National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-02-12
THE WORLDS FAIR,
Views Of an Eminent New Yorker Con
eernfng the Exhibition.

Mr.. Algernon S. Sullivan, of New York,
who is here for the purpose of securing certain
congressional action to promote the success OF the
Worlds Fair of 1885, visited at his hotel by
| representative of THE REPUBLICAN yesterday and
talked to concerning that great show.
Mr.. Sullivan is quite enthusiastic on the subject,
and has given good deal of attention to it. He
thinks this exhibition-by reason of the expert
ence at the fairs in Philadelphia and Paris-Will
in many respects excel them. The plans compre-
hend larger buildings, more room, and improved
classification. As to the exhibits, efforts Will be
made to impose requirements as to quality, and to
| diseountenance mere quantitative show Al
ready, through foreign consuls and agents, in
quiries are being made which indicate unex-
ampled desire of other nations to exhibit their
| products in America. This is not the case as to
Europe only, but indications are that Asia will
make display of greater extent and variety
There is good reason to believe that, from the in
terest awakened by the Philadelphia Exposition,
the number of foreigners who will come TO Amer
lea in 1SS3will outnumber those who came in 1876
| tenfold.
Germany practically withheld her exhibits from
Paris because of the lingering feelings of their late
war; but now she is anxious to show her recent
great Improvements in art and manufactures. The
promised exhibits from Germany and Belgium
alone would make grand fair. The respective
States of the American Union, however, in Mr..
Sullivan's opinion, will make the finest competi
tive display, which will attract the interest of the
world. A pavilion or corridor will be at the dis
posal of each State and its proportions will depend
upon the appropriations made therefore by each
Legislature now in session.
| The commissioners from one State say that their
State deems the opportunity so valuable that she
will expend as much as 100000 to secure proper
facilities to present her manufactures. Wherever
the Legislatures in session have only biennial
sessions they should lose time in placing at the
disposal of their governors liberal appropriation
to enable them to make proper arrangements. The
foreign representatives who will crowd to New
York will scrutinize the American products far
more arxiously than those from Europe, and their
reports will affect every State. The financial ad
ministration Of the affairs of the commission will
be controlled by finance committee elected annu-
ally By the stockholders.
The finance committee OF this year represents
the highest character and responsibility of New
! York. At the beginning of 1852 and of 1888 the
stockholders can change that administration if
they not satisfied. But as this exhibition is TO
be national and international, Congress preferred
| to make the commission composite. They wished
to divest it of the character of being mere stock
holders enterprise and for its national character
they unite in the commission number of mem
bers appointed in the act and others appointed by
the Governors of each State and Territory. Upon
reflection this will be found to be wise arrange
ment. In the whole affair the dignity of the United
States must be duly considered.
Congress is about to act upon two bills submit
ted by Mr.. Sullivan, one remitting all customs
duties upon articles imported for the sole purpose
of being exhibited, and the other authorizing the
President to invite foreign governments to be rep
resented at and to take part in the exhibition.
These bills are like those passed for the Phila-
delphia Exposition.
Mr.. Sullivan feels great interest in the fact that
General Grant has accepted the post of president
of the commission. He has become the foremost
citizen of the Upion, and no other man SO emf
nently fills iote requirements of an international
representative.
The fact that from public spirit alone he has
undertaken such difficult and responsible duty
to promote the development of our own country
and the friendly intercourse of nations in the in
terests of peaceful industry, stimulates enthusiasm
to make the coming fair OutdO all fairs that have
gone before it.
The members of Congress now in Washington
and the visitors from various States should write
home and urge prompt preparation by their neigh
bors. By the aid of improved machinery, the
telegraph, and telephone, as much can be done
now in two years as ould not long since have re-
quired double the time
Mr.. Sullivan added that letters of inquiry ad-
dressed TO the United States International Commits
sion, 3i7 Broadway. New York, would receive
prompt attention.