Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1888-03-24
OF PUBLIC INTEREST.

Sf VOoliS
An Address Delivered by George Arthur
Esq, This Afternoon-Many Interest
ing Matters.
The following address was delivered by
George Arthur, esq, this afternoon, before
the Union Centennial meeting at the couri
house:
Mr.. CHAIRMAN, AND LADIES AND GEN
TLEMEN:-You were told, at former
meeting of the Farmers Institute, that the
people of Ohio are preparing to celebrate
three important events in their history
the acquisition of the northwest territory,
the adoption of the ordinance of 1887 and
the settlement at Marietta in l7Ss.
In recognition of the vast Importance of
these events, and appreciating the marve-
ious effect they had on civilization and
progress of the nation, the general as
sembly of Ohio has suggested plan and
made provision for their celebration. 1t
has been recommended by that body that a
suitable memorial be erected at Marietta,
commemorative of the services of the men
who laid the foundation of free states in
this territory; and that an exposition of the
industrial and educational progress of the
people of Ohio be held at Columbus. And
as Ind ana, Illinois, Michigan and Wiscon-
sin were carved out of the territory north
west of the river Ohio" the people of those
great states have been cordially invited to
unite with our people. and to participate in
commemorsting the historical events to
which l lave alluded.
The exposition will begin on the 4th Of
September and will last foity days. 1t will
be held on The State Fair grounds, which
have been laid out and arranged for the
,,ccasion. Suitable buildings have been
provided and are in course of erection on a
very extensive scale. for the accommoda-
ton of exhibitors and visitors. No pains
have been spared and no efforts will be
united to make the enterprise brilliant
success. In addition TO the work already
done by the directors who have the matter
IN charge, preparations of most elaborate
character are going on In all parts of the
tate; and the indications are that the ex-
position will he nne of the most compre-
hensive and interesting ever witnessed by
human eyes. In extent, and variety. aud
magnihcencs of display II will far surpass
anything of the kind ever seen in Ohio;
and the directors say that, if it does not
EQUAL. IL will favorably compare with the
famous exposition of 1875. In fact. the
circumstances of the two occasions are slui-
ilar-the events then commemorated and
those now to be commemorated are of
quail importance; and, prompted by pride
the wonderful growth of their own
section. the people of the great states of
the northwest will emulate the example OF
1876. and vie with the nation IN the splen-
dor of their exhibition, and In the gram
deur of their great show. At Philadelphia,
the nations of the earth united in q proper
observance of the first centennial auniver-
sary of the American Declaration of indie
pendence; at Columbus, millions of people
will celebrate the establishment of civil and
religious liberty, and their enjoyment for a
hundred years In the northwest territory.
But must not consume your time by at
tempting to describe the exposition. That
was admirable done by one of the direc-
tors, iu q magnificent address, at a former
meeting of this institute. 1t is enough now
to say that you are deeply concerned, and
should manifest lively interest In this
movement. You have been specially invi-
led TO assist In promoting its success; and,
having accepted the invitation. / have no
doubt you will respond with enthusiasm.
You will find it to be labor of love to con-
tribute your products for exhibition at this
great fair; and by attending in person, en-
masse and with your families, to see the
sights and help swell the crowd, you will
realize both pleasure and profit. Happily
you are able to do this in good style.
You occupy historic ground. Your re
sources are rich, various, and abundant.
Your population has been drawn from all
parts of the earth. The blood OF every
race Is found IN your veins; and the traits
of all the tribes are shown in your conduct.
But notwithstanding this mixture of social
elements and the consequent diversity of
your tastes and your industTisa, large
class In this community are the children,
and lineal descendants of the children, of
Old Virginia. Many of you trace your ori-
gin to Connecticut and other New England
states. And need not remind you that
the people of Ohio are indebted to Virginia
for her generous gift, and TO Connecticut
for her liberal grant OF great part Of the
lands which they inhabit. These lands are
a part of the northwest territory. They
were settled. and have been improved un-
der the benefcent provisions of the ordin-
auce of 1887, and the laws made according
to its spirit. 1t is eminentiy proper, there
fore. that you should take an active part in
this celebration.
Your situation is highly favorable. The
fertility of your soil, and the great variety
of your natural resources, are not eX-
celled In any other country in
the State. The enterprising char
acter of your people is seen in the
utility and II agnitude of your improve
ments. The inventive genius of your arti-
sans is displayed in the implements of
which are made In shops and
sold In every market in the world. And
you have justly appreciated the wisdom of
that declaration in the ordinance of 1887,
that religion, morality and knowledge are
essential to good government and the hap
piness of mankind. For here religion has
built her temples; here the friends of
have planted their schools; and
here, in this beautiful land, the votaries of
art have stretched their canvas and knelt
at the shrine of beauty.
But In considering these advantages, and
In surveying the field In your industrial and
educational progress. and In contemplating
the unparalleled success which you and
your ancestors have enjoyed in developing
the resources of this country, you must not
forget that you have been protected by the
salutary laws and encouraged by the foster
ing care Of q free government. And for
such government, in every nook and cor
ner Of the northwest territory, from the