The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-09-07
The Permanent Exhibition Mt Philadel-
pllia.
darcy, Pa, August 3Oth, 1877

DARBY, Pa, August 3Oth, 1877.
Mr.. EDITOR: A great deal has been said in re-
gard to the opening of the Permanent Exhibition
on Sunday, some of the greatest talent in the
country taking part in the discussion. AS you are
aware, however, tn climax of the question is set
tied with the managers, and they have taken the
responsibility to throw the doors open Sunday
and Monday TO all who can muster the much need
ed quarter. The churches in and around Philadel-
phia have taken dead stand against such q
measure, and urge on all who value their futuri-
ty to refrain from going near There are also
good Christians who think there is no sin in 60
ing. There is a Scripture which says: "Try
all things; cleave fast TO that which is good.
With this particular passage before me
| concluded to attend last Sunday, being the
second of the Sunday openings. There was not
much crowding, of course, in that great, COM
modious palace, although there were many
thousands in attendance. Everything seemed to
be going on in quiet pleasant manner, and that
dissgreeable humming of spindes and machin-
cry being absent, as though they were taking
their allotted Sabbath rest. The great Roosevelt
organ, before which centred the mass of people,
pealed forth sweet musical strains of familiar
Sabbath hymns. The impression was something
like that experienced in strange church. Over
the various counters of exhibits, and especially
where there are goods sold during the week,
was drapery to hide the trafficing article.
l think, to tell the square truth without fear
or favor, that almost any one who attended the
exhibition year ago, who would go now would
be sadly disappointed. The prettiest thing
saw was Philadelphia and its surroundings from
lghtful The park to the north, through which
winds like snake the beautiful Schuylkill,
Georges Hill, Chestnut Hill, Lemon HILL and O
glimpse of the Delaware, with the whole city
to the east and SOUTH was sight such as had
never witnessed before, and one which made me
feel my own insignifcance.
There are one hundred and sixty-nne steps
on the spiral stairs, and ii is tresome travelling.
The exhibits would no doubt show to better ad-
vantage generally through the week. One thing
particularly striking was the eageness with
which persons seemed to stare at anything a
little curious. This was to my mind sufficient
proof that many In attendance were there for
the first time.
Mrs. Maxwell's collection of wild animals,
birds and reptiles is shown to good advantage.
A mountain side is represented, scraggy cedars
forming the background. Over the side runs
little streamlet which leaps from rock to rock
very prettily. AT the base cave is represented,
and in front of it pond, in which some gold
fish live, and lend animation to the scene. The
tiger in the act of springing on an exhausted
deer shows well. The various animals, consist
ing of bears, wild eats, wolves, tigers, buffalos
foxes, minke, = 'weaseis, and o hundred others
seemed to be arranged to the very best advan-
tage but II would take person whose magma
tion is more elastic than mine to believe that
they were all killed by Mrs. Maxwell or any
other woman.
The Statuary and Art Departments are also
good and embrace an extensive collection
Morris & Tasker'e Iron exhibit Is elaborate in
the extreme ana shows the Arm lave spared no
pains to make it good one. -el.4-r.,7
III the bition does fail, the churches will
say the opening on Sunday did it but my opin-
ion, from what hear and see, is that it cannot
stand unless it is kept up by some tside source.
Even now the managers are asking for $50, 200 to
help them out, and this from people who are
now taxed heavily, and who hardly get work to
keep their families from starving. hope it
will be success but fear the worst.
lH..5fa-. ELECTRICAL.