The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1878-05-22
THE WORLDS FAIR.
Opening OF the Paris ENpOsitiOn--An Im-
posing and Brilliant Scene.

posing and Brilliant Scene.
The formal opening of the Paris Ex-
position is described as follows: At
half-past one clock Marshal MacMahop,
accompanied by his military household.
left the Elysee in the state carriage, and
reached the Exhibition at two o'clock.
On his way he was greeted by the crowd
of people, who shouted: Vive le Presi-
dent !" "Vive la France r. "Vive Ia
Republique !" Upon reaching the Ex-
position grounds, the President was
welcomed by M. Teisserence de Bort,
Minister of Commerce, who also re-
ceived the diplomatic corps in the vesti-
bule of the Trocadero, also the heads Of
the various home departments, who in
their turn were presented TO the Presi-
dent of the Republic. This over, the
Marshal and other dignitaries passed TO
a platform overlooking the main build
ing, @nCl the Minister of Commerce
made short address of welcome.
The President thereupon arose with
out without delay and said:
81 desire to join in the sentiment
expressed by the Minister of Commerce.
l offer my congratulations upon the
magnificent result achieved, and of
which l am happy to have the whole
world as witness. We have also to thank
the foreign nations for so completely
responding to the appeal of France"
Advancing a step, he said, in loud
voice
In the name OF the French Republic
/ declare the Exposition opened.
An immense outburst of cheering fol-
lowed from the dignitaries and people
massed on the terrace below. The flags
of all nations were run up to the pin
nacles of the parapets, the American
shot up their gossamer silver spray, two
bands of music burst forth in harmony,
while the cannon at Mount Valerien
behind and at the Invalides and from an
island in the Seine thundered salute
of 101 guns.
The scene was brilliant and thrilling.
The view from the tribune at this mo-
ment was wondrously beautiful. The
splashing waters, the lakes, and grottoes
and beds of flowers, the stretches of
green, the river refecting the blue sky,
the myriads of flags, the seething null
titude, the long, curved lines of armed
men, beyond the stately towers of the
building, all combined in mass of
glowing life and color.
Having gazed on the scene for an in
slant, MacMahon turned to NJ. Krantz.
the organizer of the Exposition, ard
congratulated him on the auspicious
opening of the great enterprise. The
Marshal then reascended to the Troca-
dero Palace, the procession reforming
behind him, and, after completing the
round of the building, crossed over the
river to the Champ de Mars at twenty
minutes to three.
The troops were drawn up on and
near the bridge. The terrace of the
Champ de Mars Palace was occupied by
senator's, deputies, the council of State,
magistrates, academicians, the military
staff, and the French commissioners. A
slight Whit of rain came for moment
and umbrellas appeared in thousands,
but no halt was made. The troops kept
the best of order. The President walked
between the Prince of Wales and Prince
Amadeus, followed by a brilliant retinue
almost thousand strong. AS the presi-
Dental procession, including princes,
diplomats and other distinguished
guests, reached the front of the Palace
of the Champ de Mars the scene was
extremely picturesque. The State
bodies in grand uniforms, councillors
and magistrates in their robes and the
different bodies of the institute and the
legion of honor stood in strong contrast
with the senators, clergy and minor
officials in their civil costumes. These,
with the deputation from the army in
full uniform, fell in with the presidential
cortege. The procession entered the
main building through the grand vesti-
bule and passed through the avenue in
front of the facades of the various ma
tions, the commissioners of each nation
greeting the procession at the doors.
On reaching the American facade Com
missioner Mccormick and his staff were
all in line to receive him with the guard
of marines and sailors in full uniform
drawn up. The Marshal was much
pleased at this attention and thanked
the commissioner, saying he was pleased
to see 80 many Americans and especially
gratifed to see so many American
ladies. He thanked America for its
deep interest in the exhibition. At
night all Paris was brilliantly illumiu-
ated and the streets were filled with the
surging crowds. Over 100,0 900 people
witnessed the opening ceremonies.