Evening star., 1902-01-30
ExIOsftiOns and Their Value

To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
Napoleon was the first to make sue
cess of an exhibition!9 Only one-the first
ever held-was held prior to his time, in
176f. There. were oply ITO exhibitors at
this.
Napoleons object was to break down
English trade, and a gold medal was Offer
ell to the manufa cturer. who should deal
the heaviest, blow to English commerce.
Since this time exhibitions have been held
In rapid succession in Paris, and have been
followed by every city in Europe and in this
country, until now Hardly a year eiapses
without one. be tr"2'az,-' F+'
To the Society of Arts the credit is due
Of having originated them. Their great
practicability in stimulating excellence in
the industrial records of the world, their
means of dffusing knowledge and of ex-
ceiling in the most expeditions and won
derfuI manner have been so demonstrated
as to leave no question of the great benefits
accrufng to the world through them.
Most of these exhibitions have netted a
very pretty amount to the projectors The
amount of benefit accruing to the country
and city in which they are held can only
approximately be arrived at. This must
be greater several times over, however
than the amount taken in at the doors or
contributed by the exhibition.
The following are the door results of some
of these exhibitions:
RpreiDtS, a.
London 1851 II 900 81 1868 100 81 $50 500 6O39 100
Paris ls5s ss s SeSSSS 9s
Paris 1867. so, ,226 100000 5000 600 10 200 200
Phfla 1876. 10000 6,eOO,O09 1000, 200 1910 966
Subsequent to these France has held nu-
merous exhibitions with better results finan-
cially than the above. There are very
many features entering into exhibitions
that do not show in dollars and cents. AS
they had their conception In an effort for
the advancement of science and art these
benefits are silent, but nevertheless from
our observation we must know they have
contributed immensely to this result In
Philadelphia we have a permanent exhibit
ton, whose object is to promote commerce.
This is supported by the city of Phiadel
phia Its acknowledged usefulness Is the
have the same a large scale-a ma
tion one, larger in its scope. In this Phila-
delphia exhibition exhibits are arranged by
countries showing foreign goods exported to
lands where our goods meet in competition.
Products of Mexico are shown and also our
competitors goods in Europe which are
sold in Mexico are shown. II d Connecticut
cutlery maker wishes to extend his trade
to Australia he may learn at this museum
the quality, shape and size of the sheep
shears and all other varieties Of cutlery
that are sold in the Australian markets.
1t Is also the function of this museum to
furnish all the information to manufac-
turers and others as to the nature OF COM
modities, tariffs and local demands and
conditions in all countries This museum
is corresponded with by more than 10000
business houses in this country, and nearly
as many in other countries.
The Commercial Museum in Brussels Is
permanent, and has been so successful
other cities in Belgium have followed the
example, and France has also followed Bel
gium. and has now fifteen of these insti-
tutions in her principal manufacturing and
commercial centers. Berlin, Vienna, Berne,
Milan and Rome, and even the Japanese
government, have opened commercial
museums, the latter at Osaka. to afford
central place for the exhibition of native
and foreign prOdHcfs.s
We cannot afford 70 be behind in such a
practical movement once established here
at the national capital Other cities would
soon follow the lead of Philadelphia. Bel
GUM, France and Germany, and have their
auxiliary exhibitions.
Any plan having for its object the
Identification of our national capital which
leaves out this feature will be great and
a sad mistake. We are the leaders of the
human race in everything which means
progress. Let us continue to be at the top
In this line, and it will be bloodless tri-
umph which will sltrpass In its ma gnifieent
results anything eradone.by the sword
eYGEO. C. TANNER