The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04

whose Government was formally recog'
nized in January. Since then final pay
ment has been made OF the American
claim in regard to the Ozama bridge.
THE PARIS EXPOSITION.
Splendid Showing Made by Ameri-
can Exhibitors.
The year of the Exposition has been
fruitful in occasions for displaying the
good will that exists between this coun-
try and France. This great competition
brought together from every nation the
best in natural productions, industry, SCI
ence and the arts, submitted in generous
rivalry to judgment made all the more
searching because of that rivalry. Tine
extraordinary increase OF expectations
from this country during the past three
years and the activity with which our IN
yentions and wares had invaded new mar
kets caused much interest to centre upon
the American exhibit. and every encour-
agement was offered in the way OF space
and facilities to permit of its being COM
prehensive as whole and complete In
every part.
It was. however, not an easy task to
assemble exhibits that could fifty illus
trate our diversified resources and manu-
features. Singularly enough, our national
prosperity lessened the incentive to ex-
hibit. The dealer in raw materials knew
that the user must come to him; the great
factories we're contented with the phe-
nomenal demand for their output. not
alone ct home, but also abroad, where
merit had already won profitable trade.
Appeals had to be made to the patriot
ism OF exhibitors to induce them to incur
OUTLAWS promising no immediate return.
This was especially the case where it be-
came needful to complete an Industrial
sequence or illustrate class Of processes.
One manufacturer after another had to
be visited and importuned. and at times,
after a promise to exhibit in particu-
lar section had been obtained, 1t would
be withdrawn, owing to pressure OF trade
orders, and a new quest would have to be
made.
The installation of exhibits, too, en-
countered many obstacles and involved
unexpected cost. The exposition was far
from ready at the date fixed for its OPEN
ing. The French transportation lines
were congested with offered freight. Be-
lated goods had to be hastily installed
in unfinished quarters with whatever labor
could he obtained in the prevailing con-
fusion. Nor was the task of the commits
sion lightcned by the fact that, owing to
the scheme of classification adopted. 1t
was impossible to have the entire exhibit
Of any one country in the same building
or more than one group OF EXHIBITS IN the
same part of any building. Our installa-
tions were scattered on both sides OF the
Seine and in widely remote suburbs oil
Paris. SO that additional assistants were
needed for the work of supervision and
arrangement.
The largest Display.
DESPITE all these drawbacks the con-
tribution Of the United States was not
only the largest foreign display, but was
among the earliest in place and the most
orderly in arrangement. Our exhibits
we're shown in 101 out Of 121 classes, and
more completely covered the entire classi-
fcation than those OF any other nation.
In total number they ranked next after
those of France, and the attractive form
in which they were presented secured
general attention.
A criterion of the extent and success Of
our participation and OF the thoroughness
with which our exhibits were organized is
seen in the awards granted to American
exhibitors by the international jury.
namely, grand prizes, 24O; gold medals,
5e7. silver medals, 776; bronze medals,
54l. and honorable mentions, 322-2.476 in
all being the greatest total number given
tn the exhibit of any exhibiting nation. as
we'll as the largest number in each grade.
This significant recognition of merit in
competit;on with the chosen exhibits OF
oil other nations and at the hands OF
iurjes almost wholly made up OF repre-
eentatiyes of France and other competing
countries is not only most gratifying, but
Is especially valuable. since it sets us to
the front in international questions Of
sunn,y and demand, while the large pro-
nortion of awards in the classes OF art and
artistic manufactures afforded unexpected
nroof of the stimulation Of national cul-
ture by the prosperity that flows from
natural productiveness Joined to indus
trial excellence.
Apart from the exposition several oc-
casons for showing international good
will occurred The inauguration in Paris
of the Lafayette Monument. presented by
the school children of the United States.
and the degigning of a commemorative
coin by our Mint and the presentation Of
the first piece struck to the President OF
the Republic, were marked by appropriate
ceremonies, ard the Fourth of July was
especially observed in the French capital
Good will prevails in Cur relations with
the German Empire. An amicable adjust
ment of the long pending question of the
admission of our life insurance COM
NAMES to do business in Prussia has been
reached One of the principal companies
has already been re-admitted and the way
ia opened for the others to share the
privilege.
Peace In Samoa.
The settlement of the Samoan problem,
to which I adverted in my last message.
has accomplished good results. Feace and
contentment prevail in the islands, espe-
cially in Tutuila. where a convenient ad-
miuistr,s ion that has won the confidence
and esteem of the kindly disposed natives
has been organized under the direction OF
the commander CT the United States naval
station at PagO-Pago.
An imperial meat inspection law las
been enacted for Germany. While 1t may
simplify the inspections. it prohibits ctr-
tain products heretofore admitted. There
is still great uncertainty as to whether
our well-nigh extinguished German trade
in meat products can revive under its nav
burdens Much will depend upon regula-
lions not yet promulgated. which we con-
hdently hope will be free from the dis
ordinations which attended the enforce
ment of the old statutes.
The remaining link in the new lines Of
direct telegraphic communication between
the United States and the German Empire
has recently been completed. atfording a
gratifying occasion for exchange OF
friendly congratulations with the German
Emperor.