Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-10-21


''Mr. President: Deep. indeed, must be the
sorrow which prohibits the President of the
United States from being the central figure in
these ceremonials. Realizing from these sump-
tuous surroundings the extent of design. the
adequacy of execution and the vastness of re-
suits, we may well imagine how ardently he has
aspired to be officially and personally connected
with this great work. SO linked to the past and
to the present of America With what elo-
quent words he would have spoken of the he
roic achievements and radiant future of his be-
loved country. While profoundly anguished in
mis- most tender earthly affection he would not
have US delay or falter in these dedicatory serv-
ices. and we can only offer to support his cour-
age by profound and universal sympathy.
The attention of our whole country and of
all peoples elsewhere concerned in industrial
progress is today fixed upon the city of Chi
cago. The name Of Chicago has become ia
miliar with the speech of all civilized communi-
ties. Bureaus are established at many points
in Europe for the purpose Of providing trans
portation hither, and during the coming year
the first place suggested to the mind when men
talk of America will be the city of Chicago
This is due not only to the Columbian EXPOSE
ton, which marks an epoch to the marvellous
growth and energy Of the second commercial
city of the Union.
II am not here to recount the wonderful
story Of this city's rise and advancement. Of
the matchless courage of her people, of her
second birth out of the ashes of the most nota-
BILE confagration Of modern times nor of the
eminent position she has conquered in COM
merce in manufacture, in science and the arts.
"These are known of all men who keep pace
with the worlds progress. l am here in behalf
OF the government of the United States, in be-
half of all the people, to bid all hail to Chicago,
all hail to the Columbian exposition.
CHICAGO TODAY WITHOUT RIVAL.
From the st. Lawrence to the gulf and
from the peerless cosmopolitan Italy by the sea
to the Golden Gate of California there is no
longer a rival city to Chicago except to emulate
her in promoting the success of this work.
"New York has signalized the opening of the
new era by commemorative functions, in :
structive to the student, encouraging to the
philanthropist and admonitory to the forces
arrayed against liberty. Her houses Of worship,
without distinction of creed. have voiced their
thanks to Almighty God for religious freedom;
her children to the number Of $4,000 have
marched under the inspiration Of a light
broader than Columbus, with all his thirst for
knowledge enjoyed at the University of Pavia,
and for three successive days and nights pro-
cessional progresses on land and water. aided
by Spain and Italy and France. saluted the
memory OF the great pilot with the fruits Of
the great discovery in q pageant more brilliant
than that at Barcelona. when upon a throne Of
Persian fabrics Ferdinand and Isabella disre-
garded the etiquette Of CASTLE and Aragon, re-
celNeu MIN standing attended by the most
splendid court of christendom.
And what spectacle is presented to Us
here. As We gaze upon these munifcent erec-
tions, with their columns and arches, their
entablatures and adornments. when we con-
slider their beauty and rapidity of realization,
they would seem to be evoked at q wizards
touch of Aladdin's lamp. Praise for the organiza-
ton and accomplishment. for "hitect's
builder, for the artist and az aot nov
detain me, for in the year to c. mouths
of all men IL will be unstinted
These are worthy shrines to record the
achievements of the two Americas and place
them side by side with the arts and the indus
tries OF the elder world 70 the end that we may
be stimulated and encouraged to new epdeavors.
Columbus is not in chains, nor are Columbian
ideas in letters. see him az in the great pic
ture under the dome of the Capitol, kneeling
hgures about him. betokening no longer the
contrition OF his followers, but the homage Of
mankind with erect form and lofty mien animal
ng these children of q now world to higher
facts and holder theories
1--WE may not now anticipate the character and
value Of our national exhibit. Rather may We
modestly anticipate that conservative award
will be the worlds criticism to young nation
eagerly listening to the reckoning future. within
whose limits the lightning was first plucked
from heaven ut the will Of man, where the ex-
pansive power OF stesm was Arst compelled to
transport mankind and merchandise over the