The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-04-24

The energy OF the FRENCH.

1t is worthy of particular recollection that
this energy OF the French has been shown
In the lace OF many grave obstacles. To
conduct successful exhibition when bust
ness was languishing in all the great civil
lied countries OF the world; when civil war
seemed imminent at its very door; when
king newly established on the throne of
united Italy was dying, to leave the country
in anxiety about the future; when a pope
after long and eventful reign, was also dy-
ing in Rome; when two European nations
were at war and several others expecting
they might join the conflict, has been no
untrammeled task. 1t was less than a year
ago that another Of those Partisan
revolutions, now SO celebrated in
nineteenth century history, threat
ened effectually to stop what little
had been done. That danger removed
a Ri ssian army appeared on the northern
shores of the Danube, and the industry of
Europe laid down its tools to look at the
arms which seemed TO concern it more
1t may be said that not until last January
when the peace party of England seemed
able to avert war, did real activity begin in
thorough earnest. To-day, it is true, the
peace of Europe is again threatened. San
Stefano has awakened new fears. A week
ago Lord Derby resigned. The English
reserves are to be called out But in these
two months and a half since January
surprising progress has Deen made on the
Champ de Mars. Nothing short of a general
war in Europe can stop the exhi-
bltIon now, and that is not at all probable
England has been foremost among the
nations to appear on the exhibition grounds.
After France she promises TO lead in all
industrial departments. The first English
man 10 arrive was named Adams. His
punctuality has been rewarded with a
handsome bouquet bearing the words:
Bon heur, hommage au premier exposant,
farf In 4 .1ata
viye la Francep' l see it reported that
second bouquet was given to him with an
inscription "Jusqu'a a present Adam c'est
lie premier homme icin There is so much
of the Frenchman in this latter that il
ought to be true.
On the Champ de Mars there is more
active scene than when / last wrote. The
outlook is very encouraging. The tone OF
the exhibition will be more healthful than
was the case in 1867. Those who recall the
brilliant displays of that time remember how
striking was the want of definite industrial
features. The collection was miscellaneous
and WAS crowded together with little regard
for system or those instructive features
which are the only substantial value of all
by crowd of cafes Bullets, Mosques and
other lounging places; so much was
1t so that 1t was commonly believed
that not over half the visitors ever pene-
trated beyond those nlaces. The empty
sDlendor of that period of the empire
was well symbolized in the fetes and grand
psgeants which were seen continually.
Where brIlliancy made gains, of course in
dustry paid for it. This year there will be
less of the one and more of the other
though it by no means need be feared that
p0geantry will be wanting. 1t were impOs-
sible that an exhibition should occur in
Paris without goodly portion of that. The
quantity of exhibits this year will be greater
than then-nobody questions that-and the
arrangements for Them far superior.
Published estimates of the goods that are
arriving place the amount considerably in
excess of 1867. Even Russia has come for
ward, though not vigorously. 1t is said
that the car loads that arrive each day num-
Der 80 for ali countries Some American
goods are already here. The steamship Sup
ply has arrived. and the Constitution is due
Commissioner Mccormick, accompanied by
Lieutenants Buckingham and Rodgers, is
now here, and will visit the grounds to-mor-
row. Rapid work Is expected IN the Ameri-
can department during the three weeks that
remain. The commissioner general is some
what disappointed that the United States
should be among the last to appear but is
confident that the time which remains will
be improved with all possible industry.
There Is no reason now TO doubt that the
opening will occur May l. Some depart
ments will be unfinished, but the exhihi-
ton, as whole, will be in order.