The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1876-05-18
The Centennial
Opening Of the Great Exhibition at
Philadelphia.
Addresses Delivered, People Present,
&c., &c.
OPENING OF THE CENTENNIAL.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. May 10, 1S76-10
o'clock M.-The morning was very rainy.
with prospect Of a steady rain all day,
but the indications are now that the clouds
will break, the rain cease, and the original
programme of the opening of the Centen-
NAL be carried out. The city is crowded
with visitors, the trains last night and this
morning having come from all directions
with crowds of passengers from abroad.
The streets are all ablaze with hags, and
Notwithstanding the rain, patriotic decora-
tons are numerous and fine. The EXPOSE.
ton opening is the only topic Of conversa-
ton, and since early in the morning throngs
of people, on foot, in the street-cars, car
risges, wagons and steam-cars, have been
pouring toward the Centennial grounds, in
anticipation Of the opening of the gates.
This morning, early, a military parade,
comprising portions of the First division,
took place, passing through the principal
streets Of the city.
The display was fine, though not nearly
20 large as it would have been had the
weather been favorable. If the weather be-
comes clear, the opening Of the exposition
will be a great success.
CLEARED OFF.
10:15 .. m.-The sky has cleared, and the
weather is beautiful, yet somewhat sultry,
but not too warm. The grounds are in
very good condition in spite of the rain.
The gates opened At q little after a. m,
and crowds have been pouring in ever since.
1t is roughly estimated that $4,000 people
are now on the grounds, and there is still
rush OF people through the gates. A favor
able change in the weather will permit the
original programme to be carried out,
though arrangements has been partly made
to conduct the Inauguration ceremonies in
the main building, in case of continued
rain. A spacious platform has been erect
ed at the side of Memorial Hall, north of
TIM main building. Seats are arranged on
the platform for the official and other in
yited guests, Along the front of the plat
form, ara oeats for members of the press
An orchestra of one hundred and fifty |
pieces, and . chorus of one thousand voices, |
under the direction of Theodore Thomas |
and Dudley Buck, they are stationed dir
ectly in front of the platform, and At the |
side Of the main building. The space in
front OF the platform, except that needed
Tor passage ways, IS open to the public.
Until after the Inauguration, the main
building, machinery hall and memorial
hall, are to be reserved for invited guests,
and will be closed to the public. All the
quests pass through the main building, en-
eying At the east or west end, or south
'ide; thence through the center door at the
,orth side, to the platform. The space
lbout the platform, and for great distance
mound it, ia 20 densely crowded, with
,eople, waiting for the opening exercises
nat 70 hear or zee il impossible.
11:3O .. NAT ii O'Clock, the Presi-
'ents party, accompanied BY the officials,
'roceeded to the platform, the President
laving been escorted to the grounds BY
'ov. Hartrauft, With division Of military.
The platform was At once crowded. and
u u: sazEoundins space and all points Of
!evsesaa = the neishborhood, were
lrsady occupied BY crowds Of visitora