The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1876-05-04
THE CENTENNIAL.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa, May /, 1876.

A. McGregOr & Son, Canton, Ohio!
GENTLEMEN-Although the Centennial
Exposition is far from complete, and can
not be finished by the opening day, May |
10th, yet find, after spending Eve days
on the grounds, that the exhibition is
simply immense, AID growing every day,
as the mind expands to a more proper
appreciation Of what has been accom-
plished, and what is before us. The Park
is beautiful, and the building beyond de-
scription even the pencil and photo
graph fail to do them justice, and it is
only after days of observation and care
ful study that their vastness can be com
pretended.
There is now an immense amount of
everything you could think of from ev-
cry corner of the world, and still arriving
at the rate of one to two hundred cars
day, and great ship loads yet upon the
water, enough TO fill a township.
find the Importance and moral force
OF the occasion growing upon me every
hour, and the lesson now being taught
the nations of the world will not be for
| gotten in the next five Centuries-the
privilege of the present generations to
see, in this concentrated form the results
OF century liberty and industry, can
not he overestimated. America stand
in up before the nations of the world to
have her measure taken for a liberty
coat that she can never outgrow, and
that will be too large for any other nation
ever to wear. Centuries will pass before
another Exposition so grand and extern
slve can occur on this continent, because
the Centennial occasion will have pass
ed, and there will be nothing to induce
the public to part with their money or
endure the labor necessary to bring about
such show. 1t is one of the inevita-
bles that occurs in the course of human
events, that no one can account for or
prevent, but is never to be repeated. We
may have grand Expositions, or even
Worlds Fairs, but nothing that will COM
pare or equal the present To see the
great nations of the world. marshalled as
they are here side by side, bringing
with them their laurels and frankinsenCe
bidding the American power ofthe centu-
ry God speed is sight never again to he
witnessed. 1t is like the first born of
the family. desired yet dreaded, enjoyed
but feared. 1t has come and will 90, but
it will leave its impress upon the nation,
and its influence will be felt for centuries
| to come.
This Exposition is not to be lost sight
of, Memorial Hall will stand forever it
is e-proof and otherwise indestructi-
BILE, and is to be the archive of records
of this great event.
am quite well assured that the rail-
road fare from all parts of the country
will be greatly reduced, perhaps to about
half rates; this will bring the expense
of a visit within the reach of many who
otherwise would not come AS matter
Of education l wish everybody could at
tend, especially the young men and wo-
men of the country. The opportunity of
being almost at home, and yet visiting
the great nations of the world is a rare
privilege, to be able to step in moment
from England to France, China, Japan,
Holland, Bavaria, Egypt &C., as they ap-
pear here is great treat. But do not
undertake to see all this in day or you
will lose by the undertaking. After my
experience | will venture a suggestion :
lfyou first enter the main building, which
IS 1870 feet long and 400 feet wide, do
not undertake to pass over more than
100 feet the first hour, be quiet and go
slow, or you will lose the benefit of labor
and expense. After you have been in a
few hours you may be able to move fas-
ter; a sketch book in which to make
some note of what you have seen will be
of great value, and when fatigued by this
close inspection, go out on the Park and
take an outside view of the many curious
and beautiful objects that will meet your
eyes at every step or turn, | never knew
how much work could be done on Sun
day before. 1t is amazing how things
have changed since Saturday evening.
The Peerless Reaper and Mower stands
about as it did in Canton, 2lst ult, the
admired of all, nothing here to compare
with them so far as elegance of style or
finish is concerned.
am stopping at the Union, 1914 Arch
street. This house is presided over by
your old acNuaintances VIM. Folger, Miss
Josephine Kimbal and John Faber. 1t
is very pleasant place, where the friends
from Ohio will find everything they could
desire at reasonable rates.
w. X. M.