The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-08-02
Correspondence of The True Northerner.

copenhagen. nave been oDlged 10 dsappolnt
you in that respect for upon my arrival at
Hamburg a dozen brothers and almost an
equal number Of sisters, and / was almost
going to say fathers and mothers, we're on the
dock to meet me. / was captured and did not
have moments peace until got away from
them and found myself in Paris. | am late in
the field, but shall make up for time lost.
Among the most instructive developments OF
modern civilization are the international ex-
hibltions which, commencing in London in
1851, under the inspiration and auspices of
the late sagacious and public spirited Prince
Albert, have been succeeded by more extended
and comprehensive ones, closing with our own
glorious Centennial. The French Exposition
OF 1878 embraces IN its scope the productions
and results OF every industry, art, and science
as well as their processes and methods of
operation. This ls done not merely for pur
poses OF competition and in the distribution OF
prizes, but also and more especially, with the
object OF passing in review, under the scrutiny
of the most accomplished experts and men Of
science, all of the fruits Of the skill, industry,
and exact condition AMI the comparative merits
or defects Of the industrial developm ent OF
each nation and of each description OF article
or process could be set forth. The progress
which such examination indicates OF the ex
hibits: and to describe the highest standards
OF excellence, is my aim while ID Paris. From
the commencement Of the industrial epoch
which dates from the London Exhibition Of
1851 the profound significance and value of
such exhibitions as this have been realized by
the people and government of civilized nations.
Their benefcient influences are many and
widespread they advance human knowledge
| in all directions. Through the universal Ian
guage Of the products Of labor the artisans OF
al countries hold communication ancient
preiudces are broken down are fraternized
generous rvalries IN the peaceful fields OF
industry are excited; the tendencies to war are
lessened; and a better understanding between
labor and capital is fostered. 1t is gratifying
to note that these great exhibitions are planned
and executed in the interests of the mass OF
the people. In the present instance those in =
dustres, products, and organizations designed
to promote the material and moral well-being
Of the people sre made prominent, and the
underlying animating spirit and impulse Of the
whole plan are for the Advancement prosper
ity and happiness OF the people OF all nations
One OF the most salutory results lie the promo
ton Of an appreciation Of the true dignity OF
labor and it's paramount claims TO considera-
,ion as the basis Of national wealth and power
Such exhibitions have become national neces-
sities and duties, and as such IT may be ex-
pected that they will be repeated again and
again hereafter.
As particpator IN this great international
display the United States have labored under
many disadvantages we'll known to all Ameii-
cans. The remoteness of the exhibition, and q
lazy Congress greatly discouraged effort mas
much as comparatively few Of the exhibitors
could get ready and attend to placing and ex
planning their contributions in time. The
broad Atlantic separates our artisans and pro.
ducers from the Champ de Mars, while most oi
the great competing nations are connected by
The cost OF transportation within the limits oi
the United States to the agency in New Yorl
was considerable and although the contribu
tons were forwarded across the ocean by the
government, no provisions is made for tn,
repacking and return o: the articles which a
the close of the Exhibition are to be at th,
risk and expense of the exhibitor. and thu
many persons who would have joined in tht
Exhibition were deferred from taking any par
init.
Yet, notwithstanding all these difficulties, th'
country may be congratulated upon the success
OF it's exhibition; and the snl industry, anC
energy for the people does not suffer by com
parison in the great international contest.
Our raw materials are not excelled by any IL
the Exposition, and by their variety, abund
ance, and quality, gives convincing evidencs o
the extraordinary material wealth OF our State
and territories. In the display Of mineral pro
ducts the coal of Pennsylvania, the gold AM
silver of California, Nevada, Idaho and Colora
. do, the copper and iron OF Minnesota, the zIn
ores OF New Jersey, and the emery of Massa
= chusetts, are especially prominent. The col
lection is rich; but some regions and product
are disproportionately represented, and it lack
that unity and completeness which can only b
attained through intelligent organized effor
y Almost all other prominent displays in thi
class are prepared with the strong aid an
authority OF the governments, through regular
: ly organized corps OF engineers.
In forestry and productions Of the forest tn
display made by the United States is not goot
Much attention is given to this class by othe
countries; the display made by France, Braz,
Australia, and particularly Canada, are notabl
features Of the Exposition.
The exhibitions OF the cereal production
and of the cotton, tobacco, wool, and oths
staple products, though in some instance
prominent and thoroughly satisfsctory, are