The Arizona sentinel., 1876-06-24
CENTENNIAL.
Our Philadelphia Letter.
PHILADELPHIA, May %. 1871

Inc sunday question Is sun tn0
all absorbing theme in connection
with the Exhibition just now.
The press and the pulpit discuss
it, and the people not satisfied
with having the talking done for
them, do a great deal for them
selves. have already mentioned
a mass meeting where strong ad-
dresses were made in favor Of Op-
ening the grounds, and On Wed
nesday evening counter meeting
was held by the opponents Of the
plan. A number of religious bod
les have entered their protest
against the opening, and it is re-
ported that Gen. HaWley has de-
clared his intention to resign in
case the grounds are opened on
Sunday. The working classes are
of course, in favor of a plan which
will give them an opportunity to
go to the big show, and there is
much to be said for them. Al
though many employers will give
half-holidays. a man cannot leave
his work and reach the grounds
in time to see very much before
the time Of closing. The weak
ness Of the argument based upon
the desire to make the American
Sabbath distinctive feature of
the Exhibition. has been shown
by the experience Of the past two
Sundays. The scene in the neigh.
horh00d of the grounds, shanty-
vilIe," as it is called, being 3 col
lection Of side-shoWS and saloons,
was anything but agreeable, and
the less said about this "eXhibit,"
the better. Unless the exhibitors
can offer q better article it would
be we'll to omit mention of it in
the catalogue.
The Commission have re- elect
ed the old officers, with the ex-
ception of one or two changes in
the Executive Committee. 1t has
adjourned to the LIST of July, much
70 the relief of the working men
of the Exhibition.
Five members Of the German
Centennial Commission arrived
last week, two of whom have very
agreeable duties assigned them.
Herr Weyler, a wine merchant,
Of COblenZ, is to test our native
wines, with view to ascertain
what effect their production has
upon our wines made with Europe.
and Herr Goldsmith, director of
a large German brewery is to de-
vote himself TO beer, for the fame
Of our American brewers has gone
abroad.
The number of state, national
and international conventions to
be held in this city, during the
Exhibition, is appalling they will
average at least one day. The
more important tia are to be held
this month are the General AS
semhly U. P. Church, May Oath,
and the Anniversary of the Amer
lean Sunday School Union open
ing of Bankers Centennial Pavil
ion Reunion of Grand Encamp-
ment knights TempIar of United
States American Social Science
Association /; National Convention
of Baptist Social Unions, May 30th,
and May 31st. Grand Command
cry, State Of Pennsylvania.
The number Of visitors to the
grounds has been almost daily in
creasing within the past week and
now amounts to more than 10000
per diem.
This number will undoubtedly
be doubled next week, on account
of the Convention of Knights
Templar which is to be held here
the last Of May and first OF June
It is a great disappointment to
those who have gone into the
various Centennial projects that
visitors are coming SO slowly and
many seem to be SO in want Of
cash that failures are daily expect
ed. 1t is reported that two Of the
most popular of the hotels have
gone under, not being able to stand
their vast daily expenses while
their rooms are unOccupied. The
large number of omnibusses and
hacks ply regularly Centennial
words, but it is rare to see any one
in them, and even the street car
managers say that there is little
increase in their profits, the only
difference being that the average
ride Of their passengers is good
deal longer, and consequently
traffic is much harder on their
Horses OF all classes those board
ing-house keepers are the most
respondent especially who have
been making grand and eXpen-
sive preparations. Not half of
them can meet their bills and
their creditors are hot after them,
10 get what little money they
have left, fearing that it will all
be gone before their expectations
begin 10 be filled.
Among. the labyrinths of the
Centennial structures the exhibits
not in place are being arranged as
fast as circumstances will permit