THE PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 654, 24 July 1876, Page 3

THE PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL.

PRESIDENT GRANT’S OPENING ADDRESS. The following is a copy of the address delivered by President Grant on the opening of the Centennial Exhibition ; “ My Countrymen —It has been thought appropriate upon this Centennial occasion to bring together in Philadelphia for popular inspection specimens of our attainments in industry, the fine arts and literature, science and philosophy, as well as in the great business of agriculture and of commerce, that we may the more thoroughly appreciate the excellencies and deficiencies of our achievements, and also give emphatic expression to the earnest desire to cultivate the friendship of our fellow members of the great family of nations. The enlightened agricultural, commercial, and manufacturing people of the world have been invited to send hither corresponding specimens of their industries to exhibit on equal terms in friendly competition with our own. To this invitation they have generously responded. For so doing they have our hearty thanks. The beauty and utility of the contributions will this day be submitted to your inspection by the managers of the exhibition. We are glad to know that a view of the specimens of skill of all nations will afford to you unequalled pleasure, and yield to you a valuable practical knowledge of so many of the remarkable results of the wonderful skill existing in enlightened communities. One hundred years ago our country was new and but partially settled. Our necessities have compelled us chiefly to expend our means in felling the forests,] subduing the prairies, building dwellings, factories, ships, docks, warehouses, roads, canals, machinery, &c. Most of cur schools, libraries, and asylums have been established within one hundred years. Burdened by these great primal works of necessity, which could not be delayed, we have yet done what this exhibition will show in this direction, rivalling older and more advanced nations, in law, medicine, and theology, in science, literature, philosophy, and the tine arts. Whilst proud of what we have done, we regret that we have not done more. Our achievements have been great enough, however, to make it easy for our people to acknowledge superior merit wherever found. And now, fellow citizens, I hope a careful examination of what is about to be exhibited will not only inspire you with a profound respect for the skill and taste of our friends from other nations, but also satisfy you with the attainments made by our own people during the past one hundred years. I invoke your generous cooperation with the worthy commissioners to secure a brilliant success to the International Exhibition, and to make the stay of our foreign visitors, to whom we extend, a hearty welcome, both profitable and pleasant to them. I declare the International Exhibition now open.” The President was loudly cheered, the Emperor of Brazil rising in his seat and joining in the demonstration by waving his hat. At twelve o’clock, at the signal from General Hawley, the American flag was unfurled from the main building. The “ Hallelujah Chorus” was rendered with orchestral and organ accompaniment, a salute of 100 guns was fired from George’s Hill, together with the ringing of chimes from different parts of the ground. During the performance of the chorus, the Foreign Commissioners passed from the platform into the main building, and ijook their places upon the central aisle, before their respective depart- ! ments, after which President Grant, accompanied by Director-General Goshorn, followed by the guests of the day, passed into the main building, and thence to Machinery Hall, and from thence to the judges’ quarters, vyhere a reception was held,”