Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1876-05-20

| tenulal managers showed MIN more at
tention than they did me, but this may
have been Imagination. The fortunate
holders of tickets to the opening cere-
monies were early in their places, and
as is usual in such cases, about ten times
as many tickets had been issued as there
were seats for the people, or even stand
ing room for the vast multitudes that
surged, and fought, and swore, chok-
ing up every avenue, and trampling
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
90 on.
AT this time the scene was particular
ly grand and imposing. Here gathered
! In narrow space was the most magnlt
icent assemblage of 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 accompan-
led by his excellent Empress, now pass
ing under the quiet title of the Lady
i Alacantia. On every hand there were
poets, painters, soul piers, historians, men
and women eminent in liturature and
art There were reverend divines, great
merchants, distinguished scholars, and
gallant soldiers whose names are re-
nouned from the rising to the setting
of the sun. All that art or wealth or
beauty could contribute to add to tie
! glory Of the scene, seemed to be con-
centrated in that splendid and brilliant
assembly. The President of the United
States occupied position near the cen
ire surrounded by his cabinet and the
United States Senate-a little to the left
sat the judges of the Supreme Court and
the members of the diplomatic corps.
Scattered along right and left were ar
lists, doctors, governors, generals and
aldermen. Our own sweet poet, Whit
tier, had contributed the opening hymn.
Richard Wagner, the greatest living
musician, composed the Centennial
March. Theodore Thomas, the most ia
nous leader of his time swayed the mag
ic baton. One hundred and fifty of the
most skilful musicians composed the or
chestra. 800 voices Swelled in the mag
nifcent choir. AS the President made
his appearance on the front of Memorial
Hall, surrounded by his cabinet and the
Senate, the orchestra struck up the grand
Centennial March. Then followed a
prayer by Bishop Simpson, during which
the boisterous elements of the crowd
Gained down so that you might have
heard pin drop. Then followed Whit
tiers noble hymn, which regard as one
of the most splendid productions of his
life. Then cantata, by Sidney Ianier,
of Georgia,s set to music by Dudley Buck,
of Connecticut. Mr. Welsh, the tinan-
cial officer, made a short address. Gen
eral Hawley, the President, then made
formal presentation of the Exhibition
in brief and well chosen speech, after
which followed short address by the
President of the United States, closing
with the announcement that the EXhib-
ition was open. The words had scarcely
past his lips, when it seemed as if pan
demonum had broken loose: Cannon
doomed by the hundred; muskets crack
ed by the thousand; pistols exploded by
the million. The ground fairly :rembled,
as if atfrighted 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 bel
ly-bully, and the c"owning glory of the
ceremonies, Handels grand hallalnjah
chorus, given by 500 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 on
through to the Machinery Hall.
The great Corliss engine, 1000 horse
power stood silent and still, as if want
ing the magic touch that should wake
it to activity and life. The President
advanced, and laying his hand on the
polished lever, threw it easily toward.
In an instant there was an answering
thrill and vibration. The mighty piston
moved slowly toward. Then came the
recoil. Faster and faster the tremendous
iron arm cleaves the air. Where all was
quiet an instant before, now is all activ-
ity and life. Wheels whiz, steam whis-
ties blow, cannon thunder, all sorts of
machines, conceivable and inconceirable
are set in busy motion, and the great
Exhibition may be fairly said to have
begun
The crowd then scattered all over the
grounds wherever their inclination led.
| went down to Agricultural Hall, at
tracted 10y the splendid exhibition in
that department. 1t is world in itself.
l will not attempt to-day to describe
anything there. Except in few nota-
bic unsuccessful was confusion and
chaos. Near the fountain vas a mag
nifcent Oriental structure, erected by
the Glen Cove Starch Company. This
enterprising firm had engaged Beck's
celebrated band, which discoursed most
beautiful music all the day, in fact it was
the only private band admitted in any
of the buildings. But feel that l must
close.
trust that it will be no dissapoint-
ment to my readers that have made
no attempt to describe a single Centen-
| Mol hp;ldinU or in fact do ANYTHING