New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-08-26
THE EXHIBITION.
n,Sp, Avs of VARIOUS COUNTRIES.

taken as a whole, the ExnlpltlOh suiP'S'o' an i
predecessors in beauty of position, convenience Va
arranaement and variety of interest. Inc points
wherein it falls short of the latter are certain fea-
of the separate national contributions, aud the
oonsos Of them may be readily explained Before
;np into details let me first lay before the readers
of The TRIBUNE the general aspects OF the subject.
may do this, now, with all the less reserve De-
cause in the case of Germany the effect has already
been made pnblic-but without any adequate con-
sideration of the cause.
shall give less ofense by declaring at the start
that America and Europe are equally to blame. Inc
difficulties of the undertaking were Tar greater mere
than in any other civilized country, because It's sue
cess depended mainly on the favor and cooperation
of a public which was at first divided III opimon'
then reluctant and mistrustful, and always whimsi
cal The possibility of success was reached through
the exertons of comparatively small class OF per-
sons: the small towns did more than the large
cities: every step Questioned ana oDsTucteu
and the aid of the Government was doubtful uh'll
the last moment. We cannot wonder II Europe
accepted at more than its real value the opposition
of part of our people and press and the reluctance
Of Congress to advance the sum necessary to com
olete the buildings. Nothing of the kind could
possibly happen there, after an international EXhi-
btion had once been determined upon; and the ao-
.ence Of a hearty union of effort in this land OF
abroad We, ourselves therefore. gave the first I'M
pression that the Exhibition would either fall short
of its grand design OF be large and ambitious but
inferior in all its details.
On the other hand, the European nations are stu
very ignorant of our progress IN ali she arts Oh CIVIL
cation. We chemically complain of English mis-
representation yet the ExtbitOn-if nothing else
will prove to us that the English know more OF u.s.
and appreciate industries and arts better, than
any other foreign people. The prevalent OPINION IN
Germany, as have learned by years of uncomfort-
able experience is that we are wholly " materlaf
people that our development is chiefly physical
that we have little interest in Literature Art, and
Science. Phe same idea prevails in France, but Is
less general simply because the educated class is so
much smaller In Italy there is better understand
ing Of the truth through the long residence OF Amer
lean artists authors, and men of fine culture Rus
STA. Sweden, and Switzerland have also somehow
been drawn nearer TO u.s. at least have felt free TO
recognize our progress. But 1T may be accepted as
general fact that neither our intellectual develop
mept. our average culture our taste and refinement,
nor the stability of our institutions, our puohc
order, the security of person and property and the
inherent purifying virtue belonging to our people,
are recognized in Europe.
The exhibits made by Germany, France. Austria,
and even Italy. reflect this lack OF intelligence
Prof Reuleaux, the Chief of the German Commits
son who has been or is about to be recalled for his
indiscreet sincerity has described che contribute on
of Germany in terms of exact truth; and the very
same phrases he nses will apply equally well to
France and Austria. There is considerable variety
in the articles displayed as they are they sery
interesting and Instructive; but in TOO many cases
they represent the mediocry rather than the genius
of the national art and industry. In other words
the contributions have not been specially selected as
at London Paris and Yierna) to represent the best
achievements of the people In the Machinery and
Agricultural Halls the deficiency is much more no
tieeable than in the Main Building.
Icannot help feeling that even the American por-
ton of the Exhibition might, with little eXer;Ion
have been much improved. Considering the delay
of most Of the exhibitors and the haste with which
so many contributions crowded in at the last
moment the general display is surprisingly good
In most cases. our people have sent their best, if
they have not always displayed it i'll the best and
most attractive manner, The foreign exhibitors,
hear are astOnished and not little discouraged ut
the elegance of those branches of industry which
border on the domain Of Art-such AS furniture
slverware, pottery, etc If the elements OF taste
and beauty could be separated from that of mere
mechanical productoD-which, however necessary,
Is often ugly enough-the former feature wou!d be
still more prominent. In machinery, the United
States is tacile princps The Agricultural display
also-for which VIC have been prepared by so many
years of Agricultural Fars-is the complctest ever
seen. Even in architecture, the Memorial Hall,
which is more satisfactory every time it is seen may
challenge comparison with almost any modern
structure II suggests indeed, both the Glyptothek
and the Propyon at Munich, yet sliIpasses both IN
It's simple elegance.
Thus, if we have not done our best, we have done
enough to be satisfied with. The benefit which viii
result from this Exhibition is simply incaiculable
1t is vast World-School for every branch of human
activity SO Ear as Europe is concerned, It VIII
teach Europe more relatively, than it teaches us;
but the lesson will rebound to our advantage. The
naive surprise Of Dr. Petemann, the geogrdphcr. at
not finding the logcabins of the first settlers still
standing here and there in cities, Is a good av-
erage illustration of what even intelligent
European expects to see and not "a single foreign
commissioner, exhibitor, tourist has come to the
Exhibition without giving vent to o greater or less
quantity of amazement at its extent, beauty, and
convenience.
Great Britain is not 80 richly represented az at
Vienna, but she has done all could expect. Her
colonies. moreover, have never before made such
complete and interesting show. Canada the States
of Australia, Tasmania and South Africa send col
lcctons which are really fascinating in their origin
atty TIE fac-similies of nuggets and god-product
the photographs and pictures of scenery the strange
woods and animals of the southern hemisphere are
ike glimpses of an unknown world to the VISITOR
Tho Canadian house, outside, is also admirable IN
design, though mach married III effect by Its painted
corners. But Greater Britain" Ito use Sir Charles
Dilke's phrase Is, taken collectively, one OF the
most attractive departments
Neither France, Germany nor Austria crowds the
space igned yet the contributions are ample in
Al. Ia1 hoa y,,ora ed