The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-12-17


sioner Morehead
ITO the President of the United States:
"The present occasion is the consummation of
an enterprise inaugurated in conformity TO an
act of Congress passed less than two years ago.
and authorizing the holding of a worlds indus
trial and cotton centennial exposition, under the
joint auspices of the United States and the Ma
tional Cotton-pant Association, and the city of
its location, New Orleans, then selected
the site of this worlds exposition. In June
1883, thirteen commissioners, composing board
OF management, were appointed by the Presi
dent of the United States and at at once en-
tered upon the discharge of their duties. At an
early day, however, it became manifest
that the liberality of the individuals
adequate to meet the requirements of the
ever-incre&sng magnitude of the undertaking.
Accordingly, an application for aid was made to
the United States through Congress, resulting
in obtaining that generous assistance which has
materially contributed to the accomplishment
of the purpose contemplated. From the com
mencement it determined that nothing
should give Il local or sectional character to the
great work. but that it should be, as it truly is.
a national and international exposition, and
consequently to-day are assembled here repre-
sentatives of ali nations of the world, side by
side with those of our own government and of
every State and Territory of this Union All
have contributed examples of their resources
and their progress in this wonderful collection
of industrial commercial, educational and artist
lc objects, which is now open to the inspection
of the world.
'How much of good shall result from the
means of instruction here furnished is beyond
mortal power to measure, but certainly not the
least benefit to be derived from this exposition
will be close and more friendly intercourse of
our own people with those of other countries,
the development of common interests, and the
hrmer establishment of peace in own coun-
try. 1t will be a monument of the of unity
OF interests, OF harmony and good feeling des-
Ic holr 20 av,A. 1A-,.. fl0o
tinent itself shall last on which these perfectly
reunited States are established. 1 now present
to you this exposition, ready as our best efforts,
with the brief period of time at our command,
have been able to make it, and for the degree of
success attained we appeal to generous judg-
ment."
PRESIDENT ARTHuR's RESPONSE.
President Arthur then read, in clear and de-
libefate manner, the following reply:
I'm the name of the people of the Republic
congratulate the citizens of the Southwest on
their advancing prosperity. as manifested by the
great international exposition now about to
open The interest of the Nation in that section
of our commonwealth has found expression in
many ways, and notably in appropriations for
Improvement of the Mississippi and by national
loan to promote the present exposition. Sit
uated as it is at the gateway of trade between
the United States and Central and South Amer
ica it will attract the attention of the people of
the nelghboring nations of the American system,
anu tiey Will learn In6 importance OF aValllng
themselves of our products, as we will of theirs,
and thus not only good feeling but
profitable intercourse between the United
States and the States of Central
and South America will be promoted. The peO-
pie, also, of our own country, thus brought closer
together, will find in this exposition of competi
tive industries a motive for strengthng the
bonds of brotherhood Railroads, telegraph
lines and sub marine cables have drawn much
nearer the nations of the EARTH and an assembly
like this of representatives of different nations,
Is promotive of good will and peace, while it ad
vances the material welfare of all The United
States extend to those from foreign countries
who visit us on this occasion cordial welcome.
Now, at the executive mansion in Washington,
in the presence of the assembled representatives
of the friendly nations of the world, of the
Pre- sident of the Senate. of the Speaker
of the House of Representatives, of
the Chief Jus ice and Associate justices,
of the Supreme Court, of committee from
each House of Congress and of the members of
my Cabinet, again, and in their name,
gratulate the promoters of the exposition upon
the auspieious inauguration of an enterprise
which promises such far reaching results. With
my best wishes for the fufment of all its great
purposes now declare the Worlds Industrial
and Cotton Centennial Exposition open"
At the conclusion of the Presidents address,
which was received with applause, Senator Lo
gan read the following address from the joint
committee representing the Houses of Cen
gress:
"The Congress of the United States tenders to
the Worlds Industrial and Cotton Centennial
Exposition hearty congratulations upon its sue
cessfu inauguration, with the earnest wish that
it may perfectly realize its great purpose of bind
ing together more closely the people and the States
of the Union: of bringing in close fellowship
the peoples of the world, and more especially
those of the western hemisphere, and inaugural
ing new era of commercial and industrial pros
perty. The triumphs of peace are grander and
more enduring than those of war; Amidst the
gathered trophies of civilization NAV the spirit
of peace and friendly rivalry in those arts that
exalt and ennoble the human race pervade all
hearts and exercise over the policy of the ma
tions the benefcent influences of comfy and
brotherhood"
L'rhis address was signed by the President of the
Senate the Speaker of the House. and the members
of the committee.
To the congressional address the president
and directorgeneral of the exposition replied as
follows:
TO the President and Congress Of the United States
1.-THE board of management and officers of the
worlds exposition tender grateful acknowledge
ment to the President, his Cabinet, and the
Congress. and through them to the world for
the manifestations of confidence and the cordial
support extended in the discharge of the duty
imposed upon them by the country, and do re-
new their assurance that no effort shall be
spared to make the exhibition honor to the
Nation and benefit to mankind.
''E. RICHARDSON, President
re A. BURKE Director general"
At ten minutes past the President touched
the telegraphic key which started the machinery
in the exposition building at New Orleans, and
all applauded vigorously when the announcement
was made that the presidential touch had been
effective and that the machinery was moving.
Commissioner general Morehead received a
large number of letters and kilograms from Gov
ernors of States and mayors of cities, who were
unable to be present here to-day, but who sent
their congratulations and regrets. Among them
was the following from Governor Cleveland:
Il regret that shall not be able to witness, at
Washington, the movemement which shall inaug-
urate at New Orleans a demonstration which is
one of the greatest ever witnessed in our coun-
try and Mhrh | devnntlv hnna will nlso ill,nr-