Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-05-11
ADDRESSES BY PRESIDEN T
GRANT AND OTHERS.
THE QUAKER CITY DECO
RATED AND ILLUMl.
Mated.

Philadelphia, May 10. The Centennial opening
began with the Washington March. followed BY
The National airs of ID countries, concluding with
Hail Columbia The prayer was offered by Right
Rev. Bishop Simpson.
After the prayer, the hymn by Whittier, begin
ming "Our Fathers God, from out whose hand"
was sung, followed by the presentation Of the
buildings to the U. S. Centennia! Commission, by
John WEIGH. President Of the Centennial Board of
Finance.
The cantata of Lanier. beginning "From this
hundred terraced height" was sung by M. w.
Whitney of Boston, followed by the presentation
of the exhibition to the President Of the U. S., by
Jos. r. lIawley, President of the L. S. Centen-
NAL Commission.
President Hawley said;
Mr.. President Five years ago the President
of the L. S. declared it fitting that "The compile
ton of the first century of our National existence
should be commemorated by an exhibition Of the
National resources of the country and their devel
opment, and of its progress in those arts which
benefit mankin1," and ordered that an exhibition
of American and foreign arts, products and man
ufactures should be held under the auspices of the
government of the .. s., in the city of Philadel-
phls, in 1876.
To put into effect the several laws relating to
the exhibition, the U. S. Centennial Commission
was constituted, composed of two commissioners
from each State and Territory, nominated by the
President. Congress also created an auxiliary as
socia.e corporation, the Centennial Board of FL
been nobly borne.
Wonder, almost within your view, stands the
venerated edifice wherein occurred the event this
work is designed to commemorate, and the hall in
which the first Continental Congress assembled.
Within the present limits of this great park
the homes of eminent patriots Of that era, where
Washington and his associates received generous
hospitality and able counsel.
A remarkable and prolonged disturbance of the
finances and industries of the country has greatly
parpi6aI tha task hut NO hopa for fuIyrnnpt
to the degree Of success obtained. ....-..
On July 4th, 1873. this ground was dedicated to
its present twenty-five months ago this
Memorial Hall was begun. All the others, 1870
buildings. within the enclosure, have been erect,
ed within II months. All the buildings embraced
in the plans ofthe commission itself, are finished.
The demands of the applicants exceed the space,
and strenuous and continuous efforts have been
made to get every exhibit ready in time. BY gen.
eral consent the exhibition is appropriately held
in the city of brotherly love.
You have observed the surprising beauty of the
situation placed at our disposal In harmony
with all this fitness is the liberal support given
the enterprise by the State. the city, and the peo
pie individually.
In the name of the United States, you extended
a respectful and cordial invitation to tine govern
ments of the other nations to be represented and
to participate in this exhibition.
You know the very acceptable terms in which
they responded from even the most distant re-
gion.
Their commissioners are here, ard you will
soon see with what energy and brilliancy they
have entered upon this friendly competition in the
arts of peace. 1t has been the tervent hope of
the commissioners that during this festival year
the people from all states and sections, of all
creeds and churches all parties aud classes burying
all resentmepts, would come up together TO this
birth place of our liberties, to study the evidence
of our resources, to measure the progress OF q
hundred years. aud to examine to our profit the
IL r,I nf nj
to join hands in perfect fraternity, promise the
God of our Fathers that the new century shall
surpass the old in the true gores of civilization
and furthermore that from the association here
of welcome visitors om all nations there may re-
sui, not alone great benefits to invention, manu-
fac:ures agriculture, trade and commerce, but
also stronger international friendships and more
lasting peace. Thus reporting to you, Mr.. Presi-
dent under the laws OF the government and the
usage of similar occasions, in the name Of the
centennial commission, present to your view the
intcrnationa! exhibition of 1876.
The address by the President Of the United
States and the proclamation of the opening OF
ire International Exhibition of 1876, was as fol
toN': 90
NV Countrymen - IT has been thought appro
mi ale on this centennial occasion to bring to.
resher in Philadelphia for the popular inspection
specimens of our attanments in the industrial and
fine arts and in literature science and philanthro-
nv, as well as in the great business OF agriculture
ouohly appreciate the exCclencies and DEFICIENCIES
OF our achievements and also give emphatic ex
pression to our earnest desire to cultivate the
! friendship of our fellow member OF the grea
family of nations. The enlightened agricultural
| commercial and manufacturing people OF the
world have been invited to send hither correspond
| ing specimens of their skill to exhibit on equa
| terms, in friendly competition with our own. nc
this invitation they have generously responded
For so doing we render them our hearty thanks
| nf hn
this day be submitted to your inspection by tho
managers of this exhibition. We are glad to know
that view of specimens of the skill Of all naion
| will afford to you unalloyed pleasure, as well a.
| weld to you a valuable practical knowledge O
| MANY of the remarkable results Of the wonderful
| skill existing in enlightened communities.
| One hundred years ago our country was new
| and Int partially settled. Our necessities hav'
compelled us to chiefly expend our means ant
time in telling forests subduing pralre' building
dwellings,, factories, ship', docks, warehouses
roads, canals, machinery, etc. etc. Most Of GU
| schools. churches and asylums have been estah
iished within hundred years, and although bur
| thened by these great primal works OF necessity
which could not be delayed, we have done wha
this exhibition will show in the direction Of rival
ing older and more advanced nations.
Ia law medicine and theology. in science, liter
ature philosophy and fine arts, while proud q
what we have done, we regret that we have no
done more. Our achievements have been gre 9
enough. however, to make it easy for our peopl
to acknowledge superior merits, wherever the
are found.
And now, fellow citizens, hope careful eS
animation Of what 10 about TO be exhibited to 20
viii not only inspire you with profound respet
for the skill and taste of our friends from othe
nations, but also satisfy you with the attainment
made BY our own people during the past one hui
bred years. A.
Il invoke your generous cooperation with II
, | vorthy commissioners, to secure brilliant su,
cess to this International Exhibition, and to NAL