Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-09-28
Centennial letter.
from our Regular Correspondent
Philadelphia, Sept. 25, 1876.

PhiJade7phhja, Sept. 25, 1876.
"Who ever saw the Eke!' is what
everybody exclaims now. All pre-
vious accounts Of the rush hitherward
have failed to convey an adequate idea
of It's extent at this writing. The in
coming trains from every direction are
overloaded with human freight, and
come putting into the depots behind
time. The hotels are packed full from
ground to attic floors, and there is a
swarm of humanity blockading the
streets and surging into every place Of
entertainment or amusement. Peo-
pie who intend coming in the next few
weeks will do we'll to engage quarters
in advance, if they have not already
done so. The attendance on the Ex-
hibition grounds grows larger each
day, and from present indications
promises to exceed the most sanguine
expectations. On Wednesday, for the
frt time since the opening day, the
number exceeded the highest figure
predicted, being over 100000 visitors
at full rates. At the present rate OF
increase, people still pouring into town
from every quarter, it looks as though
the attendance might reach 100000
daily, in another week Even at the
average Of last week. from now until
the close, would make an aggregate Of
eight and half millions of visitors.
Thursday was ''New York day" and
brought many thousand from the En-
pire state. Gov. Tilden held recep-
ton in the New York state building,
which was thronged throughout the
day. "Pennsylvania day. follows
next Thursday, when the greatest
throng Of the season Is expected. The
Hon. Benz. II, Brewster will deliver
an address, and IN the evening the
grandest display Of fire works ever
witnessed on this continent has been
arranged for to be supplied by Lon
don firm
The display Of minerals in various
departments Of the Exhibition makes,
collectively, one of the most promi-
nent and interesting features. That
portion of this exhibit in she govern
ment building is chiefly the fruit of
geological surveys of the territories
under Prof Hayden and Major Po-
well.
DR.. Haydon's survey was begun in
1867 with q small appropriation Of
$4,000, made by Congress for the ex-
animation of Nebraska. In 1869 it
was extended to Colorado and New
Mexico, with an increased appropria-
ton Of $4,000 Since then. it has
been going on on q large scale, and
with increased usefulness until now.
This years field work will be the last,
and already some Of the final memoirs
on special subjects have been printed.
The work has been conducted in the
most thorough and systematic manner,
and it is surprising to compare the
results obtained with the comparatively
small amount of money expended.
The special memoirs are, without ex-
ception, from the pens of the most
accomplished specialists in the country,
and the practical results Of the survey
in guiding the prospector and miner
in their labors are beyond estimate.
Among the most attractive objects ex-
hibited are the beautifully executed
photographs of scenery, by Mr.. Jack
son the photographer OF the survey.
These are both on wood and glass.
There is also a series of water-color
sketches, which convey much informa-
tion to the geologist, besides being
very creditable work of art. The
maps, bearing dates 1874 and 5,
evince great care and accuracy in their
delineation of the typographical and
geological details. The models of the
country explored, showing, in colors,
the geographical structure, convey to
the uninitiated better idea than
could be obtained from library full of
books. Attached to the collection are
a lot Of pottery of the Indians from
Mancos canyon, and models of the
ruins OF the Indian houses in the can
yon Of the Rio du Chiefly as they now