Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-08
PHILADELPHIA, THE EIHlBI7I0N
dND TIE CkLEBRA IIONS.
PHILADELPHIA. PA,
July 4, 1876.

July 4, 1876.
To tie Editor cf Aeaae5ec journal.
The excessive heat Of the past few days, causes
one to wonder if any hotter place than Philadel-
phia can be found within the United States. When
we find that the mercury indicates 900 at eleven
O'Clock at night the prospect Of gaining sleep and
rest by retiring, is by no means encouraging.
Every one complains Of the heat. young gen.
tleman from Georgia informs your correspondent
that the hea. in Savannah has never seemed so
intense as this disagreeable, Philadelphia, Gen
tennial" heat. 1t is believed that after to-day We
shall have it cooler, the same effect being pro-
duced by the burning of powder as has often re-
suited from large fires in cites. The heated air
rises, the cooler comes in to Gil its place and thus
creates refreshing breezes.
In the city of Philadelphia and its enyrons ex-
elusive of the Centennial exhibition, there is
enough to occupy the time and the attention of
the visitor for several days. Independence Hall,
Carpenters Hall, the Mint. Franklin's grave, the
Academy of Natural Science, the Colosseum and
the Academy of Music, which is the largest opera
house in America, should be visited; then Fair
monut Park should be Thoroughly explored. 1t is
much more extensive and, some say, presents
greater attractions than the far famed Central
Park of New York. 1t extends up the Schuylkill
five miles and up the beautiful Wissahickon for a
distance of six miles. 1t contains the Geological
Gardens, having the finest collection of animals in
this country
In this park, also, as every one knows, is held
the Centennial Exhibition, which is conceded even
by the Austians themselves to far surpass the
Worlds Fair at Vienna. The suggestion of some
of the guide books that one take the cars around
the grounds in order to obtain general idea of
the grounds and buildings is good one; but the
idea which gets is very general and indefinite.
One cannot get his general idea in one day even
two without incessant tramling. Even now
some additions are being made to the exhibits,
and the visitor of month ago would see many
new and interesting articles on second examna-
ton. Memol ial Hail. which but a short time
since in chaos, now presents a more complete
state of affairs. A person may now study each
painting at his hearts content. But he cannot fail
to be impressed with the idea that in the way
things are arranged it will cost him some
"scrp." lie is met at the door by boy who
shouts Catalogue of the Art Gallery He pur-
chases and finds that it will be necessary to buy
in addition to this, catalogues of the English,
Austrian and Belgian departments, in order that
he may do satisfactory work The present official
catalogue is not Of great assistance. A valuable
work in the form Of an illustrated catalogue will
soon be issued by John Elmer of New York
Besides a full and complete catalogue it will in
clude detailed history of the Centennial and an
accurate description Of the grounds and several
buildings. 1t will contain about l2G0 pages and
will be published semi-monthy in p parts. II
will be handsome and desirable work for pres
ervation.
But Of the exhibition | will write more at an
other time. The celebrations require that the
exhibition should be neglected by all but the hol
iday excursionsts. Philadelphia which, during
the whole season, has appeared gay and festive il
now gorgeously decorated by day and brilliantly
illuminated by night a house without flags l.
in nearly as bad condition as "homc without
mother"
The second Of July being the centennial ami
versary OF the passage of the resolution declaring
the colonies free, and falling on Sunday was cele
brated on Saturday. A platform was constructed
in independence square on which at eleven o'cocl
were seated 5000 people, while seven or eigh
thousand stood in the square. The opening adj
dress was delivered by John VIM, Wallace, Pr
Addresses were also dehved by VIM. V. Mexican
Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, Of Mass, Gov. Lippt
of Il. l. and by Benz III. Brewster of Philadelphia
Ex-Governor DIX of New York and Hon. l.. g. &
Lamar of Mississippi who were expected to ad
dress the people were not present. On the even