American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1878-05-11
THE PARIS EXPOSITION.
Brilliant Inauguration of the Interna-
tional Exhibition of 1878.


tional Exhibition of 1878.
PARIS, May 1.-The ceremony of the
opening of the International Exhibition OF
| 1878 took place to-day with great pomp and
success. The ceremony began at 2:3O in the
afternoon, at which time it was showery, but
| mt 3 o'clock the sun was shining brightly
again. The crowd was immense and enthu
siastic, in spite of the alterations of rain
throughout the proceedings. Cries were
everywhere heard of "vive la Republique,'
"Nive la France" Among those present were
the Prince of Wales, Don Francois d. Assise.
father of the King of Spain; Due de Aosta,
brother of the King of Italy and ex King of
Spain; Prince Frederick, Crown Prince OF
Denmark; the Prince of Orange, heir appar-
ent to the throne of the Netherlands; and
Prince Henry of Holland. Marshal MacMahOn
military household, troops being drawn up
all along the route from the Elysee.
THE PROCESSION WAS THEN FORMED.
which marched from the Grand Arcade to q
platform overlooking the fountain, and COM
manding view of nearly all the buildings
and grounds. Here Trisserene de Bort, Min
lister of Commerce. welcomed the Marshal in
clared the Exhibition opened. One hundred
and one guns from the 1nvalfdes, Mont Va
lerien and Arista in Seine followed the an
nouncement, and at the same time two mill
tary bands struck up, all the fountains play
ed. and soldiers stationed by the flag stats
two palaces and annexes. The Marshal then
reascended the Trocadero Palace, the pro-
plotting the round of the buildings crossed
over the river to the Champs de Mars Troops
terrace of the Champs de Mars Palace was
occupied by Senators, Deputies, Council of
State, Magistrates, Academicians, Military
staff and French Commissioners.
THE SPECTACLE AT THE CEREMONY
was magnificent, and perfect order prevail
ed. ExQueen Isabella, of Spain, witnessed
the ceremonies from the gallery occupied by
Madame MacMahon: The scene after the Of
ieio danJo rQt pf yyoa inn, SiI,sy
in the extreme. From the heights of Troca-
dero the thousands of guests assembled could
banks of the Seine and at Passy, both on the
right and left. In front lay an immense area
dec"ratad With faps nf ditrerent gyis
grand cascade and rows of statues alustrat-
ing the countries participating. A long line
Champs Elysees and the Tuilerfes, inter-
spersed with detachments of mounted guards
princes and the military household of Presf-
dent MacMahon. The dazzling facade of the
ornam a with national embiems s and IN
every assignable space the thousands
Of spectators were held in place by
procession, including the princes, diplo-
mates and other distinguished guests, reach
Mars, the scene was extremely picturesque.
State bodies in grand uniforms, Court coun-
cilors and Magistrates in their robes, and
different bodies of the Institute and Legion
of Honor stood in strong contrast with SEN
ators. deputies. clergy and minor officials in
their civil costumes. These, with the depu-
tation from the army. in full uniform, fell in
with the Presidential cortege and moved
through the East Indian hall into the grand
central nave of the palace, passing in rapid
review the various foreign sections and ex-
changing salutes with each Commissioner,
who stood in front of their respective sec
lions. The procession then passed into the
art galleries, thence into the French section,
which occupies one entire side of the palace.
After the usual cOurtesies the President and
party left by Avenue Rapp gate and returned
to the Elysee.
THE SCENES AT NIGHT.
Early in the evening the avenues and boule
wards were crowded with vehicles and foot
able in many places, in consequence of the
immense crowds assembled to witness the
Many buildings in every
quarter of the city were decorated with flags
of all nations. The American colOrs were
abundantly and conspicuously displayed.
The Boulevards des ItalienS and des Capu-
cineS were brilliantly Illuminated with gas
jets, transparencies and Chinese lanterns
For hours every inch of space in the main
and every side street was Occu
The demonstrations frequently became semi
riOtous. Visitors who went in carriages or
on foot to see the Examinations often found
involved in the crush, and were
of the crowd in open doorways of hotels,
and other public places. Men,
women and children of every class mingled
in the crowd, which was &C.
enlivened by rush of companies
Of half intoxicated youths and wOrkmen,
bearing Chinese lanterns and singing the
Towards midnight, when the
illum' nation should have been at its best,
many lights were extinguished and the
crowds began to dispense.