The Rock Island Argus., 1878-06-25
From our Regular Correspondent

90 RUE CAUMARTIN, Paris, June II.
The month which has elapsed since the
inauguration of the great show has seen
the vast enterprise gradually brought to
completion, and it is perhaps time to make
a closer study of its most important and
striking parts. First IN Importance, Of
course, comes France. and, after her, Eng
land and the remainder of the world.
The exhibits of these two countries are so
extensive, that other nationalities seem
small in comparison. After the large
space devoted to England aud her colonies,
the United States dwindIes iuto lnsignif.
cauce. We hold a creditable rank among
the nations in our machine department,
and high compliment is paid US when it
is said we are, 10 this, inferior only to
England.
Contiguous to the United States is the
Norwegian section. and the first thing to
strike one is the peculiar effect produced
By the pleasing yellow natural tint of the
pine wood cases. The principal features
of the Norwegian exhibit are elder down.
furs, cloths. hangings. and remarkably
handsome cups and plates. The sister
nation, Sweden, makes show of industrial
objects, tools, pottery, etc.
Sweden and Italy are separated "by a
transverse nave, in the centre Of which are
placed at regular distances, with fine effect,
beautiful groups Of marble statuary sur
rounded by vases Of flowers. The Italian
exhibit is fairly overfowing with beautiful
works Of art. The display of cut glass
objects, as also the pottery and mosaics,
are OF the best in the exposition. A special
pavilion is set aside for silken stuffs, and
another for jewelry, in the centre of the
latter Is placed statue of Caesar Angus
tus,
A step takes US into the japanese
empire, represented by scores of exquisite
vases, dishes, cups, fans, and lacuured
screns. The Japanese porceains are of
grotesque beauty that is really beyond
! description.
| China is still more gorgeous in the char
ter of her displays than Japan. Her very
show cases, instead of being built of black
wood, and rectangular shape, are quaint
in form, and resplendant In decoration.
Those who have charge of the Chinese
| department, rehgiOusly wear their national
costume of rich silken stuffs, whereas the
japanese have adopted the lugubrious
| trock coat and ungraceful pantaoon.
Spain seems cold and prosaic after the
| splendors of Japan and China There is
a considerable display of arms, and iron,
and uniforms; and lady visitors will find
delight IN an abundant show of lace.
Hungary's opening rooms are devoted to
uphoIstering on grand scale, The model
OF large drawing room is remarkably rich
and fine. Shawls, laces, and vases, are
features OF the Austrian section.
Russia does not very compactly cover the
Liberal space apportioned to her; her section
here, like her territory, is comparatively
sparsely settled. She has protusiOn of
malachlte, and the visitor to the PhiIadel-
phia exposition will recognize here some
familiar objects, both in malachite and
bronze. Russia has fair display of cloths,
turs, lewelry, and mineralogical specimens
The hall of embroIderies of the Swiss
department is perhaps the finest of the
kind ID the exposition, and the Swiss silks
and cotton goods prove that they can
compete with the French and English
houses both in quality and price But the
most complete and artistically arranged
display is that of the Geneva watch trade
1t Is evident that they feel the necessity of
making a powerful effort in order to
compete with the cheaper, machine made
watches, displayed by company in the
American section. Denmark covers little
space, but objects of interest are to be
seen IN this minor section, and the
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