New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-08-29
WASHINGTON.
LIE FRENCH EXHIBITION.


WHY THE ADMINISTRATION HAVE TAKEN 80 STEPS
TOWARD THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSION
INDIFFERENCE OR OPPOSITION OF THE FRENCH
GOVERNMENT TO THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION.
lfRoM REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25.-rhe evident indisposItion
of the Administration TO take any steps looking 10
the proper representation of the United States at the
Paris Exposition next year. except in response to
direct order from Congress. has more than once been
remarked. Although many persons of influence,
having an interest in full representation of Amer
lean industries at Paris have called upon the Presi-
dent and upon the Secretary of State, and urged
them at least to appoint provisional Commission,
no steps in that direction, even, have been or are
likely TO be taken.
An explanation of this apparent want of official
interest IN the Paris Exposition may possibly be
found in the conduct of France during the Centen-
NAL Celebration in Philadelphia last year. 1t Is
vel known to all those who took an active part In
the management of the Centennial Exhibition that
neither the action of the French Government nor
the character of the French exhibit such "a the
United States had right to expect. While other
nations sent special commissioners TO the Cen
tennial many of them selecting men OF high rank
and great experience France refused to do so,
and entrusted the interests Of her citizens to suDor
dinate attaches of the French Legation, at least
of whom was extremely objectionable to President
Grant. SO strongly did the President feel on this
subject that he refused to accept invitation 70
public dinner in Philadelphia at one time until ne
was assured that this person would not be present
Ii was also believed that the letters attacking the
United States, about which so much stir was made
in France were actually written by one of these
representatives, of the French Government although
the person suspected of being the author of them
disclaimed any such responsibility.
When goods to be exhibited at the Centennial
began to arrive, it was soon discovered that the
agents Of certain French exhibitors were attempt
ing TO defraud the United States OF duties by i'm
porting under the special regulations fixed by the
Treasury Department articles that were intended
for SALE instead of these exclusively destined 70 be
exhibited This discovery made il necessary for the
customs officers at Philadelphia and New-lOrk TO
submit all exhibitors to what would otherwise have
been unnecessary and annoying restrictions. But
aside from these matters, the character of the
French exhibit was not such as the United States
had right 90 expect, and the failure of France in
this respect was, 1t Is believed, largely due 10 the
lack of interest not to say opposition Of the French
Government
Under these circumstances when an invitation for
the United States to participate in the Paris Expo
sition of 1878 was received Secretary Fish trans
mltted 1t to Congress without RECOMMENDATION
and it is understood that when consulted by the
senate Committee on Foreign Relations be stated
to the committee substantially the facts here given
and assigned them as a why President Grants
Administration was unwilling 30 urge upon Congress
the acceptance of the invitation. The feeling of in
difference manifested By the last administration Is
understood to be shared to some extent at least by
members of the present Government of the United
States, and this may possibly explain why Secretary
Eyarts has been unwilling to assume any doubtful
authority for the purpose Of securing the represen-
taon of the United States in the Exhibition oils