The Republican journal., 1876-04-27

nave just returned from another tour of the
Centennial Grounds, and am more and more
impressed with the wonderful Exhibition TO
come of, and feel assured that no American
| need feel ashamed of our country's show
Neither can you realize the amount of beaut-
ful and wonderful articles from the old world,
| till you see for yourself. Every hour has
something to amuse and instruct Miles and
miles OF drives and footways are in fine order,
ana the work of paving the avenues is proceed
ing with admirable Dispatch large force of
men are identifying the grounds, preparing
lawns, bridges, flower beds. and rustic land
scapes.
''As if by miracles the grasses start
lhey creep about the naked land,
Ana spread their yelvets in the sun"
a lew weeks of sunshine will transform the
parks into beautiful glimpses Of nature, en-
HANGED by the records Of art and science.
| Strangers from all countries are arriving :
the streets are crowded, and the down town
| hotels are filled, or most of the room pre-ei =
gagged. The outside city Of hotels, near the
| park, Is increasing every day, and thousands
| Of restaurants and booths are being put up
Some we viewed to-day seem enormous. The
Grand Exposition, at q desirable distance, has
accommodations for 5000 persons, with every
luxury and convenience. The Globe, of 500
rooms, few steps from the gates, and another
Of some thousands OF rooms; still others being
completed of large size, and Il chain of minor
hotels, finely fitted, offer accommodation for all
the country, one would suppose. The facilities
for reaching the park are very easy, railroad
stations within short distance and horse cars
innumerable. Some three miles distant bar
racks are being bnIlt for the Changers, who
will, understand, bring their own provisions ;
an economical way Of living, and in fine days
agreeable. The increasing state buildings are
handsome and in great variety. New Jerseys
house presents the Holland dwelling house AS
it years ago appeared. 1t is gorgeous with red
tiles, and has tower, porches and balconies,
and is very picturesque in appearance. Con-
nectlcut represents an Old colonial homestead
of one hundred years ago. Ike Marvel origi-
mated the design. and it is intercs ting. Ohio
has substantial sandstone home; some of the
stones are very beautiful. and twenty-one quar-
RIGS are represented by different contributions.
The peculiar plan OF the Indiana home attracts
HltlcIi Hollct. New 1Ofk mas an elegant villa,
also Massachusetts. There are many other
state buildings, but not W it'll the peculiarties
Of those mentioned. The japanese structure
still causes establishment, and is said to be the
best piece of carpenter work in this country.
The wood is beautifully grained, smooth as
satin and wonderfully carved.
l am informed that Australia IL 900 miles
fro,r, b,s ~
knowledge and art, giving more idea of that
country than could be obtained in any other
way. 1t consists Of minerals, the richest of
wool, 80 varieties of gum trees, and other trees
Of all colors Of wood, pyramid of tin weigh
ing seven TONS and from Queensland an ODE
llsk tWenty-three feet high, covered with bur-
nished gold, representing a mass of gold Of six
ty tons in weight, the base Of rich gold quartz.
From Venezuela are fruits, evergreen trees,
coffee, cotton &c. From Antwerp, 800 cases
Of goods, cases of glass each one weighing
seven tons, for mirrors and windows-but so
immense that special ears are being built be-
fore they can be removed to the grounds.
From France magnificent show case filled
with an endless variety Of Lyons silk, velvets
and laces-the case fitted up with divan in
side, that you may sit down and admire at
your leisure. From Paris one of the most
beautiful pieces of sculpture, fountain, also
statuary, paintings, and great variety of love
ly works of art From Scotland fine display
of manufacturing industry. Scottish gems, such
as brooches, earrings, and ornaments of every
style imaginable. Italy contributes 800 pieces
of valuable statuary, and other collections of
rare exhibits. Pope Plus X has sent from the
Eternal City some costly relics, also some an
tque vases, very old and valuable. The Nati-
can, or papal palace, is one vast exposition of
the wonders Of art, old and new; and Italy
found perfect museum. From my visit there
| well know what enjoyment is in store for
friends who have not been abroad. Spain, |
hear has wonderful attractions the Spanish
building is an elaborate and snowy structure.
Queen Victoria sends some OF her own spin
ming, also embroidery and paintings of her own
children; but the pottery from England is one
Of the great attractions. Egypt and Chilli and
Germany have scores of boxes, now being I'M
packed, and piles of cases are erected to make
the goods attractive. California is going to do
the handsome thing, and will not be beat in
this show The State is erecting q memorial
lamp, ut a cost of S. 900 which MAY describe
in future letter.
From the United States the prospect OF a
gratifying success is anticipated. Baltimore
contributes chime of bells, value 900, to
represent the thirteen states. They are placed
in the tower of Machinery Hall, and will be
rung at sunrise, noon and sunset their sweet
1.-Two ,iyrr ia taI-; lad
fessor has been obtained to take charge of this
chime, the finest in America. Machinery Hall
is now nearly filled with ponderous structures,
that to one unacquainted is confusion indeed.
Among them the Corlss steam engine; u huge
pile driver, fifty feet high, from Belgium; a
Scotch rolling mill a Swedish locomotive;
printing presses; fire engines; a massive cot
ton press from Charleston; pipes, boilers, and
in fact most everything that can be imagined.
From Maine, Biddeford sends some specimens
of spinning machines, every part polished like
silver.
The exhibition at the main hail is simply inn
mense, and every day something wonderful is |
added. The Chinese are now very busy open |
ing packages. Yesterday there We're on the |
ground three hundred and fifty car loads of
goods, besides carts and other conveyances |
4 Philadelphia firm have erected a large build |
ing Of wood and glass, and are to show the |
whole process of glass making, including blow |
ing and engraving. Those "modest men," the |
sewing machine agents, are numerous in their |
display, having elegant payilions in the Swiss !
style, and ''such pretty girls to display the adj
vantages of their respective machine stitching. |
The long expected law has gone into effect |
to-day, and no one can enter the grounds, UNI
less an exhibitor, until the 10th of May. Such |
crowds interfered with the work, and it was |
for preparing the pavement that for |
a time the people should keep away. All here |
have great faith in the skill and perseverance |
of Americans, and that the 10th of MAY will |
see everything in readiness for a grand exhibit |
ton. AS you will be here yourself to write up |
for your friends, may bid you adieu, hoping |
the little information [ have given may be !
pleasant to my friends to read Everything |
that arrives for exhibition from the Pine Tree |