New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-05-11

Then President Grant arose and stepped to the
front OF the platform. He has grown quite stout Of
late, but looks we'll and his face improved wonder
fny as he smiled upon the crowd There was q
scattered. irregular fire of cheering until Gen.
Hawley gave the signal with o wave OF bis arm,
and the great multitude shouted together. The
President read his reply from printed copy, in
an ordinary conversational tone l was within
20 feet of him, and could not catch single word
When he pronounced the Exhibition opened, the
signal was given. flag ran up the staff on the
main building, the chimes began, the cannon doomed
from Georges Hill and the orchestra and chorus
pealed forth the majestic Iiallelujah Chorus. The
strong harmonics of the last, however, drowned all
other sounds-if indeed, any one cOuld think Of
listening for them. II was just noon the sun was
shining, the air was full of diflused light, and all
nature, in breeze and foliage aud play Of colors
seemed to join in the jubilee.
THE PROCESSION.
With the cessation of the chorus, Mr.. Dixcy took
his stand to arrange the order Of the official process
sion through the bindings. Mr.. Goshorn gaye his
arm to President Grant, who Immediately gave his
other arm TO the Empress of Brazil. The Emperor
followed with Mrs. Grant There was, of course, no
announcement Of these chief personagcs; those
that followed were summoned to their places. But
the platform had become 30 crowded, and Oil
the policemen 80 occupied in desperately hold
ing back the struggling masses, that not
even tho diplomatic bodies could get into
their proper places. The prescribed order OF
the procession was soon violated by eager American
statesmen and their impatient ladies; presently
members Of the crowd which had besieged the Press
shutting ont air and view, joined the current, and
the line at last became 50 hopelessly mixed that
also trusted myself to it, much in advance OF the
proper place.
On entering the main hall, the distraction con-
stantly increased. There were ropes drawn IN some
places: in Others tho exhibitors and their friends
considerably kept their stand; but at every step
there accessions from somerhee, interruptions
Of the line Of march, and finally n chaotic
mixture, in which only the Presidential
party was spared. The latter walked rapidly
up the main aisle to the eastern end, then returned
by the southern side aisle, taking rapid glance at
the American, Dutch, brazilian and English depart
ments Externally, the American part was III toll
cradle order; but there IL still hdeons waste oil
dirt, boards. packing paper and straw. extending
the whole distance in its rear.
In the western half. France, Germany, Spain.
Egypt, Switzerland. Norway, and Japan were rap
idly visited. and | believe all the Commissioners
were duly greeted in passing. Before reaching the
western entrance there no longer procession.
Streams of impatient outsiders forced their way
through tho files Of soldiers and poured into the
Hall. The invited guests were separated, mixed,
and tangled every side, and only a stalwart
guard of soldiers kept little free space for the
President, Emperor. and Centennial Commission.
| may say, generally. that tie Exhibition is much
further advanced than was that at Vienna on the
opening day; that the show. while not quite 90
brilliant is fully as varied and interesting, and that
the spectacular effect is all that could be achieved
in such space.
The way across the open space TO the Machinery
Hall kept clear by two flies Of soldiess, and VII
the party had entered the latter hail. tho remainder
Of the task was accomplished without interruption.
This was the closing. aud. in many Respects the
most interesting act of the opening ceremonies.
In the center Of the great hall Mr. Corliss.
proud and satisfied, stood beside his
colossal engine. After a rapid inspection and the
necessary instruction, President Grant and Emperor
Dom Pedro took hold Of the separate-objects Il
never could understand machinery. and don't know
whether they were eranks valves, or "leclal and
the force Of . 900 horses smoothly and silently
exerted. North aud South America started the
machinery of the world.
Here ended my vision OF the great spectacle, and
here ends to-day. my capacity to write more.
AT half-past four the withheld rain rcturred
but all was gloriously over Those who sped home
ward in storm hal picture Of entire brightness to
cheer their memories. II. l.