The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-06-15

The Great Exposition still IN dishabiLlc. 1ht
DisiIusions Of Its Demi-7otIet The Splen-
d0rs IF the East Indian Partition. The col
lection Of the Prince Of Wales. Erceltence
Of he English Department. The United
Suites, Stceden, Norc0y, Italy HolhaHd, Bel
gium, Stcitzerland, etc.
| From our regular Correspondent
PARIS, May 20, 1878
| had intended to give special attention. in
this correspondence to the display made by
the United States and Canada in the Interna-
nnnal Exposition, to compare them with the
exhibits of other countries, and to compare all,
as far as possible, with the Exposition in Phila-
dephia two years ago But the time for such
comparison has not come. The works at the
Exposition are proceeding with rapidity, but
the vast show is not yet in condition to receive
its visitors, nor will it he for at least twelve or
twenty days. The improvements of the last
week, though perceptible, are only to be OBJ
served IN matters of detail and have little eff
feet upon the general appearance of the
grounds and buildings, which are still in that
rubbish-encumbered state that detracts so much
from the harmony of the whole. The frequent
visitors to the Exposition, those who see it day
by day brought nearer to a state of completion,
cannot help regretting that it was thrown open
to the public when it was but the mere suggcs-
ton Of what 1t will be when perfected. The
chaos of the opening days is gradually being
reduced to order and regularity, but it is not
pleasant to witness this process of evolution
It is too much like the disillusion of an acquan.
lance with the greasy ropes and pulleys that
are necessary to the splendid scenic effects Of
the stage. There are few parts OF the grounds
or buildings, either at the Trocadcro or on the
Champs.de- Mars which are not, even at this late
day, in need Of much finishing. What forces
condition of the walks and roads which, accord.
ing to the weather, are deep in mud or covered
with n thick layer of dust The topmost tower
OF the Trocadcro palace the Memorial Hall"
of this Exposition, and the only cdidcc that
has been built for permancncc are not vet di. |
vested of their scaflolding; the picturesque
studding the adjacent grounds are
mostly still shut TO the public.
At present the magnificent East Indian pa
vilion and the collection of the Prince of Wales |
are the great attractions of the exhibition
everybody admrng the supcrbly ornamentcd |
harness, brides, saddles, the arms and works |
of art which the heir of the English throne
brought back with him from his late oriental |
trip. The first rooms of the fine art depart |
ment are Il scene of disorder, and the public |
are still barred out and can see the statues ONLY
from alar. The French gallery of machines is |
"a crowded point and here things have more
complete appearance than in any other part of
the Champs-deMars. The Avenue of Foreign
Nations Is one of the finest attractions for visi.
tors, and after the monotony of the long narrow
galleries or the French departments, it is a re.
liei to come in view Of the row of picturesque
and characteristic facades
The English section is IN admirable order
and the richness aud variety of this depart
ment is appreciated by visitors. who devote a
greater part of their time to an inspection Of
the exhibits of England and her colonies. The
magnificent English mechanical exhibit is nj.
ready attracting crowds. 1, is yet too early to
undertake description of the differen, dcpsrt.
ments, but it may be safely said that at the
present time there Is more of interest in the
English department than in any other.
The American section looks well, its most
striking features being the splendid cases Of
Messrs. Tiffany & Co, Of the Waltham Watch
Co. Douglas Axe Co., and some Connecticut
lock companies; but there are many other