The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1876-05-20
Special Correspondence Of the Baltimore County Union
1S16---1SS6.
Centennial Neavs amd Gossip.


The great event Of the year, the anticipation Of
months, has been accomplished, and the opening
OF the Centennial Exposition is an era in eur his
tory never to be forgotten. The simple and ap-
preprists ceremonies were characteristic Of this
great natien, and all other nations looked on and
approved. The day at dawn looked uHprcpi-
tieus. and as ene's faith in "0ld Probabilities"
had been somewhat shaken, grave fears were
aroused lest his predictions should prove fallibe
but by o'clock the clouds had all rolled away,
and the sun was shining on as perfect day as
one could imagine.
We reached the Park about 10 o'clock and
found the crowds hecking from all directions,
but Notwithstanding the numbers, the ingress
was accomplished without discomfort. The en-
frances are very numerous, and as emily one per-
sen can pass at q time through the little tura-
stiles (which are placed at each gate) the pres
sure that usually attends such crowds was avoid
ed. 1t is barely possible that as was not COM
PEELED to enter at the gates with the common
herd" (my reporters ticket effeeting special
entrance | had more agreeable experience
than these who came after.
When the ceremonies commenced there were
supposed to be about 200, 900 people in the vicn-
ity Of the stand the bewildering buzz Of the
swaying, surging multitude being inaescribabls,
but the first notes struck by Theodore Thomas
splendid orchestra, hushsd every murmsr, and
except fer the eutbursts of raptureus applause,
there was the most rapt attention paid to all the
exercises.
Te pretend to give detailed account of this
stupendous work wsuld require more space than
could be spared in yeur valuable columns, but
perhaps may be able to give a vague idea at
least of how much there is to be seen and of the
| immensely and grandeur of the Exposition.
| Machinery Hall, although far from complete in
the number of its exhibits, is q most interesting
and instructive department. The FIRST thing thai
attracts your attention, and indeed almsst in
spires feeling Of awe, is the monster engine
| manufactured by Corliss, Of Rhode Island. Thi;
leviathan furnishes the motive power for all tbs
machinery in the building, and is of 400 horse
power. There are number of odd looking en-
gines from foreign countries, bat American in
ventions in this department carry off the palm
A very handsome monument is made of grind
stones, and very graceful and pleasing decera
tions are made of nails spikes, iron tubing, coils
of rope, spools Of silk, DC.
The Agricultural Department is still in cha
otto state. Workmen are busy unpsckng and
placing goods, as indeed they are in all depart
ments, and visitors whe want to see the Exhibi
ton complete in every way, would do well t
/ make their visit here in the summer or autumn
The Main Building is enc of especial interest
and will take weeks to see satisfactorily. her
are the most superb diamonds, laces fine as cob
web, land, by the way, some industrious younl
woman has initiated this delicate work in tattins
that requires close scrutiny TO discover the differ
enee,) silks satins and vslvets, Shoes furs Indii
shawls, and hosts of other things that set tn
feminine heart to huttsring and vent its feeling
in audible obs and abs Sweden, Norway ant
Japan make the best exhibits in this department
these commissions having spent mere time an,
care in the preparation than any other. Grea
Britain occupies large space here, and in tn
matter of furniture makes magnificent display
A cord an ane of the pieces reads in this wise
"a mahogany and brass lady's writing table
specimen Of the 18th century"
In the Women's Pavilion there were so many
beautiful things that l can only msntien one
weed carving done by ladies in Cincinnati
bedStead, piano, cabinet, and small ornament
NEST exsuisitsly carved by hand.
But suppose must stop here and promise Il
touch upon the ether places in another letter.
Let me suggest to any Of your readers who ma.
contemplate visit to find Lauber's restaurant
they want tip-tOp fare at very reasonable rates
| juno.