Los Angeles herald., 1892-10-22
It Eclipses All Former achievements
of Nations.
Impressive Ceremonies in the Great
Manufactures Building Henry
Watterson's Masterly Dedf-
catory Grafton.
By the Associated Press

CHICAGO, Oct. 21.-In the presence
of 100, 900 people, amid the echoes OF
the largest chorus assembled in the his
tory of modern times; under arches, the
largest ever constructed in the history
of architecture, the Worlds Columbian
exposition was formally dedicated today
in the great hall of manufactures and
liberal arts, by the dignitaries of the ma
tion. The event was one well designed
to inspire loyalty in the American heart.
making, as it did, the first international
exposition to be participated in by every
civilized nation of the globe. The occa-
sion was equally significant in being de-
void of that pomp and pageantry which
have characterized the worlds fairs of
monarchical Europe. The inaugural cer-
emonies today were
TRIUMPH OF REPUBLICAN INSTITUTIONS;
A triumph greater than all the glories
of war. To the parent republic OF the
western hemisphere had been reserved
the distinction of 80 winning the good
will and admiration of all the world,
that kings, emperors, czars, sultans.
mikados, khans and shahs have each
extended the hand of international fell
lowship to the American people, and
crowned with their benediction and ap-
proval the exposition to be held under
the patronage of the republic.
As the discovery by Columbus marks
an epoch in the worlds knowledge, the
occasion of today marks an epoch in the
worlds civilization. 1t means that the
petty jealousies of the past have been
put away by the enlightened nations of
the earth and relegated to the ages that
have gone; that upon neutral ground,
nations, like men, can assemble in
fraternal greetings and recognize
that. bond of common humanity that
makes brothers of us all. The fierce
rivalry of arms has given place to the
friendly competition of commerce; self
ish greed for power has given way to a
thirst for enlightenment; to desire
for material and intellectual develop.
ment. The old world is no longer inn
patient with the progress of the new.
With bowed heads the diplomatic repre-
sentatives of the crowned rulers of the
old world, today gave audience to the
ceremonies, and voiced no dissent when
the orators of the hour reviewed
the glories of republican institu-
tions, and indicated that the greater
progress lay in government by the many.
But more eloquent even than the ell
ver-tongued orators OF the day of the
grandeur of the republic, was the mod
est spectacle of the greatest information
al exposition of the age ushered into
being, not by command of the crowned
heads of hereditary authority, but by
the acclaim of one hundred thousand
| free men, each man the peer of his fell
lows, and each sovereign of the in.
vested rights of the republic.
AN UNPREcEDENTE SCENE.
The scene presented by the vast gath
ering in the dedicating building was one
never to be forgotten. In many respects
it was without precedent. The dedica
tion hall was the largest structure evel
erected, and in it was gathered the larg
est crowd ever assembled beneath {
single roof. In the audience were prob
ably more distinguished Americans
than have ever been seen to-
gether on any commemorative occa
zion in the history Of the republic
Learned jurists from the bench cabinet
officers; governors of states; senators
congressman; admiIals and generals
! with all the regalia of authority car.
dinals, with their insignia of the apos
toiic faith; scientists, who are fas
wrestling from nature the problems O
the ages; all these gathered here today
to do honor to the great silent student
OF 400 wears ago, who in his way wal
the pioneer of them all; who led the
van of human thought and manly dar
ing, and gave the world new CONT
nent, and to posterity an imperishabl'
reverence for Christopher Colum
bus. This was the name on every
lip, in every ode and song; tina
crowned every peroration; that fount
utterance in the opening prayer. ane
was softly breathed in the closing bene
diction. All did him honor; and time
that ripens and mellows the gratitude o
nations. after 400 years, gives the great
eat homage to his memory and name
Az seven Grecian villages claimed th'
birthplace of Homer, after he hat
begged his bread through their streets
and mouldered unhonored into dust
go Art and Science, and Invention ant
Religion, all We'd today in claiming Co
llumbuo "a their own.