Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1878 — WORLD’S FAIR. [ARTICLE]

WORLD’S FAIR.

The Opening of the Great International Exposition at Paris, on the Ist of May. The ceremony of opening the exhibition, says a correspondent, began at 2:30 in the afternoon, at which time it was showery, but at 3 o’clock the sun was shining brightly again. The crowd was immense and enthusiastic, in spite of the alternations of rain throughout the proceedings. Cries were everywhere heard of “ Yive la Bepublique” and “ Yive la France. ” Among those present were the Prince of Wales, Don Francois D’Assises, father of the King of Spain; Due D’Aosta, brother of the King of Italy and ex-King of Spain; Prince Frederic, Crown Prince of Denmark; the Prince of Orange, heir apparent to the throne of the Netherlands, and Prince Hemy, of Holland. Marshal MacMahon arrived in a state carriage, escorted by his military household, troops being drawn up all along the route from the Elysee. A procession then formed, which marched from the grand arcade to a platform overlooking the fountain and commanding a vie w of nearly all the building and grounds. Here Trisserene de Bort, Minister of Commerce, welcomed the Marshal in a short speech, and the Marshal then declared the exhibition opened. M. De Bort, Minister of Commerce made a speech, saying the idea of holding an exhibition suggested itself the day after the definite concentration of the republic. The republican Government thus gave the stamp to the tendencies and aims which it wished to assign to its efforts, and testified its faith in the stability and fecundity of the institutions it had founded, and its confidence in the sympathies of foreign governments. He thanked tiie foreign governments which had so magnificently responded to the appeal of France, sent their art treasures and manufactures here, and now crowned their courtesy by honoring the opeuing of the enterprise with the presence of their most illustrious citizens and best-loved Princes. The exhibition was a proof of virility which would make its mark upon the history of the republic. In the exhibition visitors would see that France, reassured in regard t> the future, had taken a fresh flight by a revival of her activity and energy, and labored more ardently than ever to multiply the creations which honor her artisans, embellish the life of her people and multiply the benefits of civilization to the honor and glory of humanity. President MacMahon said:

“I desire to join in the sentiments expressed by the Minister of Commerce, I offer my congratulations upon the magnificent result achieved, and of which I am happy to have the whole world as witness. We have also to thank the foreign nations for so completely responding to the appeal of France. In the name of the republic I declare the exhibition opened. ” The Marshal subsequently congratulated M. Krantz, the organizer of the exhibition, on the auspicious opening of the grand enterprise. One hundred and one guns from the Tnvalides, Mont Yalerien and an island in the Seine followed the announcement. At the same time two military bands struck up, all the fountains played, and the soldiers stationed by the flagstaff's hoisted the flags of all nations on the roof of the two palaces and annexes. The Marshal then reascended the Trocadero palace, the procession reforming behind him, and, after completing the round of the building, crossed over the river to the Champ de Mars. Troops were drawn up on and near the bridge. TUe terrace of the Champ de Mars palace was occupied by Senators, Deputies, Council of State, magistrates, academicians, military staff, and French Commissioners. Entering by the central door, the procession went through the grand vestibule decorated with the crown jewels, Sevres porcelain, Gobelin tapestry, and the Prince of Wales’ Indian collection. It then passed through all the sections, the Commissioners of each country greeting it at the door, and next inspected the military school, where all the exhibition workmen were stationed, and lastly traversed the machinery annexes. The workmen made extraordinary efforts during the past three days in the preparation of the various sections. The English, American, and Belgian have beeu especially pushed, and present a creditable appearance. The American, though unfinished, compares favorably with the others. The department of manufactures shows the least progress. The agricultural and alimentary departments will be better than at any previous foreign exposition. The machinery department is very rich in labor-saving machinery of light class already, and, though incomplete, it compares favorably with the English, while occupying only one-sixth of the space allotted to the British exhibit. The display of machine tools is inferior to the American exhibit at Philadelphia, but superior to any other at this exhibition. Agricultural, sewing and weighing machines make a fine display. Textiles are not yet arranged, hut promise very well. Drugs, chemicals, publishers’ exhibits, chromos, and cutlery are superior to the competing exhibits in other sections. The American art department is nearly ready. It will be the best ever shown abroad by America. The hall is too small, but it is beautifully arranged, and contains 100 paintings and a few water colors.