Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-12-17

q In a ~ Mold end tsoss representing
the Coyerumenf al my own country ana
The States ana Territories Of the Union
have eli We'd with each other m confri.
butlng 10 the success OF the festival, and
have worked in the cause with such
q degree OF upanimity. with such
spouianeity ~ the world has never
tefore seen. In great undertakings, wiefli-
or in war or In peacr, there have been gen.
orally many difficulties and heartburnings,
but must say that In this great work, from
every part Of tae world and from every part
Of this country. we have had only kindness,
sympathy. aud goodwill. Then, with all
that to aid them, 10 Is not TO be wondered
ut that we can gather under one roof Oh
more capacity than the world has ever seen
before. I owe II to the management tosay
10 the gentlemen who have labored with
me in this cause that we have been ready
for thirty DAYS; the table has been spread
and the feast was ready. IL all VINO were
invited are not here to-day II u
not the fault OF the management,
whose doors have been open for thirty
DAYS past. I will say in behalf Of the thou
sands ofexhibitnrs who are not yet in po-
sition, that the delay is due to causes oe-
yond their controls; but say 10 the public.
who are entitled to this explanation. that
there Is not to-day IN all the buildings un.
der our control 100 feet OF space unallotted
or unappropriated which viii not be occu-
pied in the next ten or fifteen DAYS. Now,
Mr.. President, we have DISCHARGED our
tIust, and I, 10 the name OF the workers
and my associates. tender and place In your
hands the buildings aud grounds which
have been prepared for this Exposition.
loud and long-continued applause.1
After the Mexican Band had rendered
some selections. concluding with their pa
tional air. the audience In the meantime
standing until the music ceased, Presi-
dent Richardson. Of the Exposition As
sociation, was introduced and delivered
the address as given in the report OF the
ceremonies at Washington. Colonel Gus
A. Breaux read President Arthur's address
70 received by telegraph. When be con-
T. Ided the sentence declaring the WORLDS
Exposition now open, the President closed
the electric circuit and the machinery was
put In motion. AT the same moment
large portrait OF the President was placed
In position in the centre OF the platform
ana was greeted With great applause.
Mayor Guilotte spoke briefly, as follows:
| IL deyolyes on me rs mayor, at the re-
| quest OF the management OF the great Ex-
| position, to welcome those OK you who r.,
strangers TO our city. We greet you g. !
swecome you "a our guests. / do not fee
| competent entirely 10 express my feelings
onthis occasion. The sea OF grandeur which
surrounds us has almost overcome me. /
will say. however, the entire population OF
| New Orleans Will endeayor to make your
visit as pleasant as possible. We wish that
| you may feel Of home IN our city, and wish
you 10 leave us with good opinion OF our
| people. 1t VIII not be the fault OF my
taorts II you do not. Again, | welcome
| you to the Expos ition.
Governor McEnery delivered quite a
lengthy address. In which he reviewed the
history Of the organization OF the Exposi'
ton and set forth the great advantages to
acclue to the State and people OF the whole
county from the grand enterprise.
A poem in honor OF the Exposition, by
Mrs. Townsend, known as" Xarifia," was
re-. by Page NJ. Baker.
Among the representatives OF foreign
Governments present on the platform were
Viscomte de Abzac. Consul OF France; j
+. De Zamacona, Consul Of Mexico; A. d.
Grenier de Fonblanque, Great Britain
j. Kruttschmitt, Germany; Baron Vor
Meysenbtrg, Austro-Hungary; Arturo
Baldazano y Topete, Spain; Pedro Soils
Portugal