The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1876-05-11
Opening of the Centennial Exhibi-
ffon.

Yesterday-May 10th--occurred the most inter-
cstilis event Of the year; the great Centennial
Exposition in celebration of the nations century
of life was opened at Philadelphia with appro-
pirate, hut simple ceremonies. The exhibition
AZ symbol and as a fact VIII long remain an
important mark in the history of this Republic.
\ more fitting commemoration of our first hum
bred years could not be devised, while the ben
eticial effects, of great Worlds fair such as
this is, are incaculabe. Here are gathered,
under several acres of glass and iron, the evil
dence aud proofs, material, aesthetic and ethical.
Of the present stage of progress of nearly all
the nations of the earth, in comparison with the
carefully preserved relics of former times The
Exhibition is IL sort of tide-mark of the Worlds
advance; while considered in its national as
poets il presents astounding proofs of the mar
| vellous growth and progress of these United
States of America. For those who study the
| Exhibition with serious intent, having self-cul-
ture as an aim, it will do more than would
! years Of travel and study. To those who seek
only recreation and enjoyment, it will afford a
! sort Of siX-months Fourth OF July" jollihca-
ton, for its joyous. features have been carefully
planned. To the dull toiler, who can pay it but
day visit, the Exhibition will give wider
possibilities for wonderment and delight than
were ever previously laid before his deadened
senses. And to all men OF patriotic and loyal
| souls this Centennial fete will bring the grand
| old heroes of the past nearer and cause a re-
newal of gratitude Tor those noble men of the
oden time who, under blessing of God, opened
for this nation glorious career.
| The opening ceremonies of the Exhibition
were conducted in the open air, yesterday fore
! noon, upon the south terrace OF Memorial hall
| fronting the main building, IN full view Of an
| immense concourse of people. The weather was
perfect, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed.
| The distinguished invited guests were seated
| on Il platform, and the pageant, OF distinguish
ed officials with military escorts, was i'm
posing. The following was the order of
! ceremonies AT the beginning the national
airs Of All the countries represented at the
exhibition, We're played by an orchestra
of $50 under the direction of Mr.. Theodore
| Thomas. Then the President Of the United
States made the tour Of Memorial Hail accom-
panied BY the Governor of Pennsylvania and q
division Of troops from Pennsylvania and New
Jersey. Next, the Centennial Inauguration
March by Richard Wagner, Of Germany, was
performed; then the Rt. Rev. Bishop Simpson
offered prayer. After which, the poet W hit
tiers Centennial HYMN, set to music by John
X. Payne, was sung by the chorus of 500 voices.
| The words of the hymn are as follows:
Our fathers God from out whose hand
! The centuries fall like grains of sand.
We meet o-day, united. free,
4 And loyal to our land and Thee,
| 10 thank Thee for the era done
And trust Thee for the opening one.
! Here where Of old, by Thy design,
The fathers slake that word of Thine
Whose echo is the glad refrain
OF rended bolt and falling chain,
% grace our festal time, from all
The zones OF earth our guests We cali
Be with us while the New World greets
The Old World, thronging all its street-
dwelling all the triumphs won
BY art o toll beneath the sun:
Aud unto common good ordain
This rNalship of hand and brain.
Thou who hast here in concord furlei
The war flags Of gathered world,
Beneath Western skies fulfil
The Orient's mission of good will,
And, treighted with Loves golden fleece,
send back the Argonauts OF peace.
For art and labor met in truce
For beauty made the bride of use,
We thank Thee, while wthal we Graz
The austere virtues strong to save,
The honor proof to place gold,
The manhood never bought or sold,
o, make Thou us, through centuries long,
In peace secure, in justice strong;
Around our gift of freedom draw
The safeguards of Thy righteous law,
Aud, cast in some diyiner mould,
Let the new cycle shame the Old!