The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-10-28
Centennial Letter.
lNUMBER ;.

The conclusion of last weeks letter
left me returning from lunch to the
Main Building. | will resume the sub
jcct where ! left it, and tell your read
ers something more of the wonders to
be seen in this department. England
is well represented. There seems to
exist kindly feeling between the two
countries, alihoug III John Bull first hes
itatcd before he decided to participate
in the exposition. Germany has fine
display of porcelain and bronzes. The
French department is great resort for
ladies. They lbok with longing eyes
az the delicate laces, rich silks, vclvcts
and Jewels. Here is the choicest col
lection of Jewels in the building. Re
Gently necklace of diamonds was sold
to New York lady for $4,000. A
fabulous price for such glittcrng bau-
bles. There is musical snuff box of
ctruscan gold which is very beautiful
1t is thickly studded with jewels; the
top representing a dovc-cot. Touch
ing a concealed spring a little bird pops
out and sings beautifully. ltis thought
to be one of the most perfect limitations
of bird ever invented, appearing so
lifc-like that many persons have mis-
taken il for real bird.
The Gorham silver company have
the finest display of silver in the build
ing. The wood work and frcscong in
the pavilion being very dark the silver
shows off with fine effect. Aladdin 5
palace is rivaled by the dazzling ap-
pcarance of the pavilion, as it reveals
such rich and beautiful exhibits. One
of the principal attractions is the NAM
moth Gent Try Vase, .'l.ch is solid sill
yer, stands more than four feet high,
and is five feet in width at the base.
1t was designed by George Wilkinson
ana Thomas j. Pairpont, and is fine
representation of the Nations progress
in music, art, science and literature. In
the center of the base the pioneer and
indian, with groups OF fruit and flowers,
represent the first p base of civilization.
Above this is slab of polished granite,
signitying the solidity of the govern
ment. On the left of the center panel
is the Genius of War with torch in
her right hand, her left grasping the
chain which hold the dogs of war in
check. On the right, the lion led by
IL little child and the ground strown
with flowers, denoting peace and sccur-
ity. On the medallion in front is the
Angel of Fame holding in one hand the
palm branch and laurel wreath, in the
other wreath OF immorlcllcs and il por-
trait of George Washington. The front
panel represents Genius ready to III
scribe on the tablet the progress made
in literature, science, music, painting,
sculpture and architecture. On the re
verse panel Genius is ready to record
the triumphs in commerce, mining and
manufactures. The crowning figures
represent Europe, Asia and Africa
bringing their contributions to the cX-
hibition and the central figure denotes
America inviting all nations to partici-
pate in the celebration OF this Ccntcn-
NAL anniversary.
As this is peculiarly America : cxhi-
bition, this country Of course has the
largest and best located position where
in to exhibit her products. Walking
through the different buildings one nat
urally falls to comparing the exhibits Of
one country with those OF another. |
always feel proud OF our country when
comparing its productions with those OF
other countries. There are certain
things which other countries make spec
ialities of, and OF course deserve to cx-
eel and DO excel i'll them, but what
wonderful progress has been made here
for IA country but century old.
The ship E'sropa took fire in the
New York harbor recently, and sew
cral ship carpenter, who were at