Grand Rapids morning telegram., 1884-12-17

of the executive mansion yesterday. The
wire was tested this morning and found 70
be in fairly good condition. but the recent
storms caused it 10 work little hard. AT II
o'clock members Of the diplomatic corps,
congressional committees and invited guests
began 10 arrive. The marine band was Ia
attendance.
AT 1870 D. IN. the east room was fairly
crowded with distinguished guests, and ori3a-
mented by an immense picture or the Sew
Orleans exposition buildings and grounds
painted on cotton and surrounded BY IOFal
frame.
Atl:3O o. m. Marshal McaIichael explained
70 the assemblags that the delay IN the pro
ceedings was due 10 intelligence received
from New Orleans that the committee had
not yet arrived at the exhibition building.
At I:55 D. IN. the President, Senator Ed
mnnds and Speaker Carlisle took their places
behind the telegraph table. The cabinet,
represented by Secretaries frelinghuysen,
Lincoln, Chandler, McCulloch and Attorney
General Brewster, stood at its sides, and be-
hind them the Senate and House Commit
tees ranged themselves. MIR. Bancroft also
stood close by. During the delay that en-
sued the President chntted pleasantly with
the representatives Of the press who were
grouped behind him.
The President opened the exposition Few
minutes after 3 o'clock.
PRESIDENT AKTHUR's ADDRESS
The following is the full text of President
Arthur's address, formally opening the expo
sitiOn:
In the name of the people of the republic !
congratulate the citizens of the Southwest on
their advancing prosperity manifested by the
great international exposition aborst TO open.
The interest of the nation IN this section OF our
commonwealth has found expression IN many
ways. and notably in appropriations for the i'm,
provement OF the Mississippi and by the national
loan TO promote the presentexposition. Situated
az IL Is at the gateway OF the trade between the
United States and Central and South America, 1t
will attract the attention OF the people OF The
neighborng nations of the American system. aud
they will learn the importance of availing them-
selves of our products we will OF theirs, and
thus not only good feeling but profitable inter-
course between the United States. the States Of
Central and South America will be promoted The
people OF our own country, thus brought closer
together will hnd in this exposition OF competi-
tive 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 the representatives of the different
nations. is promotive of good Will and peace
while il advances the material welfare of all. The
United States extends TO those from foreign
countries who visit Us on this occasion cordial
welcome. and now at the executive mansion IN
Washington. in the presence of the assembled
representatives of the friendly nations OF the
world, of the President of the Senate, of the
Speaker OF the House OF Representatives, OF the
chief Justice and associate justices OF the Sli-
preme Court, of committee from each House OF
Congress- and of the members of my cabinef, i
again, and in their name congratulate the pro-
moters of the exposition upon the suspicious IN
auguration of an enterprise which promises such
far-reaching results With my best wishes for
declare that the Worlds Industrial and Cotton
Centennial Exposition Is open.