THE PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XL, Issue 191, 3 August 1876, Page 4

THE PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL.

PRESIDENT GRANT'S OPENING ADDRESS. The following is a copy of tbe address delivered by President Grant on the opening of the Centennial Exhibition:— "My Countrymen, — It has bceD thohght appropriate oa this centennial occasion, to bring together iu 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 tbe earnest desire to cultivate the friendship of our fellowmembers 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 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 tbe forests, subduing the prairies, building dwellings, factories, shipe, docks, warehouses, roads, canals, machinery, &c, Most of our schools, libraries, and asylums have been established within one hundred years. Burdened by these greal 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, it. science, literature, philosophy, aud the fine arts. Whilst proud of what we have done, we regret that we have not done more. Our achievements bave been great enough however, to make it easy for our people to acknowledge superior merit wherever found. Ami now, fellow-cilizens I hope a careful examination of what is about to be exhibited will not only inspire you with a profound respect ior 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 Becure a brilliant success to tbe International Exhibition now open." Tne President was loudly cheered, the Emperor of Brazil rising in his seat and joining in the demonstration by waving his haf. At twelve o clock, at the signal from General Hawley, tbe American flag was unfurled hem tbe maiu building. The " Hallelujah Chorus " was rendered with orchestral and organ accompaniment, a faalute of 100 guns was j fired from George's Hill, together with the ringing of chimes from various parts of the ground. During the performance of the chorus the foreign commissioners passed from the platform into the maiu building, and took their places upon the central aisle, before their respective departments, alter which, President Grant, accompanied by Director-General Goshorn, followed by the guests of tbe day, passed into the main building, and thence to Machinery Hall, and from thence to the judges' quarters, where a reception was held.