Morning journal and courier., 1885-07-16
GREAT DAY AT NIAGARA. New York Makes a Grand Gift To The
 World

NIAGARA FALLS, July 15.-This is Nigga ra's own day. The story of the emancipation of Niagara is an interesting one, though per haps familiar to most readers. The idea originated in 1878 in an interview between Governor Robinson, of New York, and Lord Dufferin, then governor general of Canada, and met with such favor that to-day the view of Niagara Falls is thrown open to the world without charge. This morning this usually quiet village was overfowing with visitors, and trains were rapidly arriving from all direc- tions crowded with passengers. Governor Hill came about Il o'clock and was met by 8 reception committee and escorted to the h. ternational Hotel About 11:30 delegation representing the Canadian government drove over from the Canadian side to take part in the. ceremonies. It included Lieutenant Governor Robinson, of Ontario; the Hon. Oliver Mowatt, of Ontario; Prov incial Secretary Hardy, Lieutenant Colonel Gzowsky, chairman of the Canadian Niagara Falls commission, Commissioner Langmuir, and the governor generals secretary Petells. Flags, bunting and banners were flying in all directions as far as the eye could reach on both sides of the river, the Union Jack mingling with the Stars and Stripes in adding brilliancy to the scene The decorations at the International Hotel were magnificent. In front of the building near the center was the large arch with two notices: Niagara Redeemed Free to the World, "and New "York's Imper- ial Gift to the World" Private residences made an elaborate display of bunting, among the most handsome being those on the Jew ett's block and the Spencer House. The day opened bright, but drizzling rain set in about noop to dampen the ardor of the crowds which every train was bringing. Later the sun shone forth. The first feature of the celebration began by the firing of one hun dred guns at sunrise by the Seventh battery, National Guard The ceremonies attending the transfer of the lands selected for the park took place in Prospect Park at noon in the presence of the Governor, officers of the State, members of the Niagara Falls associa- ton, the distinguished guests and the citi- zens assembled. The Hon. Erastus Brooks presided, the exercises being opened by pray CT by Bishop Coxe. The presentation ad- dress was made by the Hon. William Dor sheimer, president of the commission, and was responded to by the Governor. The military reviews occurred at 2:30 p. m.
 The invitation committee of the Interna- tional Park received quite number of let ters and teleg1ams of regret from prominent persons to attend the opening celebration. The governor general of Canada sent the following:
 'I am desired by his excellency the gov ernor general to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 2nd instant in which on behalf of the commissioners of the State reservation of New York you have been good enough to transmit invitation to the State reservation ceremonies at Niagara on the 18th. His excellency desires me to say that it would have given him the greatest pleasure to be present upon this interesting occasion, but that it is absolutely impossible c., lH GOl at &IaTe to the fact that the session of the Dominion Parliament will probably close upon or i'm mediately after the day upon which the cer- emonies are to take place. His excellency has seen with the greatest admiration the eff forts which have been made by his citizens to free the magnificent scenery of the Falls. He trusts that their efforts will be attended with the success which they deserve and that the example which has been set upon your side of the Falls may be- fore long be followed upon this. His excel lency trusts that you will convey to the com missioners his warmest thanks for the inVi- tation. am, sir,
 Your most obedient servant,
 Governor Generals Secretary.
 The following was received from ex-Goy. Tilden:
 ''Mr. Tilden presents his compliments and thanks the committee for their kind invita- tion with his regrets that he cannot be pres ent on the occasion of the celebration of the opening of the State reservation at Niagara Falls. MT. Tilden hopes the advantages to result from making access to the falls and their vicinity free to all will equal the most sanguine expectations of those by whom it has been so long advocated"
 From London the following cablegram was received:
 To the Representatives of tho State of New
 York at Niagara Falls:
 The commissioners reservation committee congratulates the State of New York on se- curing Niagara Falls to the public.
 The celebration closed by one of the grand est pyrotechnic displays ever witnessed. The grandest part of the display was the closing feature, the fireworks, balloons with magne- sium lights which lighted up the Falls and Illuminated the country around for miles. The effect was superb.