Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-09-09
The Worlds Exposition.
THE ADDRESS OF THE STATE BOARD OF CON.
TROL-A STRONG APPEAL.

The Board of Control of the States In
terest in the Worlds Exposition at New
Orleans, at meeting held on the 2nd of
September, 1884, directed that an address
be issued explaining the progress and pur-
poses of the Board, and appealing for in
slant and earnest cooperation from the peo-
pie of this State who take an intelligent in
| terest in it's prosperity.
The Exposition in grandeur of display
and extent OF space will exceed any ever
made on the continent. 1t is held in the
finest city in the South and will attract mil
lions of people. It has been announced in
public proclamation by the President of the
United States, and Congress has aided it
with over a million of dollars. Mexico has
appropriated $500, 900; Louisiana, 500, 600;
the city of New Orleans, 800, 900, and her
citizens $500, 900; North Carolina, 800, 900;
and other States about $500, 900
The principal building will cover thirty
three acres, and is the largest ever built.
| 1t seem to us a great opportunity for
Virginia to show her kindliness of feeling
towards sister southern State, and to ex-
hibit to the world the attractions, and the
wealth, and the progress of her people.
We thought it fortunate that our Legislature
had met in special session, and at our re-
/ Qu6SG Guc 0OFcIuOI, WltuOut utSitdttOU,
sent a message recommending an appropri-
alton of $4,000. To our great surprise
the committees of both houses refused to
report any bill. They adjourned to meet
on the 22d of October, only eight days be-
fore our exhibit must be prepared. We
were compelled either to abandon the at
tempt or 60 forward without the aid of the
State, and without delay. We determined
to make our appeal to the corporations and
people of the State for help. The great rail-
road corporations have responded prompt
| ". The Chesapeake and Ohio, the Rich
mond and Danville, the Norfolk and West
ern, and the Richmond and Allegheny are
already at work calling exhibits from along
their lines, which will cost them many
thousands of dollars. The merchants and
manufacturers of Richmond are devising
plans to make fine display for that city.
The miners of the Southwest are first in
the field with offerings. The railroad lines
give us special transportation rates. We
have received from New Orleans the first
instalment of $4,000 guaranteed us to help
in the emergency. With this encourage
ment we feel warranted in completing our
preparations.
The United States Commissioner has ap-
pointed five assistant commissioners to look
| after the interests in the separate depart
ments of mines, manufactures, agriculture,
and stock. We have appointed agents in
all parts of the State, and established de-
pots at principal points. We have appoint
ed committee to ask financial aid from
municipal corporations and individuals, to
be refunded in case Legislature makes an
appropriation.
There are only fifty-six days for prepare
| ton: 1t is impossible for this Board alone
to make or secure a considerable exhibit.
| 1t is possible for the people of this State,
heartily cooperating. to make, with all the
treasure and energy they have at command,
the Virginia section place to which every
| Virginia visitor shall go with pride, and
any other visitor with wonder. At this
moment it is not thought best to seek for
great variety, but to secure the best of
every class to make the whole display mas
sive, simple, and striking. We ask for
correspondence and suggestion, and for
volunteer help. Articles delivered at the
depots and passing the examining commit
tee, will be sent and returned free of charge
to the exhibitor All communications
should be addressed to the nearest agent or
to secretary.
BY order of the Board.
w. W. FINNEY, Secretary.
ORGANIZATION.
United States Commissioner, ]. M. Blan-
ton; Alternate, J. B Pace; Mills and Fur
naces, r. Z. Blankership; Manufactures,
Norman Randolph; Tobacco, P. II. Mayo;
Mines, Jed. Hotchkiss; Agriculture, RAN
dolph Harrison; Live stock, William E.
Stuart.
Board of Control: His Excellency Will