American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-05-20
THE CENTENNIAL.
Auspfcious Opening of the PhiladeI-
phiR Exposition.

Auspfcious Opening of the Philadel
| phiR Exposition.
PHILADELPHIA, May 10.-The da
set for the opening ceremonies of tn
Centennial Exposition was ushered il
with rain, and up to about 10 O'Clock
looked as though the exercises woul,
have to be conducted in the Exposition
building. Soon after that hour tn
heavens cleared, however, and tn
managers were enabled to carry on
their original programme.
The city was crowded with visitor
from all parts of the country, and thu
streets and buildings were radiant will
flags of all nations.
accompanied by officials previously
designated, entered the grounds, anc
took their places upon the large plat
form. The President was escorted
to the grounds by Gov. Hartranft,
with division of military After the
playing by the orchestra of Wagner's
Centennial March, Bishop Simpson of
fered prayer. President Grant then
made brief address, which was fol
lowed by the singing of Whittier's Cen
tennial Hymn. The presentation of
buildings, etc., to the Centennial Com
mission then took place, after which Sid
ney's Lanier's cantata was sung. Presi-
dent Hawley then formally presented
the Exhibition to the President of the
United States, to which President Grant
made brief reply. This was follow
ed by the raising of the flag on the
main building signal that the
Exhibition was open. Statutes were
fired, bells commenced ringing,
choirs began singing the Halle1ujah
Chorus" chimes commenced ringing
various airs, and the President and in
vited guests, amid cheers from the
crowd, began the procession through
the main buildings and Machinery Hall.
PRESIDENT GRANTS ADDRESS.
MY CoUNTRYMEN: 1t has been thought ap-
propr ate upon this Centennial occasion to bring
together in Philadelphia for popular inspection
and fine arts, and in literature scis nee and phi
losophy, as well as in the great business of agri-
more thoroughly appreciate the excellencies and
deficiencies of our achievements and also give
to the to earnest de
fellow members of this great family of Nations,
the enlightened agricultural, commercial and
vited to send hither corresponding specimens of
their skill, to exhibit on equal terms in friendly
CouiptutiOu Will our own. 10 THIS Invitation
they have generously responded For SO doing,
we render them our hearty thanks. The beauty
and utility of the contributions will this day
be submitted to your inspection by the man.
ayers of this exhibition. We are glad to know
that the view OF specimens of skill of all Nations
will afford to you unalloyed pleasure, as well as
yield to you valuable practical knowledge of
SO many of the remarkableresultso of the wonder
full skill existing in enlightened communities
One hundred years ago our country was new and
but partially settled. Our necessities have COM
PEELED us to chiefly extend every means and time
in telling forests, subduing prai les and building
dwellings,, factories, ships, docks, warehouses,
roads canals, machinery, etc. etc. Most of our
sch ols churches, libraries and asy lums have been
established within an hundred years. Burthen-
ed by these great primal works of necessity,
which could not be delayed, we yet have done
what this exhibition will show in the direction of
rivaling older and more advanced Nations
in law, medicine and theology, in
science, literature, philosophy and the fine
arts. Whilst proud of what we have done, we
regret we have not done more. Our achievements
nave been great enough. however, to make it easy
Tor our people to acknowledge superior merit
wherever found. And now, fellow citizens l
nope careful examination Of what is about to
De exhibited to you will not only inspire you
With profound respect for the skill and taste of
our friends from other Nations, but also satisfy
you with the attainments made by our own peo-
pie during the past hundred years. 1 invoke
four generous corporation with the worthy Com
nissiOners to secure brilliant success to this
international Exhibition. and make the stay of
our foreign visitors, to whom we extend hearty
Welcome, both profitable and pleasant to them. i
ieclare the International Exhibition now open