, Patriotism and Glory" are
the words which would most ftly express
the animated appearance of Philadelphia
this morning. Vehicles, rushing apparent
ly in q confused manner to the different
points where their obj Q stf lead them; peo-
pie streaming through the streets in intri-
cate masses; the parade Of military, din Of
fife and drum, brass bands, Changing of
bells, shrieking of whistles, loud huzzas of
the crowds, flags, bunting, booming can
non and the rattle of fire-crackers, are what
served to made Philadelphia, this morning,
the nearest approach to an intense state of
excitement that it has not known for years.
Not since the Old State House Bell, which
now rem aims speechless, rang out the well
come of Independence has the staid old city
had such beautiful sentiment in its causes
for excitement as that which prevailed to-
day, and was ushered in under the most
favorable auspices. The sky was undim-
med by cloud; and the sun shed its rays
down upon the city, lighting it up with an
additional halo of glory to that which
already made hearts buoyant.
Long before the hour announced for the
opening of the grounds, which was nine
O'Clock, every avenue leading to them was
we'll crowded, and when the gates were
thrown open there was literally jam about
them. The ceremonies began almost pre-
cisely at quarter past ten O'Clock by play
ing the NATIONAL airs Of all countries, the
music being furnished by an orchestra con-
posed of one hundl ed and fifty pieces.
The President arrived at halt-past ten
O'Clock, and Immediately the Centennial
Inauguration march was performed, after
which, General Hawley, President of the
Board of United States Centennial Com
missioners, asked the large audience to
give their attention to the Right Rev. Bis
hop Simpson, who would implore the Di-
vine blessing. The prayer was quite
lengthy and impressive, and during its de-
livery, all heads were bowed. This was
followed by the Centennial hymn, written
by John G. Whittier, after which the build
ings were presented to the United States
Centennial Commission by John Welsh,
President of the Centennial Board of FL
nance. At the conclusion of Mr.. Welsh's
remarks, the cantata, entitled "The Cen
tennial Meditation of Columbia" was per
formed by chorus Of nine hundred voices
and Theodore Thomas's orchestra.
Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, President OF
the United States Centennial Commission
then presented the exhibition to the
President of the United States, who spoke
in substance as follows:
Five years ago, the President Of the Uni.
ted States declared it fitting that 'the
completion Of the first century of our ma
tional existence should be commemorate.
BY an exhibition of the natural resources OIL
the country and its developments, and o
its progress in those arts which Denefi
Mankind" and ordered that an exhibition
Of American and foreign arts, products ant
manufactures should be held under tht
auspices Of the Government of the United
States, in the city of Philadelphia, in til,
year 1876, and the United States Centen
nial Commission was formed to put init
effect the several laws relating to the cx
hibitton. The ground was dedicated to it
present use July 4th, 1873; twenty-on
months ago, Memorial Hall was begun
and all the other buildings within the en-
closure have been erected in twelv
months.
By general consent the exhibition is sp-
propriately held in the City of Brotherl,
Love, almost within view stands the vener
ated building wherein occurred the even
this work is intended to commemorate, an(
the hall in which the first Continental Con
gress was held.
1t has been the fervent hope Of the Com
mission, that during this festal year, til
people from all States ard sections, of a
creeds and churches, all parties and classes
burying all resentments, would come up tc
gether to this birth place of liberties, t
study the evidence of our resources.
Thus reporting to you Mr.. President
under the laws of the Government, and tn
usage of similar occasions, in the name c
the United States Centennial Commission,
present to your view the International Z,
hibition of 1876.
The following was the reply Of Preside1
Grant:
My CouNTRYMEN 1t has been though
appropriate, upon this Centennial occasion
to bring together in Philadelphia, for popt
lar inspection, specimens of our attainment
in the industrial and fine arts, and in lite
ature, science and philosophy, as well as
Tho great business Of agriculture and {
commerce.
That we may the more thoroughly al
preciate the excellencies and deficiencies
our achievements, and also give elnphat
expression to our earnest desire to cutiva
the friendship of our fellow members of IL
great family of nations, the enlighten,
agricultural, commercial and manutactp
ing people of the world have been invite
to send hither corresponding specimens
their skill to exhibit on equal terms
friendly competition with our own. !
this invitation they have generously re
Ponded; for so doing we render them OF
hearty thanks.
The beauty and utility of the contrib,
tions will this day be submitted to your il
b,,% hn ,f l.. Ex,b.E