Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1876-09-09
Centennial Notes.
MARTINsBURG, w. Va. l
September End, 1876. !

To the Editors of the Independent
Before / went to the Centennial /
was told that / would come back with
enlarged views, increased ideas, &C.
One idea has increased to such size,
it insists on making itself public.
This idea is, that / should tell to the
many readers of the INDEPENDENT
somewhat of what / saw and heard.
So much has been said on the sub
ject, but then each one, Especially a
woman) sees something another Ia
man) has failed to see.
We arrived in the city of Brother
ly Love ct the lone hour of mid
night. After an adventure with a
rascally hack-driver, which would
form a th fling incident in story,
we were snugly ensconced in hotel.
Repose restored us to our wonted
vigor, and we were ready to "do"
the Centennial. In the space before
the grounds we were assailed by a
whole regiment of people, ready to
gobble up, or dolc11 rather, any spare
change we might have. There was
the man with the guide-book, with
out which you would wander as in
Egyptian darkness. With it, you
could travel through the whole
grounds with the same ease you
would pass from one room to anoth-
er, of your own domicile. AT least,
that is what we understood from his
CALCULATIONS and entreaties. Then
the women and girls with "yere's
your fine peaches, four for five cents. !"
Threading your way through them,
we meet the man with views of all
the Centennial buildings. He ex-
patiates ON the beauties of the col
lection, informing us he will give
change in half dollars to all who pur-
chase. l warn all against him. If
you glance at him, he imagines you
wish to purchase, and will have much
trouble to disabuse him of the i'm
preston. So much, in fact, you will
be apt to take a look to get rid of
him. 1t is well known that all must
present half dollars at the entrance,
nothing else being received. There
are exchanges, where all can be ac-
commodated. All who wish money
changed have to fall into line and
await their turn. 1t amused me to
see them moving up so slowly, and
looking so anXiously at the one in
front, as though afraid the show
would be over before they were served.
Having the half dollar, everything
is ready for grand entrance. Oh,
it is fun to see the people getting
through to the turn stile. A couple
in front of us, who were evidently
afraid of getting separated, tried
frantically to get through together,
though the guard kept calling out
zone at time - 1t was memorable
as fate, and the loving couple were
parted for moment. | profited by
their experience, and passed through
after the approved style, Tin fact, the
only way possible) and received
commendatory ''That's right, from
the guard. And now, inside the
grounds. We gazed around, scarce
ly knowing which way to turn. Then
bethinking me of the guide book, we
consulted it and decided to begin eX-
plorations at the Main building.
Just here, l will state, that almost
all who have visited the Centennial,
have heard the man from Maine in
quiring for the Maine State build
ing. When he reaches the Main
building of the Exposition, and sees
the interior in all it's grandeur, he
exclaims "There, knew old Maine
would take 'em all down." We didn't
see him.
The forenoon of the first day, we
spent in this building. A feeling al
most of awe came over me, as | be-
gan to realize the magnitude of the
undertaking that has made this Ex-
position the worlds wonder. Here
l was, looking at and actually touch
ing things from South Africa, Ha-
vana, China, &c. / couldn't resist
the temptation to place my hands on
some of the articles, though imme-
diately after l would see the inevita-
BILE card with the injunction, 'hands
off," | noticed great many busily
engaged in taking notes. | saw one
tall, cadaverous looking man solemn
ly regarding a very elegant display
of jewelry, noting down the prices in
his book. | think he was a preacher,
and intended to preach sermon
aginst the putting on of gold orna-
ments. There are some hideous
looking vases in the Chinese exhibit,
marked for sale, price 100000.
| didn't see any Chinese women, I'M
less thew were all women, They all
wore dresses and had their hair plait-
ed. On several occasions had the
pleasure of listening to a very inter
esting conversation carried on in
Chinese. 1t would be well to have
that language taught in our public
schools, as so many CelestialS are
coming to this country. l think
from what l heard of ii, twenty-seven
years constant application might
al Ct,A, ntn flxr