New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-22
SPEECHES ON THE BIG FAIR.
ADDRESSES AT THE DINNER LAST NIGHT.
ELOQUENT WORDS OF GEoRGb r. DAVIS, w. T.
BAKER. JOHN BOYD TEACHER, GoRToN

w. ALLEN AND CHARLES S. SMITH.
In carrying out its well-known policy of de-
voting liberal space to all important public dinners
and to show its appreciation Of the Importance OF
| the Worlds Columbian Exposition, The Tribune
prints to-day verbatim reports of the speeches
delivered 1t the banquet given last night at Del
| monico's by the New-Yorll State Commissioners oil
| the Fair to representative men from Chicago and
| elsewhere Owing TO the necessities Of space In
this issue, the addresses of George r. Davis, d.
rector-general OF the Fair; w. T. Baker, president
of the Chicago local commission; John Boyd
Thacher and Gorton w. Allen, New-York Com
missioners, and Charles S. Smith, president Of the
New-York Chamber of Commerce, given
herewith apart from the extended account of the
dinner, which may be found on the main sheet
of this edition
ADDRESS OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Here is what George r. Davis said:
Mr.. Chairman ana Gentlemen: Being called upon
Worlds Columbian Exposition, through your courtesy,
wish to express my appreciation OF your consder-
this banquet In the great metropolis Of the Nation,
and to assure you Of my pleasure at the opportunity
Of so many gentlemen Of New York. and Of other
states, men distinguished I'm National and international
Worlds Fair Of 1888 shall Be in every
way success; shall IN every or way
American intellect the warmth the American heart,
qualities and CHARACTERISTICS of our great democratic
form of government over all other forms Of govern
Standing in such Distinguished presence and with
such subject calling US together feel sure Sat all
thought OF local interest, and OF all personal ambitious
ends will have place among u.s., and, that we shall
be inspired by the singh, ambition that are brothers
Of one family, seeking to build up and improve the
fathers domain, aud by doing build up and i'm
prove ourselves. (ApplauseY
Tho kax+t Wa NAV ak the ppnpr IRA
question, what Is the intent Of the Worlds Fair
What lesson is 1t TO inculcatei What influence IS it
TO exert upon the world and upon our Nationf AS
general answer, it may be said that the Worlds Co
lumbar Exposition is intended to express our graft
tudc TO all Nations Of the earth that have In any way
possible. Under tie gracious Providence which Mr..
Springfield appealed to that Washington at oil times
relied upon without which he could not have SUE li
Of the Nations of the earth for our place and station In
the world Our country has gathered profit alike OUT
OF the and misfortunes OF other Nations ana
governments Of the world.
OTHER NATIONS NOT JEALOUS.
As q general statement, it may be said that the
Nations of the earth which have contributed to our
National not jealous Of US, but they are
rather proud Of tho part they have had In our up
building and tho greater the success Of the Worlds
Columbian Exposition the greater will DO the glory
hected upon these Nations. An Inferior Exposition
would naturally lower in our own estimation and
would subtract from the enown Of the nations that had
The Exposition is to be American sunshine and SOIL
American skill and genius, American scholarship and
the prouder and all the better If we gain the victory
Any consideration Of our indebtedness to the nations
the leading character who stood out the representa-
tive Of the best thought OF these nations 4Gd who
hundred and ninety two, eighteen hundred and ninety
two and three These dates spanning 400 years bring
Spain and Columbia together, and lead us 10 acknOwl
edge our Indebtedness 10 Spain.
The education Of Columbus in the great schools Of
hfc fnn hfc xnara m aftnnO Cd NV
his several voyages upon the Mediterranean the val
able charts, journals and memoranda OF distinguished
navigator which came into his possession through his
fortunate marriage his great struggle for q livelihood
when residing at Lisbon, the very centre of geogaph
the adventurous spirit OF Columbus and it here
that he first felt the inspiration and declared that
vOyaCing in that direction would land the navigator
on the eastern shores OF Asia: IT.. .,.,,o, ~,
discouragements were great. and it was some ten
years later that find him weary leading by the
with fatigue and hunger he asked for bread and water
for his furnishing child at the convent of Iarrabeda
bonstifnly supplied The brothers Of the convent
became interested IN his schemes, much 50 that the
would exert on behalf of Columbus such influence as
might be necessary to to COLUMBUS hea th,s
brother superior faithfully fulfilled,
This incident u the lite Of Columbus has always
world scientific. the world commercial and the world
religious and more especially the debt Of gratitude the
his convent and especially the brother superior for
on this incident and the fthfnlness Of this snneror to
passed to the discovery Of this continent applause
True. many years passed during which Columbus
not listened TO- ave- when turned adrift with the
admoniion G aTronbls the Nation no more. aye,
in his q" face Isabella called him to her presence
assured him that she would assume the undertaking
expenses of he Perous voyage from per,onal means:
Who can estimate the detr Of gratitude that has
ana heSrd Queen who When AL Hl o "tSe
this continent to the people Of the world.
SPANS INTERTeT IN THE FAIR.
gives me pleasure 10 state that the Government
Of Spain Is deeply irrereetcd in the success Of the
Exposition. and she will make an exhibit which
viii reflect honor upon the Queen and the country
which assisted Columbus to cross the unfurrowed seas
and open America no the world
Nor Is II possible for TO speak OF our Indebtedness
TO Spain without remembering ITALY whose dominion
once swaycd from the source OF the Euphrtes TO the
Pillars Of Hercules at Gibraltar. under whose bright
blue skies the eyes VI Columbus first saw the light OF
day. Therefore to Italy well rs to Spain must
America make Acknowledgement. Italy will be here
with an exhibit OF the rich treasures OF her classic
land
mathematics and Of subtle thought; that band which
has gwen name and character to some on our Gals
are scattered by the million over our vast domain
What does this country owe to the German Per
heroic followers we will pause before seek In
common figures to compute the amounted debt;
Germany is 10 be with us In 93 with a magnificent
display OF the of that great Empire Austria
viii be with us. The tens OF thousands OF former
sub ects from both upper and lower Austria who are
of us will gladly welcome the representatives OF their
home country and the display promised from Austria
Hungary will be superb in every respect.
Then there Is France: the land OF genius, scholar
ship, art and poleness. What does this country
owe TO Franoe7 There came 10 this country IN III!
a Young Of France, who became very close and
intimate friend Of washington, and h ESQ he was
Entrusted. by the Congress of the United States with
the defence Of the State OF Virginia, and when
In 17e4 he visited this country, after all the |
war clouds had passed away, his tour was one un |
broken triumph, and the name OF Lafayette was upon
the lips OF every one. (Appause Then II Is In |
her generous and tasteful statue in the very doorway
OF this great city casting light far out upon the
stormy deep. telling Of the love that the young Re-
public of FIance hears for the Republic that Lafayette
helped to establish. App'auseD TIE most generous |
are being made by the French Republic
to enable that Nation 30 make an exhibit that viii be
(Annia IL