The record-union., 1891-12-22
Special to the Rrconp-uxror.

f5peclal TO the HECORD-UNIOS.
NEW YORK, Dec. N.-Delmonico's big
banquet hall has had no more distin-
guished or representative gathering
dhis season than that which assem-.
bled tonight, to participate in a dinner
given by the New York State Commits
sioners of the Worlds Columbian Expo
sition-Depew, Thatcher and Allen. The
feast was given to consider the Empire
States interests and its duty in connec-
ton with the great event. There were
the most distinguished men present, in
Guiding all the principal officers of the
Exposition and prominent representa-
tives Of commercial, professional, literary
and political circles Of the country
Among those who sent regrets were Sec
retary Tracy, ex-President Cleveland,
Vice President Morton, Mayor Grant
and Lyman J. Gage of Chicago who is
very i'll in his apartments at the hotel.
The immense white and gold banquet
nall was hung with the national colors
and banners and lavish display Of flow
ers. The clock tolled the hour Of 10 be-
lore the good things Of the banquet were
Iuliy discussed, and the company was
ready for the speeches. Mr.. Depew then
arose and was welcomed with a generous
Outburst of applause.
Mr.. DepeW said in part: "'The Column
DIau Exposition comes at the most op-
perfume time. The unprecedented crops
this year, and the equally unprecedented
demand for our food products abroad,
will give US for twelve months an ex-
hlleraing period Of prosperity. In the
ordinary course of financial experience
over confidence, with probably different
relation in another year between the
farm and the markets OF the world
would be followed by collapse. But
this great Industrial exhibition at
Chicago will take up the frayed threads
OF opportunity, too lavishly employed
and weave them into new cables TO draw
The car Of American progress. Save us
as a nation from dangers which might
threaten, and crystalline into permanency
thousands OF enterprises which other
wise would fail from lack Of con fidence
or capital. The citizens of Chicago are to
be complimented and congratulated upon
the courage and forethOught which have
characterized their local preparations for
this grand event. They have already
expended ten millions of their own
money, and their patriotism and re-
sources are not yet exhausted. But the
Expense of this national enterprise should
mot be wholly borne by the locality
where Congress placed it. The nation
should do its part to second the efforts of
the citizens OF Chicago to have the expo
siuon surpass any yet held in any
country"
Speaking of New York. Mr.. Depew
said: 1T is an insult to the intelligence
OF the State to ask what should be New
YOrk'S place in this grand exhibition.
Speaking for the people of New York he
would say to the country: New York
viii be at the Columbian Exposition, and
she will be there in the full grandeur OF
ner strength and Development
Speaking Of the magnitude of the great
exposition, Mr.. Depew said: ats crea-
ton, its magnitude, its location, it's archi;
lecture and its striking and enduring
features Will be American; the city in
which it is to be held, taking rank
among the first cities in the world after
an existence of only fifty years, is Ameri-
can; the great inland fresh water sea.
whose waves will dash against the shores
of Jackson Park, is American; the prairie
extending westward, with its thousands
OF square miles of land, half century
ago a wilderness, but to-day gridironed
with railroads, spanned with webs OF
electric wires, rich in prosperous farms,
growing villages, ambitious citizens and
energetic, educated and progressive
people, is purely American. The
exposition commentaries the diScoV-
cry of a continent which has be-
come the home of people of every race. a
discovery which has accomplished more
tor humanity in its material, intellectual
and spiritual effects than all other events
since the advent of Christ"
Mr. Palmer, President of the National
Commission, said the charge had been
made that partisan politics has had some
thing to do with the management of the
Exposition. To him the charge seemed
without the slightest foundation He
called attention to the fact that the prin-
cJrOa1 offices hntb of the mi iCS ~
the Local Directory, were divided be-
tween Democrats and Republicans, and
said he believed each of those gentlemen
would consider themselves dishonored il
they left themselves to, and did not
oppose on any and all occasions the
slightest tendency to partisan discrimina-
ton. The creation of SO large a Board
of Lady Managers and | am glad to say
here that the board would have much
preferred the name of woman to that
of lady') was the cause of some ad-
verse comment. The course of that
board, however, has justified the action
of the commission. 1t is the first
time our Government had in any such
way recognized women. 1t has dignified
women. 1t has given weight to her
opinion. 1t has opened new avenues tC
her efforts. So those who believe in a
more varied work and better wages fol
women, who appreciate her artistic taste
}he greater assurance of worthy sons to
be given the republic, the action of the
commission needs no defense"
Mr.. Palmer spoke at length of the
interest taken in the fair, of its great inn
DOrtance in many ways, and said: 81
have never felt doubt of the absolute
and entire success of the enterprise any
more than l have doubt of the flow OF
Niagara or the continuance Of the atmos-
phere."
President w. L. Baker, of the Chicago
local directory, said he was happy to see
that almost every trace of bitterness over
the loss of the fair to New York has dis
appeared. He recounted the details OF
the vast undertaking, and said the esti-
mated cost of the fair will be SI5, III, 500
exclusive of the cost of administration
which is estimated at s., 10000 up to the
opening of the exposition.
John Boyd Thatcher. one of New
York's Commissioners, said the New
Workers did not deny their disappoint-
nent when the Worlds Fair winged its
westward flight, but there is no ill-teeling
now. Chicago deserves her support. TC
raise ten millions for sentimental pur-
pose is a task which any metropolis
might approach with hesitation. Chicago
has accomplished this in few short
weeks. Our blood runs faster rs we
recognize this magnificent courage, ano
we would share in her labor that we may
Justly share in her glory.
Director-GeneralD Davis, of the exposi-
ton, said in part: st is my thought thai
the exposition is not only going to draw
the sister nations Of the earth nearer to-