New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-05-02
THE EXPOSITION OPEN.

The Columbus Exposition, dedicated last DC
tober with elaborate and imposing ceremonies,
was opened yesterday with formalitleS which
were not less impressive because brief and
simple. The great task which Chicago for its
own glory was proud and happy to undertake
has been performed in a manner honorable to
the whole country. If at the beginning the
trust was accepted with only feeble apprecia-
ton of its burdens no evidence OF the TACT APP
rea,s in the superb achievement. A deep and
true sense of responsibility has inspired and dl-
rccted the work which universal appreciation
now crowns The obstacles were not all fore
seen. but they have all been encountered with
faith and fortiudc and with wonderful meas
me of success During the last month the eic
ments have been peculiarly hostile, and the most
devoted and strenuous eXcrtionS have not quite
suficed to overcome the unexpected emDa'ras'
ments of a wet and clustering spring Inc
destiny which forbdS Worlds Fair to be an
>olute- ready on the appointed da'c Is sun
manifest in unfinished grounds ana bnildineS
and unplaccd exhibits. The nearest possible
approach to perfection cannot be realized lor
several weeks to come but when that point
has been reached the world will have the PRIV
human intelligence and energy.
This young country has been fortunate IN inc
anniversaries which history has given 1t to
celebrate The Centennial Exposition ana not
merely commemorate birthday III the iaml!
of nations and illustrate the power ana prog
ress of single people 1t slgnliled 10 all inc
world far more than that, for 1t was inc S!m
bn Of institutions to which all the world had
contributed and Of blessings which all the
world had been permitted or constrained TO
share. Upon a still grander scale this Column
ban Exposition celebrates an inestinable giit
the condition precedent to all that has been ac-
compishcd by and for mankind IN the New
World durinp four centuries and all that Is TO
be accomplished here TO the end OF time. sure
" this is an anniversary which is tit to enlist
the interest. the sympathy and the cooperation
of oyerv race which has begun 10 emerge from
darkness into light.
The response of the nations to the invitation
of the United States has been cordial and gen
crous. and it is already possible to believe that
from this comparison of resources and ciyillza-
tons. and this interchange Of courtesies ana
Inequalities, new guarantees of prosperity ana
advancement will be derived. Individuals may
well be modest ana TctlCcHt ds " VIZ" Wv"
Capacites and achievements. but IT is the plIv-
ilege of every patriot to exult IN all the moral
and material accomplishments OF his country
We have right TO be proud of the courage
and energy which have subdued our vast do
main. of the loyalty and yalor which have de-
fend d it, Of the generosity which has made IL
a refuge from misery and oppression. But
pridc is not the finest emotion which this Occa-
sion can inspire Acceptance Of the splendid
OPPORTUNITIES we have inherited does not make
MS worthy of them. There is 10 grandeur ~
mere possession. The people of the United
States are under n continuous obligation to
leave to the future a noblcr legacy than they
have received from the past Not only richer
and a more powerful but 1arcr and better
country is the debt which every generation
owes to its successor. And the purpose and
temper which arc essential to the fuilment OF
that duty cannot be inspired and fortified and
made nvinciblc by any selfish National ambl-
tion They will fail the county if they do not
comprehend the world. President Cleveland
Yesterday gave just and eloquent expression
to this truth when he said: Let us hold fast
to the meaning that undcrlies this ceremony.
As by touch the machinery that gives life
to this vast Exposition is now set in motion so
at the same instant let our hopes and aspra-
tons awaken forces which in all time to come
shall influence the welfare the dignity and the
freedom Of mankind"