Year: 1876

held, and the sentiment of the people OF En-
gland and France seems to have approved of
this investment of public moneys, on the
theory TINT the people derive sufficient ad-
yautaees from the additional trade to war
rant it.


It is peculiarly gratifying that all accounts
Of the opening Of the Centennial Exhibition
at Philadelphia egree that in tie grandeur OF
its design, the details Of its arrangements,
the completeness of its preparations for the
opening, the extent of it's buildings, the va
riety of its departments, and the judicious-
ness of its management, it surpasses all the
previous exhibitions of the same character:
Thore is 10 reason to doubt the correctness
of this Judgment, for it has been rendered
after long period Of doubling, misgivings,
and cavil1ing. New York, with m undig-
nifed jealousy and a singular short-sighted-
ness as to the benefits it is sure to receive
from the location of the Centennial celebra-
ton SO near to it, long refused to prophesy
anything but failure, and has for tho most
part been chary Of its public attestation Of
what the Philadelphians actually accom-
plished. Throughout the rest Of the
country there was for q long time
an apprehension that there would DO q
serious raid upon the United States Treasury
md general distrust Of the ability to man.
age such an enterprise honestly in the loose
condition Of the public morals indicated in
other public trusts. But the Philadelphia peo-
pie went on confidently and placidly in spite
ofunkind criticism and ungenerous treatment,
without any assistance from the Government
until after their enterprise had become an
assured SUCCESS, end almost without the
moral support Of the Government. Thus
they may bo said to have conquered an &c
acknowledgement Of their own industry, iber~
ality, and Judgment, and to hare given tho
most striking example the world has ever had
of the rigor, determination, and character
of American private enterprise. The idea
Of holding Worlds Fair in Philadelphia
as becoming celebration Of the American
Centennial was first suggested, it is said, by
an Indiana gentleman to Alr. MORTON Nc
MICHAEL, some ten years ago, when the latter
was Mayor of Philadelphia The seed once
planted, it grew steadily, in spite of many
unfayorable circumstances, including the
dissensions incident 10 reconstructing the
South and the trials growing out Of the great
panic of 1873. Probably no celebration
could have been suggested that would have
SO successfully represented century's prog
ress from colonial dependence and pio-
neering condition to great nation and the
highest degree Of civilization.


The experience of the previous Worlds
Fairs does not warrant the expectation that
there will be any profit in the Philadelphia
Exhibition itself. If the managers shall be
able to pay off the entire cost, without re-
funding any part OF the 800: 900 appro-
priated by Congress, such a result will be a
satisfactory conclusion Of their ]abors; it
will bo better showing, so far as Govern
ment subsidy goes, than London, Paris, or
Vienna has shown. There is one change which
Of itself would do much to bring about this
outcome, and that is to throw open the Ex-
hibition on Sunday at q popular admission
fee, say % cents. The increase Of expense
would be comparatively small the enlarge
ment Of the receipts is beyond estimate.
Not only the people and regular visitors in
Philadelphia would flock there in great
crowds, but there would be special excursions
from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
Ohio, and the New England States that
would take thousands upon thousands Of
people who would not otherwise 60 there.
The railroads could afford to run Sunday
trains at less cost, and the faciG-
ties afforded by such an arrangement
would extend the educational advan-
tages Of the Exhibition, as well as increase
its income. No sectarian prejudice ought to
be permitted to prevent this obvious i'm
provenent in the arrangements The most
serious disappointment Of the whole affair is
agreed to pay exorbitant prices for special
privileges on the Centennial grounds, aad
those who have laid out more money in pro-
viding temporary accommodations and out
side amusements than they can possibly get
back. There will be serious individual losses
on this account. and perhaps large loss to
the Exhibition Company in the failure to COL
1ect some Of the licenses they have counted
On. But in spite Of all this, the artistic and
industrial success OF the Exhibition is so far
assured already as to be q matter of national
satisfaction and pride.


The Emperors Of Russia, Austria, and
Germany will shortly be in session in Berlin