The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-09-19
the nations Of the earth.

the nations of the earth.
Protect. Of Thy mercy. all these, Thy
servants from sickness, from sad casual
ties and from every evil TO which they
may be exposed. Keep them under the
protection of Thy good providence and
make them to have a perpetual fear ana
love of Thy holy name.
"Bless our rulers. the president Of the
United states, the governor of this state
and all others in authority and so rule
their hearts and strengthen their hands
that they may punish wickcdnoss and
vice and maintain Thy true religion and
virtue. Let the trust which this people
hath cOnflded in Thee never be lost or
weakened by dcccitful philosophy, by
grossness or sensuality, by avarice and
fraud, but may the bonds which have
hitherto kept us in the enjoyment of lib
crty, I'm the exercise of reason and in the
putting forth of energy be sustained by
Thy guidance for the benefit Of Thy peo-
pie, and to Thee. o Father, with Thine
only son, our Savior, and the Eternal
Spirit be ascribcd all glory, honor, might,
majesty, and dominion honceforth and
foreVermore. Amen"
lie was followed by Governor Bullock.
who intI oduced President Collier. Presi-
dent Collier received a great ovation with
cheero an0 waving Of handk srchiefs lie
ually grew louder until it was heard
throughout the hall. His speerh was
listened TO with marked attention, and re-
ceived great applause.
SPEECH OF HON. cHARLTs A. COLLIER, PREsI-
DENT AND DIRECTOR CENTRAL.
"The Cotton States and international
exposition owes its existence 20 a move
rent which was iaugurated at the most
inauspicious period for such an enter
prise 10 be found in the record Of many
years Eighteen months ago the prac-
tical problem for almost every communi-
ty seemed TO be how 10 save what it
had, rather than TO acquire new ele-
ments Of strength. The whole country
was in state Of depression and anxiety;
business was almost stagnant, the pulse
OF industrial life beat low: capital was
aIprehensivc and reluctant; labor had
scant employ ment and diminished wages
The clouds which had darkened every
material prospect year before stu hung
low over the land. and he was accounted
either UtopiGn or overbold' who ventured
to propose any great undertaking. For
tunately for Atlanta. however. she had
among her sons many whose faith I'm her
and in the coutry had remained ushaken.
even by the severe conditions that then
prevailed. and I'm confident anticipation
Of q better day soon 10 come they sug-
gested and set on foot the movement
which has led up to this event The
courage, the zeal the defiance Of diff
culties. the ind0miiahle energy which
have ever characterized this people were
exhibited in scarcely higher degree when
they so rapidly rebuilt Atlanta from the
ashes Of war than they are in the history
OF this exposition. With a unanimity
such as few cities have ever displayed in
any cause they have stood by the en-
terprise from its very inception to this
good hour. With q liberaity that was
royal they have contributed TO IL: with
an enthusiasm and a pertinacity which
have advanced their already wcll-carn.
ga reputation for proclaiming the
achievements and prospects Of their city
they have heralded and chronccd its
glories
But the unanmity. the ardor and the
liberality Of Atlanta alone could never
have made possible what We behold to-
day. To the cooperation of many
states and cities, 10 various foreign ma
tlons, to Industrial scientific, and social
organizations. TO individual enterprise
and inventive genius 20 thrifty manufac-
turers far and near, to artists and arti-
sans. to the treless devotion and ex-
haustless ingenuity Of heroic women. 10
the powerful aid of the press and the
generous favor Of the Federal govern
ment we must attribute the variety and
splendor OF this exhibition. The occasion
demands a special acknowledgment Of
our debt TO the press. that agency whose
power TO promote or prevent. to bless or
20 blight. is incalculable. The Dewspa-
rers throughout ,he United States have
given their cordial and incessant sup
port 10 our undertaking. They have
made common cause in behalf of this
exposition; they have advertised IL TO
the world. and won for II a fGme and
favor which could rever have been ac-
quired without their ardent and persist
ent advocacy. To the Federal authori-
Ties we are also greatly beholden. When
the indorscmen. and aid of the govern
ment were sought there was response
which proved that though we are di-
vidcd geographically into States and Sec
tions we are in heart and purpose an In
diyisIble people. When our petition went
before Congress party lines disappeared
and the ciangor Of sectionalism &as ST.