New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-19
TINE FOR ACTION.

There has been great deal of talk in this
State about the Worlds Fair during the last few
months. Much of it has been insincere and all
Of il has been useless. The old questions OF
rivalry between East and West, and of political
responsibility for the selection OF Chicago have
been revived and discussed TO no purpose These
matters belong to the past, but there is an Issue
which is of vital Importance. That is the ques-
ton of making the Fair worthy of the occasion
and of the Nation. The occasion Is the four
hundredth anniversary of the greatest event IN
history since the birth Of a child III the Beth
lehem manger-the discovery OF new world
in which the energies of the Anglo-Saxon and
Latin races were destined to do great work
for civilization. The Nation is the one whose
progress is the marvel of the modern world, and
whose example and practice have made repub-
lican government and democratic institutions
possible throughout Spanish America. The peo-
plc of the United States will be dIscrediied IL
the Worlds Fair be anything less than the best
organized and the most comprehensive industrial
display ever seen on the face of the earth, and
disgraced if il fall far below that standard. In
that disgrace New York as the metropolis OF the
Nation will have as large share as Chicago.
What is needed first of all is immediate action
by the Legislature making large Appropriation
for New YOrks exhibit at Chicago Both par
fies ought TO unite heartily in securing this egis-
lation during the early weeks of the session.
One of the best sites has been reserved for the
Empire State, and no time is to be lost in the
organization of representative commission
which will 90 to work with enthusiasm and eff
n-.lI L.. hoth pa nnOhf
take I'D this matter. The time for censorious
criticism of Chicago has passed. The people OF
this town and Commonwealth ought not to be
misrepresented either by newspapers or poiiica!
leaders. They earnestly desire to do everything
in their power to contribute to the success of the
Worlds Fair. Why should they not? They are
Americans. The Worlds Fair is not a Chicago
institution. Success there will impart additional
glory to the Nation. Failure there Will cause
every American to hang his head in shame
During the last twelve months Commissioners
have been sent to every American republic and
colonial dependency to invite cooperation in this
international memorial of the discoveries OF
Columbus. In Mexico, the West Indies. Central
America, and throughout South America prepa-
rations are already making on a large scale.
England and other European Powers have cor
daily responded 10 the invitation All the
world except New-YOrk is bestirring itself and
is full of interest and enthusiasm. The Empire
State alone has hung back and done nothing.
Its naction is neither patriotic nor magnani-
nous. The good name of this rich and inilu-
ential Commonwealth has been compromised by
an attitude toward the Worlds Fair which seems
at least cool and Indifferent, if not positively
unfriendy The Legislature will not need to
waste time in ordinations and determinations,
but ought at once to redeem the reputation Of
the State by decisive action.