The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-05-25

paratlQn IOf tne great event, DuC Gil ol
her calculations were swept away, as a
rush is swept out of the pathway ofthe
hurricane. Carriages, go;caftss, otiti-
buses, railroad ears, all alike were
crarnmed, rammed, jammed. All dis
tinctions of cast or character were utterly
| ignored; gentlemen lii white choakers.
and swallow=tailed coats fought with
bootblacts and hod carriers; for. the R3qr
| privilege Of hanging on by theif eye-lids
| to the ffoht or back platform of a dirty
street car. The heat of the cars was
sitting, but everybody was happy, bar
ring here and there some fat woman, or
equity old man, whose favorite corn had
received an undue pressure, or some TN
fortunate countryrnan who in the squeeze
| had lost his pocket=bouk, and Was sud
denly cut off from Centennial fun, and
realized that he was d stranger in a
strange land, and Unable to see his way
back to Skineatles or Blue Lick. At last
the grounds were reached. 1t was in
deed like scene of enchantment. Twill
not attempt in this letter to describe the
buildings at all the subject is too vast,
and I abandon it to-day in despair. Suf-
fee to say, the scene was wonderful
buildings, beautiful in design and cullos-
aal in proportion, lowered OH every side.
It is almost appalling to think. Of the
vast amount Of wealth and gehius that
these magnificent buildings contain.
The site selected for the opening ,cete.
monies was particularly appropriate.
On the Ole side was The inost colossal of
the Centennial Buildings, and on the
other, the most beautiful structure on the
grounds, known as the Memorial Hall.
For positive grandeur and beauty there
is no building in America to compare
with it. Its description / reserve for
some future OCCASION,
An immense space had been set apart
for distinguished visitors; but it was JIM
possible tp provide for It's all, yet Dom
Pedro and I haa no cause to complain,
though / somehow fancied that the Cen
tennial managers showed him more at
tentiou than they did me, but this may
have been imagination. The fortunate
holders of.tickets to the opening ceremo-
nies were early in their places, and as is
usual in such cases, about ten times as
many tickets had been Issued as there
we're seats for the people; or even stand
ing room for the vast multitude that
surged, and fought, and swdrey Gh6aking
UP every aSen6e, ahd tfatnpled down
every obstacle. The ceremonies were to
have commenced at half past ten sharp,
but of course somebody was late, without
whom the show could not 60 on;
At this time the scene was particularly
grand and imposing, Here gathered in
asseabiage 81 distinguished men and
women ever seen on the continent of
America. Royalty lent the SAVIOR of its
gracious presence. Dom Pedro, the
Emperor of Brazil, was there accom-
panied by his excellent Empress, now
passing under the quiet title Of the Lady
Alacantia. On every hand there were
poets, painters, sculptors, historians, men
and women eminent In literature and art.
There were reverend divines, great mer-
chants, distinguished scholars, and gal.
liant soldiers whose names are renowned
from the rising to the setting of the sun.
All that art or wealth or beauty could
contribute TO add To The glory of the
scene, seemed I'd be concentrated iii that
splendid and brilliant assembly. The
President Of the United States occupied
a position near the centre surrounded by
his cabinet and the United States Senate
"a little I'd the left sat the judges of the
Supreme Court and the members of the
diplomatic corps. Scattered along right
and left were artists, doctors, governors,
generals and aldermen. Our own sweet
poet, Whittier, had contributed the open
ing hymn. Richard Wagner, the great
est living musician, composed the Cen
tennial March; Theod6fe Thomas, the
most Mmois leader of his time, swayed
the magic baton. One hundred and
fifty of the most skillful musicians com
posed the orchestra. 300 voices swelled
in the magnificent choir. AS the Presl,
dent made his appearance on the front of
Memorial Hall, surrounded by his cabi-
net and the Senate, the orchestra struck
up the grand Centennial March. Then
followed d prayer by Bishop Simpson,
during which the boisterous elements OF
the. crowd calmed down so that you might
have heard pin drop. Then followed
Whittier's noble hymn, which regard as
one of the most splendid productions Of
his life. Then a cantate, by Sidney
Lanier, of Georgia, set to music by Dud-
ley Buck. of Connecticut. Mr.. Welsh,
the financial officer, made short address.
General Hawley, the President, then
made formal presentation of the Exhi-
bition in brief and well chosen speech,
after which followed short address by
the President of the United States,
closing with the announcement that the
great Exhibition was open. The words
had scarcely past his lips, when it seemed
as if pandemonium had broken loose.
Cannon doomed by the hundred; mus
kets cracked by the thousand; pistols
exploded by the million. The ground
fairly trembled, as if aArighted at the
horrible din. Cheer upon cheer rent the
air. Men and women went rushing
about shaking hands with people they
had never seen before.
The Japanese Ambassador gave a smile
of appreciation, and exclaimed belly bull
ly, and crowning glory Of the ceremonies,
Handel's grand hailalujah chorus, given
by 800 voices, made the welkin ring with
the sounds of jubilee.
The Foreign Commissioners then
passed into the main hall, each standing
opposite his division. General Grant ac-
companied by numerous cortege, then
crossed to the main hall, and passed
through to the Machinery Hall.
The great Corliss engine, 1000 horse
power stood silent and still, as if wanting
the magic touch that should wake it to
activity and life. The President ad-
vanced, and laying his hand on the pol
ished lever, threw it easily forward. In
an instant there was an answering thrill
and vibration. The mighty piston moved
slowly forward. Then came the recoll.
Faster and faster the tremendous iron
arm cleaves the air: Where all was quiet
an instant before, all is now activity and
life. Wheels whiz, steam whistles roar,
oonnon tbupdar :ol1 sorts of machines