Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-31
THE C0-BRITISH EXPOSITION.

The exposition inaugurated at Shep-
herds-bush, London. the 18th instant re-
calls the first Industrial
Historic exposition. which was or
p.,,;nd.. ganized a, Prague in 1871
1t was that exposition
| that gave to NJ. Francois d, Neufchateau.
! French minist,.. of the interior under the
directory. the idea of exciting eml'sticn
| in French industries. as he sale. Ito ad-
minister a fatal blow to English indus
| try" 1t was thus that the exposition at
| Prague was followed by an exposition in
| the Champ de Mars the 10 Nen6eE,ia-a
VII of the republic.
| The Franco British exposition ut Low
don is the antithesis of the French expnsi-
| ton of the year VII of the republic. The
latter would have destroyed English in
dustry: the former Is established that it
may extend and develop both French and
| British industries.
The Franco British exposition may be
compared in its political purpose to the
| exposition at Moscow in 1891. which was
commemoration in fact of the Franco
| Russian alliance.
The exposition at London is more po-
litical than economical. and this was
! plainly indicated by NJ Cruppi the
| French minister of commerce. at the ban
quet Of the French chamber Of commerce
in London the evening before the inaugu
| ration
1T is necessary said the minister. Ito
| profit by this fortunate economical mo-
ment to give to our political relations all
the strength and stability that Is posi-
| BILE. And the minister added that he was
the preface to the visit of the president Of
the republic. He likened the exposition
to the meeting of two merchants. great
buyers. one at the house Of the other.
both interested in the development Of their
| transactions The desire of the French
! republic. said the minister. was to con-
| tribute to the constant amelioration and
| development of the economical entente
| between the United Kingdom and France.
| The Franco-British exposition should not
be simply brilliant manifestation of their
solidarity. but something more.
If said the minister. our exchanges
remain subject to the chance or hazard of
unstable political condi-
commercial tons if the reciprocal Sc
! Tn+eree4e curity Of our import atoms
and our expectations is
not assured. can we f1atter ourselves to
have obtained from this favorable moment
all the possible benefits of friendship so
| happily established?'
| And NJ. Cruppi referred to situations
that were not SO favorable when a certain
treaty OF commerce. that of 1856. was
coldly received both at Paris and at Lon
DON
! NJ. Cruppi expressed the fear that an
| unfavorable wind was blowing. a wind
| In the direction of protection in Eng
! land ard uithstanding the failure of
Mr.. Chamberlain's campaign. the liberals
/ might be wrong to count upon the virtue
of their principles
! The last year the total of expectations
| from France to England reached the
round sum of .375.OOO.oLO francs. What
commotion there would be If the agrcul-
tural and industrial productions of
| France should be subjected to an onerous
| tariff. 1t was the fear of the possibility
OF such change in the economical policy
| OF England which caused NJ. Cruppi to
| say that 1t was necessary to give to their
| relations all the strength and stability
| possible. which meant the execution with
the least possible delay OF commercial
treaty which would insure French COM
merce and industries against any change
of government in England.
| On the following day the 18th instant
the Franco British exposition at Shep-
| herd's-bush was opened by the Prince
and Princess of Wales.
No exposition has ever been ready on
| opening day, except the French. where
men are appointed be-
1Tencn cause of their acquired
promn+nee. experience. and where
| punctuality is rigid rule
! OF conduct The American man il:
thought to be always on time. but it is
| a sorry fiction. for he is not. At the ex-
position of 1900 in Paris. because of the
| delay of Congress to appropriate money
I
| sion arrived late and every inch of
| space had been distributed Tie
United States. 1t was assumed failing to
arrive in time, had concluded not to par
| ticipate.
The writer was secretary of the United
States special commission to the exposi-
ton and with the prompt aid of the sec
rotary Of the United States embassy a re-
distribution of space was obtained and
the United States was allotted a generous
share.
Nor is the Franco British exposition
model of celebrity. The exposition is not
ready and had a decidedly rough look on
its natal day. Lord Selpy at the break
| fast In honor of NJ. Cruppi at the Grand
Restaurant abiding to the unprepared-
ness. compared the exposition to "A charm
| ing lady in white and cream lace upon
| whom an unusually early morning call
had been made. and who had been unable
! to put those finishing touches to her toilet
| which would have enhanced her attrac-
lions. Yet said the speaker. 1.-THE ex-
| position is sufficiently attractive. even
though incomplete. to stand in no fear of
early callers"
| When the guests had assembled at the
| restaurant the ceremonies of inauguration
| were begun by the singing of the Mar
! seillaise' by detachment of boys from
the Duke Of York Royal Military School
/ at Chelsea.
| Lord Derby presided and. speaking in
| French proposed the health of The
| King" and. eu'ogizing
King and him. spoke OF him as
pr..;den+ king Edward the Pacif-
| icator.' He then toasted
| The President of the French Republic"
and expressed the pleasure at his pros
| pect!ve visit
The French ambassador. NJ. Paul Cam
| bon. speaking In French, proposed the
| health of the chairman. Lord Derby :
| he said, had devoted the whole of his
| life to the service OF his country lie
had filled the highest positions with great
| distinction: but of all the great offices
| which he had filled he would only refer 10
one-he had been president of the board
| of trade; that is. minister of commerce
| He was. therefore. better qualified than
any ono else to receive the minister IF