Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1884-12-25
The Worlds Exposition
Opened at Washington and in
New Orleans
With Great Eclat and Imposing
Ceremonies.
OPENING THE EXPOSITION.

There was considerable delay in
the opening exercises at the New Or
leans exposition today. Large num-
gathered at the white house and every
arrangement made for the president
to open the exposition in appropriate
style. The president took his station
at the telegraph table and remained
standing there surrounded by his
cabinet for over half an hour before
the signal that everything was ia
readiness was received by the opera
tor. The marine band was present
and had exhausted their programme
of national air for the occasion. The
crowd became impatient and many
left the building. The signal was re-
ceived at balf-past two and In few
moments the address of President
Richardson, of the exposition, was
read, as follows:
To the President
The present occasion is the consummation of
the enterprise naugurated in conformity to an
act of congress passed less than two years ago,
and authorizing the holding OF worlds indus
trial and cotton centennial exposition, under the
Joint auspices of the United States national cot
ton plant association and the city of its location.
New Orleans was then selected as the site OF the
world s exposition, and on the 23d of June, 1883,
thirteen commissioners, composing a board OF
management, were appointed by the president of
te United Sfstg ana o f fbep nfes
At an early day, however, it became
that liberality which individuals in city and state
would be inadequate to meet the requirements
and ever Increasing the magnitude OF the under
taking. Accordingly application was made TO
the United States through congress resulting in
obtaining generous assistance.
ID Clrc,
by an expression and hope that the
exposition would produce closer and
more friendly intercourse with other
countries and the finer establish
ment of peace In our own country.
In reply President Arthur made a
brief address declaring the exposition
open which was at once teiegraphed.
In the name of the people of the republic, 1
congratulate the citizens OF the southwest on
their advancing prosperity, manifested in the
great international exposition, now about to open.
The interest of the nation ID that section OF cur
commonwealth has found expression in many
ways, and notably in appropriations for imp ove-
ment of the Mississippi and by the national loan
to promote the present exposition. Situated as 1t
is at the gateway of the trade between the United
States and Central and South America, II VIII at
tract the attention of pee pie of the neghboring
nations of the American system, and they will
learn the Importance of availlng themselves of
only good feeling bat profitable intercourse be-
tween the United States and the st ties of Central
and South America will be promoted The people
also of our own country thus brought closer to-
gether will find in this exposition of competitive
industries, motives for strengthening the
bonds of brotherhood. Railroads, telegraph
lines and submarine cables have drawn much
nearer the nations Of the earth, and an assembly
like this, of representatives of the different ma
tiCns, is promotive of good will and peace, while
it advances the material welfare of all. The
United States extend to those from foreign coun-
tries who visit us on this occasion a cordial vel
come. And row. at the execute e Iansiou in
Washington in the presence of assembled rep
resentatives of the friendly nations of the world,
of the president of the senate and speaker of the
house of representatives, of the chief justices and
associate justices of the supreme court, of the
committee from each house of congress. and of
the members of my cabinet, again, and in their
name, congratulate the promoters of this exhibit
ton upon the suspicious Inauguration or q" en-
terprise which promises such farreaching results.
With my best wishes for the fulfllment of all its
great purposes now declare that the world s
Industrial and cotton centennial exposition is
open,
At $40 the president touched the
button of the instrument and started
the machinery in New Orleans.