The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1876-04-27

TIONAL EAHlBlTlONt CAPT. nANLk1 \
COMMAND, Centennial GUARDS,
HID QRs AGRcULTURAL HALL,
April 20, 1876.
To the Editor Of The Standard:
Permit me through the columns of the
STANDARD, to communicate to my many
friends, who expressed desire while
was in jackson a short time ago. to hear
from me alter my arrival in Philadel-
phia.
| must necessarily be very brief on
this occasion, as my time is limited. and
what ! say shall pertain entirely to Cen
tennial matters, as that is the all absorb
ing interest here.
The preparations for the American
Centennial Exhibition are of a most stu
pendous character. Perhaps there has
never, in the annals of the world been
any thing to equal it. Here in Fair
mount Park have been constructed nu-
merous buildings of such gigantic pro-
portions that one becomes bewildered as
he beholds them, and when he considers
the purpose to which they are devoted,
his interest becomes intense.
But few weeks will now elapse ere
these capacious halls and corridors will
resound to the busy tread Of millions Of
human beings from all parts Of the hab-
liable globe, here will be gathered to-
gether, as il were, the nations Of the
earth, all vieing one with the other. de
sirous each OF presenting its different
manufactures and products to the best
advantage
You have often heard it remarked that
1T takes all sorts of folks to make
world if that be true this will be one
complete world indeed, for all kinds OF
folks, not only of different dispositions,
but OF different nationalitIes, will be fully
represented here.
Every thing is being done that can be
to make persons comfortable, and to rem
der their stay while here pleasant. de
lightlul and profitable. Beautiful walks
are being constructed on every hand,
green swards as soft as velvet interspers-
ed in abundance, fragrant flowers exhal-
ing their delicious perfume, gurgling
streams that dance and ripple.o er pebbly
beds. cozy retreats that are very enticing,
sparkling fountains. to slake the thirst
OF the myriads of sightseekers, all con-
tribute to the ever varying scenery of
the Centennial Grounds. Magnificent
buildings of beautiful design and pleas
ing architecture. dressed and adorned
with flags OF ell nations, glitter in the
rays OF the sun, and give the whole the
appearance of some celestial city. Well
may America be proud of this, her first
grand Centennial display, and long may
she retain her pre-eminent position
among the nations Of the earth.
/ would like to 90 more into detail had
| ample time and space, for there are
very many things in connection with this
Exposition that would be very interest
ing to those who have no opportunity of
being present, and witnessing the work
ings OF SO stupendous an undertaking,
but / promised to be brief and one who
is on duty as | am, amid noise, confusion
and busy preparation, has but a poor
chance to give an interesting and intel
ligible account of any thing. When
more leisure is granted me and my facil-
titles for writing are better, i can give you
a more elaborate description.
There is in this Centennial arrange
ment a Department Of Protection, which
is composed of one thousand or more
picked men, who are recruited, uniform
ed and drilled as soldiers under the com
mand of a Chief Marshal, several Cap
tains and Lieutenants. forming what
may be considered Military Police.
They 60 by the name of Centennial
Guards, and are stationed throughout
the different buildings and ell over the
grounds. Their duties are various
Some persons have facetiously remarked
that their duty consists in gallanting the
"Ladies" around and showing them the
sights that is true, perhaps, in part but
| haven't as yet had any in mine" Ii
is their duty to guard and protect prop
erty, maintain order and perform police
duty generally. | am in Captain Han
ley's command, whose head quarters are
in Agricultural Hall, a building covering
ten acres and a fraction of ground, all
under one roof Recently some forty
men were detailed as special guards for
Agricultural Hall, | was among the num-
Der, and day and night it is faithfully
guarded by US and the fire brigade.
At this time of writing the Hall pre-
sents busy appearance truly, it is one
vast scene of preparation. The din and
racket produced by the various parties
getting ready for the grand opening, give
it the appearance of one immense work
shop Of nations. But not only in Agri-
cultural, but in many other Halls, the
good work of the Grand American Cen
tennial progresses.
Perhaps 1 have already worried your
patience with this hurried and detached
production. No doubt many Of you will
visit the Centennial, you can then com.
prehend its magnitude far better than i
can describe it.
With kind regards and a wish that you
may enjoy your Centennial year, | re-
main, Yours truly,
STEPHEN H. REAS0NER.