The Washington critic., 1886-03-04
WASHINGTON, MARCH 4, 1886.
OUR COMING CENTENNIAL.

of the original confederatcd States be.
came consttutionally united and the
American Republic was created. Its
wonderful expansion in area and growth
in all the best elements of civilization
since that time constitute the grandest
chapter in the history of human gov.
crnments. Well may the people of the
United States and of all the Republics
of the Western Hemisphere that have
adopted the same principles of civil
liberty, combine in the celebration Of
an event fraught with such political
blessings to the New World.
What occasion more suitable for this
jubilee of Nations than the centennial
anniversary of the American constitu-
tion2
Three years hence, the Republic will
have completed its first century and
there is no time TO lose if the event Is
to be appropriately solemnized. But
with active energy on the part of citi-
2cns, fraternal cooperation on the part
of States and prompt legislation on the
part of Congress, the initial movement
now making can easily be carried to n
successful fruition and the Fourth of
March, 1890, be made the most memor-
able day in the annals Of modern pro-
gress.
That there will be opposition and
criticism and many obstacles of various
IN 10 In In nynnotnI
These are concomitants of all great un-
dertakings, but so soon as the object
and scope of the enterprise are fully
presented and understood the public
judgment of the country cannot fail to
give 1t sanction and sympathy.
The establishment of a Permanent
Exposition at the National Capital un-
der the auspices of the General Govern
ment and the individual States, which
shall represent the resources, products,
inventive genius, scientific develop
ment, and material prosperity, not only
of the United States, but of the "Three
Americas" and of all nations disposed
TO fraternize in the exhibition, is the
ultimate purpose in view. The i'm
mediate aim of the projectors of the
undertaking is to place it in such a
condition of forwardness and upon such
an assured foundation that its inaugu-
ration shall form the crowning and
characteristic feature Of our great Cen
tennial festival.
Tho ~ 10 t,, ,,Aggnuptn, al
ready of a magnificent nucleus for the
proposed Exposition, both in buildings
and valuable collections 1t will be
asked for such space upon its reserva-
tions as may be needed for the erection
of other buildings and for allotment to
the States and outside nationalities. 1t
will be asked for such appropriations
as are required to accommodate its
own exhibits and furnish motive power
10 the mechanical department of the
Exposition. There will be no necessity
for eXtravagant expenditures. The cost
TO the Government will scarcely be
more than il would otherwise incur in
The ordinary improvement of its now
unsccupied reservations. And it should
he remembered that the outlay is for no
temporary and uncertain. object. but
for all time and in legitimate direc-
ton. 1t should further be remembered
that by far the greater part of the bur
den Is to be borne by the participating
States, none of which will fail to see at
once the vast advantages that are Ger.
tain TO accrue to their trade, commerce
manufactures and immigration interests
by a proper exhibition of their wares
at this Bazaar of the Continent.
The work now in progress, however,
is not TO cease with the Centennial in
1880. 1t will have just begun. The
way will then be open to the greater
and more comprehensive celebration of
1s02-the anniversary year of the dis.
covery of America by Columbus. The
one will lead up to the other nor will
The movement stop even then. 1t is to
be permanent and continuous, from
one decade to another-one generation
TO Misunderstanding no eliminating
point, because having no end, and con
stantly growing in magniiicencc, cx
tent and influence, as the Republic
grows in population, wealth and power
.r,u,,et